The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded the South. An armistice
agreement was signed in 1953. South Korea's astonishing economic growth since 1960 has
affected relations between the two Koreas. With its strong economy as a platform, South
Korea was able to propose dialogue and exchanges with the North.

1953, July 27
Signing of the ceasefire agreement

1972, July 4
Announcement of the July 4th South-North Joint Communique

1972, November 30
South-North Coordinating Committee

1985, September 20 - 23
First reunion of separated Korean families

1998, November 18
Package trips to the North's Geumgansan Mountain start for South Korean tourists

2000, June 13 - 15
The first inter-Korean Summit

2000, September 15
The Koreas make a joint entry into the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics

2003, June 30
Groundbreaking for Gaeseong Industrial Complex

2005, September 19
4th round of the Six-Party Talks produces the Joint Statement calling for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula

2007, October 2 - 4
Second inter-Korean Summit

2007, December 5
South Korean package tours to the North's historic city Gaeseong begin

2007, December 11
Inter-Korean Gyeongeui and Donghae railway lines open (Freight service between Munsan and
Bongdong begins)