3nd day was reserved for the DMZ tour. I have always wanted to pay a visit to the world's only DMZ after watching the korean movie JSA. Apparently, the term DMZ used commonly in computer networks also came from this North-South Korea border demarcation.
We made our way to Lotte Hotel early morning. It's easily accessible from Elhiro 1-ga Station.
1st stop is actually the Imjingak Resort park. That's where a lot of locals drop by during the weekends.
Up the flight of stairs, we can see the Freedom Bridge which extends to the North.
"The only bridge crossing Imjin River, and also the only one bridge connected between South and North Korea. The history says Since about 13,000 war captives crossed this bridge crying Hurrah for freedom, which gave bridge its name, "the bridge of freedom". "
The next stop is the 3rd Tunnel. It's only 44km from Seoul and can easily accommodate a full division per hour along with their weaponry. It starts with a video documentary before we started the walk down the tunnel.
The south has drilled another entrance down to the 3rd tunnel for visitors. It's is still a very long and steep walk down and there are seats at various points to allow people to rest. Safety hat is a must as the tunnel walls are quite low. No photos allowed.
In fact, in the DMZ tours, you can't take photos as and when as you wish. Photos are only allowed at certain areas.
All tired out after climbing down and up from the 3rd tunnel. The entrance behind leads down to the tunnel.
Dorasan Station -The South had built this train station in preparation that one day, they will be reunited and the station will connect South Korea right up to Pyongyang.
Dorasan Custom Stamps - There is a previous incident where a tourist stamped this in his passport and was detained by the Customs when he went back US. They thought he had actually travelled to Pyongyang.
A visit by President George W Bush to Dorasan Station.
Lunch
The 2nd part of the DMZ tour starts after lunch. The Panmunjom Tour. Photo taking is even more restricted. There is the possibility of hostilities from the North. The tour guide always emphasised "No pointing at my back", which means no exaggerated gesturing. Here, we had to submit our passports for verification and sign an idemnity form.
South Korea soldiers standing guard, facing the North. Feet apart and in an imposing stance, arms near the pistol and ready to draw.
North territory ahead.
Solitary North Korean soldier standing guard.
Inside the JSA conference room. The North-South border runs through this building.
North and South will sit facing each other.
CP was in Korth Korean soil.
Propanganda village of the North. No one lives there. It's just to show the South that they have taller buildings and taller flagpost.
North Korean soil is barren. No trees whatsoever. All trees had been cut down for firewood. It's thus easily to discern North and South territories.
Axe Murder Incident - The monument of what was a polar tree stump. The polar tree needed to be trimmed regularly to allow line of sight between the observation posts. This also led to a North incursion which killed two US officers. To avoid further confrontations, the polar tree was cut down by the South along with a huge show of force. Just further up is the Bridge of No Return.
Bridge of No Return - (From
Wikipediea) Used for prisoner exchanges at the end of the Korean War in 1953. The name originates from the fact that prisoners were given the choice to remain in the country of their captivity or cross over to the other country. But if they chose to cross the bridge, they would never be allowed to return.
