Why?
Why this place is called a demilitarized zone; the thing you need to know is the history of how South Korea and North Korea been divided into two countries for more than 70 years. The division into two nation began at the end of World War 2. When the Japanese surrender after colonizing Korea about 35 years it had led to the division of Korea at the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union ruling the North and the United State occupying the South. Because of The Soviet Union and The United States failed to agree on unifying the country; they established two separate governments in 1948. Korean War broke out in 1950 and after much destruction, the war ended with a stalemate and the division at the 38th parallel replaced by Korean Demilitarized Zone. The tension and controversial between these two countries continue up until now.
Now you could visit this place and experience yourself and learn more about their history. There is a lot of tours that you could book for this trip. Since they will provide you with an English guide that will explain in details every info in English that could help you to understand more about the history and interesting info of DMZ. You could just search on the internet or ask your Hotel/Guesthouse because sometimes they will provide with such tour or package. If you like to explore by yourself you could ride public transport such as buses to go to Imjingak Park first and make reservations at the DMZ ticket box that located at Imjingak parking lot but bare in mind they only provided Korean speaking guide. Since the private car and taxi can’t enter the DMZ compound since its a restricted area that only designated shuttles bus could enter it and please don't forget to travel with your passport as well. They need the passport for the identification process before they permit you guys to enter the DMZ compound.
Imjingak Park
Imjingak is the first place you will visit before starting your DMZ tour. Here, you could see The Peace Bell, Stones of Peace Wall, Freedom Bridge and Steam Locomotive Jangdan Station. The peace bell located at the top of the pavilion of this park and work as a symbolized their hope of unification between South Korea and North Korea. Freedom Bridge is the bridge that they used to exchange the 12,773 war prisoners from South and North after the declaration of delaying the Korea War in 1953. You could witness by your own the destruction of the Steam Locomotive due to the war and since Jangdan Station is the nearest to North Korea by that time.
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| In front of the Steam Locomotive |
You could purchase a ticket to experience yourself the Jangdan Station track that has been destroyed and watch the Freedom Bridge from here. While you are walking make sure to mind your step and do not get surprised since there's a transparent glass that could project a cracking effect when you step and walk on it.
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| The cracking effect is so real, so don't be surprised with that especially someone with a bad heart condition. |
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| In front of the entrance of the Jangdan railway track. |
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| you could see the view of freedom bridge and Jangdan train station that has been destroyed. |
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| WOW Korea 2019 Family photo at the end of Jangdan trains train with the side background of freedom bridge. |
You could see there is a lot of Korean came here as well; they came here to pray for their family in North Korea that been separated due to this division. After walking around this park, you will be transferred to the second location which is Dorasan Station.
Dorasan Station
Dorasan Station is a train station that directly connected with North Korea. This train station is build based on agreement from two countries but due to their political condition right now, the train station is not working. Hoping one day they will achieve the unification so this station could be the first ever train that travel to the North. As they said, "not the last station from the South but the first station toward the North".
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| Me sitting next to the track, hoping one day they could use this station. |
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| You could see the Pyeongyang the capital city of North Korea. |
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| You could get this stamp and make as a souvenir to bring back; cost-1000won |
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| the layout of the track and landscape of Dorasan Station. |
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| In front of the Dorasan Train Station |
Third tunnels of Aggression
Third tunned of Aggression; did you know North Korea have built 4 tunnels that headed to South Korea city center, Seoul. Here you could experience the largest tunnels which are the 3rd tunnel, you can’t bring any electronic devices down there which means that you can’t record the condition of the tunnels. Before headed to the tunnels you should wear the safety helmet to make sure your head safety since the condition of tunnels is not that good, and for those who are taller than 150cm you guys should be extra careful while exploring the tunnels; bare in mind you need to bend your body and it will be uncomfortable.
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| Don't miss a chance to take a photo here, the infamous sign. |
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| The safety helmet that they provided for the visitor |
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| The layout of the third tunnels |
Dora Observatory
From Dora Observatory you could see with your own eyes North Korea, and with the help of the binocular that they provided for free you can get some close-up of it. You could also place your handphone or camera on the binocular to capture the view of North Korea.
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| take the opportunity to watch over North Korea using the free binocular |
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| excuse my skill in capturing using the binocular, this is the best that I could do |
To end the tour, you can be headed back to Imjingak Park to refresh by mesmerizing the view and enjoying the amusement park as well. Do ride the Viking! So you could see the whole area from the top of it; by the way, you can only manage to do it if you don’t close your eyes.
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| when influencer gather will be like..... |
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| teasing Mok while she tried to posing |
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| us! WOW Korea 2019 |
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| omg!!! please do try to ride the Viking, You will love it! see how excited our face look like; soo not terrified at all hehe |
That all I could share to you guys about the DMZ trips. I really encourage you guys to go here and experience yourself and don't forget to get the English tour group so you could enjoy more and understand everything in details.
Sincerely,
Nabeela Ami
