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Quite possibly the most overrused title for visitors to Seoul, yet I feel this title perfectly describes my experience in Korea. My 'soul' was rejuvenated a) because I got a break from the monotony of my job (all July and August I sit at my desk and do NOTHING- good way to spend my time...thank god for sudoku!) and b) I met up with some old friends from Berkeley, which was a nice slice of home. Given the short time I was alloted for summer vacation, it was a quick trip into Seoul and the DMZ, then back to Japan.

I've Got Seoul....

Casey Lary
2007-03-08 20:52:10

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Woowoo! A few photos with the guards and we were escorted back to the main building. It was a torrential downpour. Our guide pointed out the North Korean side. You could see North Korean guards watching us from sniper towers and from the main building across the way. No pointing, no starring, no laughing- basically slow movements and low voices- yet photos were allowed! Here we were, in the middle of a warpath, taking photos! Ridiculous! Next we toured more of the DMZ, and the USO guide scared us more, informing us of the constant instability of the area. A week before our trip North Korea set off some missiles. The rest of the world looked at it as a threat. Our guide said it was like the 4th of July- (missile = fireworks) because everyday is that intense and no need to freak out more because of some missiles launched. My blood was definitely pumping by the end of the morning.

That afternoon we were led by a South Korean guide to tour the under ground tunnels dug by the North Koreans attempting to come into South Korea. We watched this video about how North and South Korea were going to be reunited soon and the technologies they were developing would make them one of the top economies in the future. The video was riddled with cheesy music, crying children, happy children, smiles, sunsets- propaganda if I had ever seen it. It was such a change in atmosphere from the morning tour. After the video we hiked below ground to walk the tunnels. I have NEVER gotten claustrophobic- but in the tunnel I was feeling a little sick! It was amazing/scary to think that North Korea built these tunnels and were unnoticed for so long. They think that there are still tunnels underground along the 38th parallel that haven't been found yet. After our long trek up and some blue weird-tasting ice cream with sparkles, we loaded back up on the bus headed for Seoul.

That night we headed over to the shopping area to get dinner and indulge in something ...