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| Imjingak |
The
DMZ is a strip of land between
North Korea and
South Korea. It was created through an agreement between
North Korea,
China and the
United Nations in 1953, and spans 250 km long, and about 4 km wide with 2 km on each side of the militarized line. There are two parts to the
DMZ zone area – unrestricted and highly restricted (requires the official
DMZ tours).
Located within this zone is the
Imjingak Resort, within
Paju City. It was built with hope that unification would someday be possible between
North and
South Korea, with tributes and mementos throughout the resort. Our local fried, KJ, was the host for the day and he brought us to
Imjingak as the first stop of the day. It was about a 1-2 hours care ride from Seoul. Along the way, we passed by
Ilsan New Town, which is built near a river and looked so much like a coastal town that we thought the river was the sea! 😅
Another interesting takeaway from the car ride: as the road to Paju is part of the DMZ, there are many lookout points and advertisements for people to join the army. South Koreans really take looking good to the next level – the billboard for army advertisement looked like a trailer for an upcoming movie, until KJ informed us that it was an advertisement to join the army. 😂😂
If you prefer a more comprehensive DMZ tour, or simply a more convenient mode of transportation, than visiting via the local tours would be the best option. You can book your DMZ Tour here.
Imjingak is one of the places where authentic North Korean food and souvenirs are being sold as well. C was captivated by the retro looking stalls and items that she bought some handmade pumpkin candy (it was quite nice and malty).
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| The shops selling North Korean wares |
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| Retro looking toys |
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| It's like a step back in time. |
On the way to the museum, we heard the screams a group of people seated on a Viking ride. It was quite odd seeing a mini theme park, Pyeong Hwa Land, amidst all the solidarity and solemnness of what Imjingak is supposed to represent. But I guess you can take it as, in spite of the difficulties in life we ought to not forget to have fun and relax from time to time.
Paju Jangdansoyean Museum
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| Paju Jangdansoyean Museum |
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| The huge vats of ginseng at the entrance! |
Our first stop was actually the museum which housed huge jars of ginseng at the entrance. The history of food, in particular, soybean, was displayed from its life cycle, different varieties and (sometimes ingenious) usage throughout history. Not everything was in English. In fact, only the headings were translated. Fortunately we had someone who was a native speaker and attempted his best to translate for us.
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| A little introduction and history of the soybean festival |
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| The various stages in the life cycle of the humble soybean |
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| The different products that are made from soybeans |
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| History of tofu |
Mangbaedan Altar and other monuments
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| Mangbaedan Altar |
The
Mangbaedan Altar, is a monument where memorials are held here during
Lunar New Year and
Chuseok. Millions of Koreans will come to pray for their ancestors and families in North area and for reunification.
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| A monument of the ware |
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| Situation Map |
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| A peace pavillion |
Steam Locomotive and Bridge of Freedom
Here, we saw the remains of a steam locomotive that had weathered over 1000 bullets and bombings during the
Korean War.
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| The steam locomotive |
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| The impressions left behind by the bullets and bombings |
Nearby there is a small souvenir shop, where you can pick up some
DMZ related souvenirs. It is here that the
Bridge of Freedom resides next to the souvenir shop, a bridge encompassing the hopes of a reunification of families on opposite ends.
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| You walk the bridge to a certain point, but there is a fee. |
The
Bridge of Freedom was a former railroad bridge which was used by repatriated POWs/soldiers returning from the north. Visitors are allowed to cross the bridge to a certain point, but you would have to pay a fee to do so.
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| Tributes, prayers and wishes, in the form of streamers and ribbons adorn the fence |
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| Ribbons with wishes |
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| The hope for reunification by families can be seen through the streamers and ribbons adorning the fence |
Imjingak Observatory
Our final stop was the top of the
Imjingak Observatory, where one can have an elevated view of the surrounding area. A restaurant, eateries and some shopping are also available within the observatory building.
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| Imjingak Observatory |
It was certainly a surreal sight as we could vaguely see
North Korea in the distance while technically being in
South Korea; the same yet different. For those who are interested to tour the
DMZ, you can book your
DMZ Tour
here.
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| Binoculars for a closer view |
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| The from a corner of the observatory deck |
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| Another view from another corner |
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