The DMZ is a relatively short drive from Seoul. It is definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in Seoul and have half a day to devote to a tour. I was surprised, however, at the extent to which the South Korean government seems to use the tours for propaganda purposes and, even more, at how commercialized the place is. I resisted the temptation (which wasn't very strong) to buy a DMZ T-shirt or a DMZ baseball cap. A disappointment from the standpoint of photography is the prohibition on taking pictures in the most interesting locations (i.e., inside the tunnel dug by the North Koreans and the view across the demarcation line into North Korea).
Gateway to the DMZ. Buy your tickets here.
From this perspective (at the gateway) the DMZ looks like a theme park.
Plaque explaining the Memorial Altar
Memorial Altar
Monument to assassinated South Korean officials
The Freedom Bridge (also known as the Bridge of No Return)
Freedom Bridge from the South end.
Freedom Bridge
Fence at the end of the bridge festooned with t-shirts, ribbons, etc. left by visitors.
Guard house as seen from near the bridge.
Bridge on the railroad from Seoul to Sinuiji (which stops at the DMZ for now)
Train headed north
Theater showing a short film about the DMZ near the 3rd infiltration tunnel
Exhibit in a small museum
Exhibit showing North Korean laborers digging the infiltration tunnel
Sculpture symbolizing reunification
Looking North on a foggy day
The North, through the fog
Dorasan Station - end of the line for now
Dorasan Station
Dorasan Station
DMZ baseball caps for sale at the souvenir stand at Dorasan Station
The Chinese and Russians are currently selling equities in the global stock market quietly, America thru Belgium, is quietly buying those equities to quell the effects of the coming worldwide economic crash. There will be catastrophic period of global stagnation which in my opinion will last about 30 years
Glenn Allcorm
18-Jan-2011 22:08
I don't blame s.k.for defending their country. Ihope China doesn'ttry attacking U.S. seems to me like the Chinese are an easy going-mild mannered people. I hope we keep trade relations with China. I love the Chinese people I've met here in America. they're so gracious& polite. I'm with China about one philosophy-"Be settled-Love & help those who are in need." I myself have been overseas twice& I wish the entire world would love one another-the way our Heavenly Father wants us to do.