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.

Comments

Maddie- The First of Many New Experiences

The First of Many New Experiences So, what have my first weeks been like in Japan? ABSOLUTELY BUSY! But, also...AMAZING! Truly, it has been a busy couple of weeks here, but not overwhelmingly so. Furthermore, I`d prefer to be kept busy! Too much free time = too much thinking = homesickness. By keeping a full, fun schedule, with some relaxing and downtime, I can keep engaged with my surroundings, make new friends, and stay sane. To prevent a wall of text, let me break down for you some of my recent activities. So far, I have: Presented about my life in Wisconsin to classes of middle school and elementary school students. Eaten kaiten-zushi, or conveyor belt sushi. Been interviewed about my biggest surprise when I came to Japan (it`s bluntness in regards to appearance, people won`t hesitate to call someone fat, or tell you that you`ve gotten skinny since they last saw you. As I`ve seen it, it`s never been malicious, just matter-of-fact). Post filming. To my ...

Daniel- Okutama

Okutama　(Daniel) This past week, my eyes were opened to the fact that Japan is much more than a concrete jungle of lights and high-rise buildings. For the first time, I was able to head west to Okutama, a mountainous region on the west side of Tokyo Prefecture. Unlike the city, Okutma is covered with forest and greenery. The abundance of nature makes it a beautiful place to visit in the fall. Not too far from Okutama is Heirinji Zen Temple in Saitama, where I was blown away by the beauty of autumn in Japan. The purpose for my being in that area was to visit a kindergarten and to give a HIPPO presentation along with other HIPPO members. Among them was a younger gentleman nicknamed Tango, whom I hadn't met before. Tango and I got along very well, and he invited me on a hike, along with his friend, the next day. Tango's family owns a very quaint Soba restaurant in Okutama. The surrounding mountains and nature really give it a traditional Japanese feel. The three of u...

Daniel- I have Guests!

I Have Guests! [訪れていた] (Daniel) After a trip to the Middle East, my sister and her husband decided to return to the US flying over Asia instead of Europe, so that they could stop by in Japan and say "Hi". Y-A-A-A-A-Y. It felt really good to see some family after seven months away. Unfortunately, the two of them could only stay for 3 days, so we were quite busy during that time. The three of us visited obvious famous places like Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Akihabara. But I personally enjoyed going to a park where we did the tea ceremony in a tea house on the park's pond. The two of them found it strange that there were no chairs and the process to drink some tea was so formal. I guess I didn't really think about it, I have become so used to traditional tea ceremonies that they don't seem strange to me anymore. I guess I'm becoming a local I also really enjoyed introducing my sister and brother-in-law to my co-work...

Search This Blog