<P> The division of Korea between North and South Korea occurred after World War II , ending the Empire of Japan 's 35 - year rule over Korea in 1945 . The United States and the Soviet Union each occupied a portion of the peninsula , with the boundary between their zones of control along the 38th parallel . </P>
<P> The division of Korea between North and South Korea occurred after World War II , ending the Empire of Japan 's 35 - year rule over Korea in 1945 . The United States and the Soviet Union each occupied a portion of the peninsula , with the boundary between their zones of control along the 38th parallel . </P>
what is the parallel that splits korea in half
what is the parallel that splits korea in half
the 38th parallel
the 38th parallel