War Zone in south Korea

SOUTH KOREA war zone








It was only yesterday when I witnessed this horrific event, the place I went to what is known as the buffer zone, which is the border of South and North Korea. The buffer zone is 250 kilometres long, 4km wide and is controlled by DMZ who are very cautious towards people coming near the area, even though the capital of South Korea, Seoul is located only a few miles away.






South and North Koreans are not allowed near the buffer zone as it’s a threat to both countries but there is a bridge called Freedom Bridge which Koreans are allowed to visit. Freedom Bridge used to cross from South Korea to North Korea but now is wired off at the start of the bridge and at the end of the bridge. On the wire you see strips of ribbon hanging down off the wire, the writing on the ribbons is in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese which say stop this war there is also writing to love ones who died in the war.




There is only one place in the border that tourists can visit, it is called the Joint Secure Area (JSA). The JSA is one big building closer to the south border than the north, as you are walking towards the building, North Korean guards with their binoculars are watching your every movement. If you stutter on you steps to the building or make any sudden movements, the security guards are on to you straight away, that’s what happens in the world’s toughest border. When you are inside the building it is a block full meeting rooms, guarding the doors are North Koreans who stand there all day not moving a step.







This experience has showed me the value of my own country, as I was heading back to my hotel in Seoul I thought; I will never forget this experience!
By Lachlan Hogan.