The Korean War began in June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, sparking military conflict between communist and non-communist forces seeking to unify the two Koreas under their influence. By October 1950, U.S. and UN troops had driven North Korean forces back above the 38th parallel, but Chinese troops intervened on behalf of North Korea, pushing allied forces south again. Fighting continued over the next two years until an armistice was signed in July 1953, ending direct military conflict while leaving the two Koreas still divided along the 38th parallel.