Blogs from North Korea, Asia - page 5

“… I will explain a few rules. First, no taking pictures while on bus. Second…” Our guide spoke with a degree of clearness that I haven’t heard yet here from a Korean until now when he began stating the rules of our trip. As he continued to further explain the seriousness of breaking these rules the mood began to set in as to where we were about to go. The Japanese rule of Korea ended with the end of the 2nd World War in 1945. At this time the Soviets and the Americans occupied their respective halves. However, the two countries could not agree on the implementation of Joint Trusteeship over Korea. In 1948 this led to the establishment of separate governments in the north and south, each claiming to be the legitimate government of all ... read more

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to go to North Korea. The only way anyone is allowed across the boarder is through the Hyundai Tour to Kumgangsan. Kumgangsan is a mountain (san=mountain) that is said to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Korea. The trip was originally designed for students who were in the North and South Korean Conflict class, but it was opened up to all international students. It was a pretty pricy tour, as it lasted for 3 days and 2 nights in five star hotel. As an American Citizen, who is not permitted into the country under any other circumstances, I found this an experience I could not turn down. Not very many people I know back home can say, “Oh yeah, North Korea, I’ve been there.” We ... read more

Thursday 17th June –Sokcho – Seoul Our first task was to find an Internet café so we could print out our Russian invitation letters to take them with us to the embassy tomorrow. We managed to find an Internet place with a printer and printed off some copies, so that was easy for once. We than went for a walk around Itaewon, there are yanks everywhere, and lots blacks as well, who aren’t soldiers, with their “rap” clothes and beaded hair. Naturally everyone thinks we are Americans too. You can use both Korean won and USD everywhere including the McDonalds. For tea, we had hot dogs and then wandered back to our hotel, avoiding the hookers, Tony is not allowed out by himself!! Friday 18th ... read more

The demilitarized zone forms the heavily guarded border between North and South Korea, and it is the most dangerous and volatile border in the world. In fact the DMZ is often referred to as the most dangerous place on earth. An uneasy truce prevails between the soldiers of the North and the South, who are assisted by 60,000 US troops. Although the Korean war ended in 1953 a peace treaty has never been signed and the official status of the two armies is still classified as a ceasefire. As you can imagine, this is a very serious hot spot in the world, and it was with some trepidation that I signed up for a tour of the DMZ from Seoul that was run in conjunction with the US military. We climbed into the bus, dear reader, ... read more