During the Cold War, North Korea was backed by the Soviet Union, China, and other allies, while South Korea was backed by the United States, United Kingdom, and other Western allies. Both Koreas claim sovereignty over the entire peninsula through their constitutions.
North Korea has diplomatic relations with 164 states. The country's foreign relations have been dominated by its conflict with South Korea and its historical ties to the Soviet Union. Both the government of North Korea and the government of South Korea claim to be the sole legitimate government of the whole of Korea.
On July 27, 1953, seven months after President Eisenhower's inauguration as the 34th President of the United States, an armistice was signed, ending organized combat operations and leaving the Korean Peninsula divided much as it had been since the close of World War II at the 38th parallel.
To avoid civil war, both Korea and Vietnam split in half, with pro-communists organizing a government in the North and anti-communists organizing a government in the South.
They have a close special relationship and China is often considered to be North Korea's closest ally. China and North Korea have a mutual aid and co-operation treaty, signed in 1961, which is currently the only defense treaty either country has with any nation.
South Korea has a long military alliance with the United States, aiding the U.S. in every war since the Vietnam War, including the Iraq War.
South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea), independent since 1948, is not recognised by one UN member, North Korea. North Korea considers itself to be the sole legitimate government of Korea, and claims all territory controlled by South Korea.
Freedom of movement
North Korean citizens usually cannot freely travel around the country, let alone travel abroad. Emigration and immigration are strictly controlled.
Hur suggests: Hideyoshi targeted Korea because he thought his military forces would easily subjugate it; and Hideyoshi envisioned that such an easy military campaign would help him consolidate his fledgling regime poised to control a complex web of local power blocs in Japan.
Although the war ended where it began, the United States and its allies did succeed in preventing communism from overtaking South Korea.
In 2021, South Korea's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to around 2,071 trillion South Korean won, compared to that of North Korea which was approximately 35.89 trillion South Korean won. With this, South Korea's nominal GDP was around 57 times greater than that of North Korea.
Tensions erupted into the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953. When the war ended, both countries were devastated, but the division remained. North and South Korea continued a military standoff, with periodic clashes. The conflict survived the end of the Cold War and continues to this day.
North Korean and South Korean are the same language simply known as Korean. However, within the Korean language, there are some differences. A South and North Korean will generally have no problem understanding each other, but there may be some noticeable differences in the language or style of language used.
Based on the United States Secret Service, the South Korean PSS is an independent agency responsible for the protection of the President of South Korea, the Prime Minister of South Korea and their offices, residence and respective families, as well as heads of state visiting the country.
It is the understanding of the United States that neither party is obligated, under Article III of the above Treaty, to come to the aid of the other except in case of an external armed attack against such party; nor shall anything in the present Treaty be construed as requiring the United States to give assistance to ...
However, like South Korea in its military relationship with the United States, North Korea cannot ignore Russia, one of its main backers. Moscow continues to serve as an alternative option for North Korea to limit Chinese leverage over the country's political and economic isolation.
June 22, 1965: Minister of Foreign Affairs Shiina Etsusaburo said to the people of South Korea: "In our two countries' long history there have been unfortunate times, it is truly regrettable and we are deeply remorseful" (Signing of the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and South Korea).
Slavery was legally abolished in 1894 but survived until 1930. In modern South Korea, slavery, or more generally referred to as human trafficking, is illegal, although it is estimated that as of 2018 there are about 99,000 slaves (about 0.195% of the population) in existence, according to the Global Slavery Index.
Much like in other Soviet, socialist, or Eastern Bloc countries, North Koreans can travel abroad with permission from the government.
This is a common misconception especially for westerners. The only nationalities restricted from travel to North Korea are tourists travelling on South Korean (Republic of Korea) and United States of America (USA) passports. All other nationalities are legally allowed to visit the DPRK.
Visas. If despite our advice, you travel to North Korea, you need a visa for all types of travel. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be: detained.
Japan and Nigeria engage in strong economic and political cooperation. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960.
Which countries cannot visit North Korea? The only country that North Korea restricts visitors from is South Korea (the Republic of Korea), whose citizens need special permission (from both governments).
Russian Federation
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, South Korea and Russia established diplomatic ties in 1991. On November 20, 1992 Russia and South Korea signed a protocol providing for regular visits of defence officials and naval vessels between the two countries.