Chapter 30-North Koreas and South Korea

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Chapter 30-North Koreas and South Korea

Geography Matters...

The Korean Peninsula is composed of North Korea and South Korea. The people of the peninsula share a language, a history, and a culture. War and politics, however, divided a single country into two. Political philosophies and decisions about resources have resulted in two very different economies and standards of living. Prosperity and scarcity threaten the environment in different ways. Urbanization, the increased use of technology and consumer goods, and the loss of rural culture threaten South Korea. Famine, erosion, and lack of freedom threaten North Korea.

LESSON 1-Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea

IT MATTERS BECAUSE

The Korean Peninsula lies between China and Japan, at the center of one of the world’s most economically and strategically important regions—East Asia. The peninsula’s rugged terrain was a barrier to invaders for many centuries, and the population of the peninsula is quite homogeneous. However, the peninsula’s long coastline allowed contact with other civilizations. The two Koreas have great economic and geopolitical importance today.

Landforms

GUIDING QUESTION

How does the land on the Korean Peninsula change from north to south?

The Korean Peninsula is about half the size of California. It is bordered by Russia and China to the north and surrounded by water on the other three sides. To the east is the Sea of Japan, which the Koreans call the East Sea. To the south, the Korea Strait lies between South Korea and Japan. To the southwest lies the East China Sea, which joins the Yellow Sea on the western coast. The Koreans call this the West Sea. After World War II, the peninsula was split into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The two countries have been divided by the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) since 1953. The DMZ is a strip of unoccupied land about 6 miles (9.7 km) wide.

The peninsula is very mountainous. The T’aebaek Mountains begin in North Korea and stretch along the Sea of Japan following the east coast into South Korea. Both North Korea and South Korea are mountainous, but North Korea is more mountainous with highlands and plateaus across its northern and eastern areas. North Korea has some of the highest peaks. Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the peninsula, is on the border between North Korea and China. Most of the rivers on the peninsula originate in the T’aebaek range and flow westward. This creates large river valleys on the western side of the peninsula. Most people live in these lowlands or along the coastline.

The coastline has many small inlets and bays, especially in the south. There are more than 3,000 islands off the coast of South Korea. The two largest, Cheju and Ulleungdo, were formed by volcanic lava. Cheju, in the East China Sea south of the Korean Peninsula, is beloved by honeymooners, and is known as the “Hawaii of Korea.” Ulleungdo, located to the north in the Sea of Japan, has fine fishing and forests. South Korea also claims a group of rockyisletsthat Koreans call the Tok Islands. Japan also claims them.

READING PROGRESS CHECK

SpecifyingWhich country of the Korean Peninsula is more mountainous?

Waterways

GUIDING QUESTION Which major waterways drain the land in the peninsula?

Most of the peninsula’s major rivers are in South Korea. The Han, the Kŭm, and the Naktong all begin in the T’aebaek Mountains. The northernmost of these rivers, the Han, flows through South Korea’s capital, Seoul. Both the Han and the Kŭm flow west to reach the Yellow Sea. South Korea’s longest river, the Naktong, flows south for 325 miles (523 km) to the Korea Strait.

North Korea’s longest river is the Yalu, which forms most of the border between North Korea and China. The source of the Yalu is on the southern slope of Mount Paektu. The Yalu flows some 500 miles (800 km) to Korea Bay, an inlet of the Yellow Sea, on the western coast of North Korea. Several other rivers in North Korea—the Ch’Ŏngch’Ŏn, Taedong, ChaeryŎng, and YesŎng—also drain into Korea Bay. These large river valleys are important farming areas in this mountainous land.

They have also been important to the settlement of the peninsula. Both South Korea’s capital, Seoul, and P’yŎngyang, the capital of North Korea, began as river ports.

Rivers are no longer the main transportation routes in the two Koreas. However, they are still used for irrigation and for generating hydroelectricity. Water levelsvarythroughout the year. Rivers are shallow except during the summer rainy season. This means that the water supply and ability to generate power vary seasonally, as well.

READING PROGRESS CHECK

IdentifyingWhich country on the Korean Peninsula has the longest river?

Climates, Biomes, and Resources

GUIDING QUESTION How does the climate change from north to south?

The Korean Peninsula lies close to the landmass of Asia. Because of this, much of it has a continental climate of cold winters and warm or hot summers. The north is closer to the mainland, so it has the greater temperature extremes. The southern part of the peninsula has a humid subtropical climate, with temperatures moderated by the surrounding seas. Monsoon winds bring heavy rains to the entire peninsula in the summer.

Climate Regions and Biomes

North Korea’s winter lasts from December to March, and is generally cold and snowy. The average temperatures in January range from about –10°F (–23°C) in the northern interior to 20°F (–7°C) in the south. Mean July temperatures are above the 60s°F (about 20°C) in most of the country. South Korea’s winter temperatures also vary from north to south. Seoul, in the northwest, has average January temperatures in the low 20s°F (–5°C), while in Pusan, in the southeast, winter temperatures are in the mid-30s°F (about 2°C). In summer, it is generally hot with heavy rain. During August, the warmest month, the temperature is typically in the high 70s°F (about 25°C) throughout South Korea.

The Korean Peninsula typically receives between 35 and 60 inches (89 and 152 cm) of precipitation each year. About 60 percent falls as rain between June and September, the summer monsoon season. The northern plateau is the driest area, receiving about 24 inches (61 cm) of precipitation per year. Typhoons may bring heavy rains in the late summer, especially along the southern coast. The South Korean island of Cheju is the wettest area, receiving more than 70 inches (178 cm) per year.

There are many coniferous trees, such as the Siberian fir, spruce, and Korean pine, especially in the northern highlands. Much of the lowlands have been deforested in both countries, but small pine groves mixed with oaks, lindens, maples, and birches can be found in some areas. The humid subtropical regions of the south support over 4,500 known species of plants, including needle-leaved deciduous trees and broad-leaved evergreens, such as camellias and camphor trees.

Due to deforestation, large predators such as tigers, leopards, lynx, and bears are nearly gone from the peninsula. Deer are the most common large mammals. The peninsula is home to many species of birds. These include wild pigeons, herons, and cranes. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) serves as an important nature preserve, where waterfowl, migratory birds, and mammals can flourish undisturbed by humans.

Natural Resources

Neither country on the peninsula has a great deal of farmland because of the mountainous landscape. North Korea has increased agricultural production through the use of fertilizers and irrigation. Since 1958, North Korea’s farms have been administered ascooperatives, or communal farms. The country has more than 3,000 cooperatives. About 300 families work each farm on about 1,200 acres (500 ha) of land. These farms deliver produce to the government, which distributes food through state-owned stores. South Korea also has little arable land, but recent improvements in processes and commercialization of the farming industry have led to increased production.

In both countries, rice is the most important crop. North Korea also grows corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, and fruit. The warmer climate areas, particularly in the southern regions of South Korea, are suitable for growing a variety of citrus fruits. These areas also produce vegetables, pears, and persimmons. Ginseng is an important export for South Korea. In North Korea, livestock is raised on land that cannot be used to grow crops. Livestock production, especially of poultry, has steadily increased over time. The raising of livestock is also important in South Korea. South Korea also has a large dairy industry. After rice, the top agricultural products of South Korea are pork, beef, and milk.

Both countries rely heavily on fish and seafood. In North Korea, deep-sea fishing supplies pollack, sardines, mackerel, and other fish. About one-fourth of the country’s fish comes fromaquaculture. South Korea is one of the world’s major deep-sea fishing countries. Significant fish production there also comes from coastal fisheries and inland aquaculture.

Most of the peninsula’s known mineral resources are in North Korea. Iron ore and coal are especially important. North Korea has the world’s largest magnesite deposits, too. Magnesite is used to make many items, including fertilizers and rubber. The main source of electric power in North Korea is hydroelectric. While South Korea has one of the world’s largest supplies of graphite and tungsten, it has very few other minerals. It must import all its petroleum and most metals. More than half of South Korea’s electricity is generated through thermal electric plants. However, nuclear power generation is becoming more important in that country.

READING PROGRESS CHECK

IdentifyingWhich country on the Korean Peninsula has the warmest winters?

LESSON 2-Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea

ESSENTIAL QUESTION How do physical systems and human systems shape a place?

IT MATTERS BECAUSE

Korea’s ancient culture has influenced and been influenced by the cultures of China and Japan. The tense relationship between North Korea and South Korea and their different political systems have gained the two countries different major allies—China and the United States, respectively.

History and Government

GUIDING QUESTION How has the decision to divide the Korean Peninsula into North Korea and South Korea affected the development of each country?

Before China expanded into Korea in 108B.C.during the Han dynasty, the Korean people mostly belonged to village communities that were not united. Eventually three united kingdoms emerged that shared similar cultures, but were also rivals. These kingdoms traded with China and were greatly influenced by Chinese culture.

Buddhism was introduced to the peninsula from China in the fourth centuryA.D.It was widely adopted by ruling kingdoms. From Korea, Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the sixth centuryA.D.Confucianism came to the peninsula from China about a thousand years ago. At first, Korean rulers promoted Buddhism as the religion for personal enlightenment. Confucianism was adopted as a standard for politicalprinciples. Later, Buddhism was suppressed, and Confucianism provided the basis for a complex governmental bureaucracy.

The Silla dynasty drove out the Chinese and united Korea inA.D.668. Other Korean dynasties came to power, which were largely supported by the Chinese and influenced by Chinese culture. The government of the Koryo dynasty, for example, used China’s government as a model.

After resisting Mongol invaders, Korea became known as the Hermit Kingdom because of its isolation. In 1871 Korea declared an official policy ofisolation, but Japanese warships arrived in 1876. This “gunboat diplomacy” by Japan forced Korea to open its ports for trade. After the Russo-Japanese War ended in 1905, Korea became a Japanese protectorate.Japan annexed Korea in 1910, making it a colony. Japanese occupation deprived the Korean people of many rights and freedoms. The Japanese attempted to assimilate Koreans into Japanese life and culture. They used Korea’s resources to grow their own economy. Anti-Japanese feelings increased the desire to gain independence.

Korea Divided

After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the Korean Peninsula was jointly occupied by the Soviet Union and the United States. North of the 38th parallel, or line of latitude, the Soviets set up a Communist government. The new country that emerged was the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The south was administered by the United States. The Republic of Korea was established there, with Seoul as its capital.

In June 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea. The conflict that followed became known as the Korean War. United Nations forces, mainly troops from the United States, came to the aid of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), while the Soviet Union and China supported the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) with troops and equipment. Fighting concluded in 1953 with an armistice, or cease-fire, and the establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two countries.

United States military support of South Korea has continued since 1950. Soviet support for North Korea ceased with the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War in 1991. Today, North Korea remains isolated from the global community. Its main supporter is China.

Kim Il Sung became the first premier under the North Korean Communistregimein 1948. His son succeeded him, and his grandson became premier in 2011. It is a family dynasty that rules the north. South Korea has become a democratic government. The first president of South Korea, Syngman Rhee, was elected in 1948. Strict governmental control, a militarycoup, and meeting economic over social needs continued until 1993, when civilianauthoritywas restored. In 2012 South Korea elected a woman as its president for the first time.

Korean Governments Today

The Korean Workers’ Party controls North Korea’s elections and provides lists of approved candidates—usually only one for each position. This legislative body meets for only one or two weeks a year. Most decisions are made by the 15-member Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA).

Since 1987, South Korea’s government has had a structure like that of the United States. Power is balanced among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. South Korea has a multiparty system, although two parties usually dominate.

In the early twenty-first century, relations between North Korea and South Korea seemed to improve. South Korean industrial firms opened plants in Kaesong, North Korea. The plants employed people from both countries. Leaders of both countries met in 2000 and in 2007. In 2010 hundreds of South Koreans crossed the border to meet North Korean relatives for the first time since the division.

There were also setbacks in relations, however. In December 2007 South Korea elected a conservative president. His policies offended North Korea, and North Korea closed the Kaesong facility in 2009 and 2013. In 2010 a North Korean submarine sank a South Korean warship, killing 46 sailors. In 2012 North Korea conducted two rocket-test fires in violation of international agreements. A successful underground nuclear test was carried out by North Korea

in 2013. The United Nations and many countries around the world condemned the test. It also strained relations between North Korea and China, its closest ally.

READING PROGRESS CHECK

ExplainingWhat 2010 incident increased distrust of North Korea by South Koreans?

Population Patterns

GUIDING QUESTION How do settlement patterns and density differ in the two countries?

Almost all of those who live on the Korean Peninsula can trace their heritage to China and Central Asia. The people all share a common Koreanethnicity. The peninsula is one of the most ethnically homogeneous regions in the world. The number of foreigners—mostly from Japan, the United States, and China—in South Korea is growing, expecially in major urban areas.

The countries’ populations have had different growth rates. North Korea’s population more than doubled between 1953 and 1993. The estimated 2011 population of North Korea was less than half that of South Korea's nearly 50 million. Food shortages, adequate health services, and living standards have been problems. Most of the rural population lives in the coastal lowlands and river valleys. Inland areas are very sparsely settled due to mountains and lack of arable land. Government expansion of industry has relocated people from rural to urban areas. P’yŎngyang is the largest city and capital of North Korea.