Korea - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Korea trip Oct 2013

"Korea is such a 

beautiful country 

but with a sad history." 

Quoted from F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Finally, our last destination in Korea gonna ends with the most dangerous yet safest place in Korea. lol irony right? "The most dangerous place is the safest place" --- famous quote. 

Anyway, we booked with this DMZ tour 1 online at 46,000 won each. Surprisingly, they replied very promptly! Also, please take note of those days that are not open for visiting for your planning. I was so excited to go that morning and decided to play a prank on my friends by sending them message "Help me tell my mother that I love her if I could not make it back". Then I got scolded when I got back in SG ~.~ cannot take jokes one meh..

Oh yes, remember to bring passport otherwise you are not allowed to enter the area.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

We were picked up at our hotel at 8am with other tourists in the tour bus, mostly were westerners. Our tour guide's english was so damn good and I like how he articulated all his words so clearly. Probably because he faces so many westerners daily. On a long bus trip to the most northern end of South Korea, he shared with us all the stories/history about Korea. He also told us to be punctual otherwise the bus will drive off after 5 minutes passed the meeting time.. need so fierce one meh.. 

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established after Korean War (June 25 1950 – July 27 1953) after both parties has signed Korean Armistice Agreement. An agreement for both warring parties to cease fire but it does not necessarily means the end of the war.

DMZ is a 250km long and 4km wide buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea. Though the name, this zone is the most heavily militarized border in the world. This has cut Korea into two, resulting the only divided country in the world.

(source from wikipedia)

With the tense situation between the parties, several unfortunate incidents happened within Joint Security Area (JSA) where the only connection between the two parties. One of them was the Axe-Murder incident in August 1976 involved the attempted trimming of a poplar tree which resulted in two deaths. Apparently, one party wanted to chop away one tree that block their view causing another party not happy.. then started the firing incident... I guess its not the tree problem, its their problem.. 

Despite the fact that DMZ is very heavily armed border, it is still a safe and popular tourist destinations in Korea.

Our itinerary:
Hotel → Imjingak Park → The Bridge of Freedom → The 3rd infiltration Tunnel → DMZ Theater / Exhibition Hall → Dora observatory → Dorasan Station → Unification Village (Pass by) → Amethyst / Ginseng Center → Arrive at City Hall / Itaewon

Wire fences at the side of the highway all the way to DMZ

A closer look

Actually it was quite scary to see there are wire fences along the highway and they get higher and more intense when we are nearing the zone. We also saw guard houses along the way too.

Finally we reached the first stop of the tour.

Provision shops for tourists

While waiting for our tour guide to buy tickets and get our passports verified.

We were free to walk around Imjingak Park.

The Peace Bell

"As we bid farewell to 20th century in which we witnessed the division of the Korean Peninsula, we welcome the 21st century as a time of reunification and peace for all mankind. It is here, at a point that marks the division of North and South that the hopes and prayers of 9 millions Kyonggi citizens come together in the erection of the Peace Bell Monument. The Peace Bell which is 2.23m in diameter, 3.8m high and weighs 21 tons is made of bronze and tin in the traditional Korean style. 

The bell pavilion which is made of wood with a four-sided arched roof, sits on an area of 70.5sqm and 12.18m high." 

By Lim, Chang-Yuel

Governor of Kyonggi Province

The distance between Seoul and Gaeseong (a city of southern North Korea). So near yet so far.

Peace-Wishing Ribbon Hanging

Prayers from the families to hope for their families' safety.

The Bridge of Freedom

Hope for the return of their families

Many world leaders and celebrities have visited DMZ and prayed for peace. It has became a symbolic place for peaceful unification. 

Now started the real tour..

A simple artpiece shows how much they want to patch up frayed relations between parties.

We were told not to photograph anything after we enter this museum where it shows a short 3D video of the history and the creation of DMZ, and a tour in Exhibition Hall that displays photographs and other materials.

After that we went to tour the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel by walking the trails in the tunnel. It was designed at the angle of 11 degree (if I remember correctly, if not 12 degree) where it is not uncomfortable for human being to climb. In the tunnel, we came to an end point where we can see the other side through a very small window. There even has a small CCTV to monitor if anyone try to take any photos in there... so be careful..

Dora Observatory

At the platform, tourists are allowed to use binoculars to oversee North Korea- Gaeseong’s suburban areas at 50 won each time. Too bad, that day the weather was so foggy that we were unable to see anything clearly =(

This was our tour guide! He has been working as a DMZ tour guide for many years and has a very good relationship with the soldiers. He said sometimes if soldiers are in a good mood, they are willing to take picture with tourists and of course if you are a pretty lady lol!!

Dorasan Station

In 2000, representatives from both parties agreed to connect at the Gyeongui Railroad Line. However, the plan did not go the way it should be. It is now becomes another tourist attraction. At 50 won, tourists are able to purchase a train ticket for future usage.

"Not the last station from the South,

But the first station towards the North"

Former U.S. President George W. Bush visited here in 2002.

Unification Village

DMZ has became a UNESCO transboundary biosphere reserve.

You can read more about DMZ here.

This has ended my first trip to Korea. I must say this is a very fruitful and eyes opening trip for me. I used to not like Korea because I feel their drama plot always so draggy and keep crying BUT my love towards Korea is growing lol.

I hope the next time I will be back is during their winter for skiing! OK now I have to learn roller blade first. lol 

Back to Korea - Jeju : Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) + Seongeup Folk Village

Back to Korea - Jeju : Cheonjeyeon Falls + Jusangjeolli Cliff + Teddy Bear Museum

Back to Korea - Jeju : Mysterious Road + Yongduam Rock

Back to Korea - Namiseom Island

Back to Korea - Mount Sorak (Seoraksan)

Back to Korea - Seoul : Making Kimchi + Everland
Back to Korea - Seoul : Cafe Hopping in Seoul

Back to Korea - Seoul : Gyeongbokgung Palace + Shopping areas you must not missed!
Back to Korea - Seoul : Trick Eye Museum + Bukchon Hanok Village + N Seoul Tower

Korea - Seoul : Trick Eye Museum + Bukchon Hanok Village + N Seoul Tower

Korea trip Oct 2013

Trick Eye Museum

I have been wanting to go this Trick Eye Museum since forever. Came across a few illusion art pieces in Singapore and found them very interesting. Trick Eye Museum is a special art gallery with paintings created using 'trompe l'oeil' techniques that give each 2D art piece the illusion of being in 3D. Similar optical illusion logic as Mysterious Road (Dokkaebi Road) in Jeju. 

Number 1 item to bring to this museum is camera. At eye level, you will see the art pieces as 2D, in order to transform these 2D art piece to 3D illusion is through the camera viewfinder. Number 2 item to bring is tripod. There are staffs around to help taking pictures but sometimes they will be busy so bring a tripod to join fun with your friends together.

Look out for this pink signboard for the entrance

First illusion at the door

hello hello, why are you shitting in public?

The entrance fee allows you to enter the Trick Eye Museum as well as the Ice Museum. 1 price for 2 museums. In Ice Museum, visitors can experience and enjoy ice sculptures, igloos and slides.

Actually, Ice museum nothing much inside. You will not stay there very long because it is too cold and the area is quite small to take pictures without other people photobomb it.

Let's go to the Trick Eye Museum now!!



Once upon a time, a poor little man suddenly......

"HUAT liao! Truck full of cash!"

Then he got rich so he decided to buy a new car and bring along a bouquet of balloons to..

He came to watch his gf ballerina performance and gave her that bouquet of balloons.

The next day, they went to see their new house.

He even bought her a dog to accompany her when he was not around.

Flew to Paris to shop till drop.

Also flew to Japan to eat gigantic sushi.

She was leading a wealthy tai tai lifestyle until a dinosaur disrupted their life.

He got trapped in a box and "kidnapped" by the dinosaur as hostage.

He somehow managed to escape from dinosaur but kept chasing by this new creature - evil dragon.

And then by this giant piranha.

Then he successfully killed all the three monsters and got famous overnight.

He was offered a high rank in the palace but he rejected.

He started to pick up martial arts to kill more monsters. His motive is to save the world.

So he exchanged views with Jet Li.

Finally, went to shaolin temple to challenge eighteen bronze people. 

All this while, she went to learn kungfu from kungfu panda.

There is a little secret between this couple. A pervert lived inside their body.

He loved to take pictures of other's upskirt and showcase his body in the public.

He believed in virgin boy urine and went around pulling down people's pants while she..... looked into other people's boxers.

Everybody has their little secret that they do not share with anybody. Please help keep this secret of this crazy couple within this Trick Eye Museum will do.

THE END

If you do not keep this promise, this man will pull you to black little hole and never come back ever again.

(source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr)

Trick Eye Museum (Hongdae)

Nearest train station: Hongik University station line 2, exit 9

Address: 357-1, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul Seogyo Plaza B2

Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (last admission: 8pm)

Admission Fee: Adult 15,000 won , child 12,000 won

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village located between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. This village has been preserved for at least 600 years since Joseon Dynasty.

Bukchon translates to "northern village". This place is never meant to be a tourist attraction as it is a residential neighbourhood where people actually live in. However, these hanoks are clustered together closely in this area, it has unknowingly became a hot tourists spot. Many traditional hanoks are now used as a traditional culture center, guesthouse, restaurants and tea houses allowing tourists to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.

Filled with local designers shops

What was this commotion about?

Dont know what was happening? Never mind! Just follow the queue! lol #TypicalKiasuSingaporean

#SingaporeanLovesToQueue

Luckily the queue was going at a fast rate.

Oohhhh skewed chicken. 2,000 won per stick. quite yummy ~

Luden Loquen Space. A traditional hanok converted tea house. 

The menu was quite intimidating because it is all in korean ~.~ that was why we did not go in.

These traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Some of them operate as guesthouse. Initially wanted to book for our stay in Korea but was a little far from the town area. Next time I would want to stay here!

Bukchon Hanok Village

Nearest train station: Anguk Station line 3, exit 2. 

Direction: Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower is the symbolic landmark of Seoul and stands at the peak of Nansam Mountain, hence is the perfect place to see the panoramic view of Seoul. 

Take elevator to cable car boarding place.

Then take cable car up to N Seoul Tower.

The way I stood... The photographer should tell me to stand nicer lor.. but background v nice lol

N Seoul Tower also famous for its "Locks of Love"

Thousands of padlocks attached to the fence symbolizing their undying affection. You can bring your own padlocks or buy from the souvenir shops.

The Roof Terrace: a romantic place amongst the clouds

Good night Seoul~

N Seoul Tower

Nearest train station: Myeongdong station line 4, exit 3

Directions By Cable Car: 

Walk for about 10 -15 minutes following the street of the right side of the Pacific Hotel, after coming out of the exit 3 of Myeong-dong Station (line 4). Take the elevator up to the cable boarding place.

Operating Hours: 10:00-23:00 

Cable car fee: 

Adult: one way 6,000 won/ return 8,000 won 

Child: one way 3,500 won/ return 5,000 won 

Back to Korea - Jeju : Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) + Seongeup Folk Village

Back to Korea - Jeju : Cheonjeyeon Falls + Jusangjeolli Cliff + Teddy Bear Museum

Back to Korea - Jeju : Mysterious Road + Yongduam Rock

Back to Korea - Namiseom Island

Back to Korea - Mount Sorak (Seoraksan)

Back to Korea - Seoul : Making Kimchi + Everland
Back to Korea - Seoul : Cafe Hopping in Seoul

Back to Korea - Seoul : Gyeongbokgung Palace + Shopping areas you must not missed!