The first stop we made was at Imjin Gak, which is as far as civilians can go to the North by themselves without permission. Imjingak was built to console those who had to leave their homes in the North. 
It has Manngbaedan, an altar where those who cannot go back to their homes get together and pray for their ancestors on the New year's day or Chusok, which is the Korean Thanksgiving. There is also a peace bell that was put up in 2000, wishing for peace and unification between two Koreas in the new millenium. Imjin Gak is also the site of the Freedom Bridge, which is a bridge my dad actually patrolled during his time in Korea. It is a discontinued train line, and there is a sign that says, “The train wants to run." The Freedom Bridge was also used to exchange prisoners after the Korean War, which is why it was given the name "Freedom Bridge."
It has Manngbaedan, an altar where those who cannot go back to their homes get together and pray for their ancestors on the New year's day or Chusok, which is the Korean Thanksgiving. There is also a peace bell that was put up in 2000, wishing for peace and unification between two Koreas in the new millenium. Imjin Gak is also the site of the Freedom Bridge, which is a bridge my dad actually patrolled during his time in Korea. It is a discontinued train line, and there is a sign that says, “The train wants to run." The Freedom Bridge was also used to exchange prisoners after the Korean War, which is why it was given the name "Freedom Bridge." Next on our trip, we went to the 3rd infiltration tunnel, which was first discovered in 1978, and was dug by North Korea in attempt to infiltrate into the south. It is 2m in width 
and 2m in height, so we had to wear hard hats because we continuously hit our heads on the top of the tunnel. It was funny, everyone was walking through the tunnel and all of assuden you'd hear a huge clunk, then someone laughing or swearing. We were only allowed to go 300 meters down into the tunnel, but it was a huge hike back up! The walls of the tunnel are covered with charcoal, which was applied by the North Koreans in order to give some possibility to the North Korean claim that the tunnel was part of an abandoned mine, rather than an infiltration tunnel. This tunnel would allow about 10,000 armed or 30,000 unarmed soldiers to invade Seoul within one hour. Scary thought!
and 2m in height, so we had to wear hard hats because we continuously hit our heads on the top of the tunnel. It was funny, everyone was walking through the tunnel and all of assuden you'd hear a huge clunk, then someone laughing or swearing. We were only allowed to go 300 meters down into the tunnel, but it was a huge hike back up! The walls of the tunnel are covered with charcoal, which was applied by the North Koreans in order to give some possibility to the North Korean claim that the tunnel was part of an abandoned mine, rather than an infiltration tunnel. This tunnel would allow about 10,000 armed or 30,000 unarmed soldiers to invade Seoul within one hour. Scary thought!After the tunnel, we went to the Dora Observatory, which has binnoculars you can look through, 
and see both of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and Kesung city, which is the second largest city in North Korea. You can also see a "Propaganda village" called Kijongdong, which was designed to give visitors the impression the North Korea is a prosperous nation. We could also see Daesungdong, the freedom village of South Korea. The village has many benefits from the government, such as no taxes and an exemption from military service. It was an amazing view, but you couldn't take pictures and there were armed guards making sure everyone followed the rules.
and see both of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and Kesung city, which is the second largest city in North Korea. You can also see a "Propaganda village" called Kijongdong, which was designed to give visitors the impression the North Korea is a prosperous nation. We could also see Daesungdong, the freedom village of South Korea. The village has many benefits from the government, such as no taxes and an exemption from military service. It was an amazing view, but you couldn't take pictures and there were armed guards making sure everyone followed the rules. Finally we went to Dorasan Train Station, which is the station furthest to the north,
but still in South Korea. There are hopes that this station will be active and act as unification between the two Koreas. It has special meaning, and there have been many meetings here between important people, such as the North and South Korean Presidents. Bush also visited and signed his name to support unification.We learned so much on the trip and it was really interesting to see some of North Korea. A few things I didn't mention were how strict they were with rules and laws. The border is heavily protected, and armed guards even came on our bus to check passports and registration cards. Hopefully I'll have lots more to write about soon!
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