Why are North and South Korea divided?: Quick Facts

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Map of the Korean Peninsula highlighting North Korea and South Korea in orange, with the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) marked in a lighter orange separating the two countries. Surrounding countries, including China, Russia, and Japan, are also shown for context.

Map of the Korean Peninsula showing the shifting front lines during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Key lines include the farthest advances by United States and United Nations forces, the farthest southern advance by North Korean and Chinese forces, and the final truce line, which deviates from the 38th parallel to add territory to both North and South Korea. Major cities such as Pyongyang and Seoul, as well as major rivers and the surrounding seas, are also labeled.

Inter-Korean Summit at Panmunjom, central Korea, 2018

Why Are North and South Korea Divided?

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