A few months back, I was in South Korea and was fortunate to get the chance to visit the DeMilitarized Zone (DMZ). It is actually the border between the two Korean countries, South Korea & North Korea.  Known as the world’s most heavily fortified border in the world, it stretches about 4km wide throughout the Korean peninsula. It was built after the Korean war peace treaty in 1953.

We bought a local tour there which picks us in front of our guesthouse in Itaewon. It was raining that morning and luckily it stops on the way to the DMZ.

Security was very tight as we approached nearby the DMZ area. A Korean army personnel even get in our bus to check our passports.

security was tight in the area

Imjingak. The first stop of our tour to DMZ. This is where the Freedom bridge is located. Was named the freedom bridge because thousands of Korean war prisoners returned home to freedom through this bridge. There were thousands of prayer ribbons being tied at this place. The ribbons bear messages, wishes and prayers for the unification of the 2 Korean countries.

a monument in Imjingak

some prayer ribbons with some old photos

more prayer ribbons

an old train during the war times

Dora Observatory. There are binoculars being placed at this area where you will be able to see the North Korean side. A short briefing will be given to visitors about the DMZ area and there’s a miniature map showing all the areas. Photography is prohibited at the binocular area where they already draw a photo line as a guideline.

at Dora observatory

photography is not allowed beyond the point where I’m standing

3^rd Infiltrarion tunnel. This tunnel was said to be discovered in 1978. It was dug by the North Korean for the purpose of deploying their troops. North Korea denied their involvement but instead accused that it was made by South Korea. I had the break to get down the tunnel area. A monorail was available to transfer people down there but there were to many people so we opt to walk. A few dynamite holes were seen down the tunnel which was used in the digging proses. After hiking back up the tunnel area, we were shown some videos about the Korean war and the DMZ.

inside the tunnel area

with the DMZ wording

DMZ monument

Dorasan Station. It was the last stop of our tour. If the unification between the two Korean countries became a reality, the train line will connect between the 2 countries. It will also has the potential to play a central role in the Asia-Europe Iron Silk Road with greater countries such as China & Russia.

the sign to Pyongyang was already there

soldiers at the station

Most Koreans especially those who were separated during the Korean war are praying the the unification of the two countries became a reality. Let’s pray their dreams will come true in the future.