Background Information
The North Korea South Korea border, or the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is a demarcation line separating the Korean peninsula’s two sovereign nations, North Korea and South Korea. This border stretches across the Korean peninsula between the Yellow Sea (to the west) and the Sea of Japan (or East Sea, to the east). The DMZ traverses a total length of approximately 248 kilometers (154 miles) from east to west. It was created by the Armistice Agreement which brought an end to the Korean War in 1953.
At the time of armistice, the two sides agreed to create the DMZ to promote defusion of military conflict. The DMZ contains very valuable land in its core and serves as a buffer between the two countries. The recognition of the DMZ as a buffer has been expressed in treaties between the two nations, such as the Joint Statement of the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in 1992. Additionally, a variety of regional organizations and governments took steps to recognize and approve the boundary.
Geography
The DMZ is confined to the land itself, and thus, there are many people living within it. The border roughlytracks the 38th parallel of latitude, which was the original dividing line between North Korea and South Korea prior to the war. Notably, the northern side of the DMZ is largely unpopulated and is the home of several militarized zones. The southern side is more densely populated and is home to many villages. In addition to being a geographical barrier, the DMZ serves as a psychological barrier between two countries that are deeply divided.
Various wildlife has also found sanctuary within the DMZ. So far, approximately 6,000 species of plants and various endangered species of animals, such as the Asiatic Black Bear, have been identified in the protected area. Moreover, the northern side contains two large dams that supply the South with large amounts of fresh water.
Armed Deployment
Both sides maintain an armed presence in the DMZ, divided by a narrow strip of land known as the “truce village” or Panmunjeom. North Korea typically centers its presence in the northern parts of the zone while South Korea typically focuses its deployment in the southern parts. The North Korean People’s Army is made up of ground troops, air defense, artillery and special forces while South Korea’s military presence consists of the Korean People’s Security Force, which is the military branch of the South Korean government.
The presence of armed forces led to the formation of a buffer zone, commonly known as the Joint Security Area (JSA). This zone is set between the DMZ and is monitored by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission to ensure that neither side violates the Armistice Agreement. This buffer zone is noteworthy for being one of the few points of contact between North and South Koreans, and is therefore a hotspot for negotiations between the two countries.
Crossing The Border
Crossing the border into the DMZ is not an easy process either. Generally, personnel need to obtain prior approval from their respective governments to enter the zone. Additionally, travelers to the zone are generally required to hold special permits and carry a passport, as well as adhere to various regulations. For non-Korean travelers, one of the most common ways to access the area is to take part in an organized tour from the South.
South Korea manages two of the areas in the DMZ: the Peace Village in Paju and the Baengmagoji Observation Point on the eastern coast. The Peace Village is open for approved visitors and contains souvenir shops, a restaurant and Hyundai’s Unification Observatory. The Baengmagoji Observation Point, in comparison, is a restricted area and is only open to tourists in the company of military personnel.
Political Implications
The DMZ is simultaneously a physical boundary, a political boundary and a cultural boundary between the two Koreas. North and South Korea have not been able to agree on a permanent agreement over the application and interpretation of the Armistice Agreement, leaving the DMZ in a state of suspended-tension. Because of the conflict and tension between the two countries, any potential solution must take into account the sensitivity of the border and the long-term implications of any agreement.
Over the last few years, North and South Korea have taken steps towards reconciliation especially in 2018, when the two leaders signed a peace agreement and agreed to work towards eliminating nuclear weapons in the region. South Korea has also called for joint projects to promote economic prosperity in the region. Nonetheless, the results of these efforts have yet to bear fruit and the future of the DMZ remains uncertain.
Military Action
The DMZ has been the site of multiple violent clashes since its establishment in 1953. In April 2017, for example, North Korea conducted a large-scale military exercise that included artillery fire near the western end of the DMZ. The following month, North Korean forces fired multiple shots into South Korean territorial waters near the eastern end of the DMZ. In both instances, South Korean forces responded with a show of force.
These episodes are a reminder of the potential for violent conflict within the border. As such, both North and South Korea have taken steps to further enhance the military presence in the zone and to improve security in the event of a potential conflict. In particular, the South has outlined plans to create a Special Forces unit to be stationed in the DMZ as well as to bolster its air defense capabilities in the region.
Civilian Interaction
Even though the DMZ is a heavily guarded border separating the two countries, there are pockets of interaction between the two sides. The DMZ is home to a small number of villages and these villages serve as points of interaction between the two sides through occasional trade activities. These villages are small and tightly guarded and are almost completely cut-off from the outside world.
On occasion, North and South Korea have also arranged for personnel to cross the border for family reunions and other cultural events. These events are typically well-publicized and are highly symbolic occasions that allow people to experience a brief moment of unity and peace between the two countries.
Environmental Protection
In spite of the militarized nature of the DMZ, both countries have worked to ensure a minimal environmental impact within the zone. North Korea has signed several international conservation treaties and has joined South Korea in a number of regional environmental initiatives. Additionally, both countries have also taken steps to promote global environmental awareness within the DMZ.
In recent years, both North and South Korea have made consistent efforts to create a working environment that promotes peace and stability within the DMZ. In particular, South Korea has initiated a series of programs to promote civilian and inter-Korean interactions, including the creation of a “DMZ Peace Park,” and the establishment of economic cooperation zones within the area.
Conclusion
The DMZ serves as a buffer between North and South Korea, a buffer that is as much physical as it is psychological. Both sides maintain an armed presence in the zone, though there are peaceful, civilian exchanges between the two states. Nonetheless, the DMZ is a volatile area and any potential solution must take into account the sensitivity of the border. That said, the recent process of reconciliation between the two Koreas holds promise of a more peaceful future in the long-term.
