DMZ

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a strip of land running across the Korean Penninsula that serves as a buffer zone between Communist North Korea and Democaratic South Korea. The DMZ cuts the Korean Peninsula roughly in half, crossing the 38th Parallell on an angle, with the west end of the DMZ lying south of the parallel and the east end lying north of it. It is 155 miles long and approximately 2.5 miles wide, and is the most heavily armed border in the world.

At one time there were 1 million land mines in the DMZ. There still remain at least 300,000. They are there just in case someone thinks they would like to run over to the South side of Korea. They wouldn't make it very far.

It's a serious place. There are miles of razor wire strung across tall fences. All the trees on the border are gone because the soldiers have to keep tabs on each other at all times. It looks like war. And, it seems like war could happen at any moment. I guess that is why it is a place where everyone is very alert and watchful.

However, there were strange and surreal things too. Now the DMZ is a huge industry for South Korea because of tourists (like me). There is a lot to see and it is very mysterious to be in a location with so much military presence and all kinds of restrictions. But with all of this show of force there is also a carnival atmosphere. There are kiddy rides galore and all types of arcades, trinket shopping, candy and ice cream treats. (And some other yummy treats that I photographed for you to see at the bottom.)

I didn't like that. I think of the DMZ as a place where millions of people have lost their lives over the years. It is a place that represents the loss of freedom for all of the people in North Korea as well as families separated and split in half.

But that is my American point of view. This is what the South Koreans are doing: In the photo above I am standing next to a South Korean soldier who is guarding a beautiful train station. This train station doesn't get any use right now, but it is sitting there waiting for the country to be reunited. Then this modern, accomodating station will be the transportation central for travel between the people of this divided nation.

This is the picture of a huge poster that hangs in the station. It says, "Not the last station from the South But the first station toward the North."

There is great optimism on the behalf of the South Koreans. The people of South Korea donated their own money to build the railroad station to North Korea. Perhaps that is why there is this odd mix of celebration and armed military soldiers watching and waiting.

I thought you would all like to see a very nutritious protien snack that the Koreans enjoy eating:

Don't these look yummy? They are stewed silk worm larvae.

I guess they are really good for you.

I had ice cream.

Good night!