Quiz Answers
Since the Korean War of the early 1950’s, the Korean Peninsula has been an intensely divided territory with the partition of North and South Korea along the 38th Parallel. In recent times and with varying degrees of success, governments on both sides of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) have been attempting to improve relations, culminating recently in the unprecedented summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea.
The friendly atmosphere of the summit and the rhetoric of creating “a new chapter in the history of the Korean Peninsula” has seen international media outlets, governments and the public at large hoping for the best for the peninsula. In the last few months, the countries have engaged in a series of dialogue and negotiations, proposing resolutions to resolve the security and socio-economic issues that have separated them for decades.
In order to better understand the current status of North Korea, a North Korea Quiz accompanied with an academic article was published as part of an effort to raise awareness. The quiz questions and answers, both in written and video form, provide an overview of the dynamics in the region.
The first question was “What is the correct answer to the question ‘What is the capital of North Korea?’. The correct answer is Pyongyang. Pyongyang is the largest city and the capital of North Korea. It is located in the northwest of the country and is one of the oldest cities in East Asia.
The next question was, “What is the nickname of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un? The correct answer is the Supreme Leader. Kim Jong-un is the current leader of North Korea and is known as the ‘Supreme Leader’. He is the third member of the Kim dynasty to rule the country.
The third question was, “What is the current policy of North Korea on nuclear weapons? The answer to this question is that it is currently trying to pursue denuclearization. North Korea has declared that it is committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and has been in negotiations with the US on this issue.
The fourth question was, “What is the name of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea? The correct answer to this is the Korean Demilitarized Zone (KDZ). The KDZ is a 4 kilometer wide buffer zone separating the two countries. It was established in 1953 as part of the armistice that ended the Korean War.
The fifth question was, “What is the name of the mountain summit where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic talks? The answer to this is the Peace House. The Peace House is the building in which the summit between the two leaders took place in April 2018.
Humanitarian Aid
The tensions between North and South Korea have historically inhibited the ability of aid organizations to help people in North Korea. Humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been providing aid to North Korean citizens due largely in part to the improved relationship between the two states.
WFP has been aiding North Korea with food, nutrition and livelihoods since 1995. The organization works to ensure that families have access to nutritious food, especially for children who are in need of proper nutrition for growth and development. It also works to raise awareness on good nutrition practices and to build resilience in food insecurity amongst families in North Korea.
The ICRC provides aid in the form of medical and psychological help, as well as clean water, food, healthcare and social activities. The ICRC has been working in North Korea since 1949. In addition to providing direct aid, the organization also works to ensure respect for international humanitarian law in the country.
The organizations have also been providing support to North Korean refugees. According to UNHCR, there are an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 North Korean refugees in China. The agency provides help to those escaping persecution or for genuine humanitarian reasons. Many of these refugees seek resettlement to a third country and are in need of medical and psychological assistance, legal advice, food and shelter.
In addition, NGOs are doing their part to provide relief to the people of North Korea. Non-profit organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have been campaigning to raise awareness of human rights abuses in North Korea. They are pushing for international human rights organizations to pressure the North Korean government to address the dire conditions in the country.
In light of the improved relationship between North and South Korea, there is hope that aid can more effectively reach those in need in North Korea. With the resumption of talks between the two countries, aid organizations are preparing to strengthen their presence in North Korea and are laying the groundwork to be able to provide more humanitarian aid to the people of this isolated country.
Exports and Trade
Since 2011, when North and South Korea reopened the Kaesong Industrial Complex in Kaesong, the two countries have enjoyed a uniquely symbiotic economic relationship. Although trade between the two countries has decreased since 2011, it has remained relatively steady in recent years and there is hope that could increase if the two states are able to come to a resolution on their bilateral disputes.
North Korea’s exports consist mainly of minerals, textiles, clothing, seafood and agricultural products. In 2017, the combined exports from both North and South Korea amounted to $128 billion. South Korea’s exports are heavily reliant on North Korea’s exports, with an export rate to North Korea of 15 percent, which is higher than any other country in the world. South Korea imports minerals and minerals-related products, seafood and agricultural products from North Korea and is the largest importer of North Korean seafood in the world.
In 2017, North Korea exported $2.56 billion of minerals, $ 856 million of seafood, and $7 million in agricultural products. North Korea has also opened itself up to international trade, with the construction of a number of free trade zones. These free trade zones provide a unique opportunity to attract foreign investment and to access markets for North Korean exports.
There is much potential for increased exports and trade between the two countries. This could be a significant source of revenue for North Korea and could help the country improve the living standards of its citizens. In addition, increased exports and trade could lead to an improved security situation on the peninsula as well as down the road.
However, it is important to keep in mind that sanctions against North Korea still remain in place. These sanctions will remain in effect until North Korea has demonstrated that it is willing to take concrete steps towards curtailing its nuclear and missile programs. Until then, the potential for increased exports and trade will remain largely untapped.
Societal Dialogue
Recently, the North Korean government has been encouraging the citizens to engage in conversation with people from South Korea. The conversations are meant to bridge the gap between the divided nations and to increase understanding of each other’s customs and culture.
These conversations take place in the DMZ, in North Korean embassies, and even in social media. North Korean students have been encouraged to use LinkedIn and other social media platforms to interact with their South Korean counterparts. These conversations are intended to inform the younger population about their neighbor and to create a culture of understanding.
North Korea has also opened the door to South Korean visitors. In 2018, hundreds of South Koreans visited the country for a variety of reasons ranging from medical tourism to religious activities. South Korean citizens can now travel to multiple sites in North Korea such as the DMZ, Mount Geumgangsan, Mansu Hill and the capital Pyongyang.
The two countries have also been engaged in a series of dialogue and negotiations. These talks have focused primarily on denuclearization and economic cooperation, as well as issues such as tourism, reunions of divided families and humanitarian aid. These dialogues have been beneficial in improving relations and understanding between the two countries.
In addition, North Korea has hosted several international forums and conferences, including the 2017 Pyongyang International Film Festival and the 2018 Pyongyang Marathon. These events have been attended by hundreds of international guests and athletes and provide a rare opportunity for dialogue and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The recent dialogues and conferences are a promising new start for North Korea. These events have been instrumental in creating a better understanding between the two countries and allow for a more open and collaborative relationship. With hope and dialogues exchanged, North and South Korea can truly begin to close the divide and start a new chapter.
Conclusion
With its new policy of engagement and dialogue, North Korea is slowly opening its doors to the international community. Through the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the two countries have taken their first steps towards friendship and cooperation. With promises of denuclearization, improved economic relations and increased humanitarian aid, North Korea is hopeful of a new chapter in its relationship with South Korea and the world at large.
Aid organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross are taking steps to better help those in need in North Korea. Non-profit organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are campaigning for improved human rights in the country. The two states are also engaging in trade and exports, with much potential for improvement.
Perhaps most importantly, North Koreans and South Koreans are coming together in conversations and cultural exchanges. These dialogues are leading to a better understanding of each other’s customs, values and beliefs and are laying the groundwork for stronger relations between the two countries. With more dialogues and engagement between the two, the Korean Peninsula is closer than ever before to a lasting peace and cooperation.
