DMZ 2

Entrance to the Bridge of No Return from UN vantage point in the Joint Security Area. This was the area that was blocked by the infamous poplar tree in 1976. This picture was taken from the UN position used to monitor that area (the view that was blocked by the poplar tree). It was a big issue at the time because the JSA was not divided and the North Koreans had three guard post buildings down there intermixed with the current UN guard post building. Essentially, everything behind the blue UN building is in North Korea. top bottom
North and South Korea each sponsor a village inside the DMZ. The South Korean village is called "Freedom Village" and is the center of a very successful (if partially subsidized) farming community. This is a picture of the North Korean village, which the South Koreans call "Propaganda Village". The two villages are visible from one another across the valley. Apparently no one actually lives in Propaganda Village. But there is a radio station which broadcasts prerecorded messages. Someone drives in every day to change the tape. Note the new 160m high flagpole installed after Freedom Village got a new 100m flagpole. top bottom
Pathetically trying to look hard. Propaganda Village over one shoulder, Bridge of No Return over the other. The green badge is a UN Visitor ID. Before you enter the JSA, they take you into a briefing room and give you details about how the JSA works and what the rules are for visitors. But before the issue you a visitor's badge, you have to sign a waiver. top bottom
A small clump of buildings in North Korea. The one indicated is a museum that is visited by people touring the JSA from North Korea. Our guide was quick to point out that their "primary exhibit" is the ax from the 1976 incident. top bottom

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