Day 4
Demilitarised Zone – Samcheongdong – Bukchon Hanook
DMZ
This was one of the highlights of the trip. Earlier on in our trip planning, we had confirmed a tour package at http://www.koreadmztour.net/index.html. Through the tour, we visited the Dorasan Station, which is the last station of the South Korea. The tracks from this station will end in North Korea, but today, no trains are scheduled to pass through. Though in a pristine condition, the atmosphere in the station is sterile and eerie.
The DMZ tour also brought us through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel – a tunnel that was found to be dug by North Korea, and leading into the centre of South Korea. It was said that this tunnel was part of the greater plan by North Korea to severely damage South Korea through a surprise attack. Some parts of the tunnel are steep, slippery and dark. Prior to entering, all visitors were given safety helmets.
Samcheongdong, Bukchon Hanok
We explored the quaint shops at Samcheongdong, then visited the Bukchon Hanok Village which is one of the few areas that still preserve the traditional houses ‘hanoks’. It is an interesting area to take a leisure afternoon stroll, admiring the architecture, and exploring the back lanes and alleys.
