What is the Demilitarized Zone?

The Demilitarized Zone, often abbreviated as DMZ, refers to a specific area that has been agreed upon by parties (typically countries) to serve as a buffer zone in which military activity is not permitted. The most notable example of a DMZ is the one that separates North and South Korea. This Korean Demilitarized Zone was established by the armistice agreement in 1953 to serve as a buffer zone between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). It is approximately 250 kilometers (160 miles) long and about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) wide.

A DMZ may be established to prevent direct military confrontations, reduce the likelihood of accidental clashes, and provide a space for negotiation and dialogue. While it is a zone free from military installations and activities, it is often heavily monitored and fortified, especially in the case of the Korean DMZ, which is known for its extensive minefields, barbed wire fences, and observation posts. Despite its intended purpose of serving as a peace-keeping buffer, a DMZ can sometimes become one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world due to the military presence on its periphery.