38th Parallel

The 38th Parallel is an imaginary line of latitude that serves as a significant geopolitical boundary, particularly between North and South Korea. After World War II, in 1945, Korea was divided along this line into two zones: the Soviet Union occupied the north, while the United States controlled the south. This division led to the establishment of North Korea and South Korea as separate countries, culminating in the Korean War (1950-1953). Today, the 38th Parallel is often associated with the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a heavily fortified buffer zone that separates the two nations.