Overnight DMZ tour(April 14-15 2009)
Written by Samantha Strother
Last weekend we went on an amazing adventure. We traveled to the DMZ in Cheorwon. This is the home of the 2nd Tunnel. I have also been on the 3rd Tunnel trip, and I believe this trip to be 100 times more exciting.
There were a few differences between the two DMZ trips. The first difference was that you stayed overnight in the local village. This was amazing. The village people were so welcoming and wanted to help you in any way that they could. We actually stayed 6km from the border line! If we shouted loud enough, the North Korean’s could hear.
Main difference: the crowds. There weren’t any! We were on a tour by ourselves! We weren’t rushed, pushed, or yelled at for taking pictures where we weren’t allowed.
Our trip started out at the Hantangang Tourist Office. We had the chance to check out real tanks and fighter jets used in the war. We were also able to see an amazing view of the Hantangang River. There is a 10m high rock with a natural cave inside. The water was beautiful with the sun hitting the surface perfectly, for an unbelievable photo.
After a quick bite to eat we headed to the 2nd Tunnel. Friendly Korean soldiers welcomed us. They gave us simple guidelines and sent us on our way. We were to wear our helmets and not take any photographs inside the tunnel.
The tunnel entrance was located outside. This made me feel that the 2nd Tunnel was more authentic than the 3rd Tunnel. The 3rd Tunnel’s entrance is located inside a building, which always makes me think that I’m on a ride at Disneyland! The 2nd Tunnel was very wide and 3.5km long! The 2m high tunnel is so huge that a massive scale attack could be possible. The tunnel is now being used as a live educational place for national security.
After exploring the 2nd Tunnel, we headed to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory. This 3-story building gives you the chance to see the divided nation up close. You see both sides in perfect sight. The North and South both have General Posts facing each other. I’ve read about the history and conflict of Korea, but at the moment, I felt a part of it!
A Korean Soldier, whom spoke perfect English, told us a story. He said, “At night the North Korean soldiers yell things and shine their lights on and across the DMZ. They are looking for a way to get to our side.” He told us that the DMZ is crazy at night.
We were able to take photographs from anywhere we wanted. There weren’t any soldiers watching us while we were at the lookout point. I could see the North Korean Propaganda Village in plain sight. Honestly, this was a remarkable sight to see.
We also stopped by the Labor Party Building. The North Koreans used this building to promote communist politics and control people before the Korean War. The North ruled this area for 5 years. During the 5 years, they committed numerous brutal attacks and killed many people. There are many bullet holes on the back of this building. As a walked by the building, I could feel the negative energy.
Our Village was at a great location. It was walking distance to the Baengmagoji Monument! This was dedicated to the sacrificed souls of the Korean army and foreign soldiers would died in the war.
For dinner, the people of the village made us a traditional Korean meal. It was delicious! Then, we headed outside to the campfire. We enjoyed the warmth of the fire, marshmallows, drinks and good friends. Some of us participated in a “Bravery Challenge.” This challenge was located at the Baengmagoji Monument…Fun times! My camera did, however, get run over by a car. I had so much fun that night, so it didn’t matter.
The next morning we woke up to a great breakfast! Eggs and toast! After breakfast we participated in a “Mine Game.” We had to search for “mines” on the hill of the Baengmagoji Monument. We had radios that would beep if we were near a mine! By the way, these were fake mines. First one to find a mine received a bag of rice, which was grown in that area. To my surprise, I found the first mine! Whoo-hoo!
On the way back to Seoul, we stopped by Jiktang Falls. This waterfall was beautiful! It is the widest in the nation! It is said to be the Korean Niagara! Just picture Niagara Falls, but a billion times smaller.
In all, this trip was incredible. I had so much fun, made new friends, and felt a part of Korean culture. Special thanks to Seokjin, Younghoon, and Kim Driver. You make my weekends so exciting and adventurous!
