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Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Definition

The DMZ is a border barrier that divides the Korean Peninsula roughly in half. It was created by agreement between North Korea, China and the United Nations in 1953 as a buffer zone to cease hostilities after the Korean War.

Analogy

Think of the DMZ as a thick line drawn in permanent marker on a shared bedroom floor between two siblings who don't get along. Just like this line which neither sibling can cross without causing an argument, the DMZ is heavily fortified and crossing it can lead to serious military conflict.

Related terms

Korean War: A war fought between North Korea (supported by China and Russia) and South Korea (supported by UN forces predominantly US) from 1950-1953.

Armistice Agreement: An agreement signed in 1953 to end hostilities of the Korean War. However, it's not a peace treaty so technically both Koreas are still at war.

Panmunjom: A village located in the DMZ where negotiations took place during and after the Korean War. It's also known for its "Peace House" where inter-Korean talks are held.