3. After WWII, Korean Peninsula divided into North and South Korea at the 38 th Parallel South Korea became independent of Japan in 1945 US helping South and Soviet Union helping North

4. A desire to unify Korea as one communist nation led to North Korea’s attack on South Korea, which signified the beginning of the Korean War.

5. When the Communist troops of North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel on June 25, 1950 and invaded South Korea, the US became involved because of a promise to support South Korea. It was feared that this tiny peninsula would be the setting for the eruption of World War Three and the beginning of other countries falling to communism.

6. The United Nations joined forces with the US and South Korea to stop the invasion.

7. North Korea had the support of the Soviet Union and the military support of China. China and the Soviet Union wanted to maintain communism near their borders.

8. Korea like Vietnam, was part of the Cold War to stop the advancement of Communism in Southeast Asia.

9. In July of 1951, peace talks began between the UN and the North Koreans. The UN hoped for a quick resolution; however, that was not to be. The talks dragged on for two years and 17 days. During that time the war continued.

10. The UN and North Korean leaderships finally signed an agreement on July 27, 1953. This agreement technically brought the war to an end, but a state of hostilities continued to exist between North and South Korea for many years, and even today the situation remains unresolved.

11. Korean War Memorial – Washington D.C.

12. If one compares the statistics of the Korean War (54,246) to those of Vietnam (58,226) which lasted over sixteen years, by ratio the Korean War was far bloodier than Vietnam. Korean War Memorial

13. Results of Korean War … Nothing gained … many died! North and South Korea still divided. North Korea still communist. South Korea still a republic. Still the two are bitter enemies.

14. However … the US did meet its objective … they did stop the advancement of Communism into South Korea!

15. North and South Korea Today … The DMZ

16. The Demilitarized Zone (or DMZ) is a strip of land (about 153 miles) running across the Korean Peninsula. The DMZ serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. Seoul, with a population of approximate 10 million is located within a couple of miles from it.

17. Scenes from the DMZ

19. A ten-foot-high barbed-wire fence runs along the southern side of the DMZ. The sign atop the hill flashes patriotic slogans in an attempt to demoralize North Korean border guards.

20. Tunnels that have been found – North Koreans trying to dig under the DMZ wall.