Demilitarized Zone

Brief history- the DMZ runs across the 38th parallel that divides the Korean peninsula in two.  After the Japanese surrender to the Allies during WWII, Korea was occupied by the Soviets in the North and the US in the South.  With the rise of Cold War tensions, two respective governments (communist in the north and democracy in the south) formed in the peninsula.  In 1950, NK attacked SK and there began the Korean War.  To resolve the war, US aided the South and China the North, eventually creating the 38th parallel to divide the nation in half and create peace.



Nov. 12, 2011- First, we crossed the Imjingak and Freedom Bridge on a bus and then went underground through the Infiltration Tunnel (3rd one).  This was one of the 4 tunnels dug by the North Koreans to attack SK back in the days.  So with our yellow helmets on, we went inside and through the tunnel (helmets were extremely useful as the rocks of the tunnel were low and dripping with water).  Then we reached the 3rd blockade; that means we were only 170m away from NK! That's around 0.1 mile.

After that, we went to the Dora Observatory where we were able to use binoculars after paying 500 won to look out into the Demilitarized Zone as well as parts of North Korea if you were lucky with the weather.  Saw residential areas, all looking exactly the same o_o.  Heard if the weather's REALLY on your side, then you can even see a statue of Kim Il-Sung (as there are thousands of them).

Then we went to the Dorasan Station, a train station they call, "Last station from the South" or in positive light, "First station to the North."

Before heading back, we passed through the Unification Village, a village where families reside solely for the purpose of raising crops, specifically ginseng, rice, and soybean.  And these are royal crops. Expensive.  Top-quality.  Oh, the families also have curfews.

strange, abandoned(?) amusement park near DMZ

Guards posted to watch any trespassers.  And yes, they will shoot.

mascot of the SK army. Lol 

we're not really happy..

Barbed wire everywhere

also mine warnings everywhere

If only we could put this to use..!

Dreams do come true?  Plan halted as of now.

with South Korean soldiers.

Been learning about the Six Party Talks through EA classes this semester.  It's real interesting how differently the politics and economies, as well as reputations, of NK and SK have turned out since the divide.  It's also disturbing to have realized that it's mere luck that I'm born a South Korean and not the other...