<P> Korean reunification ( Korean : 한국 의 재통일 ) refers to the potential reunification of the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea ( commonly known as North Korea ) , the Republic of Korea ( commonly known as South Korea ) , and the Korean Demilitarized Zone under a single government . The process towards such a merger was started by the June 15th North -- South Joint Declaration in June 2000 , where the two countries agreed to work towards a peaceful reunification in the future . However , the process of reunification has met many difficulties due to ongoing tension between the two states , which have become politically and economically different since their separation in the 1940s . </P>
what was built in an effort of cooperation between north and south korea
Korean Demilitarized Zone June 15th North -- South Joint Declaration