DMZ - Dora Observatory and 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
2 weeks ago I did a post on Pammunjom or JSA inside the DMZ. This post I will look at the other areas you can visit inside the DMZ. Certain areas you cannot take pictures of due to the fact that it is an active military zone. So you will just have to go on your own to see it first hand.
The Third Infiltration Tunnel
There are a total of 4 infiltration tunnels that have been discovered along the boarder between North and South Korea. It is believed that there are more tunnels that have yet to be discovered. The first tour was discovered in November of 1970, where North Korean soldiers were found camping inside the tunnel. This tunnel raised suspicions of other North Korean invasion attempts. All of the tunnels have been sealed off using a series of concrete slabs and round the clock surveillance. The second tunnel was discovered in 1975, and is very similar in dimensions.
The third tunnel is a major tourist attraction on several DMZ tours. It was discovered in 1978, and is incomplete. It is approximately 1,635 meters in length and 73 meters below ground. On the South Korean side you walk down at a 45 degree angle to the 3rd concrete barricade. the second barricade is visible through a very small window. No Pictures Are Permitted Inside the Tunnel. The walk is very long and tiring so bring your runners with non-slip grip. There is a lot of condensation in the tunnel and the ground can be quite slippery. It is not recommended for people with problems walking, or back issues as you have to crouch down and walk for a good distance.
The 4th tunnel is the most recently discovered one, in 1990. This tunnel is similar to the first 2 tunnels. There are still special units dispatched to discover other tunnels as it is believed that there are over 20 undiscovered tunnels.
Dora Observatory
This is where you get to see North Korea. It is located at the top of Mount Dora and looks down over the Military Industrial Complex. This was formally a no photo zone, but the ban has been lifted. From this height you can see the cities as well as major landmarks such as Kaeseongdong, and Kijeongdong. You can use the binoculars for 500 won to see the sites in greater detail.
Next Week I will finish my tour of the DMZ with Imjingak and Dorasan Station. There is just so much to see up there I don’t want to make the post a million years long.
