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ShoreTrips says...

Yes, we did visit the DMZ. It instills in you how lucky we are to live in the country we do with all its freedoms. But don't forget to include Seoul itself, as it is amazing how unaffected it seems to be from this nearby and constant threat.

If you ask the locals of South Korea they won't hesitate in telling you that Seoul is on its way to surpassing Tokyo on an international scale. As a home to over a quarter of the countries population it is no surprise that Seoul has turned into the breeding ground for some of the most interesting aspects of the area's culture. The mixture of Seoul's past and present provides an endless amount of intrigue and epitomizes Asia's historical timeline.

One of the mysteries of this area remains the relationship between North and South Korea and therefore the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone or no man's land between the two countries. Civilian access to the DMZ is strictly controlled. You are first brought to Imjingak Park, which was established in 1972 immediately after the declaration of the joint South-North statement. Here you will have time to wander the exhibits of various relics and monuments related to the Korean War and subsequent South-North confrontations. This is the location where you will be moved to special vehicles that will transport you to the DMZ.

In accordance with the ceasefire, the DMZ serves as a buffer zone between South and North Korea to prevent direct military collisions. It spans between the Southern and Northern limit lines. The Southern Limit Line extends from Imjingang River in the west to Dongho-ri in the east. From the Military Demarcation Line, the South and the North created a buffer zone of two kilometers on each side. Because of the high risk of military conflicts in the area, a phase line was established to control civilian access. Such restrictions, which have been in place for the last fifty years, have helped the ecological resources in the area to remain in an untouched state. As a result, the DMZ is also a unique natural ecosystem, one that is globally acknowledged for its ecological value.

You will be carefully watched as you travel the river's edge. Along the way you will see many guard huts that hold 2 or 3 soldiers fully armed, watching the water. Once you arrive you will have the opportunity to watch a short movie showing the history of the area. Then you will be directed to the beginning of the third tunnel. First discovered in 1978, the tunnel was designed for a surprise attack on the Republic of Korea by the North. The tunnel is 1.7 kilometers long, 2 meters high and 2 meters wide. It is a prime example of the South-North confrontation. You may chose to go as far as you wish. Many turn back after a short walk but this will be up to you.

The Dorasan Station is the northernmost railway station situated on the Gyeongui Line. It is located 30 meters from the Southern Limit Line. From the station, visitors can view Dorasan Mountain and the barbed wire fences of the Southern Limit Line. The approximate length of time for this portion of the tour is 3.5 to 4 hours, before heading into the colorful energy of Seoul.

The remainder of the day will take you into Seoul, an energetic city busting with culture. You will visit the Changdeok Palace, an old historic site, and the National Palace Museum. But you must not miss the Buchon Hanok Village, a wonderful neighborhood perfect for wandering.

During the day you will stop for lunch based on suggestions by your guide. Lunch is not included.