Day trip to the DMZ

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip with the US Army tour company to the military demarcation line north of Seoul. Here South Korea and North Korea meet- their respective soldiers facing off in tense stares across the border. Although we had actually crossed the border last year during our trip to Kumgangsan, this tour gave us some insight into the area where negotiations occur between the two countries, their allies and the UN.

One of the most interesting parts of the tour was a walk through one of the North Korean dug tunnels that was uncovered by South Korean/US forces before it had a chance to surface in South Korea. Apparently North Korea denies these tunnels were being dug for military purposes, rather for excavation of coal. To substantiate these claims they actually painted the inside of the tunnels black, which now comes off upon touch. We weren't able to take cameras into the tunnels, however, here are some shots of the areas where we were.

South Korean and North Korean soldiers face-off at the military demarcation line (you can just see the North Korean soldier at the top of the steps).

A South Korean soldier in a taekwondo attack stance in the conference room where negotiations occur between the two Koreas. He is actually straddling the two countries as does the table he is standing at the head of. We (a tour group from the South) were able to walk around freely in this room. Tour groups from the North can also enter this room. The door is locked after each group leaves and given a thorough security check before the next group enters.

Within the conference room the flags of those countries who represent the South's side of negotiations are mounted behind glass. They once were not behind glass, but this was changed after an incident during which a member of the North Korean military blew his nose on the South Korean flag and polished his shoes with the US flag.

South Korean soldiers take their positions at the southern end of the conference buildings. The one on the right only has half his body exposed- a defensive strategy.

Trent tests his ability to stare off the North Korean soldiers.