The DMZ story

Well I am two weeks into my internship and have 6 weeks left; glass half full or half empty? This weekend I was able to get back to the cell phone store all by myself to add more minutes; and for those of you who know how bad my directional capabilities are - this was a personal victory. Saturday, a shuttle provided by the hotel, took a group of 7 of us to Costco to do some shopping. It is really hard to shop at Costco for one person. So what did I get, frozen veggies, chicken Alfredo, sushi, tuna, and cheese and crackers to go with the gallon of Carlo Rossi, lol.

Today was a lot more interesting. I had made reservations to go to the DMZ; and our bus left at 7:40 am. The DMZ is the demilitarized zone - or the area that separates democratic South Korea from communist North Korea. Technically the Koreas are still in war, and have been since the 50s. That is why we have so many American troops still here - to protect South Korea. Anyways, after all tourists were gathered from several locations in the city we made the 45 minute drive north. On the drive there we saw tons of rice patties and ginseng growing areas. When we got there we went straight to the 3rd tunnel (discovered in October 1978). There are 4 tunnels which S. Korea has found. North Korea was digging them to make a path to get to the southern side; and the 4th tunnel was only discovered in the 90s (even though the Koreas have a peace treaty)!! So anyways, we were able to hike down to the bottom of the tunnel. The tunnel is composed of granite and still has the yellow chalk circles where the dynamite holes were, and coal smeared on the walls - the North tried to tell the South that the tunnel was actually a coal mine tunnel. The grade into the tunnel was 7%. 8% is the steepest that humans are allowed to climb (well other than mountains or something), but you get the idea, going in was easy, coming out was a huffing and puffing experience. We had to wear hardhats because the roof was so low; well normal for Koreans, but for me it was a stooped over experience. Unfortunately no photography was allowed.

After the hike we went to the theater and exhibition hall and saw old photos and relics from the war, and saw a short documentary. And finally we went to the Dora observatory, where you look out over the zone and into North Korea and even use those huge binoculars; but you couldn't take pictures except from 10 feet back. So I got some "amazing shots" and used the binoculars; where you could see a large statue and the North's flag. The area between the countries it very green and lush, and it is estimated that since that area hasn't been touched in 50+ years the livestock there is only found there - no where else in the country. But yes there are thousands of landmines still active out there. So occasionally an animal doesn't make it. The only thing, well besides the armed guards, keeping the two sides separate is a string of electric fence type wire with the sign "mine" on it. Trying to cross would be taking your life into your own hands.

We then saw the Freedom Bridge, or the only road that connects the North and South and saw the monorail they have developed. The rail is only used to get government officials back and forth (even Pres. Bush was here when it opened) and now it will be used for trade. Before the South would have to ship items they were trading with China or other neighbors to the north, now that they can cut through the N. Korea it will save tons of fuel and time.

Right next to the DMZ there are a couple of small communities, where the US soldiers used to live; but they were being killed. So they moved into town and finally the government convinced farmers to move out there. The farmers were offered the land for free, did not have to pay taxes on it. When they had children, one child could stay in the town, but the others had to move (to keep population down). Our guide said that the farmers make about $100,000 a year. No big expenses and they have some awesome land to harvest rice and ginseng. Pretty amazing - oh and once the farmers moved to the village the deaths and assaults stopped.

After we went to the DMZ we went to the amethyst jewelry center. I guess Korea is known for their amethyst and ginseng. Walking into that center was like walking into Tiffany's or a huge jewelry store - a shoppers paradise. We then went to a ginseng center. The ginseng grown in Korea looks like a human body, and most of it is grown for up to six years!! They let us taste some ginseng tea (which is very bitter). It has a lot of health benefits (besides being known as an aphrodisiac), such as helping with blood pressure, kidney functions, energy levels, skin and beauty benefits, and so on and so forth. But woo wee was it pricey, for a small box of dehydrated roots it was $120. I guess ginseng has to be a taste you grow up with, or something that is acquired over time.

After we were dropped off, I got kinda lost. But doing so I found the city beautification project that the current President did when he was mayor (I think). It is kinda like the Riverwalk in San Antonio or in OKC. Kids and adults were wadding in it; and it is quite nice for the city. But another victory - I found my way back to Somerset, without asking for directions!! I guess when you traveling alone you are more sensitive to landmarks.

Sorry about the rambling, but this was a great experience and a great day, and if you get to ever visit the DMZ I highly recommend it. Or if you want some amethyst or ginseng, just let me know. Hope all is well.