Panmunjeom – The Great Divide
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Buffering hostilities from the north and south, the heavily guarded premises
of Panmunjeom are located in the middle of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and
remain reserved strictly for political engagements. Providing the only road
connecting the two countries, it is here where the historical signing of the
Armistice Agreement took place between Communist forces and the United Nations
Command (UNC) in 1953 after a succession of peace talks that lasted more than
two years. However, although the event signaled an end to the Korean War,
tensions resurfaced once again in 1976 when North Korean guards killed two
American soldiers a short distance away, during the famous ‘Tree Killing
Event’.
Although the premises remain a huge tourist attraction, pressure
continues to swell and the de facto zone remains a virtual hot bed of
unpredictability. Visitors are cautioned to follow strict protocol as not to
upset northern officials. Yet such awareness seems to have very little effect in
detracting tourists from witnessing such cultural differences up close. In fact,
at the time of this writer’s journey, I was informed that bookings needed to be
made far in advance as seats filled up extremely fast. Indeed, Panmunjeom was
arguably the most eagerly awaited highlight of the journey. But although it
remains a huge draw card to the tour itself, several other stops along the way
proved equally rewarding. |
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 Imjingak
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Due to mounting political divisions, Imjingak was used primarily as a place
of refuge, a haven for consoling the millions of South Koreans who were
separated from their North Korean families and unable to return to their
hometowns to reunite with loved ones. It is also where the famous ‘Freedom
Bridge’ is located. Crossing a stream adjacent to the Imjin River, the bridge
was once used to shuttle more than 13,000 war captives from the north during the
war.
Bordering the entrance to the bridge is even a series of ribbons bearing the
names of many who wish for the reunification of Korea. It is both a touching
display and one that symbolizes the resilience many Koreans carry with them even
to this day. A short distance away, on the steps of Memorial Altar, joint
memorial services for parents in North Korea are held during both Lunar New Year
and Chuseok, two of Korea’s most celebrated holidays.
→ For more information, click here!
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Unification
Park
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| Dotted with historical monument commemorating heroes from the Korean War,
Unification Park is one of the first stops en route to Panmunjeom. Among the
many statues is the memorable ‘Ten Human Bombs’ tower. Built in 1980, the
monument pays tribute to the ten soldiers belonging to the 11th regiment, 1st
Infantry Division, during the combat of Mt. Songak in 1945. Also on hand are the
monuments of Lt. Kim Man-Sul and Colonel Yi
Yu-Chung. |
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| Written and photographed by Gregory Curley |
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