The Vast Life: Day 5: DMZ Tour + Seoul City Tour II

Pheng

I was having second thoughts on whether to book for DMZ tour or not as it is expensive. In the end, we book the half-day DMZ Tour which costs 38000 KRW / pax and the itinerary is as follows:

Hotel pick up -> Imjingak Park -> The Bridge of Freedom -> The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel -> DMZ Theater/Exhibition Hall -> Dora Observatory -> Dorasan Station -> Unification Village (pass by) -> Amethyst/Ginseng Center -> Arrive at City Hall/Itaewon

It wasn't complete though as we didn't go for the JSA. They say the JSA is the divide between North and South Korea where they stand like statues and stare at each other..hehe... and being with them will give anyone "the chills". Nevertheless, it was a valuable experience for a person residing in a peaceful country. It is a great reminder of the status of South Korea with its relation to its neighbour to the North. I was amazed to learn about how far the North Koreans had come in their attempts to create infiltration tunnels into the South. The tour is something that every visitor to Korea should experience to further understand the reality of the relationship between North and South Korea and the desire of the people to see the Nation reunited one day.

After the tour, we were dropped off at Lotte Hotel which is at City Hall area. From there we continue our Seoul City Walk Tour II.

Namdaemun Market (남대문 시장) is the largest traditional market in Korea. All products are sold at affordable and wholesale prices. They sell clothes, medicines, liquor, electronics, kitchenware and more. The market is alive on late afternoons.

Myeongdong (명동) is a shopping mecca for the young and trendy, but prices here are expensive compared to those in Namdaemun. Myeongdong features cosmetics, retail outlets, international brands, street foods and fashion; while Namdaemun is more catered for wholesale thus cheaper.

Cheonggyecheon stream (청계천) is located in downtown Seoul. The stream has a path on both sides and decorated with art, statues or special themes for events. At night-time parts of the river light up and you can enjoy a laser show. It is recommended to start at the stream near Gwanghwamun station where special events and concerts are held. There was lantern display at the time of our visit.