By John Redmond
Contributing Writer
The Korean Asiatic Society plans to hold a tour north of Seoul, including the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Saturday, leaving Seoul around 8:30 a.m.
Located about two and a half hours away by bus, Cheorwon County is located slightly above the 38th parallel.
First on the list of sights is the old city of Cheorwon, which was leveled during the 1950-53 Korean War. The partial remnants of a building there attest to the grim realities of war.
Also along the way is the Gosokjeong. The pavilion is said to have been used during the Jeoseon Kingdom (1392-1910) as a den for men who were banned from becoming government officials because of low status.
Following a checkpoint clearance, guests will able to visit a number of sites evocative of Korean War memories.
First, the group will visit the North Korean 2nd Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in March 1975 in the central sector of the DMZ, about 13 kilometers north of Cheorwon. Measuring two meters high and 2.1-2.2 meters wide, the arch-shaped tunnel is large enough to move heavy weapons such as tanks, field artillery and armored personnel carriers.
More than 30,000 troops could move, three to four abreast (a division in strength), per hour. Bored through 3.5 kilometers of bedrock at a depth of 50-160 meters below ground, the tunnel extends 1.1 kilometers south of the Military Demarcation Line to a point 101 kilometers from Seoul. A spacious troop assembly area was carved out inside the tunnel, which has three exits.
The second stop will be an observation point from which ultra-secretive North Korea can be viewed. At this point, guests can watch flocks of Manchurian cranes and other winter birds that migrate to the area this time of the year. Binoculars are recommended.
Nearby is Woljeong-ni Railroad Station, the defunct last stop on the line that once ran from the South into what is now North Korea. The bombed remains of a train last used more than 40 years ago stand as a symbol of the broken state of inter-Korean relations.
The tour will start beside Yongsan Post Office (subway line number 4, blue line, Sinyongsan Station, exit 1) at 8:30 a.m. and the return is slated for 7:30 p.m.
The tour costs 39,000 won for members and 46,800 won for non-members.
Pack a lunch or purchase it at a Korean restaurant at the Gosokjeong stop.
Participants must bring passports and ID, necessary for admission to certain secured areas on the tour.
Tours may be cancelled should unexpected circumstances arise.
For more information and reservations, contact raskb@kornet.net or telephone 02-763-9483
The tour leader will be Mrs. Sue J. Bae.