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Following Japan's surrender in World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into two zones: the Soviet-occupied North and the American-occupied South. This division laid the groundwork for future conflict.
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In 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established in the South, followed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) in the North. Each claimed to be the legitimate government of the entire peninsula.
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The Korean War began when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea, prompting a United Nations response led by the United States.
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General Douglas MacArthur led a successful amphibious assault at Inchon, which turned the tide of the war in favor of the United Nations forces.
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Chinese troops entered the war in support of North Korea, significantly altering the dynamics of the conflict and pushing UN forces back to the south.
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Date: November 27 – December 13, 1950
This brutal battle in freezing conditions saw UN forces, primarily U.S. Marines, fighting their way out of a Chinese encirclement. -
Date: 1951-1953
After initial advances and retreats, the war settled into a stalemate near the original division line. Armistice talks began, lasting over two years. -
Date: 1953
The Korean Demilitarized Zone was created as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. It remains one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. -
The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, effectively ending the fighting but not officially ending the war. It established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
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Date: 1960s-1990s
Post-war, South Korea experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth, known as the "Miracle on the Han River," transforming it into a major global economy.