Today was a beautiful fall day and the Casey docs went on a USO tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjeom (판문점). The tour included a visit to Camp Bonifas and the UN's Joint Security Area, a trip inside the North Korean 3rd Tunnel and chance to see the North Korean towns of Kijong (Propaganda Village) and Gaeseong from the Mt. Dora Observation Post.Despite North Korea's hostilities toward the South, South Koreans still favor reunification. South Korean maps still include the territory of northward in pre-war fashion. In 2006, a rail line was opened by South Korea's Korail to allow trade and travel from Seoul to the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. Last month the South Korean Red Cross hosted their 17th reunion of families separated by the border divide. The first beginning only nine years ago.
Still, since 1953's armistice was never finalized the two Korean governments are still "considered" at war. Because of this border tension is high and soldiers on both sides seem pretty serious!
FYI I lived only a few kilometers away at Warrior Base last May while participating in the EFMB competition.
