Daniel- The Demilitarized

The Demilitarized Zone [３８度線] (Daniel)

A long time ago, a girl in my high school history class raised her hand and said that visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea) was on her bucket list. It wasn't on my bucket list, but because I was already in Korea, I decided to pay the most dangerous border in the world a visit.

Ever since 1945, the DMZ has divided the Korean Peninsula into North and South Korea. It is an armistice line, which generally means that the two countries are still at war even today.

Since it is possible to visit the DMZ from South Korea, OKchan and Ryu (two members from Korea Hippo) and I did just that.

I look like a kid going to Disneyland instead of a war zone...

The DMZ tour started from Imjingang Station in the north of South Korea. A grand total of 11 passengers boarded the train and were accompanied by 3 South Korean soldiers for protection. The soldiers wouldn't take a picture with me, so I photographed one of them through the window of the train.

Once the train started moving, it wasn't surprising that not much life was in the DMZ. The area has remained untouched for over 50 years since the fighting stopped. Everything besides the road was closed off with barbed wire with warnings of mines behind the fence.

BUT. All of these conditions didn't stop us from putting smiles on our faces - as if we were going to Disneyland instead of a war zone.

Once arriving at the DMZ's Observation Deck, I was able to look through the binoculars into North Korea. I mostly saw nature - many mountains and trees. However, I could also see a city with a really tall flag pole and the North Korean flag on top. I later learned that it was a propaganda village, built to encourage defection of South Koreans to North Korea.

The Demilitarized Zone also has multiple souvenir shops, where you could buy miscellaneous DMZ paraphernalia; including DMZ shirts, DMZ action figures, and DMZ chocolates.

I decided to surprise my host mom, and bought her some DMZ rice.

Beside all else, you could see South Korean soldiers all over the South side of the DMZ. Their presence made me realize the severity that comes with war and national conflict. I hear about war all the time, but this DMZ trip allowed me to feel the uneasiness that comes with it. I realized a lot on this trip - especially how fortunate I am to live somewhere safe and secure.

I really did learn a lot at the DMZ, much more than I would have if I actually went to Disneyland.

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