North Korea, is at the forefront of the landmine debate for the United States. The US, North Korea and South Korea have yet to sign the Land Mine Treaty. Because the Korean War ended in a cease-fire, the political situation of the region remains uncertain. North Korean leader Kim Jong Il would like to invade South Korea and unify the country under the North's communist regime. The US claims that the landmines placed along the border are crucial in separating the North from the South. In fact, this is the main reason the US did not sign the landmine treaty in 1997.

MYTH: Civilians are not harmed by mines in Korea since they are in the DMZ, an area that is not open to civilians.

REALITY: In the past 16 years, 75 civilians have died from mines in Korea. There is also an estimated 1000 injuries due to mines. While many know that landmine's are present on the border, there are also AP mines scattered throughout the countryside; a result of the war.

MYTH: Landmine's are the most important deterrent of an invasion by the North. The US must keep them there because they are protecting US troops stationed on the border

REALITY: The landmine's laid on the border belong to the South Koreans and not the United States. The United States has no control over these mines. Many of these mines are old and no longer function. The North Koreans are well aware of this fact. Thus, most of these AP mines are essentially useless.