MOVED → www.irenesiah.wordpress.com: June 2014

Introduction to Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)

Hello everyone!

This week's #wowkoreasupporters mission came a little late, because I had been busy with special lectures that I had to attend for KF-EAI Korea Friendship Program 2014. This week's mission is to introduce three attractions around one of Korea's most historical attractions - Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). As you all would have known, Korea is divided into two after the infamous Korean War (1950-1953). The two sides are separated by the DMZ, running along the 38th parallel north. According to the ceasefire, the DMZ serves as a buffer zone (2km from each side) between the two Koreas to prevent direct military collisions. Even though this might be the most heavily armed borders in the world, it is no doubt a safe place for visit.

As you can see from the above image, there are tons of attractions around the DMZ. There will be three attractions that I will introduce in this post. Namely, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the Dorasan Observatory and Joint Security Area (aka Panmunjeom).

3rd Infiltration Tunnel

First discovered on October 17, 1978, the tunnel is located 52km from Seoul. It was estimated that it took approximately an hour for 10,000 soldiers to move through the tunnel. When this tunnel was first discovered, North Koreans insisted it was made by South Koreans in a plot to invade North Korea. However, this theory proved eventually to be false. In front of the tunnel are a variety of attractions such as the DMZ Media Hall (history of the divided country & flourishing ecosystem in the Demilitarized Zone), DMZ Exhibition Hall (relics and documents displays related to the Demilitarized Zone), sculptures, and souvenir shops. Visitors can see the inside the tunnel by either walking or riding the monorail.

Source: Visit Korea

Dorasan Observatory

Located nearby the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, this observatory platform allows one to view the North Korean Military Personnel, as well as, the highlights of Gaeseong and Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains. Also, the observatory offers 500 seats, VIP rooms and huge parking spaces. As this area restricts civilian access, visitors must participate in the DMZ Peace & Security Tourist Program (implemented by Paju) in order to visit the observatory. Conducted by a shuttle bus, either from Imjingak Resort or Dorasan Station, it goes through the Dora Observatory, 3rd Underground Tunnel, Dorasan Station, and Unification Village.

Photo Credit: Prianka42

Panmunjeom aka Joint Security Area (JSA)

With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Panmunjeom became the world’s last remaining outpost where democracy (S.Korea) and communism (N.Korea) stare at each other in the face in a tense standoff.

Photo Credits: Korea Tourism Organization

Also, it is important to note that access to JSA within the DMZ is restricted to certain nationalities. Specifically, Chinese tourists have to apply 10 days in advance while South Koreans must apply and undergo a background check, which can take up to two months.

The United States Forces Korea (USFK) regulates which countries' nationals may enter the JSA. Current regulations restricts citizens from the following countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Syria.

Citizens of the following countries and territories may apply to join a JSA tour. However, a colour scan of their passport photo (including signature bearer page) must be e-mailed to the tour operator, usually 7-days prior to the tour date: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Burma, Egypt, Georgie, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Palestinian Authority, China, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.

*Due to period changes to the list, it is advised to contact tour operator for further queries.

IMPORTANT Clothing Policy for JSA!

Informal civilian clothes commonly viewed as acceptable in equivalent public settings are normally permitted. However, ripped jeans, t-shirt and flip-flops are unacceptable. The following attire and accessories are specifically prohibited:

Tank tops or sleeveless shirts/tops that expose midriff
Shirts/Tops with insulting, profane, obscene, provocative or demeaning representations
Short pants, gauchos or mini-skirts
See-through, sheer or transparent shirts or pants
Workout or exercise clothing of any kind including track pants, gym shorts, stretch pants or warm-up suits
Shower shoes, slippers, flip-flops or sandals
Items of military clothing not worn as an integral part of a prescribed service uniform
Oversize or excessively baggy clothing that exposes underwear or poses a hazard to movement
T-shirts, sweatshirts or "biker" attire such as leather vests and leather riding chaps
Umbrellas are authorised only when raining
All bags must remain on the bus while in the United Nations Commend and Military Armistice Commissions Headquarter Area include but not limited to backpacks purses and camera bags
Jackets and outerwear will be worn and not carried in the United Nations Commend and Military Armistice Commissions Headquarter Area.

So in simpler terms, only clean pants (i.e. jeans without frays/tears) and a clean collared shirt with running shoes are considered appropriate.

Here are some of the official websites/operators that provide the tour:

International Service Culture Club http://www.tourdmz.com/english/main.php
Panmunjeom Travel Centre http://www.koreadmztour.co
Joongang Tour http://www.jsatour.com
Koridoor USO Tour http://www.koridoor.co.kr

As much as you can travel to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) by yourself, it is highly recommended that you join the tour packages. Main reason being that most attractions do not allow allow individual tours (i.e. JSA/Dorasan Observatory). Also, reservations have to be made way in advance and it is a MUST to bring your existing (NOT old) national passport for identification purposes.

Personally, I am going to the DMZ and JSA with the people from KF-EAI Korea Friendship Program in 2 weeks time. Stay in tune to my Twitter/Instagram for photos!

UPDATE WITH PHOTOS:

Infront of Dora Observatory

Because I was too lazy to wait for others to finish taking their photos,

made do with this candid one lol

At the 38th Parallel inside Joint Security Area (aka Panmunjeon)

The White building at the back is North Korea.

Very fatherly ROK-US Alliance chief who was our tour guide of the day as well

Hope this post helps anyone of you who is going or planning for a trip there!

Til then,

irenesiah

P.S If you are interested or planning to study in Korea, check out my most recent YouTube video which I had filmed the FAQ on Undergraduates Studies in Korea here.