1. Introduction to the text
The Korean War, which took place from 1950 to 1953, was a pivotal event in Korean history that shaped the nation’s political and social landscape. This conflict, which began as a civil war between the communist North and the democratic South, escalated into a proxy war involving major global powers. The war left a lasting impact on the Korean peninsula, solidifying the division between the two Koreas and influencing the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 전쟁 | jeon-jaeng | war |
| 분단 | bun-dan | division |
| 휴전 | hyu-jeon | armistice |
| 피난민 | pi-nan-min | refugee |
| 유엔군 | yu-en-gun | UN forces |
| 공산주의 | gong-san-ju-ui | communism |
| 민주주의 | min-ju-ju-ui | democracy |
| 대량살상무기 | dae-ryang-sal-sang-mu-gi | weapons of mass destruction |
| 경제발전 | gyeong-je-bal-jeon | economic development |
| 외교관계 | oe-gyo-gwan-gye | diplomatic relations |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
1950년 6월 25일, 북한군이 38선을 넘어 남한을 침공하면서 한국전쟁이 시작되었다.
On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea.
북한은 공산주의 이념을 따르는 반면, 남한은 민주주의 체제를 선택했다.
North Korea followed the communist ideology, while South Korea opted for a democratic system.
전쟁은 3년간 계속되었고, 수많은 민간인과 군인이 목숨을 잃었다.
The war lasted for three years, resulting in the loss of countless civilian and military lives.
유엔군이 남한을 지원하면서 전쟁은 국제적인 차원으로 확대되었다.
With the involvement of UN forces supporting South Korea, the war escalated to an international level.
1953년 7월 27일, 마침내 휴전협정이 체결되었지만, 남북한 간의 분단은 계속되었다.
On July 27, 1953, an armistice was finally signed, but the division between North and South Korea persisted.
전쟁으로 인해 수많은 가족이 헤어지고, 피난민 문제가 발생했다.
The war led to the separation of countless families and created a refugee crisis.
전후 남한은 경제발전에 주력했고, 북한은 대량살상무기 개발에 집중했다.
In the post-war era, South Korea focused on economic development, while North Korea concentrated on developing weapons of mass destruction.
한국전쟁은 한반도의 정치적, 사회적 분열을 심화시켰다.
The Korean War deepened the political and social divide on the Korean peninsula.
지금까지도 남북한 간의 외교관계는 복잡한 상황에 놓여 있다.
To this day, diplomatic relations between North and South Korea remain complex.
전쟁의 상처는 여전히 남아있지만, 평화통일에 대한 희망도 존재한다.
While the scars of the war still linger, there is also hope for a peaceful reunification.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. 한국전쟁이 시작된 날짜는 언제인가요?
(When did the Korean War begin?)
2. 전쟁 기간 동안 어떤 국가들이 개입했나요?
(Which countries were involved during the war?)
3. 휴전협정 체결 후에도 남북한 간의 분단이 지속된 이유는 무엇인가요?
(Why did the division between North and South Korea continue even after the armistice?)
4. 전후 남한과 북한은 각각 어떤 분야에 주력했나요?
(What areas did South and North Korea focus on in the post-war era?)
5. 한국전쟁이 한반도에 미친 영향은 무엇인가요?
(What impact did the Korean War have on the Korean peninsula?)
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Korean War had a profound impact on Korean society and culture. The division of the peninsula along ideological lines created a deep rift between the two Koreas, shaping their respective political systems, economic policies, and societal values. The war left a lasting trauma on the Korean psyche, with families separated and communities displaced.