The 38th parallel north is a line latitude that cuts across Asia and North America. It has been especially important in the recent history of Korea.
After the surrender of Japan in 1945, the parallel was established as the boundary between the Soviet (north) and American (south) occupation zones in Korea. The parallel divided the peninsula roughly in the middle (for more details on the dividing of Korea, see: Division of Korea). In 1948, the dividing line became the boundary between the newly independent countries of North and South Korea. At the end of the Korean War (1950-1953), a new border was established through the middle of the Demilitarized Zone, which cuts across the 38th parallel at an acute angle, from southwest to northeast.
Places crossed
The following countries are crossed by the 38th parallel:
See also