Why are North and South Korea divided?

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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.

Why Are North and South Korea Divided?

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?: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

Ethan Teekah

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Article title updated for style.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Nov 06, 2026
	New article added.	Ethan Teekah	Jun 12, 2026