The industrial complex at Kaesong is jointly operated by both Koreas
One of the most emotionally affected battlefields on the planet is the Korean peninsula. Divided into two nations by ‘outsiders’ along a geographical 38th parallel, as if it were pieces of bread, politics in the region has come a long way traversing a path full of promise. It was in 1945 that Korea gained independence from Japan after the latter’s defeat in the World War II. The United States and the erstwhile Soviet Union bit away the Southern and Northern parts of the peninsula respectively, to impose their style of administration there. The Korean War that followed in 1953 did not result in any significant change of the boundary either. The only notable achievement was the killing of millions on innocent civilians, thanks to the US imperial design.
The Korean War in 1953 left millions of civilians dead
A train then ran across this region. This rail link was severed shortly after the outbreak of the 1953 war. The years that followed witnessed growing tensions between the southern and the northern parts, the cold war driving the cause efficiently. Pyongyang, being led by a Soviet ideology, embraced socialism while Seoul flirted with the US. The end of the cold war brought a ray of hope to Korea, as it did to the rest of the world.
Presently, the two nations are implementing a unification program aimed at building prosperity in the region. Economically, the South Koreans are much better off while people in the north are still waiting for happier days. The state-controlled economy hasn’t been successful there.
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea bustles with activity today
The latest in the series of efforts to forge a peaceful and prosperous relationship is the train through the borders. This service, traversing a distance of 10 miles connects South Korea with the North Korean city of Kaesong, where an industrial complex jointly operated by the two nations bustles with activity. This industrial zone has benefited from what the two countries have in plenty, technology in the south and cheap labor from the north. The train is a result of a deal between Kim Jong II and Roh Moo-Hyun, leaders of the two nations, when they decided to initiate a spate of joint projects.
Pyongyang, North Korean capital is making a mark on the world map
The possible benefits that are envisaged out of this rail transport are diverse. The economic relationship is destined to progress at a faster rate with Kaesong as the brand name. Political circles in the region also target conversion to a passenger rail service soon. The future plans also include a knot with the Trans-Siberian railway, there by linking Korean peninsula to Europe. On top of all this, an emotional bonding is inevitable. Already the trade between the two nations is running at $ 1 billion with trucks, cars and buses in operation. Pyongyang has also closed down its secret weapons program. With the commencement of this rail service, a new breeze of promise is skimming the Hermit land.
News Source: The Independent
