Two weeks ago, I joined a tour around the DMZ. The tour lasted from morning to evening, and we visited several locations along the DMZ. We did not have permission to INSIDE the DMZ, but we received permission to stay close to the outside of the fence. (DMZ is a 4 km zone stretching 2 km north and 2 km south of the Military line ACTUALLY separating north and south, I suppose one could call DMZ a type of "no man's land")
The two locations we visited that stuck in my mind most, were the 3rd infiltration tunnel, and Dora Observatory. I will explain why here:
The 3rd Infiltration tunnel was created by North Koreans in the 1970s to try and infiltrate the South (hence the name). In total there are 4 known infiltration tunnels, but more are suspected to exist.
The 3rd one is approx. 75 meters underground (25 story building) that we had to walk down to reach. All of us were told to wear helmets, for the height of the tunnel is probably know more than 1.5 meters or less at certain points, and I did end up bumping my head frequently.
Only 300 meters of the 1.6 km tunnel are open to the public, and we went down to view it. At the end of the long, cold, wet stone corridor you reach a door, through which you can glimpse the Military Line (I forget the exact name) marking North and South Korea.
The reason this tour stop sticks in my mind, is because of the vibe it gives off. The 3rd Infiltration tunnel is not a joke. It was truly, and actually made by North Koreans, in an attempt at future infiltration. It's almost like a bad movie. And now, hordes of tourists view it. Different languages can be heard drifting through the tunnel, as well as laughter and shouts. Now, this is not wrong, however I think the stark contrast between the actuality of the meaning behind the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and the lightness with which it is treated by some tourists is striking.
The entrance and parking lot in front of the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel is surrounded by wire fencing and soldiers stationed periodically. These are not for show, they are actually there for control and protection.
Going to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel was interesting for me, because it was a coming to terms with the fact that the North-South issues seem distant for us tourists, but they are a stark reality for the country of South Korea.
The Dora Observatory was breathtaking. Praise the Lord, we had a gorgeous day!! We could look across the DMZ, towards the mountains of North Korea. And it was beautiful.
Similar to the tunnel, I was confronted by two facts: North Korea seemed beautiful, and idyllic, and utterly paint-worthy, but the reality of the North Korean people's situation is anything but beautiful and idyllic.
Through the observation lenses (whatever they're called) I was able to see one of the propaganda villages, as well as the tall flag pole of North Korea (third tallest flag pole in the world). The buildings looked a little outdated, but clean, and peace full. This, coupled with the hazy mountains in the distance, the rolling woods in the front, and green fields in the back created a picture perfect world, that does not exist.
I have no real words for all the thoughts streaming through my mind, while gazing upon North Korea. I just know that I would love to speak to North Korean refugees one day, and hear their story personally; first hand facts of the true situation in North Korea.
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| Chart of the division of North Korea and South Korea |
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| Freedom Bridge, outside of the DMZ where War Prisoners were exchanged after the truce |
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| South Korean flags at the gate to the train tracks leading towards the freedom bridge. |
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| Me infront of the Freedom Bridge. I was unsure if I should smile or not, since this is a serious subject, thus we have....Tessa's weird half smile! ;) |
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