Welcome to part II of my DMZ tour.
Here we see an older gentlemen who had probably experienced the troubles of the war, placing an arm on the shoulder of a younger generation JSA soldier defending his home country at the 38th parallel. Later I saw them both respectfully bowing to each other thanking one another for their service to South Korea.
Next we moved to another location by bus to Dorasan Train station. This was a very odd place because you really wouldn't have expected a modern train station to be located in such a hostile and dangerous area. But the truth behind it was that it was built in the case where if S. Korea and N. Korea reunited or opened their borders, this station would have been the main hub for crossing the border. Could you just imagine how lovely it would be to see N. Korean families reuniting with their long lost family members in the South and vice versa? Such a beautiful sight to behold and sadly only to be imagined.
Along the platform you will come across this huge art piece, a mirrored wall with writing wishing the peace and unification of Korea in languages from all over the world. If you get to see in in person I suggest snapping a photo of it yourself as well. I though it was a beautiful and significant art piece with such a powerful meaning behind it.
You may have seen this area in movies and perhaps more recently on the news after a North Korean soldier defected across the border in the exact location. This was the legendary Joint Security Area.
Surprisingly from what you may have seen on tv or on the net, There were not many North Korean soldiers present manning posts at the JSA. In fact there was ONLY 1 At his post during the whole tour! We were told that the only brought out full manning security when the North Koreans knew that a VIP or body retrieval/acceptance was taking place. The atmosphere of the area was very intense. We were told not to kneel when taking low angle photos as it may be used as propaganda by the North Koreans showing we were kneeling to them. When you actually stand in the JSA yourself, it feels so surreal. Your standing in the place you may have seen several times in movies and the news. It feels unreal and humbling.
As you can see the ROK JSA Soldiers stand tall when a menacing Taekwondo ready stance at all times to present an fearless atmosphere toward the North Korean side. The soldiers selected to guard the South Korean side are hand picked by their height, weight, build, and dedication to duty. They make it a point to have the toughest and healthiest looking South Korean soldiers work in the JSA.
All in all it was a truly humbling experience. I highly reccomend that you got to the DMZ yourself and really asorb the history and atmosphere of this place. It's a once in a lifetime experience for sure. There was also additional areas to tour as well, like a tunnel that was 5 miles deep into the ground under the border of both N. and S. Korea. Go out and explore the history of Korea! Thank your for you time!
