The Shopping...

This is what we saw when we lugged our bags down the shopping strip of Myeungdong on our way to our hotel. Dominic thought it was a coincidence how I managed to find a hotel right in the heart of the main shopping district of Seoul. hehe...little did he know...

The Northerners...

After emptying our wallets from a night of shopping, we hopped onto a taxi the next morning to be at the USO office at 7am to start our DMZ tour. The demilitrized zone, 4km wide and 24km long, surrounded by tank traps, watchtowers, mines and electical fences, seperates the North and South. Our tour group was taken to Camp Kim where we had a 30 minute briefing and signed an agreement waiving any responsiblity to the USA in case we become shooting targets for the North Koreans. Before we were taken to the JSA, the only site within the DMZ that you are allowed in,  we went by a few noteable sights within the DMZ including the most dangerous golf course (above) as it once was surrounded by land mines and the bridge of no return, the only bridge connecting north and south korea. Guided by a UN and SK soldiers they made sure that we were always within their sight and didnt have any intentions of sneaking over to the other side.

We reached the JSA (joint security area), the blue building on the left, neutral grounds for the north, south and the UN to have discussions.  

In the room itself we were able to freely cross from the north and korean side with only one SK soldier blocking the door to North Korean soil!

From the observatory point you could see North Korea in the distance, but even photos were prohibited past the yellow line. Our tour ended with us wearing hard hats and going down through the third tunnel of Agression found under the DMZ. It was dug by North Koreans to launch surprise attacks but when discovered the NK claimed it was an old coal mine. Four tunnels have been found so far, the most recent one in 1990!

The sightseeing...

Gyeonbok Palace: It was the main palace until it was invaded by the Japanese in 1952 but then rebuilt in 1865 and is still undergoing restoration

Girls in the palace dressed up in in the traditional korean dress

Jogyesa Shrine: Largest buddhist shrine in Seoul

Insadong: An area full of galleries, traditional resturants and craft shops

The food...

The good...

and the very very bad....

The Culture...

Korean Folk Performance at Korea House

The Views...

Day view from Seoul Tower and Night View from Top Cloud Bar on the top floor of Jongno Tower