Are North and South Korea two separate countries? Or are they just one -- Korea?

Two separate countries at present.

Thank you.

North Korea and South Korea are indeed two separate countries. The division between North and South Korea occurred after World War II in 1945. Following the end of Japanese colonial rule, the Korean Peninsula was divided into two zones of occupation: the Soviet Union controlled the northern part, while the United States controlled the southern part.

In 1948, the two zones established separate governments: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in the south. Since then, North and South Korea have developed separate political systems, economies, and societies, making them distinct countries in their own right.

To gather such information, one can start by researching the history of Korea or the Korean War. Reliable sources like books, articles, or reputable websites can provide a comprehensive understanding of the division between North and South Korea. Additionally, consulting encyclopedias or referring to governmental resources, such as the websites of the respective Korean governments or embassies, can provide authoritative information on this topic. It's always recommended to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.