DMZ

We joined a tour group on Friday morning at 7 a.m. to head north of Seoul about 30 miles to the DMZ area after the Korean War.  A few pictures along the way to show that we were in the country side as we passed many rice fields and crops.  The river was trying to freeze for the winter.  A great deal of money has been spent on this area to prepare it for the day when relations are better.  This is a very nice train station that stands empty with just guards inside, a very unique world globe that is split and both sides trying to put it together - North and South Korea.  The prayer area for peace, the area around the the DMZ that has been full of mine fields but have worked very hard to make the area safe for wild life, birds, crops, etc.  The Freedom bridge where thousands of soldiers (approx. 50,000) were traded after peace agreement in 1953.  Ribbons are hung all over for loved ones in North Korea.  The end of the bridge is blocked off now.  The Korean Government has built a factory near the DMZ , (we could see the factory) to ease relations and give a few of the North Korean people jobs.  All of the raw materials are sent on the train to make purses, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. and all of the necessary equipment needed.  The products are made and returned for shipment,  Money is given for their work...actually the government keeps a great percentage and the workers get some.  Rock collection ...rocks from the soil of every war that has been fought in the world.   Nothing from the U.S. for the Civil War.  The Freedom Bell, little market and shops in the area. Everything was under heavy security.  No pictures for our last adventure as they were not allowed.  We were able to go down one of the tunnels the the North Koreans tried to dig leading to Seoul.  They have found four tunnels with the last one in 1991.  It felt like we were walking straight down a long mile..we had to wear a hard hat and I kept hitting my head on the rafters.  The tunnel was solid granite and we did make it to the end where the tunnel was "blown" with dynamite when it was discovered. So interesting but we did have to walk back up the hill and it was a hike! Hope you were able to get a little picture of the DMZ...this was a sobering experience.

You can see North Korea through the fence

Very nice train station just waiting to be used

Empty train station waiting for the day the people can return.

We were actually able to walk in the underground tunnels.