Explain why the Peace Wall in Seoul was built in 1971.

Historical context of Korea in 1971

In 1971, Korea has been divided for almost twenty years, a direct legacy of the Cold War. On one side, you have the Republic of Korea (South Korea), an ally of the United States, with a booming economy but ruled by an authoritarian dictatorship led by Park Chung-hee. On the other side, the communist North Korea of Kim Il-sung, isolated, heavily militarized, and supported by China and the USSR. Tensions between the two camps remain extremely high, with quite a number of military incidents at the border in the previous years. In short, the situation is explosive; each side watches the other with suspicion, ready to react to the slightest suspicious movement.

Political and security motivations of the peace wall

The construction of the wall primarily addresses two major concerns: security and political control. At the time, in 1971, the tension between North Korea and South Korea was at its peak. South Korean authorities were determined to prevent infiltrations of North Korean soldiers and recurring espionage on their territory. In short, this wall was meant to create a physical barrier to avoid these military incidents, protect Seoul from potential offensives, and reduce the country's strategic vulnerability. At the same time, it also served to send a clear political message to Pyongyang, something like: "We stay on our side, you stay on yours." A strong and visible symbol to assert the firmness and identity of the South Korean government in the face of the Northern regime.

Wall characteristics and design

This wall is about 240 kilometers long and runs across the entire Korean Peninsula, cutting through the demilitarized zone (DMZ). It is primarily made up of chain-link fences reinforced with concrete barriers and numerous mined areas to deter any attempt to cross. Along the way, there are watchtowers equipped with cameras, powerful spotlights, and under constant surveillance by the South Korean military. It is designed primarily to prevent any North Korean military incursions and thus serves mainly as a defensive barrier. Contrary to what many believe, it is not a single construction of solid concrete, but rather a series of stacked structures that create an ultra-strong defensive system. Even today, it is nearly impossible to cross this barrier without special authorization.

National and international reactions after its construction

The construction of the wall in 1971 elicited very varied reactions: on the South Korean side, a large part of the population saw it as a necessary evil in the face of infiltration and attacks from the North, while others criticized the measure as a tragic symbol of a persistent division. Internationally, especially among Western allies like the United States, there was rather discreet support for this approach, perceived as necessary for the country's security against communism. In contrast, on the North Korean side and in some socialist or non-aligned countries, the condemnation was immediate: the Pyongyang regime denounced it as an act of provocation and further proof of the hostile nature of the South. This divide in reactions clearly reflected the tensions of the Cold War, where every decision was analyzed through the lens of the ideological oppositions of the time.

Sustainable impact of the wall on inter-Korean relations

The wall has long been a strong symbol of the division between North Korea and South Korea. It has concretely limited direct exchanges between the populations, making national reconciliation much more difficult. Even after all these years, it remains ingrained in people's minds as a physical barrier, but also a psychological one. Even today, this wall serves as a reminder that a deep mistrust persists, despite efforts for dialogue and occasional attempts at rapprochement. In concrete terms, as long as this wall exists, the hope for complete reconciliation always seems somewhat compromised.