So we’ve been in S. Korea for almost two years now, always saying something like “we’ll go to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) next month,” and we finally went only 3 months before we’re supposed to leave. It was a great tour, and we had good weather. Very glad we finally did it. The below photos are nothing spectacular, but still neat nonetheless, because less than 1% of Americans will get to see the DMZ. At the actual DMZ we weren’t allowed to take any bags (women couldn’t even carry purses), and we could only take pictures when the tour guide (US Soldier) said so, and of certain things. So I only had my kit lens.
1. Looking into North Korea.
2. Dueling Flags. On the left is “Propaganda Village,” the closest North Korean town (actually in the DMZ). Most of the town is fake, designed to show South Koreans that things aren’t so bad.
On the right is “Freedom Village,” a South Korean town, also in the DMZ. Neat fact, the citizens of Freedom Village must sleep at least 212 nights in the village in order to maintain their citizenship. Being a citizen has rewards. No taxes, salary paid by the government, and free college education to any school of their choice. Not too bad… ya know, minus the threat of the 4th largest army in the world only 2000m away.
3. Propaganda Village. The North Korean flag pole sits higher than the South Korean flag. Only because once the sK’s built their flag taller, the nK’s had to build a taller flag pole. They actually came to an agreement not to build anymore flag poles, and let nK have a small victory lol
4. Propaganda Village.
5. The Last Stop. This is the last toll gate in South Korea. The only people that go through it, are the 800 South Koreans that work in North Korea.
6. The North Korean House. The North Korean guard stands near the column, sometimes ducking behind and looking through binoculars. At all times we (the tourists) are being video recorded by the North Koreans.
7. Stand Firm. The South Korean guards are only there for the protection of the tourists. They stand half exposed, wearing dark sunglasses so the nK’s cannot see their eyes.
8. A Table Divided. This table sits half in South Korea and half in North Korea. It is where they come together for meetings. The group on the opposite side of the table are actually standing in North Korea.
9. The Guard. The guard stands at the end of the table, one foot in North Korea. When visitors aren’t here, the North Koreans also do tours. They have been known to go inside and jump up on the tables and get boot prints all over them out of disrespect.
10. Hope. This monument was placed by the Canadians, and it says that 1000m directly in front of it is the house where the Armistice Agreement was signed.
11. Propaganda Village
12. The Famous Poplar. This monument marks the location of the famous poplar tree that was the site of the ax murder. The tree stood so tall that it blocked view from Tower 2 to Tower 3, so the South Koreans decided to cut it down. However, the North Koreans didn’t like that, and rushed in and took their axes and used them as weapons, murdering several of the Soldiers. Eventually they did get the tree removed, but it was a full blown military operation.
There are a few more on my blog, but I thought you all would enjoy seeing them.
Thanks for looking! Steven
1. Looking into North Korea.
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2. Dueling Flags. On the left is “Propaganda Village,” the closest North Korean town (actually in the DMZ). Most of the town is fake, designed to show South Koreans that things aren’t so bad.
On the right is “Freedom Village,” a South Korean town, also in the DMZ. Neat fact, the citizens of Freedom Village must sleep at least 212 nights in the village in order to maintain their citizenship. Being a citizen has rewards. No taxes, salary paid by the government, and free college education to any school of their choice. Not too bad… ya know, minus the threat of the 4th largest army in the world only 2000m away.
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3. Propaganda Village. The North Korean flag pole sits higher than the South Korean flag. Only because once the sK’s built their flag taller, the nK’s had to build a taller flag pole. They actually came to an agreement not to build anymore flag poles, and let nK have a small victory lol
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4. Propaganda Village.
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5. The Last Stop. This is the last toll gate in South Korea. The only people that go through it, are the 800 South Koreans that work in North Korea.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
6. The North Korean House. The North Korean guard stands near the column, sometimes ducking behind and looking through binoculars. At all times we (the tourists) are being video recorded by the North Koreans.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
7. Stand Firm. The South Korean guards are only there for the protection of the tourists. They stand half exposed, wearing dark sunglasses so the nK’s cannot see their eyes.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
8. A Table Divided. This table sits half in South Korea and half in North Korea. It is where they come together for meetings. The group on the opposite side of the table are actually standing in North Korea.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
9. The Guard. The guard stands at the end of the table, one foot in North Korea. When visitors aren’t here, the North Koreans also do tours. They have been known to go inside and jump up on the tables and get boot prints all over them out of disrespect.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
10. Hope. This monument was placed by the Canadians, and it says that 1000m directly in front of it is the house where the Armistice Agreement was signed.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
11. Propaganda Village
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12. The Famous Poplar. This monument marks the location of the famous poplar tree that was the site of the ax murder. The tree stood so tall that it blocked view from Tower 2 to Tower 3, so the South Koreans decided to cut it down. However, the North Koreans didn’t like that, and rushed in and took their axes and used them as weapons, murdering several of the Soldiers. Eventually they did get the tree removed, but it was a full blown military operation.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
There are a few more on my blog, but I thought you all would enjoy seeing them.
Thanks for looking! Steven
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