What is the DMZ in the context of Korea?

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) serves as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea, established by the Korean Armistice Agreement signed in 1953, which ended active hostilities in the Korean War. The DMZ is approximately 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, designed to reduce the likelihood of military tensions escalating into conflict.

This area is heavily fortified, with both sides maintaining military presence just outside the zone. It symbolizes the division of the Korean Peninsula and is one of the most militarized borders in the world. The purpose of the DMZ is to act as a precautionary measure, deterring potential military actions while providing a space for diplomatic negotiations.

Understanding the nature and significance of the DMZ is critical in the context of Korean relations, as it represents an ongoing situation of conflict and the efforts towards peace and reconciliation. Other terms, such as "Diplomatic Military Zone," "Defense Management Zone," and "Joint Security Area," do not accurately reflect the nature or established significance of this specific boundary in the Korean Peninsula context.