A visit to the DMZ

I know I’ve been so behind in my travel updates. Before I get started on my Beijing trip, I’ll like to make a tribute to the DMZ, Demilitarized Zone that divides North and South Korea.

The kangaroo encouraged me to go see the most dangerous looking area in Asia. Ironically coined “demilitarized”, there are tanks, guns, mines and all kinds of military defense weapons imaginable deck out this volatile border strip.

We were told no pictures were allowed unless it was demarcated as a photo area. Even the bus is off limits. And each tour group is only allowed one hour to explore DMZ. So we set off right on time.

I snuck this one in when the tour guide wasn’t looking.

This is the exhibition hall which had little mock ups of the buildings and dummy soldiers in the DMZ.

This is the “peace” garden just next to a heavy barbed wire fence.

The freedom bridge was the path many South Korean prisoners of war walked in 1953 at the end of the Korean War. It’s defunct now and a symbol of hope to reunite Korea.

There were lots of men in uniform. They mostly mingled around and even allowed tourists to take pictures with them. They were more like models than army dudes, if you asked me. Well, they were guarding the photo line to make sure no errant tourist takes a photo too closely of the distant North Korean mountains.

Our last stop was at the Dorasan Station where you can take a train from here to Pyong Yang. It’s not open to the public and only government officials and President Roh have the privilege to ride this spanking new choo-choo. There are plans to eventually make it available to everyone but it’ll be a while yet, I reckon.

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