DMZ and Other Fun

Yesterday our group had to get up early for the tour that we’ve been planning for a month—the DMZ Tour.  We went into one of the four known tunnels from North Korea.  Three were discovered in the 70s and the last one was found in 1990. These tunnels were made by North Korea to be used as a part of a possible attack on South Korea.  Some of the tunnels are big enough to move equipment that could reach Seoul within an hour.

Figure 1: DMZ Razor Fence

The depth of the 3rd tunnel that we toured was equivalent to a 20 story building underground.  We were able to go 350 yards along the tunnel to the north.  Along the entire way we were cold and condensation dripped off the walls and ceiling.  The entire way down we had to duck because of the short ceiling, about 6.6 feet, but that was probably at its high point.

Before we entered the tunnel, we saw a short clip on the Korean war and a cases of old weapons that were used.  Our group took pictures in front of a mine field next to the entrance of the tunnel.  Apparently none of the forest on base was safe to walk in because there were potential minefields everywhere.

Figure 2: Minefield Sign

Afterwards we went to the Dora Observatory where we were able to see the Demarcation Line and North Korea.  However we had take pictures of North Korea behind a line because the military did not want us to take pictures of the South Korean military locations.  Then we went to the restaurant and ate Bulgogi which was cooked in front of us on the table. Then we were told to make Bulgogi Sam (in Korean ‘sam’ means ‘closing shape’) with bean sprouts, garlic, beef, rice, and bean paste wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Figure 3: Dora Observatory View of North Korea

Figure 4: Bulgogi Lunch

Figure 5: Bulgogi Sam

Lastly we went to the Freedom Bridge. The name comes from the fact that prisoners were exchanged over this bridge after the Korean War. Along with the bridge there was a pool in the shape of Korea and a bullet-ridden train.  The train was there to show the damage from the conflict.

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Figure 6: Freedom Bridge

Figure 7: Pool in the Shape of a Unified Korea

Figure 8: War-Damaged Train

We got back to Seoul around 2ish and wandered the town.  With the rest of the day we saw the city hall and the area where they watch World Cup tournaments.  Next we toured the Deoksu palace.  Deoksugung was part of the Joseon Dynasty and therefore looks very similar to the Gyeonbok palace, but with fewer buildings.  Finally we got to see a bit of the city at night when we went to Namdeamun Market to shop for souvenirs. 

Figure 9: Seoul City Hall

Figure 10: Deoksu Palace

Figure 11: Namdaemun Market

Actually by Ben Behrendt & Carol Schaff