A Day at the DMZ
Sunday, May 26
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a fascinating place to visit. We began at the Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park, also known as Imjingak Park. It is located in the DMZ in South Korea and features the Freedom Bridge, which connects North and South Korea. The park was built in 1972 to comfort those who were unable to return to their families and friends due to the division of Korea.
Then we went to the Third Tunnel, where we could walk down a tunnel that was 1 mile long. It runs through bedrock at a depth of about 240 ft below ground. It was designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea and could, according to visitor information in the tunnel, accommodate 30,000 men per hour along with light weaponry. The South Koreans have blocked the Military Demarcation Line in the tunnel with three concrete barricades. We could walk as far as the third barricade, and the second barricade is visible through a small window in the third.
After walking through the tunnel, we went to the Dora Observatory to look toward North Korea. We were able to see the North Korean propaganda village situated in the DMZ and the city of Kaesong. The observatory is very close to the Third North Korean Infiltration Tunnel dug by North Koreans into the South. It was an experience I will never forget.