A visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone
Even if we had to wake up at 5am just to make the bus ride, this was one part of our the tour that I was really looking forward to for when again would one have a chance to get to see the border dividing North and South Korea?
The Korean Demilitarized Zone is the parcel of land running through the Korean peninsula which serves as the buffer zone for North and South Korea. Within the DMZ you would find the JSA, or Joint Security Area which is the only portion in which both North and South Korea stand face to fact. Luckily thats where we were headed to!!
My snack during the 2 hour bus ride to DMZ
Not only were these chocolate covered biscuits delicious.
but each individual biscuit has a unique design imprinted on top!
After several strict briefings on decorum upon entering the JSA
(No smiling or heckling, you should only look straight, no pointing, etc)
we finally found ourselves looking directly at North Korea!
North Korean Soldiers wearing green, South Korean Soldiers wearing the two-toned uniform
Look! North Korea also had guests!
Usually, guest from South korea are permitted to enter these blue buildings which is considered to be the UN "Safe Zone". Unfortunately, since North Korea also had guests, we weren't allowed to enter these buildings and see the very fine line that clearly separates north and south. Nevertheless, we were still very lucky to see North Korean soldiers and citizens since on common instances, North Korean soldiers don't take post withint this area.
Back on the bus, we were taken to the bridge of no return!
This bridge has absolutely no South Korean military support, so once you enter this bridge, you're strictly on your own and off to North Korea!
and then it was time for lunch!
Bulgogi Jjigae
(Korean Beef Stew)
Very tasty!
Perfect pairing! Haven't had soda in a while..
Now I can say that my trip to Korea is truly complete because not only was I able to see the beauty of the South, but I was also able to get a quick peak of the North making me (sorta) see Korea as a whole..LOL!
Miks