The Story of North and South Korea

The Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, is the buffer zone that exists between North and South Korea, the buffer zone between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, and the buffer zone between communism and democracy. This area has existed since the Korean War armistice was agreed upon in 1953.

the form I was required to sign before going on the tour

all military personnel in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the DMZ have to wear these armbands that say they are military police

the Military Demarcation Line or MDL runs through the middle of these blue buildings. The gray building in the background belongs to North Korea. This is Conference Row and is part of the JSA

the concrete slab in between the gravel and paved concrete is the MDL. Republic of Korea (ROK) soldiers stand guard 24/7 

a US soldier accompanied me the entire time I was in the DMZ. Notice the sign in the background that says "United Nation Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) Conference Building" I went into that building and was able to stand on the other side of the MDL, so technically I was in North Korea

the ROK soldiers on guard must be a black belt in Taekwondo 

inside the conference building. the MDL runs through the very center of the table

the left side of the table is South Korea, the right side (where I was standing) is North Korea

me standing next to a ROK soldier on the North Korean side of the building. He was guarding the door making sure I didn't defect

not perfectly lined up, but one foot in both countries

a view of Propaganda Village. fake buildings were built by North Korea in an attempt to lure South Koreans over to their side. It wasn't windy enough for it to fly, but atop the tower is one of the world's largest flags, a North Korean one

North Korea and Propaganda Village in the background. I was not fooled

Dorasan Station is significant because it is the last stop in South Korea, but it could also be the first stop to North Korea

inside Dorasan station. Pyeongyang is North Korea's capital

despite the armistice, there have been multiple skirmishes between North and South. there have been four tunnels found under the DMZ that were dug by the North in order to launch a surprise attack on the South. I was able to walk through part of the Third Infiltration Tunnel