A Visit to the DMZ
While in Seoul, a scheduled exactly one tour: a visit to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. We booked this through PLK Travel, and our guide was a former military officer that provided a great historic perspective on the no-man’s land between the North and the South.
We started this tour with a visit to Korea House, which has welcomed thousands of defectors from the North. After hearing from one defector (what a story!), we visited the Dora Observatory, where we could see into North Korea. With the use of binoculars, we could actually see soldiers. Jeff loved the Cross of Peace, which lights up at night to remind defectors that they can find freedom of religion across the border. Next, we were able to descend The 3rd Tunnel used in an attempted subterranean attack by the North. Finally, we explored Imjingak, sometimes called the Freedom Park, and the American Memorial to American soldiers that have served in Korea.
The Dora Observatory
North View
Photos were forbidden in the observatory because of possible surveillance from the North. But our guide was allowed to take pics and share them after.
North Korean Flag
There was a “who can build the biggest flagpole” competition going on for a while, but eventually, the South decided not to spend more money on it.
Cross of Peace
This cross, on the South side of the DMZ, lights up at night to remind Christians who are potential defectors that they aren’t forgotten.
The Walk UP
We had to walk uphill to get to the observatory…which is great because we had to climb waaaayyy down (and then up) in the tunnels next.
The 3rd Tunnel & Imjingak
North View
We donned hardhats and descended 283 meters into the 3rd infiltration tunnel and got within 500m of North Korea (we could see across!).
Imjingak
Imjingak, the Freedom Park, was established in 1972 near Paju. It has shops (even a 7-Eleven!), bridges (including the suspension bridge), and a memorial.
Memorial
There are flags and monuments to those that aided South Korea during the Korean War and American soldiers that have served in Korea since.
Freedom Bridge
Some bridges are open to all in the park, but others require paying an additional fee. I felt like there was enough to see and do in the time I had without adding more.
Final Review of the 1/2 Day DMZ Tour from PLK Travel
I feel like a lot of activity was packed into a little bit of time, yet I wasn’t rushed. We learned the history of the Korean War, saw into North Korea from the Dora Observatory, crammed ourselves into the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, made the TOUGH climb back out, and walked the bridges of the Imjingak Park.
One of my favorite things was the Mangbaeddan Memorial, which allows displaced North Koreans to bow to their family members back in the North. I also made sure to visit the Memorial to the U.S. Soldiers so I could honor a dear friend of mine who served as a medic and passed away the year I took this trip. I know he would be pleased.
If you get the chance, take the DMZ Tour through PLK Travel! 10/10
The Traveling Teacher 