Original version

BBC World Service East Asia

The Inquiry

Documentaries

Factual

News

Getting beyond the headlines to explore the forces and ideas shaping the world

The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

The Inquiry: The Inquiry Junior - Why are North and South Korea divided?

The Inquiry Junior - Why are North and South Korea divided?

20/09/2018 GMT

BBC World Service - The Inquiry, The Inquiry Junior - Why are North and South Korea divided?

The story of how a line on a map becomes a hard state border that no one can cross.

During a meeting in the USA, a line dividing Korea in two was drawn. Who knew that line would become the front line in a war, creating a border between two new countries?

The story of how a line on a map becomes a hard state border that no one can cross.
 
Korea was ruled as one Kingdom for a thousand years. They valued poetry and scholars helped rule the country. But their Kingdom was invaded by Japan. When Japan left, Russia and America raced to take their place. Amid frantic organising, a line dividing Korea in two was suggested. Who knew that line would become the front line in a war, eventually creating a hard border between two new countries?

This is a special edition that 10-14 year olds can also enjoy, but if you are not in that age bracket we hope that there’s something in it for you too. It’s a trial and we’d love to know what you think. Email theinquiry@bbc.com or tweet @bbctheinquiry – thanks to Niko, Christina and Sophie for your feedback. The Inquiry will be back to normal next week.


(image 2018: A North Korean student attends a class at Kang Pan Sok revolutionary school outside of Pyongyang. Credit: Ed Jones/Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Inquiry

The Inquiry Junior - Why are North and South Korea divided?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service