Group 7 (Yesai Park, Yvonne Kim, Gina Park) Period 4 Korea

The Korean peninsula is off of the east coast of Asia and is located between China and Japan. North Korea is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. South Korea is the Republic of Korea.

Culture: Language Ancient Korea was invaded by many different cultures. The Korean language was adapted from the Chinese writing system.

Korea was influenced by many different religions and belief systems, including Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism (which was the most widespread). Later on, North Korea’s communist government would come to discourage religion. Culture: Religion

The Korean War After WW2, the Soviet Union supported North Korea, and the US supported South Korea. In 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea with the goal of unifying the country with communism.

The Korean War The UN gave support to S Korea. China gave support to N Korea. This led to war. – In 1953, there was finally a ceasefire, which called for a demilitarized zone between the two countries. – DMZ still exists today.

Different Environments North Korea Less densely populated Capital of Pyongyang Short cool summers and bitter winters South Korea More people Capital of Seoul Subtropical climate

Baek Doo Mountain 백두산 North Korea: Mountainous terrain Hydroelectric Power

South Korea: less mountainous; more plains South Korea has a climate and geography more suited for agriculture and farming.

Economy: After the War After the war, North Korea had control of all the economically beneficial industries. (South Korea at a disadvantage) – NK became trading partners with China and Soviet Union. – South Korea became partners with the US and Japan to become more industrialized.

Economy: Energy and Resources South Korea built nuclear power plants for energy and underwent great economic growth.

Economy: Industry in South Korea Became a major exporter of textiles, clothing, cars, electronic goods Great economic demand  labor strikes from abused workers

Economy: North Korea Changed from an agricultural to a more industrial economy Low standards of living (poverty, oppression)

Economy: North Korea Economic support diminished after losing contact with the Soviet Union. International aid improved the situation slightly, but it did not suffice to solve the problem.

The Future Negotiations between N and S Korea have failed to compromise between a communist and a free form of government.

The Future: Nuclear Proliferation In 1993, North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. – Later, it shut down the nuclear programs in order to gain US support. – However, they are still resuming development. N Korea’s nuclear program continues to be an urgent issue for the international community and its safety. It is trying to decrease its production of nuclear fuel.

Works Cited Baerwald, Thomas John., and Celeste Fraser. World Geography: Building a Global Perspective. Upple Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Print. De Rugy, Veronique. “South Korea vs. North Korea: GDP Edition.” National Review. 19 Dec Web. 04 Feb “Food Aid to Korea dries up.” BBC News. 9 Feb Web. 04 Feb Weigand, Matthew. “A Green and Intelligent Paradigm for the Auto Industry.” Korean IT Times. Web. 04 Feb