The division of Korea began with the defeat of Japan in World War II. During the war, the Allied leaders considered the question of Korea's future after Japan's surrender in the war.

When did Korea become divided?

The Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel north from 1945 until 1950 and along the Military Demarcation Line from 1953 to present.

Why is North Korea and South Korea divided?

South and North Korea took dramatically different social, economic, and political paths following the end of fighting in the Korean War in 1953. The 38th parallel marks the so-called demilitarized zone that straddles the border of the two countries.