In June 2019 boarded the flight to Hong Kong enroute to Seoul. After a stopover, took a flight to Seoul. The airport is far from the city. The chauffeur from the Marriott welcomed me and gave a small pamphlet on the city attractions.
Korea’s history dates back to 12th century BCE with the Joseon dynasty and another prominent Jin state I the 3rd BCE. The Dutch named it Manchuria for Korea and some provinces of the.northernmost China. The pattern of European powers conquering and dividing the ancient kingdoms of Asia continued along with the inter dynasty clashes between the Han dynasty from China and Korea. Finally in 1945, the country was divided into North. Korea and South Korea at the 38th parallel.
“Welcome to the Gangnam district and the Marriott”!, the concierge welcomed me with a big smile. I must have of dozed off while reading the history.
Next morning, my guide took me to see the infamous tunnels, DMZ, and Dorasan the last train station at the border. The poignant history of families divided between the two countries reminded me of the Berlin Wall. Hopefully, one day the sense of humanity prevails that will wash away all the petty feelings of differences.
Next morning, my guide took me to see the infamous tunnels, DMZ, and Dorasan the last train station at the border. The poignant history of families divided between the two countries reminded me of the Berlin Wall. Hopefully, one day the sense of humanity prevails that will wash away all the petty feelings of differences.
Near DMZ one can find the signs of land mines. The yonder Mount Kumpang looked beautiful reminding that nature does not divide or discriminate people.
Our guide gave us the precautionary warnings and the strict guidelines when passing thru the demilitarized zone. We passed the strict passport control process and also received the stamp for our DMZ visit.
The Dorasan train station was opened jointly by the then American president George W. Bush with a good intention that a day will come when North and South Korea will be connected by rail. There is a good contingent of American military personnel at the base supporting S. Korea to control its borders. The wish list is endless to see peace in this part of the World. We all boarded the bus to go back to the city.
PEACE ON EARTH
All content © Sobana Iyengar
Our guide gave us the precautionary warnings and the strict guidelines when passing thru the demilitarized zone. We passed the strict passport control process and also received the stamp for our DMZ visit.
The Dorasan train station was opened jointly by the then American president George W. Bush with a good intention that a day will come when North and South Korea will be connected by rail. There is a good contingent of American military personnel at the base supporting S. Korea to control its borders. The wish list is endless to see peace in this part of the World. We all boarded the bus to go back to the city.
All content © Sobana Iyengar
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