The DMZ, which is 55 km’s north of Seoul, is a strip of land running the width of the Korean Peninsula (250 km) splitting North Korea from South Korea. It’s approximately 4 km’s wide, and is the most heavily militarized border in the world.
I'd been told to arrive at the starting location at 8am, in typically Jordan fashion I'm here early and am promptly told the tour leaves at 8.30am. What?! I could have had extra sleep time, which was needed after getting in so late last night.
We depart a few minutes late; I know its Saturday morning but I had expected many more people around than there is. Perhaps they are like the rest of Asia, late to rise but stay up for all hours of the night.
Our first stop was the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. One of the 4 tunnels the South Koreans found that the North had dug for a surprise attack on the South. Before being allowed to get off the bus we had a Solider come on board the bus for a passport check. To enter the tunnel we had to get on a small train, after putting on our hard hats we boarded and within seconds “departed” the station. If you put your arms out of the tunnel you could easily touch the sides. Small spaces and I aren’t the best of friends so thankfully the 7 minute journey passed by quickly. After exiting the train we walked in single file as far as we could go, about 265 meters. Walking along the tunnel for me was nice and easy, not need for me to bend over. I was happy walking normally. Aah one of the joys of being short.
Departing the area there was a massive line of buses waiting to enter the car park. Thank goodness we are going in the opposite direction!! Reminded me of getting to Gallipoli a few years when we were caught up in that massive line.
From here we headed to ‘End of Separation, Beginning of Unification’ which provided views into North Korea. There were lots of young guys and girls in some kind of military uniform which kept the most of the bus entertained with their photo taking.
Our next stop was the newly restored Dorasan Station; this is a railway station which once connected the North and South Korea. Our guide was telling us they are hopeful in time that South Koreans will be able to travel the world by train….that will of course only happen if the North allow that.
I brought a "train ticket" which allowed me to go out onto the platform as if I'm about to take a trip. There is a sign that says Seoul is 56 km’s away and Pyeongyang is 205 km’s away. I wonder if it will ever be possible to take the train from here to Pyeongyang....
After getting back onto the bus our friendly guide advises the morning tour is over and it's now time for a lunch of beef BBQ served with the famous Korean rice and seafood pancake. It absolutely does not disappoint!!
Imjingak is our second to last stop – it’s a park located on the banks of the Imjin River which houses an observation deck (views from here are great), the ‘Bridge of Freedom’, and many statues and monuments regarding the Korean War. Imjingak was built to console those from the North and the South who weren’t able to return home due to the division of Korea.
The park was built to console those from both sides who are unable to return to their hometowns, friends and families because of the division of Korea.
Before reaching the Joint Security Area (JSA) we have a solider come on board to look at our passports and are given a special pass. This time he was ensuring the details matched what the tour company had provided. For one lady in front of me that wasn't the case. After receiving our instructions - no photos, no waving, no talking to the officers, no pointing and I'm sure more we drove into the JSA area.
We were provided with the history, by showing us photos on a big screen. At one point I did think I may fall asleep, this wasn't because it was boring! I was sitting comfortably and it was dark.
Time now to go and see some of the places that have just been on the big screen :) We are put into one of the JSA provided buses (with their driver), and along with our assigned Solider head off. This part of the tour has a lot more rules and regulations, but given we are so super close to North Korea I am more than ok with this.
Before reaching the blue buildings we need to walk through another building, up the stairs then out the other side. All this while in lines of two and of course no talking. On exiting the building directly in front of me is the blue buildings where both countries hold their talks. Wow. This is something I've seen from both TV and friends photos. To be standing here is amazing!
There are a number or South Korean officers staring straight into the North; and within minutes I spot a North Korea officer; we are told later his name is Bob.....
After being given more rules, absolutely no photos are allowed of South Korea, including to our left and right, we are then told we have a few minutes to take photos. The clicks around me explode! After what seems like awhile we are given a two minute warning. Wow this is intense. A few more photos then we are put back into our two by two lines and are ushered into the blue building.
On entering the building the first thing I notice is two officers, one on the North Korean side and one on the “boarder” at one end of the table. Outside there is a concrete slab which is the boarder….meaning absolutely NO crossing onto the other side (either inside or outside). Today though we get to walk into the North’s side.
The table allows for four representatives from each side, with a translator for each side sitting at the end of the table which is directly on the “boarder”.
Coming here has really heightened my want to visit the North.
Our time has come to an end so back onto the buses we go, this time driving around the area seeing a few other sights including the flag poles for both countries.
We depart the JSA just after 4pm for the journey back to Seoul. I'm fairly certain I won't be the only one that has some serious shut eye!
As we reach the out skirts of Seoul the bus slows down and I become more aware of my surroundings - we have hit traffic but thankfully it's at least moving in the right direction.
Once we arrive back at the Lotte hotel I say goodbye to my seat mate; it’s been an amazing day and one I won’t forget in a hurry!! One day I’m hoping to be able to see DMZ from the other side…..
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