DMZ in Pictures

On Friday we took a trip to the DMZ with the unit. It was great to get up there stare at the "enemy" for a couple of hours. It puts things into perspective as you stare at the worlds most militarized border.

Our first stop was the 3rd Tunnel of aggression. They have found four total, dug by the nKs as an invasion route south. To get there you must walk down a shaft that was drilled for the tourists. Once in the tunnel, you can wear a hardhat and walk about 500 meters towards the DMZ. The tunnel runs through the DMZ to the DPRK but is obviously blocked. The commies said the the South Koreans dug the tunnel (even though it is sloped north so water doesn't run south, and all dynamite holes face south) and then said it was an old coal mine even painting coal on the walls (even though there is no coal deposits in the area).

We then went to Observation Post Dora, a ROK OP that commands spectacular views of nK and its propaganda village.

The grand finale was a trip to the UN Joint Security Area (JSA). This is located within the DMZ and is where direct talks between UN, ROK, and nK delegations occur. The tour begins in Camp Bonifas where you get briefed on the "Do's and Dont's" of the JSA. You then get on a bus and enter the DMZ. The JSA is really controlled, but is so because of the many incidents that have occured there over the years.

Only two KPA (North Korean People's Army) guards are usually present at any given time. One is outside and the other is in the building behind the binoculars.

The South Korean Military Police stand half behind the building for protection from gun fire.

The buildings are a lovely shade of UN blue. Entering them it is possible to technically enter North Korea. That is a close as any American passport holder will get to North Korea, well, unless you are Bill Clinton.

Here I am in North Korea, though I don't know if I can count that as another country added to my book of travels. BTW, the Korean guards on the JSA are usually some tall dudes...but I look like I tower over them, because I did.

The rest of the weekend was spend celebrating Labor Day and the official end of summer.

I have been here in Korea (South) for 134 days. Melissa and the "E" will be here in 17 days--I should clarify--"E" equals Ella, not anything more dubious.

Check back later...I have some great golf pictures from my day on the links in Seoul.