
NORTH KOREA Geography presentation Coxwell
Where in the World? • Korean Peninsula juts out from Northern China. • Between Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea.
History of Korean Peninsula • From 100s B.C. until early A.D. 300s neighboring China ruled Korea. • From A.D. 668 to 935, a single kingdom (Silla) united peninsula. • 1910 Japan conquered Korea and made it part of its empire. Governed until the end of World War II.
After World War II.. • Troops from Communist Soviet Union took over the northern half of Korea. • American Troops occupied Southern Korea. (Remember when we talked about the Cold War.) • Korean Peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel.
Don’t you know this means war!!! • In 1950 the armies of North Korea Attacked South Korea. (wanted to unite whole peninsula under communism) • United States led support for South Korea. China sent troops to help North Korea. In 1953 Korean conflict ended. Without a peace treaty or a victory.
1960s until now • In 1960’s two separate countries existed. • After years of bitterness, the 2 Koreas developed closer relations in the 1990s. • In year 2000, the leaders of North Korea and South Korea held a meeting for the first time since the division.
Kim Jong Il • Succeeded his father in 1994. • North Koreans address him as “Dear Leader.” • Lived life of luxury. Not much is known about his personal life.
UPDATE • Kim Jong Il died Dec. 18th 2011. • Most Reports state from a Heart Attack. • New leader is his son Kim Jong un.
Facts about North Korea • The capital and largest city of North Korea is PYONGYANG • There are 22.7 million people • 60% live urban areas (along coasts and river valleys) • Government places needs of communist system over the needs of citizens. • In 2002 North Korea stated that it would start making nuclear weapons.