Dorothy Padilla

AB Foreign Service 201

Political and Economic Geography

Jumel G. Estrañero

Unity or Rivalry: The Difference between North and South Korea’s Political and Economic
Geography.

I. Introduction

Many people are still baffled by the fundamental cause of Korea's North-South conflict. As
several people understand why they are still at war, the main contrasts between the countries
are also recognized. North Korea is categorized as a third-world nation due to its tight limits and
rules, as well as the fact that its economy is not especially advanced. on the other hand, South
Korea is more advanced politically and economically. South Korea, on the other hand, is
politically and economically more advanced. It was assumed that it started Since 1945, the
Korean peninsula has been divided into the DPRK and the ROK. Most people in both nations
are unlikely to remember a time when the peninsula was not split. Because the study of division
is so closely entwined with the war that erupted on the Korean peninsula, it's crucial to have a
basic understanding of the circumstances that led to it. This paper will begin with the history of
the division and a quick overview of foreign influence in Korea. For many of the paper's future
points, foreign influence is critical. Given the project's historical character, it's also vital to know
who was involved in the political split and the Korean War, since this will shape future debates.
While Korea has undertaken various changes over the last eight centuries, this history will focus
on the most important events relevant to this paper.

II. Body
 History and Cause of division

Following Japan's defeat by the Allies at the conclusion of WWII, the Korean peninsula was
divided into two distinct nations, one in the north (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,
D.P.R.K.) and the other in the south (the Republic of Korea, R.O.K.). The US and the Soviet
Union had agreed in the closing days of the war to accept the Japanese surrender in Korea,
with the USSR occupying Korea north of the 38th parallel and the US occupying Korea south
until an independent and unified Korean government could be created. By 1947, however, the
emergence of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, combined with
political differences between Koreans in the two occupation zones and the policies of the
occupation forces on the ground, had resulted in a breakdown in negotiations over a unified
government for Korea (Armstrong, n.d.). A pro-US authority was set up in Seoul on August 15,
1948, and a pro-Soviet government in Pyongyang three weeks later. Both administrations
claimed to represent the whole Korean people, resulting in a high level of tension along the 38th
parallel. North Korea invaded the South on June 25, 1950, supported by the Soviet Union, in an
attempt to forcefully unite the peninsula. A US-led coalition of countries came to South Korea's
aid under the banner of the United Nations. The Soviet Union provided weaponry and air
assistance to North Korea, while the Chinese government intervened with hundreds and
thousands of military forces on their side (Armstrong, n.d.). After millions of fatalities and
massive physical devastation, the war ended in July 1953, roughly where it began, with North
and South Korea split into about equal areas by the cease-fire line, a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
that still divides the two Koreas today.

 Foreign influence in the Korean Peninsula

Since 1953, North and South Korea have diverged culturally and historically, resulting in two
civilizations with vastly divergent political and economic systems. The current disparities
between North and South Korea have nothing to do with regional distinctions between the two
Koreas prior to 1945. According to Armstrong. north Korean culture and politics, as well as
those of China, have had a strong effect. It has created a self-styled juche (“self-reliance”)
politics centered on economic and political independence, with a highly centralized political
structure, a command economy, and a “Great Leader” at its apex. Despite tremendous
economic difficulties, North Korea grew into one of the most isolated and restricted of all
communist nations, showing no evidence of political and economic reform even ten years after
the collapse of the Soviet Union. Until contemporary times, China, being East Asia's most
technologically and culturally sophisticated nation, exercised the most significant external
impact on Korea. Korea became the center of conflicting interests among neighbors China,
Japan, and Russia, as well as the more distant United States, in the twentieth century. But, for
well over a thousand years, until Japan colonized the Korean peninsula in the early twentieth
century, successive kingdoms on the peninsula were able to preserve a civilization with political
independence and cultural distinction from the rest of the country. South Korea, on the other
hand, has been heavily affected by the US and, to a lesser extent, Japan. Since the Republic of
Korea was formed in 1948, the United States has maintained close political, military, and
economic relations with South Korea. While South Korea has not always been as liberal as
Americans or Korean officials would want, democracy appears to have been more entrenched
in the R.O.K. since the end of its military regime in the late 1980s. Meanwhile, South Korea's
economy grew rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s, and it is today regarded one of the world's most
developed industrial countries. After Japan and China, South Korea rebounded quickly from the
Asian financial crisis of 1997 and is now the third-largest economy in Eastern Asia (Armstrong,
n.d.). South Korea, like many other nations, has a strong presence of American popular culture.
Japanese popular culture is also influential, but to a lesser level. South Korea, on the other
hand, has created its own forms of popular culture, while traditional Korean culture has seen a
renaissance in recent decades. This can be seen as South Korean pop music, films, and
television dramas were becoming increasingly popular in other areas of Asia, particularly China
and Vietnam, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

 Difference between their political and economic geography

Since North Korea is so isolated in part due to international sanctions imposed over its nuclear
program and the government's little data isn't regarded credible, little is known about its yearly
economic production. The CIA assessed the country's GDP to be about $40 billion in 2015.The
military government of Kim Jong-un maintains strict control over the economy, which includes
nearly all sectors of production and distribution. The Kim family has traditionally put its political
survival and, by extension, its desire to build nuclear weapons ahead of the country's economic
prosperity (Bajpai, 2021). In recent years, the North Korean government has authorized small-
scale free-market activity, resulting in a burgeoning middle class of merchants and small
business owners. Kim is also said to be looking to take more efforts to expand and modernize
the economy. Any plan for expanding North Korea's economy will almost certainly start with
exploitation of the country's natural resources, which are believed to be worth trillions of dollars.
North Korea has typically been unable to fulfill the demands of its people, with the exception of a
brief time in the 1960s when its economy temporarily exceeded that of its southern neighbor.
North Korea's economy underwent a terrible recession in the 1990s, shrinking by about a third,
and hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have died of famine. Although things are
improving, deprivation is still prevalent. According to the World Bank, more than half of North
Koreans were without power in 2017, while newly built Chinese generators provide more than a
third of the electricity in Pyongyang, the country's capital (World Bank, 2017). South Korea's
economic change after the Korean War, on the other hand, has been nicknamed the "Miracle on
the Han River." South Korea, which was formerly plagued by poverty and political unrest, has
now joined the "trillion-dollar club" of the world's most powerful economies and is a member of
the Group of 20. South Korea currently boasts the world's 12th biggest economy in terms of
GDP and is home to some of the world's most recognizable companies, like Samsung
Electronics and Hyundai Motors. It is the world's largest exporter of semiconductors and
memory chips, as well as one of the largest exporters of automobiles (Bajpai, 2021).

 Linguistic differences between SK and NK

The two states' dialects also differed as a result of their separation. Many indicators in both
languages tell Korean speakers that they are distinct. While accent is one way to distinguish
persons from two distinct locations, the most difficult area to distinguish is terms that have no
counterparts in the other region and words that have a different meaning in each region (Horton,
2020) In the DPRK, it's known as Joseon-geul, after the Joseon dynasty, whereas in the ROK,
it's known as Han-geul (Song 2005, 174). The Korean peninsula is referred to as Joseon and
Hanguk, respectively. Since the word tongmu started to imply comrade in the DPRK, it has been
supplanted in the ROK by various words meaning friend, such as chingu (Marino, n.d.). Many
terms are spelt differently, which might cause misunderstanding between the two areas' written
languages It's essential to consider the ramifications of linguistic divergence on these two
cultures. For starters, it has an influence on how the two states view each other. The linguistic
divide also reveals a divide in culture and social systems. For one thing, Juche ideology, which
promotes national individuality and self-reliance, is primarily responsible for the DPRK's purism
policy (Horton, 2020). Much of the linguistic diversity in the ROK stems from the country's desire
to enter the global market and compete economically. Due to the history of colonization and the
erasure of Korean identity, some in the ROK still regard purism as a desirable objective. Despite
the comparison of these two languages, the variances reveal the nations' respective
trajectories, as seen by the term used for friend. The DPRK's deliberate move to Pyongyang
dialect as its official vernacular demonstrates the country's separation from the ROK. One of the
most essential aspects of linguistic divergence is the influence on individuals. Individuals in the
DPRK and the ROK are divided by language, causing them to mistake one another for the
other. In this situation, otherness is interesting since many people in the ROK believe that
speaking Pyong'yang dialect means being poor, uneducated, and socially inept (Horton, 2020).

III. Analysis
Since their separation in 1945, North Korea has been an isolated country with tight economic
controls imposed by the military dictatorship, whereas South Korea is one of the world's major
industrialized nations and is widely regarded as a success in economic development and
political democratization. South Korea has come a long way since it emerged from the shadows
of Japanese colonial control in 1945 as an impoverished, underdeveloped country. It's also a
country with a strong feeling of national pride in its culture, customs, and achievements. The
impacts of this disparity are felt the greatest by defectors from the DPRK as they seek to adjust
to life in the ROK. They are frequently at a disadvantage in the employment market due to their
lack of ROK Korean and English language abilities. This puts children in a hazardous loop,
since kids are more likely to face poverty and a lack of relationships as a result of this. This
demonstrates how language disparities complicate reunification strategy since the reunified
nation would have to teach the integrating society in the language that they speak before
reunification could happen. Language has a significant impact on the lives of defectors, resulting
in misunderstanding, which reinforces division and has significant consequences for
reunification. Language can generate miscommunications between leaders in a debate, making
reunification more difficult from a political standpoint. Political reunification is more challenging
since appropriate integration is required when linguistic disparities between the two areas
extend beyond basic words to social constructs and identities.

IV. Recommendation

As it was explained how certain aspects of divides, such as the failure to execute better
economic policies or variations in regime type cannot explain how differences in discourse and
social conceptions lead to division. This is essential to examine because tracking how these
accepted ideas came to be would help us better comprehend the peninsula's split. The
institutionalist perspective ignores the social dynamics, ideas, and identities that exist among
individuals and influence their behavior. Institutionalism falls short in explaining division.
Researchers studying division should pay more attention to sociological variables that lead to
the division of other groups, comparable to Juche's. The debate over Juche demonstrates how
social constructs may exacerbate nationalism, separation, isolation, and otherness. This is
significant to note because it might influence future study by highlighting the significance of
social constructs. Language is also an essential aspect for researchers studying division to
consider since it is a social construction that supports notions such as globalism or isolationism
among the people. It also demonstrates how social factors, such as educational status or
otherness, impact how different groups see one alien. In any case, social constructs are
essential considerations in the division.

V. Conclusion

Because a united Korea was historically seen as unified both via nationality and tradition,
indicating that reunification would be straightforward, the Korean Peninsula's prolonged
separation was an unanticipated result of the Korean War's rupture. Germany, like many other
countries shattered by World War II and other conflicts, was able to successfully reunify. On the
Korean Peninsula, however, this has not been the case, raising questions about why there are
still problems. This argument indicates that the rift may have been perpetuated by a division that
existed before the conflict. This paper assesses the split between the DPRK and the ROK and
presents that mostly ascribe it to material causes, and they have distinct philosophies and
dialects that they feel are the primary differences between them. There has been a divergence
between the DPRK and the ROK due to economy, policy, social, and cultural issues. The DPRK
has mainly embraced a Korean purism movement based on Juche philosophy within the
country, but the ROK has adopted a strategy that has allowed them to open up to globalism and
lacks the willingness to undertake severe policies to eradicate non-pure Koreans. The two
countries also speak distinct dialects, further dividing them. This has helped to distinguish the
two places, since their language usage demonstrates that they are distinct not just in terms of
origin, but also in terms of philosophy, social background, and culture. Because of the large
number of terms that are different in the DPRK and the ROK, it has also resulted in confusion
between persons from these two nations. It causes an inability to communicate effectively,
which prevents persons from obtaining occupations that are more economically and socially
advantageous since they are unable to communicate effectively. It also results in a loss of
cultural and social cohesion. In conclusion, despite their disagreements, both parties want
peace and reunion but disagree on how to get there. And that this article will help in a better
understanding of the entire topic, as well as provide better methods to utilize in similar
circumstances in order to reduce divides and their consequences.

V. Way Ahead

The ROK's regime and economy, it was believed, influenced the separation between the ROK
and the DPRK. It might be claimed that because the ROK has been able to transition to a
democratic system and prosper economically, its aid programs with the DPRK have helped to
reduce tensions between the two countries. Also, economic progress has resulted in revised
foreign and international policies, particularly their stance toward the DPRK, softening the
regimes' attitudes toward one another. While this does not directly explain the split, it does
indicate that it may be addressed by economic measures. Studying the DPRK-ROK split should
pay attention to these details in the future, which aren't limited to Juche and linguistics, because
they're crucial to understanding how the two regions interact, how to help defectors integrate
into a new society, and how to start thinking about reunification talks. These demonstrate that
reunification will be difficult since these divisionary social constructs have evolved through time
and have become intersubjective within society. The incompatibility of Juche in the DPRK and a
globalized, democratic society in the ROK has led to the split peninsula's continued existence. It
is a difficult adjustment for defectors to the ROK to shift from a closed-off worldview to one that
allows people in and lives in peaceful coexistence with many other nations. North Korea's
economic structure looks to be in continual disarray, despite the fact that it has a wealth of
minerals and a huge and inexpensive labor population. Combine it with a mineral-poor South
Korea that is largely reliant on imports to fuel its huge industry, it results to a strategy for
development. Providing inexpensive labor and raw materials to a nation that already has a well-
established and productive free-market economy is a prescription for long-term growth and
success. While reunification remains a mystery and, at best, a long way off, major countries are
being encouraged to prepare for a significant shift in global economic supremacy.
 VI. Reference

Armstrong, C.K. (n.d.). Korean History and Political Geography. Retrieved from
https://asiasociety.org/education/korean-history-and-political-geography

Bajpai, P. (2021, May 19). North Korean vs. South Korean Economies: What's the Difference?
Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/forex/040515/north-korean-vs-
south-korean-economies.asp

Berstein, J. (2021, January 26). Economic Consequences of Korean Reunification. Retrieved

from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/082515/will-north-and-south-korea-
ever-reunite.asp#citation-9

Bicker, L., (2019, August, 2019). “Han Sung-Ok: Was This North Korean Defector Failed by the
South?” BBC News, Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49408555.

GDP (current US$). (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD

Goldman Sachs. "Global Economics Paper No: 188, A United Korea? Reassessing North Korea
Risks (Part 1). Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/forex/040515/north-
korean-vs-south-korean-economies.asp#citation-10

Horton, H. (2020, March 30). North and South Korea: Division by Constructions. Retrieved from
https://scholar.utc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1280&context=honors-theses

Marino, Lilka. (n.d.). “How the Korean Language Has Diverged Over 70 Years of Separation.”

Korean Economic Institute of America. Retrieved from http://keia.org/howkorean-language-has-

diverged-over-70-years-separation.

Song, Jae Jung. 2005. The Korean Language: Structure, Use and Context. United Kingdom:

Routledge. ProQuest Ebook Central

The World Bank. "State of Electricity Access Report 2017," (2017). Retrieved from
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/364571494517675149/pdf/114841-
REVISED-JUNE12-FINAL-SEAR-web-REV-optimized.pdf Page 16 and 45.

United Nations Documents. "United Nations Security Council: Resolution 2397 (2017,
December 22) Adopted by the Security Council at its 8151st meeting, on 22 December
2017. Retrieved from https://undocs.org/S/RES/2397%282017%29
United Nations. "DPR Korea Needs and Priorities Plan 2020”, (2020, May 08). Retrieved from
https://dprkorea.un.org/en/44951-dpr-korea-needs-and-priorities-plan-2020

U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis. (2018,
June). Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/country/PRK

Yoon, D. R., & Babson, B. O. (2002, July 01). Understanding North Korea's Economic Crisis.
Retrieved from https://direct.mit.edu/asep/article/1/3/69/17331/Understanding-North-
Korea-s-Economic-Crisis
Message

Now, to my note to Sir Jumel Estranero, as our instructor in two course subjects, we appreciate
all the additional knowledge you share to our class. Like how you shared some job experiences
you had encountered through the day, which added insights to us students on how the
individuals in the government perform, and also how you had us attend forums where we could
take notes for further information that we might use in the future. It is very appreciated how
diligent you are in educating us in every manner you can. And most importantly the way you
reach out to those students who have fallen behind and provide them chances by extending
deadlines. I hope that in the coming semester, we will encounter more instructors who are as
considerate as you are, maybe not always, but at times when others should recognize the
challenges of students, particularly in light of the pandemic. and lastly, by exploring connections
between some of your courses, such as the activity reflection paper, you guaranteed that we
were open-minded. I wish you a prosperous year and hope that you will be able to continue
teaching vibrant sessions, even if it is through online. That's all there is to it; thank you for
everything. 😊