North Korea detains U.S. Army soldier who crossed the border

An American soldier on Tuesday “willfully and without authorization” entered North Korea during an orientation tour of the Joint Security Area border complex, U.S. officials said. The heavily guarded border has divided North and South Korea since 1953. The United Nations Command in South Korea said it is working with North Korean officials to resolve the incident.

Is the border difficult to cross? Most of the border between North and South Korea is fortified, lined with barbed wire and landmines, and patrolled by soldiers from both sides. The Joint Security Area complex is heavily controlled, but the demarcation line between the countries is only marked by a raised brick line on the ground. During JSA tours, visitors are kept about 20 yards away from the line. 

Dig deeper: Listen to Carolina Lumetta’s report on The World and Everything in It podcast about two women fleeing North Korea and finding their faith.