When visiting a country for the first time, it’s sometimes important to dig a little bit in the history of the country. We arrived yesterday in South Korea, so today we went straight to the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone. This heavily fortified border (250km long & 4 km wide) separating North and South Korea, is a stark reminder of the Korean War and the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Our tour began at the Imjingak Peace Park, a poignant space dedicated to the victims of the Korean War.
As we walked through the park, we were greeted by a series of statues commemorating the war. These solemn figures, frozen in time, captured the suffering and loss endured by countless individuals. The Bridge of Freedom was particularly moving, a symbol of the hope and longing for reunification. Originally constructed in 1953 as part of the armistice agreement, the Bridge of Freedom was designed to facilitate the exchange of prisoners of war between North and South Korea. It was during this time that thousands of people crossed the bridge, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of a reunited nation.
After the Korean War ended in 1953, Camp Greaves was built to serve as a U.S. military base. It played a significant role in the Cold War era, serving as a deterrent against potential aggression from North Korea. The camp also served as a hub for military aid and humanitarian assistance to South Korea. Now it’s a museum, focusing on the importance of peace.
Next, we visited the Observation Post (OP) Freedom, which we were lucky to hear from our guide Alex reopened today. It had been closed because of the recent incident that North Korea sent balloons with trash across the border. The sight of North Korea is beautiful, but it was also very sad. At the southern side of the border, people are free, can travel, have a decent life. North of the border the story is completely the opposite.
Then we went to the 3rd Tunnel, a secret passageway dug by North Korea during the 1960s. It was a chilling experience to walk through the narrow, dark tunnel, imagining the potential for a surprise attack. The tunnel is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between the two countries. While we weren’t allowed to take photos inside, the images of the tunnel will stay with us for a long time.
To end our day on a more positive note, we made a short detour to the Red Suspension Bridge of the Gamaksan Mountain. It was a short hike up the hill, culminating with a walk over this 150 meter long bridge.
More pictures of DMZ, click on a picture & scroll:
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