DMZ and North Korea.

Before coming to Korea, I made a to-do list of things to see and places to visit in Korea. Number one on that list was visiting the demilitarized zone (DMZ). As a student of politics, history, and East Asia, this visit simply made complete sense. Although I know some people were worried about me and frowned upon my decision to visit the DMZ, it was well worth it.

The DMZ is one of the most fiercely protected borders on the planet. It is one of the few remaining political divisions that separates people with identical cultural and ethnic background. Within the 2.5 mile wide and 160 mile long region, an unintended wildlife sanctuary has developed. Hopefully, the two Koreas can one day reunite around this area and utilize it as a peaceful project to elevate the needs of plant and animals. 

In the meantime, a visit to the literal edge of one of the world's most reclusive countries is the most that many can do. Several different tour groups offer varied options, but the USO does a phenomenal job of providing tours. For my tour, we visited Camp Bonifas, Joint Security Area, the 3rd North Korean infiltration tunnel, Dorasan train station that leads directly to Pyongyang. On top of that, we ate a Korean lunch within the DMZ. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures of the tunnel. Getting down to it was difficult enough and walking through it was hazardous. The path leading down to the tunnel was about a kilometer long and incredibly steep. 

Highlights of the trip: having the opportunity to actually step food into North Korea, seeing my studies come to life, and traveling with great friends.

Enjoy the pictures below:

Inside the JSA. That is North Korea on the other side of those blue buildings.

That South Korea soldier is straddling the line between the two Koreas.

Stepping into North Korea...

Look closely. That is a North Korean soldier staring back at us.

Kijong-dong -- North Korea's propaganda village. The buildings are all empty.
That flag pole is the 3rd tallest in world. The flag rarely blows in the wind due to its extreme weight (595 lbs.). 

Kijong-dong in the background. Behind that, NK has cut down most of the trees to prevent defectors.

The infamous Bridge of No Return

Just outside the the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

Dorasan Train Station leading to North Korea.

"Not the last station from the South, but the first station toward the North."

...about to head to the tracks to Pyongyang.

Standing on the tracks leading toward Pyongyang, North Korea.

My Dorasan station ticket and authentic North Korean money.