Hello everyone!
UPDATE WITH PHOTOS:
Sumber https://irenesiah.blogspot.com
This week's #wowkoreasupporters mission came a niggling late, because I had been busy amongst particular lectures that I had to attend for KF-EAI Korea Friendship Program 2014. This week's mission is to innovate 3 attractions about ane of Korea's nigh historical attractions - Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). As you lot all would receive got known, Korea is divided into 2 later on the infamous Korean War (1950-1953). The 2 sides are separated yesteryear the DMZ, running along the 38th parallel north. According to the ceasefire, the DMZ serves every bit a buffer zone (2km from each side) betwixt the 2 Koreas to foreclose immediately armed services collisions. Even though this mightiness last the nigh heavily armed borders inward the world, it is no dubiety a prophylactic house for visit.
As you lot tin run into from the inward a higher house image, at that topographic point are tons of attractions about the DMZ. There volition last 3 attractions that I volition innovate inward this post. Namely, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the Dorasan Observatory in addition to Joint Security Area (aka Panmunjeom).
3rd Infiltration Tunnel
First discovered on Oct 17, 1978, the tunnel is located 52km from Seoul. It was estimated that it took unopen to an hr for 10,000 soldiers to displace through the tunnel. When this tunnel was start discovered, North Koreans insisted it was made yesteryear South Koreans inward a plot to invade North Korea. However, this theory proved eventually to last false. In front end of the tunnel are a diverseness of attractions such every bit the DMZ Media Hall (history of the divided dry soil & flourishing ecosystem inward the Demilitarized Zone), DMZ Exhibition Hall (relics in addition to documents displays related to the Demilitarized Zone), sculptures, in addition to souvenir shops. Visitors tin run into the within the tunnel yesteryear either walking or riding the monorail.
Source: Visit Korea
Dorasan Observatory
Located nearby the tertiary Infiltration Tunnel, this observatory platform allows ane to persuasion the North Korean Military Personnel, every bit good as, the highlights of Gaeseong in addition to Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains. Also, the observatory offers 500 seats, VIP rooms in addition to huge parking spaces. As this expanse restricts civilian access, visitors must participate inward the DMZ Peace & Security Tourist Program (implemented yesteryear Paju) inward club to see the observatory. Conducted yesteryear a shuttle bus, either from Imjingak Resort or Dorasan Station, it goes through the Dora Observatory, tertiary Underground Tunnel, Dorasan Station, in addition to Unification Village.
Photo Credit: Prianka42
Panmunjeom aka Joint Security Area (JSA)
With the autumn of the Berlin Wall, Panmunjeom became the world’s terminal remaining outpost where republic (S.Korea) in addition to communism (N.Korea) stare at each other inward the expression upward inward a tense standoff.
Photo Credits: Korea Tourism Organization
Also, it is of import to Federal Reserve notation that access to JSA within the DMZ is restricted to for certain nationalities. Specifically, Chinese tourists receive got to apply 10 days inward advance while South Koreans must apply in addition to undergo a background check, which tin select upward to 2 months.
The United States Forces Korea (USFK) regulates which countries' nationals may run inward the JSA. Current regulations restricts citizens from the next countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan in addition to Syria.
Citizens of the next countries and territories may apply to bring together a JSA tour. However, a colour scan of their passport photograph (including signature bearer page) must last 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 in addition to Yemen.
*Due to catamenia changes to the list, it is advised to contact tour operator for farther queries.
IMPORTANT Clothing Policy for JSA!
Informal civilian clothe commonly viewed every bit acceptable inward equivalent populace settings are usually permitted. However, ripped jeans, t-shirt in addition to flip-flops are unacceptable. The next attire in addition to accessories are specifically prohibited:
- Tank tops or sleeveless shirts/tops that expose midriff
- Shirts/Tops amongst insulting, profane, obscene, provocative or demeaning representations
- Short pants, gauchos or mini-skirts
- See-through, sheer or transparent shirts or pants
- Workout or do vesture of whatever sort including rails pants, gym shorts, stretch pants or warm-up suits
- Shower shoes, slippers, flip-flops or sandals
- Items of armed services vesture non worn every bit an integral business office of a prescribed service uniform
- Oversize or excessively baggy clothing that exposes underwear or poses a run a hazard to movement
- T-shirts, sweatshirts or "biker" attire such every bit leather vests in addition to leather riding chaps
- Umbrellas are authorised alone when raining
- All bags must stay on the jitney piece inward the United Nations Commend in addition to Military Armistice Commissions Headquarter Area include but non express to backpacks purses in addition to photographic telly camera bags
- Jackets in addition to outerwear volition last worn in addition to non carried inward the United Nations Commend in addition to Military Armistice Commissions Headquarter Area.
So inward simpler terms, alone clean pants (i.e. jeans without frays/tears) in addition to a build clean collared shirt amongst running shoes are considered appropriate.
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Here are some of the official websites/operators that supply 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 every bit you lot tin move to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) yesteryear yourself, it is highly recommended that you lot bring together the tour packages. Main argue beingness that nigh attractions produce non allow allow private tours (i.e. JSA/Dorasan Observatory). Also, reservations receive got to last made means inward advance in addition to it is a MUST to bring your existing (NOT old) national passport for identification purposes.
Personally, I am going to the DMZ in addition to JSA amongst the people from KF-EAI Korea Friendship Program inward 2 weeks time. Stay inward melody to my Twitter/Instagram for photos!
UPDATE WITH PHOTOS:
Infront of Dora Observatory
Because I was also lazy to await for others to complete taking their photos,
made produce amongst this candid ane lol
At the 38th Parallel within Joint Security Area (aka Panmunjeon)
The White edifice at the dorsum is North Korea.
Very fatherly ROK-US Alliance primary who was our tour direct of the twenty-four hr catamenia every bit well
Hope this post helps anyone of you lot who is going or planning for a trip there!
Til then,
irenesiah
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P.S If you lot are interested or planning to report inward Korea, cheque out my nigh recent YouTube video which I had filmed the FAQ on Undergraduates Studies inward Korea here.