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Buffering hostilities from the north and south, the heavily
guarded premises of Panmunjeom are located in the middle of
the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and remain reserved strictly for
political engagements. Providing the only road connecting the
two countries, it is here where the historical signing of the
Armistice Agreement took place between Communist forces and
the United Nations Command (UNC) in 1953 after a succession
of peace talks that lasted more than two years. However, although
the event signaled an end to the Korean War, tensions resurfaced
once again in 1976 when North Korean guards killed two American
soldiers a short distance away, during the famous ‘Tree Killing
Event’.
Although the premises remain a huge tourist attraction, pressure
continues to swell and the de facto zone remains a virtual
hot bed of unpredictability. Visitors are cautioned to follow
strict protocol as not to upset northern officials. Yet such
awareness seems to have very little effect in detracting tourists
from witnessing such cultural differences up close. In fact,
at the time of this writer’s journey, I was informed that
bookings needed to be made far in advance as seats filled
up extremely fast. Indeed, Panmunjeom was arguably the most
eagerly awaited highlight of the journey. But although it
remains a huge draw card to the tour itself, several other
stops along the way proved equally rewarding. |
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 Imjingak
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| Due to mounting political divisions, Imjingak was used primarily
as a place of refuge, a haven for consoling the millions of
South Koreans who were separated from their North Korean families
and unable to return to their hometowns to reunite with loved
ones. It is also where the famous ‘Freedom Bridge’ is located.
Crossing a stream adjacent to the Imjin River, the bridge was
once used to shuttle more than 13,000 war captives from the
north during the war.
Bordering the entrance to the bridge is even a series of
ribbons bearing the names of many who wish for the reunification
of Korea. It is both a touching display and one that symbolizes
the resilience many Koreans carry with them even to this day.
A short distance away, on the steps of Memorial Altar, joint
memorial services for parents in North Korea are held during
both Lunar New Year and Chuseok, two of Korea’s most celebrated
holidays.
→ For more information,
click here!
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Unification
Park
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| Dotted with historical monument commemorating heroes from
the Korean War, Unification Park is one of the first stops en
route to Panmunjeom. Among the many statues is the memorable
‘Ten Human Bombs’ tower. Built in 1980, the monument pays tribute
to the ten soldiers belonging to the 11th regiment, 1st Infantry
Division, during the combat of Mt. Songak in 1945. Also on hand
are the monuments of Lt. Kim Man-Sul and Colonel Yi Yu-Chung. |
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| Written and photographed by Gregory Curley |
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