Saturday began very early for the group. We left the comforts of our hotel at 7:50am and drove north towards the DMZ (De-Militarised Zone). The hour or so long journey was made interesting by Stephanie (our guide) telling us what was in store and some of the protocols to follow once we arrived. As we drifted further away from Seoul a barbed wire fence appeared to our left which ran along the Han river. It was a stark reminder of the continuing tensions and division between the North and South.
Our first stop at Imjingak had various exhibits and memorials relating to the Korean War. A giant 21 tonne peace bell and workship altar serve as monuments to lives lost and to continuing hope of many Koreans for future unification. A railroad spans the Imjingang River and runs towards the Northern border.
Once we passed through the passport controls successfully, we arrived at the 3rd 'invasion' tunnel (which was discovered in the 1970's going from the North to the South). Donning our plastic blue helmets, we rode a train deep under ground. Another 200 metres was walked by our group in a narrow 2 x 2 metre tunnel - many of the taller folk were thankful for the helmets with the sound of the plastic helmets hitting rock or the metal reinforced bars.
The third instalment of the DMZ was a chance to view over the border into North Korea. A clear day allowed for views into the unknown land beyond the border.
The final stop was the newly built Dorasan train station, which is the last stop from a line from Seoul. Again, hopeful messages surrounded the venue and gave an idea of South Korea extending a peaceful hand towards their Northern counterparts.
Following a traffic-filled journey back to Seoul (due to a public holiday - Foundation Day), we arrived at the War Memorial of Korea. A knowledgable guide led us through the 2 Korean War exhibition rooms. The surrounding grounds had a tremendous amount of memorials, statues, war machinery and other reminders of war. The contribution of the New Zealand soldiers in the Korean War was evident in several places which showed South Korea's ongoing gratitude for the multi-national halo during their hour of need.
After a late lunch, leisurely time was had by all. A large portion of the New Zealand contingent, joined by one keen Australian, went to watch the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival. A spectacular amount of fireworks was on display for over an hour seen by a crowd of many thousands.
Overall, a very emotion-filled and reflective day for many of us about the horrors of war, the spirit of hope and the uniqueness of being in a nation still divided along Cold War lines.
Jakub
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