North and South Korea

Density and Distribution Most people live in coastal plains South Korean population increased between 1950 until 1990 to 48.8 million North Korea has lower standard of living as compared to South Korea

North and South Korea are divided by a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

History Buddhism introduced by China Confucianism introduced when China seized Korea in 1300 Japan invasion 1500 “Hermit Kingdom” – isolationist policy to keep foreign powers out

Wars to Control Korea Sino-Japanese War 1894-1895 Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905 Annexed by Japan 1910 WWII ended – Korea divided North communist South U.S. Backed

Korean War North invades South 1950 War ends 1953 DMZ at 38th parallel

Cultural Divergence Growing apart of cultures North and South grow apart because of different political and economic systems

South Korea Strict rule Political power changes 1960 Coup- General Park Chung-Hee 1979 Assassination Now: A Democracy

North Korea Centralized government by Korean Workers’ Party Only party Kim Il Sung leader Father of Kim Jong Il Grand Father of Kim Jong Un Strict rule results in food shortages – 2 million have died 200,000 political prisoners Human rights abuses in labor camps

North Korea reactivated nuclear program Tested nuclear weapons in 2006

Culture Education – communist ideology Government provided healthcare Language Korean Arts - influenced by communist ideology Most attend middle and high school University attendance increasing modern healthcare Language Korean Arts influenced by western culture North Korea South Korea