Panmunjom: the joint security area
We spent four days in Seoul on our way back to China. Seoul is a beautiful city, but it's just another Asian city: crowed, cold and lots of high-rises.
But Panmunjom trip is another story, it shows the history in Korean Peninsula and also reveals the ongoing tension between the two countries.
In 1910, Japan occupied Korea and ruled it until the end of World War II. After that, Korea is partitioned along the 38th parallel based on the agreement between Soviet Union and United States. The north part is under Soviet's control and the south part is under U.S. control.
On June 25th 1950, North Korea crossed 38th parallel and soon took over the capital city Seoul. On September 15th 1950, U.N troops was launched at Inchon, and cut off many North Korean troops. Soon South Korea forces approached Yalu River, which is close to the border with China. Apparently China was not happy about that, so mass Chinese forces crossed the river and joined the war.
The war lasted almost 4 years without much progress on both sides. In 1953, China, North Korea and U.N. signed an agreement to create a demilitarized zone (DMZ) in which no force can enter.
Yet the battle between North Korea and South Korea didn't end. From 1954 until now, four tunnels that were created by the North have been discovered, and there may be more to discover.
DMZ was said to be the most dangerous place in the world, but interestingly DMZ is also one of the world best wildlife reserve (no human is dare to enter the zone).
I don't have many pictures from the place, as it's not allowed, but I definitely recommend going to the place.
But Panmunjom trip is another story, it shows the history in Korean Peninsula and also reveals the ongoing tension between the two countries.
In 1910, Japan occupied Korea and ruled it until the end of World War II. After that, Korea is partitioned along the 38th parallel based on the agreement between Soviet Union and United States. The north part is under Soviet's control and the south part is under U.S. control.
On June 25th 1950, North Korea crossed 38th parallel and soon took over the capital city Seoul. On September 15th 1950, U.N troops was launched at Inchon, and cut off many North Korean troops. Soon South Korea forces approached Yalu River, which is close to the border with China. Apparently China was not happy about that, so mass Chinese forces crossed the river and joined the war.
The war lasted almost 4 years without much progress on both sides. In 1953, China, North Korea and U.N. signed an agreement to create a demilitarized zone (DMZ) in which no force can enter.
Yet the battle between North Korea and South Korea didn't end. From 1954 until now, four tunnels that were created by the North have been discovered, and there may be more to discover.
DMZ was said to be the most dangerous place in the world, but interestingly DMZ is also one of the world best wildlife reserve (no human is dare to enter the zone).
I don't have many pictures from the place, as it's not allowed, but I definitely recommend going to the place.
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