lacey makes: The DMZ

This post is substantially late. I'm going to have to start scheduling in blog time so that you guys don't have to miss out on any more amazing events (see how I do that?).

One of the first things you are told to visit as soon as you arrive in South Korea is the DMZ. (Warning: I'm about to break out my inner teacher in the next paragraph)

The DMZ was created by the Armistice Agreement in 1953 to officially divide the North and South of the Korean peninsula. The line was created at the end of WWII along the 38th parallel, basically splitting the peninsula right in half. The Armistice Agreement forced both sides to move their troops back from the center line about 1.25 miles, leaving what is now a 2.5 mile wide safe zone separating the North and South. The Military Demarcation Line is the line that runs through the center of the DMZ; both sides are allowed to patrol anywhere on their side of the MDL but are not allowed to cross it. (They used to be able to until physical conflicts between troops required strict separation.)

We learned so much about the DMZ and the history surrounding the desolate place. Our guides told us that recently it was discovered that the North Korean people were boiling at eating tree bark to survive. It really is sad to know that people are still, to this day, living such a controlled and depressing life under an ugly communist government. Until I stop to appreciate my life as an American, it really only seems like this kind of life exists in history books and movies. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who can go!

Ribbons hanging along the fence that separates the N and S with messages written in hope of reuniting families.

Looking in to North Korea.

Looking on to North Korea's "propaganda village".

North Korea built this village right across the border to apparently show South Korea that they are thriving and doing well. Except, they aren't fooling anybody that can use a telescope. The village is basically a million dollar movie set; the buildings are all facades, totally empty inside and the doors are even painted on. They did go extremely out of their way, though, to construct what is now the worlds 3rd largest flagpole in rebuttal to the South Korean flag pole that was posted up in the 1980's.

A little closer look at the propaganda village.

We also visited Dorasan Station where trains once ran between the South and North. The station is newly renovated and ready to begin serving as the last stop before entering the North; the South's way of offering peace and willingness to reunite.

Lastly, the Joint Security Area; where it all got that much more creepy... creepier??

Looking at the N Korean peace house. The blue buildings are where negotiations and meetings are held. The MDL even splits the conference table inside.