Ashley and Taylor in Korea: DMZ Part 2

Probably the most memorable part of our tour was the Conference Row in the Joint Security Area. This is the area where all negotiations since 1953 have been held.

The military line of demarcation (line that separates the 2 Koreas) runs right down the middle of the conference table where U.N. officials and either North or South Koreans, primarily South, meet together.

So as we enter the room, and pass the table, we can actually "step into North Korea."

One ROK soldier stands on guard by the table. There used to only be guard posted inside this building, but ~~our U.S. military escort~~ Tony told us a story. He said that awhile back, the 1 guard who was posted inside went to change out the flag, and 2 North Korean soldiers came in and tried to kidnap and drag him into the North. He managed to escape and from now one there are 2 guards posted inside. When they go to change out the flag, they do it together with 1 guard going for the flag with his hand on his weapon, and the other guard holding onto his pants to be able to pull him back.

this was the second guard posted inside the building

The soldiers in this JSA (Joint Security Area) have to be above average- in height, on their aptitude tests, and have to have at least a 1 or 2 degree black belt in Taekwondo. The guard above is standing in a modified Taekwondo ready stance. This position is extremely difficult to maintain, yet they are not allowed to move at all.

Um....we felt pretty safe with him in the room!

The door directly behind him opens right into North Korea....no thanks!

As we were inside this building, our military escort ~~(I forgot his name!)~~ Tony pointed out that we had North Korean soldiers right outside the window. They stayed on their side of the line, of course, but it was actually unusual that they were there. Our tour guide was even surprised. She said she's done about 100 tours of the DMZ and only seem them come out on about 5-10 tours. Apparently there's usually only 1 guard. Our military escort said he gets annoyed with people asking where the North Korean soldiers are because everyone sees the pictures, but they are usually not there. In his words, they came out "to put on a show for us."

this picture was taken out the window


I made this one extra large because the guard facing is actually looking in my direction.

they even showed us how they march


the guards usually stand half-exposed at the buildings to show that they are ready but also to protect themselves.

I don't know what's going on with those pants

Notice all the guards on top of the building

Apparently North Korea really decided to give a show on the day we were there. ~~Our military escort~~ Tony the soldier was even surprised to see all the soldiers out on the building. He said there is usually only 1. We saw like 10 or more! He warned us over and over not to point, make any gestures or anything that could be misinterpreted. We had a strict dress code too, which some people on our tour violated. Consequently, we could be on some propaganda of the idiot foreigners. Heck, they were even out with their ancient videocamera.

Hey- we might be famous in North Korea now!

This is the usual guard posted at the front of the building.
Watching us with binoculars because we are sooo interesting

We made a few more stops before the end of our tour. We are hopeful that one day Highway 1 will be opened up. It connects North and South Korea. Right now a few people do travel it. Some South Koreans have special access to work at a North Korean plant just across the border.