Korean Armistice Agreement (1953)

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The Korean Armistice Agreement, signed on July 27, 1953, brought an end to hostilities in the Korean War. It was negotiated between the United Nations Command and the North Korean and Chinese forces, marking the culmination of 158 meetings over two years. The agreement established a ceasefire and created the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer zone between North and South Korea. It also set up the Military Armistice Commission to monitor and enforce the terms of the agreement. The armistice is a purely military document, not a peace treaty, and no nation is a signatory. It allowed for the repatriation of prisoners of war and prevented both sides from entering each other's air, ground, or sea areas. Despite its success in halting hostilities, a final peace settlement was never achieved. The agreement remains in effect today, with ongoing tensions and occasional violations. It has played a crucial role in maintaining a fragile peace on the Korean Peninsula since its signing.