Flashback Friday-The DMZ

We lived in Korea for about 6 months before we were able to visit the Demilitarized Zone. The DMZ is a strip of land between North and South Korea which serves as a buffer area between the two countries. Aside from the gas mask and chemical suit I was issued upon arrival in country, my visit to the DMZ was the most formidable experience I have had to date. A close second: that time I thought I ordered chocolate ice cream at a Korean ice cream shop but actually got a great big bite of bean paste flavored ice cream instead. 

We were first herded to the JSA (Joint Security Area), where we were able to actually see the South and North Korean guards locked in a perpetual staring contest. It's very bizarre, actually, and I'm glad neither blinked while we were there. The South Korean guards stand on the edge of the building only exposing half of their bodies to the North Korean side. They told us this is so they are able to view the other side but still have a bit of protection. The North Korean guard that we saw alternated between standing as he is in the photo (can you spot him?) and looking in our general direction with a gigantic pair of binoculars. Beforehand, we were instructed not to make gestures or hand signals of any kind, for obvious reasons. 

The blue building on the left is where the armistice agreement was signed in 1953. Through the doors, there was a very large wooden table and some very serious looking guards. So serious, in fact, that they had to wear sunglasses inside. 

There are four known tunnels that run underneath the border between North and South Korea. We were able to tour tunnel #3 (or as they call it, "Third Tunnel of Aggression") and see the barriers which make up the Demarcation Line. The hard hats really weren't necessary.

The Demarcation Line is recognized by blue cement columns. Only a few steps, but two very different worlds on either side.

At one of the viewing areas, we were able to see North Korea's "Peace Village" which the rest of the world calls "Propaganda Village". We were told that no one actually lives or works in this village. The large flag pole in the distance is North Korea's response to a flag pole that South Korea erected across the Demarcation Line. They made theirs bigger and taller, naturally.

The train station used to connect North and South Korea but currently only has trains to and from Seoul. We stopped here to get a special DMZ stamp for our passports.

Because Teague was born in South Korea, we will have always have a special place in our hearts for this beautiful country. We hope to visit there again someday to show Teague around and buy him a bean paste ice cream cone. Hopefully at some point, there will be no need for a DMZ.