Monday, June 20, 2011

Solo on DMZ half-day tour

Every budget traveler's dream, feel the chill !!
February 23-28, 2011 Wednesday to Monday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional tasks: to conquer the Everland’s T-express (world’s most steepest roller coaster) and experience the snow for the 1st time

korea winter get-away

continued...

Korean Demilitarized Zone is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. The DMZ is a de-facto border barrier, which runs along the 38th parallel north. The DMZ cuts the Korean Peninsula roughly in half, crossing the 38th parallel on an angle, with the west end of the DMZ lying south of the parallel and the east end lying north of it. It was created as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement between North Korea, the People's Republic of China, and the United Nations Command forces in 1953. It is 250 kilometres (160 miles) long, approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) wide and, despite its name, is the most heavily militarized border in the world. The Northern Limit Line, or NLL, is the de facto maritime boundary between North and South Korea in the Yellow Sea and the coastline and islands on both sides of the NLL are also heavily militarized.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Demilitarized_Zone

DAY TWO:
DEMILITARIZED (DMZ) TOUR

Night before, I did my booking to my hostel in Seoul City and availed there half-day morning DMZ tour worth 46,000 won ( (package without lunch). Payment will be made on the day to the Tour Korean in-charge. 0715H was the assembly time of the tour bus for me, as I arrived just on time and the I’m the 1st one they picked-up.

This was there tour itinerary on every tourist who wants to avail. Scheduled at 8am to 2pm, they offer this on 1 tourist (minimum) costs 46,000 won. 41,000 won for 3 tourist, discounted by 3,000 won. It was mandatory to carry your passport on tour day and there will be a transfer to shuttle bus upon arriving to Imjingak tourist site.

DMZ bus tour

Imjingak Park at DMZ

Imjingak Park at DMZ

Imjingak Park at DMZ (freedom bridge)

Imjingak Park at DMZ (freedom bridge)

Korea is the only divided country in the world. After the Korean War (June 25 1950 – July 27 1953), South Korea and North Korea established a border that cut the Korean peninsula roughly in half. Stretching for 2km on either side of this border is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).  As one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ attracts a great deal of public interest, and is a popular destination for travelers visiting Korea.  Despite the fact that this is the most heavily armed border in the world, it is extremely rare that any hostilities take place. These days the DMZ is a safe destination that we would thoroughly recommend to any traveler.  The DMZ and its surroundings contain many interesting historical sights and pristine untouched natural surroundings.

the course:
Hotel - Imjingak Park - Freedom Bridge - Dorasan Station - DMZ Theater / Exhibition Hall - The 3rd infiltration Tunnel- Dora observatory - Unification Village Pass by - Amethyst factory or Ginseng Center - Drop off Itaewon or City Hall

inside bus tour with guide

Dorasan Station at DMZ

souvenir shop at DMZ

At 0900H, from van, we transferred in Namsan Park on a bus then started moving. At 0930H we arrived in Imjingak park, where you can find freedom bridge. then we transferred again to DMZ's shuttle bus. Next destination was dorasan train station, this is the last station in the south going to 1st station to the north.

Inside the souvenir shop of 3rd infiltration tunnel of DMZ. North Korean products selling out. Approximately php1,400 for liquor and php800 for grapes vine. Any form of camera is prohibited inside the tunnel that is why I only took photos like this. If you want to enter this tunnel, be sure you have relaxed and healthy legs due there will a be a way decent for 400meters length.

3rd infiltration Tunnel in DMZ

Dora observatory

Dora observatory

On Dora Observatory. Overlooking North Korea, a South Korean soldier is monitoring all the tourist not to use camera beyond the yellow line. By the way, south Korean citizens were not allowed to visit DMZ that time(unless part of the tour company), only foreigners that was why passport is a must to bring during the tour. This was the last part of the tour, around 1400H I’m back in seoul city.


seoul city tour 3rd part (palaces and world cup stadium)


1 comment:

  1. Gee, nice pics of Korea huh! ;) I have one question though... How much for visa application and how much did you spend for that? I am actually planning to go to Seoul too! Just waiting for the right time... yung may seat sale or promo! Lol! ;)

    ReplyDelete

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