Welcome to the DMZ (part 2)

After our tunnel tour, it was time to hop on the bus and head as far North as possible. Our bus, by the way, was labeled "Zero Cool." I'd say the name was an accurate title for us dorks.

From DMZ

After getting dropped off at the Peace Observatory, we were sent up a steep hill to get the best possible vantage point. On the way, Savannah helped boost soldier morale.

From DMZ

It was an exceptionally clear day and we could see well into NK.

From DMZ

From DMZ

Savannah and I pose for some shots in front of our secretive neighbor. Where we are standing is actually the northernmost point in SK that a civilian can be. The only time we will be closer to the North is when we plant rice in a DMZ field the next day.

The following pictures do not really allow you to see the propaganda village or military outposts visible with the provided binoculars. However, some of the more famous landmarks are still able to be appreciated.

From DMZ

(above) The hill all the way to the left takes on the appearance of a horse that is lying down. It is appropriately named "White Horse" hill. It is said it only took on this shape after artillery strikes and the damage of war shaped it that way. The hill in the middle was a highly contested hill during the war for obvious strategic reasons. It was centralized and quite tall, giving the holders quite a military advantage. The height of that hill decreased by a full meter over the course of a few days as continuous battles for that terrain raged on. Once again, the reason for that drastic change was artillery, bullets, grenades, and aerial bombardments.

Mother Mary and Buddha guide the way down to the bottom of the hill.

From DMZ

From DMZ

The next stop on our tour was a stop at an abandoned rail station. In the past, this railway connected NK and SK so that aid and products could be exchanged. Today, it is just another reminder of the violent past that leaves this peninsula confused and on edge.

From DMZ

As you can see, the tracks have not been used in quite some time.

From DMZ

Below is a picture of a train that was bombed and then attacked during the Korean War.

From DMZ

Once again, there are soldiers everywhere, constantly staring North when there weren't foreign girls to stare at.