There are some states in the world that are in disagreement of certain countries being sovereign states. North and South Korea is one example of a nation divided into two. Read through the mini-case study to learn more about this issue:
 

Before the 1950s there was only one nation-state called Korea. After World War II ended (1945) there was a disagreement between the ways in which Germany should be punished. The U.S., England, and France had different ideas than the Soviet Union as to how Germany would pay for the destruction they had caused. This led to tension between the former allies and launched the beginning of the Cold War.

During the Cold War the Soviet Union worked to spread communism and the U.S. worked to stop the spread of communism. China had become communist during the 1950s and the ideas and structure began to spread into Korea from the North. The U.S. moved troops into the South to help the forces trying to resist a communist takeover.

A civil war began in Korea in 1951. It continued until 1953. The Korean War never really ended, but a cease fire was called in 1953 and a border was established between North Korea and South Korea. This is still known as the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) today.

The DMZ was established around the 38th parallel of latitude, when troops from both sides agreed to retreat 1000 meters (3281 feet).

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Can you find North Korea, South Korea and the border between them on the map below? Scroll over the map to check your answers.

Because of the ongoing ceasefire and tensions between the governments of the two Koreas, the border between North and South Korea is one of the most guarded borders in the world.

Image of the Bridge of No Return, heading into North Korea. There are rolling hills in the foreground and mountains in the background. Source: Bridge of no return, Wikipedia.
[This is a photo of the Bridge of No Return, named for the fact that prisoners were exchanged here and never seen again. It is near the Joint Security Area between North and South Korea. Look at the physical environment, why do you think they chose this location as a joint security area?]

Video segment. Assistance may be required. Watch this video from American tourists who visited the DMZ. Answer the questions::

 

Source: USO DMZ Tour of North Korea, bessieandkyle, YouTube
  1. Why do you think this border is so heavily guarded?
  2. Why do you think intimidation is so important to both sides of the border patrol?

Now take a look at the division of North and South Korea from a different perspective. Answer the questions that follow in Taking Notes:

Video segment. Assistance may be required. Divided Koreas See Day of Reunions
  1. Why have these families been separated for so long?
  2. How has the Separation of the Korea impacted families?
  3. Do you believe that the governments should change this policy? Explain you answer and offer a solution to this separation.