On the continent of Asia, separated from Japan by the sea of Japan, you’ll find North and South Korea. The dividing line, known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is a border that separates two very different countries that, before WWII, were one big country.

Why are there two Koreas now?

Following the Second World War, the Korean Peninsula, which had been occupied by the Empire of Japan since 1910, was divided into two separate zones along the 38th parallel. The north was occupied by Soviet troops, while the South was occupied by Americans.

When did the two Koreas separate?

In 1948, two radically different states were created: the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the North and the Republic of Korea in the South. Peace could not be maintained for long.

Why did Korea split into North and South?

When Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945, the Korean peninsula was split into two zones of occupation – the U.S.-controlled South Korea and the Soviet-controlled North Korea. Amid the growing Cold War tensions between Moscow and Washington, in 1948, two separate governments were established in Pyongyang and Seoul.

Is there still a North and South Korea?

Formerly a single nation that was annexed by Japan in 1910, the Korean Peninsula has been divided into North Korea and South Korea since the end of World War II on 2 September 1945. The two governments were founded in the two regions in 1948, leading to the consolidation of division.

Can North Koreans go to South Korea?

Much like in other Soviet, socialist, or Eastern Bloc countries, North Koreans can travel abroad with permission from the government.

What caused Korea to split into two countries?

Since U.S. policy toward Korea during World War II had aimed to prevent any single power’s domination of Korea, it may be reasonably concluded that the principal reason for the division was to stop the Soviet advance south of the 38th parallel.

Why can’t Americans go to North Korea?

Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention.

Which country Cannot enter North Korea?

The only country that North Korea restricts visitors from is South Korea (the Republic of Korea), whose citizens need special permission (from both governments).

Which is better South Korea or North Korea?


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What divided Korea in 1945?

Consequently, the United Stated proposed, and the Soviet Union agreed, to draw the 38th Parallel as a demarcation line; the Soviet Union would disarm the Japanese troops in the North, while the United States would do the same in the South. This is basically how Korea came to be divided.

What separated North and South Korea after ww2?



38th parallel, popular name given to latitude 38° N that in East Asia roughly demarcates North Korea and South Korea. The line was chosen by U.S. military planners at the Potsdam Conference (July 1945) near the end of World War II as an army boundary, north of which the U.S.S.R.

How did Korea separate from Japan?

At the end of World War II, Korea regained its independence after 35 years of imperialist Japanese rule. Per the Yalta Conference agreements, Soviet forces accepted surrender of Japanese forces in northern Korea above the 38th parallel, and U.S. forces south of that line.

When did Korea lose independence?

Japanese rule over Korea ended on 15 August 1945 with the surrender of Japan in World War II.



Korea under Japanese rule.

Chōsen (Korea) 朝鮮 Chōsen 조선 (朝鮮) Chosŏn
• Japanese protectorate 17 November 1905
• Annexation treaty signed 22 August 1910
• Annexation by Japan 29 August 1910
• March 1st Movement 1 March 1919

Why did Japan take over Korea?

Japan invaded/colonized Korea because it was part of Japan’s imperialist goals. Since Japan ended its seclusion policy and established diplomatic relationships with the Great Powers, there had always been a possibility that Japan would be invaded and colonized.

Who owned Korea before?



Unified Silla lasted for 267 years until falling to Goryeo, under the leadership King Gyeongsun, in 935. Joseon, born out of the collapsed Goryeo in 1392, also ruled the entire peninsula, that rule lasting until Japan annexed Korea in 1910. The period of Japanese colonization lasted until 1945.