9781422275757

Amap depicting the former kingdoms of Korea—Goguryeo Baekje and Silla used to dominate the Korean Peninsula.

world. This conflict, the first hot war of the Cold War, resulted in millions dead and an unhappy division of Korea at the 38th par- allel. The North became communist, supported by China and the former Soviet Union, while the South became capitalist, supported by Japan and the United States. This complicated history, coupled with ongoing tensions and strong allies, ensures that Korea often makes global headlines. Furthermore, because the United States has many military bases in South Korea, the region represents a precarious place that countless diplomats, politicians, military leaders, and peace organizations have yet to fully solve.

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