The Demilitarized Zone is a buffer between North and South Korea. Even now, 50 years after the Korean War, tension can be felt as you drive along the coast of the Han River which flows into the Yellow Sea.

Just a few days before visiting the DMZ, a North Korean submarine was spotted off the coast of South Korea - this was about the 17th of July, 1998. Upon investigating the South Koreans found the submarine with all of its crew members dead. They had all committed suicide. With the tension high, no one is allowed to take photos in the DMZ other than at a few locations.

At one of the observation posts you are allowed to take photos toward the building - no photos behind yourself or from inside the building toward North Korea.

Left: Observation Site

It is estimated that there are at least 20 tunnels that have been dug under the DMZ for the North Korean army to infiltrate into South Korea. It is estimated that 30,000 soldiers could enter South Korea per hour through one of the tunnels.

Four of these tunnels have been found. The third tunnel to be found is within 44 km's of Seoul, Korea. The first tunnel was 8 km's from Korangp'o, a battlefield which was devastated during a surprise attack by the North Koreans during the Korean War.