DMZ Trip

The DMZ is the area between North and South Korea, essentially a dead zone which has been untouched for more than 50 years. To get there it took me about 90 minutes by subway and then another 30 minutes to the DMZ train station.



From the other end of the line (Dorasan Station) we took a bus to Dora Observatory from where one can see into North Korea. Even though there was a light fog Kaesong is clearly visible as well as a propaganda village.

This is the entrance to the theatre. These happy characters are everywhere, especially when it comes to law enforcement.



In 1978 near Paju a tunnel was discovered to have been dug from north of the parallel to about 50km from Seoul. Apparently the tunnel is big enough to move 10,000 fully equipped soldiers per hour. I think it was dug a long time before it was discovered. Also, it is called the 3rd Tunnel since it was the third one discovered. Who knows how many more of them there are.

These are some photos of the monument built at that site. It symbolizes the eventual unification of north and south. I especially like that both sides of the sphere fit into each other.









At the bottom of the descent to the actual tunnel there is a fresh water spring, which accounts for the dripping water all the way through the tunnel.



At the end of the tunnel you can see the razor-wire (barbed wire back home) as well as a door. Though one wonders why the tunnel wasn't sealed. Still, there are cameras all over the tunnel.

We even had a chance to try food from this area. There was an alcoholic drink similar to makoli (kind of rice wine) as well as 'guan guang sik' which translates to 'tourist food'. I was told it was actually 'dubu chige', kimchi and tofu stew.



Also, there is a rich shamanistic tradition in Korea. Although one would not guess this from looking around in Seoul (I'm still searching). Though here is a pair of totems. They are usually much bigger than this. The one on the left is male and the one on the right is female.



For late lunch/early dinner we went to a place called Provence which I think is a tourist town, French themed. I had some great Carbonara which was totally unexpected since Italian restaurants back home still manage to mess it up.




A friend I was with wanted to go to Dalgi Land. Dalgi is a cartoon character in the shape of a strawberry. Her boyfriend, whose name escapes me, is Watermelon Boy.



...though in this photo she seems to be picking her nose.



There was also a strange walking path with many character to pass along the way. I do not know why some of them have their heads in the stones.





And if one so wishes they can purchase all sorts of things with Dalgi's face on them.



There is even a Dalgi van which reminded me of "The A Team" but I still don't know why they would need one out here. Imagine if Mr T was here.



Nearby there was a time capsule museum with items dating from the 1950s. Here we are in a classroom. I wonder if the writing on the board is as old as the tiny chairs.




This is the heating system they used at the time. Very similar to the system at the Jeju camp I was teaching at in early January.



Initially I only accepted the invitation because a close friend asked me to go but as usual I had a great time and saw something that I otherwise would not have made time to visit. And the totems...