The so called demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border between North and South Korea is actually one of the least demilitarized pieces of land in the world. The border goes throw a house that was used for peace negotiations during the Korean war. In there, tourist groups from the north and south can go in (not at the same time) and cross the border inside the house. So in one sense I have been to South Korea as well. But it is of course not possible to exit the house on the other side.
All military personnel, policemen and guards were really friendly to us, smiled and even shock hands. Image making for sure, but still. I have never seen so many militaries as in North Korea, not just in DMZ but everywhere. Not only men. Young, sweet, smiling women with heavy machine guns is a somewhat complex sight. :-) I waved to one from the train window at a station. She pointed her machine gun towards me, smiled and waved back. Sweet on the outside…?
# posted by O : 10:25 PM
