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9.2 North and South Korea - Coggle Diagram
9.2 North and South Korea
1. Introduction
South Korea’s official name is the Republic of Korea. It is a democracy located in East Asia. It is in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Water surrounds it on three sides. The Yellow Sea is to the East, the Sea of Japan to the West, and the Korea Strait to the South. Seoul is also the capital of South Korea.
In contrast to South Korea, is North Korea. It is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. North Korea occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea is a Stalinist-style dictatorship. This means that this government is focused on a single leader. Everything revolves around that leader’s very strict idea of a communist state. These types of governments are oppressive. The population is not allowed to disagree or question. Most of the economy is focused on the military. Famine and starvation are common throughout different areas of the country.
2. South Korea
It is one of the four largest economies in Asia and the 11th largest in the world! Seoul is nicknamed the “Miracle on the Han River” to honor its development into one of the world’s most powerful economies.
Since it was a poor country not very long ago, it is a role model for many developing countries.
South Korea focuses on a number of industries, particularly in the fields of technology and science.
It is a world leader in car manufacturing, such as Hyundai and Kia. Information technology is also a focus. South Korea develops and manufactures electronics, semiconductors, computers, mobile phones, LCD monitors, and televisions.
South Korea also has the world’s largest shipbuilding industry. The ships are built using steel from its own steel producer. This steel manufacturer is the world’s third largest! South Korea is also a leader in the fields of engineering, construction, textiles, machinery manufacturing, robotics, and more.
3. North Korea
The
March of Tribulation
was a North Korean famine that began in 1995. It was relieved by international aid in 2000. The famine was started by flooding that wiped out crops. North Korea’s loss of the support of the Soviet Union following its collapse was also part of the issue. It is estimated that 600,000 to 3.5 million people died.
In 1995, the government instituted a
“Military-First” policy
. This
increased the support for the military.
They also focused the economy on the maintenance of the military.
The government works on a principle of self-reliance called Juche.
It was developed by Kim Il-sung, the country’s first leader. One of the most important parts of this system is its cult of personality. A cult of personality refers to holding certain political leaders in such high honor they are almost worshipped. Pictures of Kim Il-sung are frequently seen throughout the country. He is referred to as the “Great Leader.” The next leader of the country was his son, Kim Jong-Il. He died in 2011. Leadership passed to his son, Kim Jong-un.
Performances of North Korean culture, especially art, dancing, and music, is heavily controlled by the government.
Most North Korean music and dance is now done only to support the leadership, the military, and the concept of Juche or self-reliance.
North Korea has long been considered a threat to the stability of the region.
This risk increased when t
hey tested their first nuclear device in 2006.
In 2009, North Korea tested a rocket which could have been used for delivering a nuclear device.
North Korea continues to test missiles.
4. Summary
South Korea
has made large advances in technology and economic power. Its people live in a prosperous democracy. It has focused on electronics and the building of ships and cars.
In contrast,
North Korea
is a communist dictatorship. It is isolated and its people have few rights. They struggled to overcome the effects of a serious famine over a decade. Its quest for nuclear weapons has put it at odds with neighbors such as South Korea and Japan, as well as the United States.