The DMZ of Korea- the only remaining divided country on earth

The armistice that put a halt to the Korean War (1950-1953) divided the Korean Peninsula into South and North Korea. The two sides are separated by the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, running along the 38th parallel north. 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.

Imjingak (임진각)was built in 1972 with hope of unification and also to console those from both sides who are unable to return to their home because of the division of Korea. Mangbaedan, which stands opposite side of Imjingak, is famous for the place where people from North Korea or their descendants perform ancestral rites by bowing towards North Korea every New Years Day and Chuseok. In front of Imjingak, there is the Gyeongui Train Line which was destroyed during the Korean Conflict in 1950 and it was reconnected in 2001. 
Imjingak is now one of the famous tourist spots because it is possible to visit without going through any security check points.

DMZ Tour

Civilian access to the DMZ is strictly controlled. Certain areas restrict individual tourists from visiting the area on their own, making some tourist sites in the area available for sightseeing via a few DMZ tour packages offered by select travel agencies. Also, a visit to the DMZ often requires an ID card, passport, or other types of documentation for identity check purposes.

The 3rd tunnel was first discovered in 1978. It was discovered following a tip from a North Korea defector. This tunnel is about 1,600 m ( 1,700 yd) long and about 350 m (1,150 ft) below ground. It runs through bedrock at a depth of about 73 m (240 ft) below ground. It was apparently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea and can easily accommodate 10,000- 30,000 people per hour depending on how much weaponry they carry.

Dora observatory 

Situated on top of  Dorasan mountain, Dorasan Observatory is very close to the 3rd Tunnel. It is the part of South Korea closest to the North. From this observation platform, you can catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state through binoculars from the 500-person capacity observatory. North Korean military personnel are visible, and so are the highlights of Kaeseong the observatory looks across the You will be able to see the North Korean propaganda village situated in the DMZ,and you can see as far as the city of Kaesong. The Dorasan Station nearby is designed to be the station that connects the railroads of the South and North.

Tongilchon (unification village)

Tongilchon was built back in 1972 and 80 South Korean households began to live in the unification village. People in this unification village have a unique way of life. Due to its unique geographical location, it is famous for their clean water and air. Its famous products are rice, Jangdan soybean, and ginseng. They specialize in red ginseng. Ginseng from this region is very popular. The Jangdan Soybean festival is held every November and you can take part if you wish. If you are interested in taking part, please ask us so we will give you more information on that. Simply email at gohtravelkorea1@gmail.com
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