DMZ - July 22, 2010

Today we woke up early for a two hour drive to the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. When we arrived, we had to cross a bridge which requires special request beforehand to cross. Then we were escorted by two jeeps to the Joint Security Area (JSA) where we were given a short presentation on the operation enforced by the United Nations. After the presentation, we went the border of the DMZ where we entered a building that crossed the border. Technically, we stood in North Korea… it was very interesting.The building behind us is part of North Korea.So in this picture, we are actually in North Korean territory.

We took some pictures with South Korean guards who were at the border, then some in front of the Freedom House. We got back on the bus that was driving us around and had a tour of the beautiful DMZ. There are a few villages still in the DMZ on both sides, which were located there before the Korean wars. Inhabitants are exempt from taxes and military service, but are required to follow very strict rules.This is the bridge of no return. On the other side, is North Korea. During the war, if anyone crossed the bridge, they would never be allowed to return.

Due to very little human interference in the DMZ, it blossoms with natural wildlife and plants, giving it a beautiful and natural landscape. We stood on a platform which overlooked the North Korean DMZ, where we could see one of their main cities, as well as a propaganda village. The propaganda village was built to showcase North Korea’s prosper, and no one actually lives there. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to capture the beautiful view in a photo.

We also got a chance to go into one of the four tunnels created by the North Koreans in attempt to invade Seoul. We rode down on a rollercoaster-like train, then walked through the tunnel which is only about 5’7”. In most places, I had to crouch while I walked since there were supports that made the tunnel even smaller. There was only three other people getting the same tour as us. Apparently, they were famous in Turkey as they were somehow involved in the government.

After the DMZ, we met with Sunghee’s cousin (Sungbum) and his girlfriend, where we once again went to a sticker booth. (This was my fourth time since I’ve been here.) We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Outback Steakhouse, where Sungbum’s girlfriend is a chef.

Full and satisfied, we went to Jim-Jill-Bang, which is another public bath place. Basically, you change into clothes that make you look like a jailbird, then you go out and lay on mats infront of televisions. There are also saunas which are much more exquisite than your average saunas. There were four of them- coal, salt, soil, and one that was VERY hot! We tried them all out, each of them being very enjoyable. They also had a snack bar which served a traditional Korean rice drink which is cold, sweet and very delicious. Normally, people sleep at a jim-jill-bang, but we decided to go home to spend the night.