Trip to the DMZ

One of the most memorable trips that we took during our stay in Korea was to the DMZ, the line dividing North and South Korea.

Even before you leave Seoul there is evidence of the tension between the two sides. On the highway, we passed under a huge cement block perched precariously on thin legs. If there was an attack on the city the legs would be knocked out and the block would fall onto the roadway to prevent an infultration.

As we followed the "Freedom Highway" which hugs the Han River there are obvious reminders of the unsettled issues between the two very different Koreas. Barbed wire, army compounds and increased guards line the road on our way to Panmunjom, one and one half hours from Seoul. It is a sobering reminder of the price we pay to live in relative peace.

We arrived in Panmunjom and were greeted by a ritired U.S. army officer who was to be our guide. We were restricted when taking photographs and are given orders to listen to instuctions and watch everything we do as we are in a potentially hostile environment. Our passports were inspected and we proceded to the next point.

We are taken to several areas in the DMZ. We are now escorted by an American soldier who is on official duty. He continually reminds us not to point, make sudden movements or turn around quickly. Cameras watch us from every angle. Apparently the North Koreans love to put pictures of Americans "waving", on the front page of their newspapers.

At one point we are standing in a room in the Joint Security Area. Both sides have access to this room which is used for negotiations. There are footprints on the table. We are told that when we leave the North Koreans come in and walk on the table and blow their nose in the American flag (which is now a piece of plastic hanging on the wall). Outside we are facing the North Korean's guard house, soldiers face us and watch our every move.

At a lookout point we can see over the DMZ. This 4 kilometer wide stripe is lush with rare birds and plants. It is a haven for endangered wildlife. It is eerily protected by land mines scattered throughout.

On "the other side", there is a city that faces south. It is appropriately deemed Propaganda City as it is merely a shell of buildings. Only caretakers inhabit the site. There is a tower in the center that screams propaganda to anyone within earshot for about 6 hours a day, usually at night. One of the largest flags in the world hangs from the tower. Using telescopes you can see a real city. If you hone in you can see a statue of Kim Il Sung, a constant reminder of their a leader who supresses their daily existance. Do they know of their condition? Are they happy? Questions that continue to go unanswered.

We are taken to tunnel #3, one of several discovered by the South Koreans. It leads us down, down, down. It is carved from the hard rock, it's purpose was to quickly transport troops for the pupose of invasion. There are believed to be many undiscovered such tunnels.

It is a strange place to be in, we are in one of the most contoversial places in the world yet here, in this remote outpost, there is a certain feeling of being at yet another tourist attraction complete with a movie (filled with propaganda), a visitors center and of course the gift shop. A good place to stock up on DMZ wear.

As we ride back on the much guarded highway you can't help but wonder what it must be like for the people of North Korea. It is known that they are living in a negative economy. Food and comodities are scarce. Many risk their lives to leave, mainly through China. Starting life over in the South is difficult. It is hard to imagine how truely blessed we are for the freedoms and the lifestyle that we take for granted every day of our lives.

God Bless America,
Love,
Barbara