Last weekend, the Singaporeans went to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)! According to Wikipedia, the DMZ is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. The DMZ cuts the Korean Peninsula roughly in half, crossing the 38th parallel on an angle, with the west end of the DMZ lying south of the parallel and the east end lying north of it. It is 155 miles (248 km) long and approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) wide, and is the most heavily armed border in the world.
Basically, we went there with much anticipation and excitement... to be killed?! HAHA!
It was such a long journey that almost everyone fell asleep on the train!
Naiyan took out his goofy shades and I started showing off my ability-to-move-the-shades-using-my-cheeks! Its a hidden talent ok!
Security was rather tight there. Certain sites doesn't allow cameras or even bags! I guess the most satisfying part of the trip is to walk in the 3rd tunnel where the North Koreans built for a surprise attack on the South but failed. I was rather disappointed with the trip because I wasn't as near to the North as I expected! HAHAHA! I was upset that I didnt manage to see the fence of both the North and the South! Even at the observatory there was this photoline where people cannot take photos upon crossing the line! Just in case we zoom our Canon DSLRs and see North Koreans eh!?
Dec 21, 2008
Somewhere between North n South
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Shame that you didn't get to go to Panmunjon on the tour as it is possible to see the North Koreans up close, and even step over the border inside one of the UN huts that straddle the Military Demarcation Line. This is a photo I took in October: http://www.shimmerimages.co.uk/gallery/6677022_ojZ3x#426239226_nZToz
I agree that the photo policy was very strange - we were allowed to take photos across the border in Panmunjon (which I thought would be a sensitive area) but couldn't up at the Observatory. This was the closest I got to taking a photo in the 3rd tunnel: http://www.shimmerimages.co.uk/gallery/6677022_ojZ3x#426241357_CmUPN
I stumbled across your blog whilst searching for something in Seoul, but I can't remember what now!
Hi Jonny!
Thank you for your comment :)
A pity I can't go Panmunjon now due to the tense situation between the 2 sides now. Thank you for your great photos though!
Are you in Korea now?
Oh, is Panmunjon off limits at the moment? When I was in Korea last year the DMZ was shut due to talks between the 2 sides, so I couldn't go on the tour and so I made sure I went on this trip.
I am back in the UK now - I was in Japan & Korea for a 4 week holiday :) I'm already planning my next holiday though!
I remembered what I had been googling for when I found your site - it was the Queen's Motel in Busan where I was considering staying until my plans changed.... I visited Busan last year but didn't manage to get back there on this trip.
Enjoy the rest of your time in Korea - it sounds like you will miss it!
Hey Jonny!
Yes, unfortunately Panmunjon is off limits now. You sound like you have visited Korea many times!
Anyway, I stayed in Queen's Motel during my short trip to Yeosu! I wonder if its by the same owner in Busan?! What a coincidence!
My greatest regret in Korea is probably not going Jeju! I couldn't find time to go before Fall. Have you been there the last time?
Anyway, Im a Singapore undergrad on an Exchange Programme with the Hanyang University in Korea. It was definitely a good experience and I am missing Korea even before I leave!
I visited your website and I must say you have really good photographs! It seems like you have been traveling a lot! I'll be going Tokyo this Friday, any places to recommend?
Thanks!
I've not been to Jeju, although it does sound very nice. I spent more time in Japan, which I have to say I love! It is very different to Korea, most apparent in the food.
Tokyo is huge, so it is difficult to recommend specific places to see as it all depends on what you are interested in doing. The most obvious places that I would recommend to a first time visitor are those that probably any guide book would suggest such as Shibuya, Ginza, Harajuku, Asakusa etc. But I really liked the quieter places too like Yanaka and Shibamata, and the market around Ueno. But whatever you do I am sure you will have a great time!
There is quite a large cultural difference between Japan & Korea so be prepared for that - I found the people to be very different, as is the food (very little garlic or chilli!).
I visited Singapore about 7 years ago and loved it - as a big fan of Asian food my fave places were Lau Pau Sat & Newton Circus! I am heading to Malaysia in April for a couple of weeks (I was last there in 2005) and am looking forward to that (especially the food!)
Wow, it seemed like I've asked the right person!
Well actually Im interested in the architecture of every country. Unfortunately I will only be staying in Tokyo for 5 days and am probably visiting Yokohama on the way to see the renowned port!
Nevertheless, thanks for the recommendations! I welcome you to Singapore anytime!
Ahhhhh Im drooling at the thought of Singapore food!
As you know, there is lots of great architecture in Tokyo, from the old temples & shrines. I would suggest visiting Meiji Shrine which is by Yoyogi Park (and you can then head to Harajuku afterwards to see all the cool kids dressed up) plus Asakusa Temple. They are both pretty big and can get quite busy though. There is also a lovely shrine called Nizu in Sendagi which is much quieter as in an interesting area, close to Yanaka (which has a fascinating cemetery and old buildings) and Ueno Park (lots of museums & a nice lake).
For modern architecture then Shibuya is good (which has the mad busy pedestrian crossing).... you can walk to it from Harajuku. Shinjuku has lots of skyscrapers, including the Metropolitan Government Buildings which have free viewing platforms at the top. On a clear day you can see Mt Fuji, but I think it is good to go up there at night. Shinjuku also has a lot of buildings with lots of neon which look great at night.
Roppongi has quite a bit of mad architecture, plus Tokyo Tower (red & white version of the Eiffel Tower) which also has a viewing platform.
Some of the most interesting architecture is on the island of Daiba in Tokyo Bay, such as the Fuji TV building. You could go there after spending an early morning at Tsukiji Fish Market (which is a bit of a must-do on a tour of Tokyo!) - you can get a boat to Daiba (or a train).
Ginza is the upscale shopping area of Tokyo - worth a visit (even if you can't afford to buy anything there!). I would recommend going to one of the department stores (such as Mitsukoshi or Matsuya) - head downstairs to the food hall & look in amazement at all the beautifully prepared food on offer. Even better, you can try out lots of free samples - yum!
I love Japan & I am sure you will have a great time there! You will be able to pack quite a lot in within 5 days, as many of the sights are close to each other and getting round on the subway is easy. I would suggest getting a map & draw up a few plans to walk from place to place where possible as you will get a really good feel for the place that way!
I hope that helps! I have been to Tokyo a few times but it is changing all the time, so there is LOTS that I haven't seen! Have fun - I look forward to reading about it!
WOW Jonny! That was a great help from you!
Im actually doing my last minute research about tokyo and little did I expect that my blog could be the most informative!
You seemed pretty interested in architecture too? Or perhaps photographers are more observant? Haha!
Thank you loads, dude! I'll be back in 2009!
Well, I just love wandering around cities taking in the cityscapes and the photography definitely makes me more aware of my surroundings, although I prefer to take photos of people rather than buildings!
Enjoy it and take lots of photos!
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