First the first time, I will not refer to “On the Border” as a Tex-Mex restaurant I frequently visit in Seoul but as the actual border located in Korea. The only border in South Korea is the one between North and South Korea making it a highly monitored and tense area.
Joint Securty Area facing North Korea
With a tour with the United Service Organization, we took a 90 minute bus ride to United Nations Camp Bonifas which is 400 meters from the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is 160 miles long and 2.5 miles long is serves as the buffer between the two countries. It is the most militarized border in the world.
At camp, we were given a briefing of the area which we located and more about the DMZ. Within minutes after, we got on military buses and crossed the southern border of the DMZ and arrived at the Joint Security Area. This area is where North and South Korea truly meet and stand face to face. With strict instructions we were able to enter into the building where meetings between the North and South take place. I was able to actually walk into North Korea in this room. One side was North Korea, the other South Korea. It was an intense experience walking across the border of the world’s most secret country. In this area, I was also able to see a North Korean serviceman looking at us through his binoculars. We were told to never make eye contact or make hand gestures at them. This room was the most intense but exciting part of the trip.
Converence room where the North and South meet (with South Korean soldier)
I also saw the best of the best of the Korean Army. Standing in a Taekwondo stance wearing dark shaded sunglasses (even though it was raining), with solid facial expressions, clenched fists and standing at complete attention their goal was to intimidate the North Koreans. Even though the job probably doesn’t require much intense labor, it would be a very intense on the mind.
We later went to another area to view the propaganda village of Kijŏng-dong. With a population of 0, it was built by the North Koreans as a way to encourage South Korean defection. It contains empty buildings and homes and the third largest flag pole. I was surprised how close the village was in the distance. With the large flag waving the in distance, the town seemed as if a movie set.
North Korean proproganda village
We later went to the “Bridge of No Return” and a set of tunnels located near the border. North Korea has attempted to build large underground tunnels to invade the South. Unfortunately, the South has only discovered four of these tunnels but there is believed to be more. One of these tunnels is now a tourist hotspot. Walking a gradual slope, of the 3rdInfiltration Tunnel, we were able to see the work of North Koreans and their attempts at coming into South Korea. Too bad I am taller than most Koreas so I had to bend my back to walk there. At the end of the tunnel for tourists was a set of barbed wire. Ok, it’s time to go up and out the tunnel. It seemed like a long journey for little excitement.
North Korea left, South Korea right
Other areas of the tour included the Dora Observatory and the last train station until before North Korea which connects the capital cites of both countries. It was all very interesting and informative.
I later discussed with my friend about the reunification of Korea. I say within ten years but there is a lot of doubt. Maybe soon I will talk about the possibilities of a reunified Korea. Hopefully within my lifetime I can see one Korea, but until then, we can take day tours to believe it will happen. If visiting Korea, I definitely recommend a tour of the DMZ.
Last Train Station in South Korea before North Korea
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