Western Front Line.....

After the heart pounding JSA tour, my journey between the South and North Korea continues. We headed next to Imjingak Tourist Resort, which is located 50 kilometers northwest of Seoul. It where you can see the Memorial Altar, Freedom Bridge, Unification Bell. Here it is less strict and not that intense like in JSA. You can take more pictures and can stroll the areas more freely but still with caution.

Below photo and the main photo above is the Freedom Bridge, it is where the South Koreans soldiers crossed from the North Korea after the signing of the armistice agreement during the Korean war. It is the only bridge that connects the North and South Korea that crosses the Imjin River. The Imjin River flows north to south and connects with Han River of Seoul near the Yellow Sea. As they says that north uses the river to cross to Han River which was discovered by the South that made them to tighten the security around the Han River. Guard posts and barbed wire fence along the River near the Yellow sea were visible.

Here you can walk on the bridge, take photos as much as you want. From there you can see the Railroad Bridge that connects to Kaesong. On the main photo above, you can see a high barbed wired fence with South Korean Flags and many colourful ribbons with wishes from South Koreans for their families and friends in North Korea. It is also the end of the unrestricted part of the bridge.

Imjin River below the Freedom Bridge (Unrestricted Part of the Bridge)

Restricted Part of Freedom Bridge

Next to the Freedom Bridge, is the Rail Road Bridge to Kaesong, North Korea. Kaesong is the location of the light industrial complex, operated by the South Korean Companies that hires North as workers. Unfortunately, it was shut down as the North continues its provocation against the South.

Here, an old train from Gyeonggi Line is displayed along the railroad. They said it was destroyed during the war. Again, along the barbed wire fence hangs the South Korean flags with their wishes written on the colourful ribbons. Many people, including myself still hoping to see the North and South Korea reunited as one nation in the very near future. 

Wishes of Love, Hope & Peace

Imjingak Station: To Kaesong (North) & Seoul (South)

The old Train destroyed during the Korean war

View of Rail Road Bridge from Freedom Bridge

Rail Road Bridge to Kaesong

Below photo is the main Imjingak building, which I was not able to explore due to lack of time. It was my only complain about the tour. The time we spend waiting at the UNC due to the tour that was held before us affected our time here in Imjingak and the rest of our remaining tours. I just hurriedly took this photo as our tour guide were calling us for our next location which is lunch. We didn't actually notice the time, nor that we felt hungry, as we had enjoy every part of the tour.

After Imjingak, we went for a one hour lunch break at a restaurant which was included in the package. We had a bulgogi, rice and a lot of side dishes that will make you full and feel sleepy. There is a water provided, for other drinks like sodas it is also available with additional cost. After that, we headed back to our assigned bus but not all of us. Some took only the half day tour (JSA only), they rode on another vehicle together with the North Korean defector who will also go back to Seoul.

In my opinion, I would suggest that if you are planning to visit the JSA, why not take the whole day trip that includes the DMZ since you are already there. It will be more meaningful and fulfilling. (note: as for me only).