1. The Korean War (1950-1953):
* Border Changes: The most significant geographical change was the establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 4km wide buffer zone separating North and South Korea. This effectively froze the border at the 38th parallel, a line drawn by the Allies after World War II.
* Infrastructure Destruction: The Korean War devastated the Korean peninsula, destroying infrastructure, cities, and agricultural lands. This impacted the geography of the region, creating areas needing reconstruction.
* Population Displacement: Millions of Koreans were displaced due to the war, leading to significant shifts in population distribution and demographics.
2. Other Wars Affecting Korea:
* Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945): While not a "war" in the traditional sense, Japanese rule significantly altered Korea's geography. Infrastructure was built to benefit Japan, and the Korean landscape was reshaped for resource extraction.
* Manchurian Incident (1931) and the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945): These conflicts led to the displacement of Koreans and the disruption of agricultural practices in northern parts of the Korean peninsula.
3. The Impact of War on Korean Identity:
* Division of the Nation: The Korean War permanently divided the country, leading to distinct geographical, political, and cultural identities developing in North and South Korea.
* The Demilitarized Zone as a Barrier: The DMZ, while intended to prevent further conflict, acts as a physical and psychological barrier, hindering interaction and integration between the two Koreas.
To answer your question in a more concise way:
The Korean War had the most significant geographical impact on Korea, resulting in the establishment of the DMZ, widespread destruction, and population displacement. This war solidified the division of the peninsula, shaping its political and social landscape for decades to come.