Seoul! Part 2

To continue our journey in South Korea, Joel and I were able to take a day-trip to the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. It is heavily guarded as North Korea has made many attempts to tunnel into South Korea underneath the DMZ. Interesting enough, some of the best soy beans and ginseng are said to grow in this region, and their prices indicate that people will pay for them, LOL!

There were only certain portions of the DMZ where we were permitted to take photos, so unfortunately, we were unable to capture our experience in the 3rd Tunnel (one of North Korea's thwarted attempts to enter into South Korea) or pictures of North Korea itself. But we were able to use binoculars to see into the country and observed four North Korean soldiers guarding one of their towers. It was a very educational experience for us to say the least!

Thankfully, the snow was melting when we were there. Our friends took the tour a day prior during the snowfall and had limited visibility when looking into North Korea, but we had clear views!

Joel and I doing our part to help North and South Korea reunite in a peaceful, mutually beneficial manner.

If you wanted pictures, you had to stand behind this yellow line. Behind us, the folks are looking into North Korea. We were able to see a really tall tower in the distance but were informed it was built merely a show of strength and isn't used for anything practical, as it has no windows. There are some South Korean businesses just across the border that employ North Koreans. But, we were informed that the North Korean government takes most of their income and makes millions a year by doing so. And yet, despite this, North Korea is threatening to shut the businesses down and make them move back into South Korea. It simply makes no sense and is terribly saddening.

A super efficient and modern train system was created that would allow transit through North Korea into the rest of Asia and Europe. It would be an amazing way to increase transportation options for imports, exports, and travel. Dorasan Station is the last train stop in South Korea before entering into North Korea. However, it has not been permitted to run. North Korea will not allow it. 

This was the proposed train line into Asia and Europe.

As part of the tour, we were able to actually purchase train tickets into Pyeongyang, North Korea, and if the train is ever permitted to enter into the country, our tickets will actually work, LOL!

Following the tour, we ate beef and pork, KOREAN STYLE.

They thinly slice the meat and we cook it over a charcoal flame.

The next day, we met up with our friend, Curtis. Y'all remember Curtis? He took the cooking class with us in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last year. We've kept in touch (he's Canadian but has been teaching English in Seoul for years) and he showed us the non-touristy parts of the city. We began by taking this AMAZING 2+ hour hike above the city. Stunning views!

The Koreans are very health focused, so not only were we getting a good workout from the hike itself, but at several stops along the way, there were gyms to increase your calorie burn! (WHAT?!?! LOL!)

Overlooking the city.

It was GREAT to catch up with Curtis!

More workout equipment

These hula hoops were actually quite difficult to use

For lunch, Curtis' wife, Dong Hee, joined us at an American/Korean fusion buffet. We stayed for over 3 hours just talking and laughing and having a wonderful, belly-filling time. :) Definitely friends for the long-haul. They actually came to visit us in Japan right before Christmas and have given us an open invite to Canada anytime  (since they have now returned to North America). Yay for meeting fellow adventurers and making great friends!!!

Thus concludes our trip to Seoul. Soon, we will be caught up to 2014! :)