Gazing Across the River

During a recent trip, I was allowed to take a morning to visit a joint security area between NoKo and SoKo. It was the chance of a lifetime to gaze across the river to a place I may never be allowed to visit in my lifetime.  For me, it was hallowed ground to stand in HIS presence and remember all of those living on both sides of the river.  I did not take a camera with me since I was not sure I would be allowed to take photos. However, the place we visited was fairly "touristy" with tour buses, souvenir shops, coffee shops, etc.  The photos below are from the internet.

Map of Demilitarized Zone

Driving north out of Seoul on the highway.  

The DMZ, which stands for Demilitarized Zone, contrary to its name, is the most heavily militarized border in the world.

Imjingak (pronounced Ihm-jin-gak), and sometimes in English called the Imjingak "resort" is a park located on the banks of the Imjin River. The park has many statues and monuments regarding the  Korean War. There is also a restaurant, an observation deck, a pool in the shape of the Korean peninsula, and even a small amusement park.

Observation Deck

Imjingak is where the "Bridge of Freedom" lies. The Freedom bridge does actually cross the Imjin river. It is a former railroad bridge which was used by repatriated POWs/soldiers returning from the north.

 Memorial in gratitude to the USA.

The outing was even more special because one
of my fellow-travelers' father served in the Korean War.
In fact, she was born while he was away.