A 155-mile long Military Demarcation Line extending between the east and west coasts of the Korean peninsula serves as the border between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea (north Korea) and was established in 1953 after the signing of the Armistice Agreement that ended open hostilities. A 2-kilometer wide buffer zone on either side of the Military Demarcation Line in which military forces are not permitted represents what is commonly called the Demilitarized Zone or DMZ. DMZ is somewhat of a misnomer, however, as the border separating the two Koreas is likely the most heavily fortified in the world with nearly a million soldiers on both sides. Similarly, hundreds of North Korean field artillery pieces located in the vicinity of the DMZ are positioned to target Seoul, located about 25 miles south of the DMZ, in the event of hostilities.

Two villages, one on each side of the DMZ, were authorized in a subsequent agreement to the Armistice. No other inhabited areas are allowed within the DMZ. Taesong-dong ("Great Success Village"), is located in the United Nations Command portion of the DMZ. The residents of Taesong-dong are required to be either original inhabitants or direct descendants of the villagers who were residing there when the Armistice was signed in 1953. Among other perks, male villagers are exempt from military service. However, villagers must also abide by strict rules, including a nightly curfew. Similarly, there is a village located on the north Korean side called Kichong-dong or "Peace Village." Although North Koreans work the fields by day, they are all removed from the area before dark and only a small custodial staff actually lives in Kichong-dong.

While South Korea is a peaceful and industrialized nation with a rich culture and history, the fact that the threat of war with north Korea is ever-present makes South Korea a unique place to visit. The Korean Peninsula remains the last vestige of the Cold War and you’ll get to experience it all first-hand.

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	Freedom Bridge: During the Korean War 12, 773 prisoners of war crossed the bridge that once linked Mursan and North Korea. The Freedom Bridge, that is over the Imjin River, is now guarded by soldiers and only a limited number of people from Republic of Korea are permitted to cross the Imjin River.
	Mangbaedan (Worshiping from-A far Altar): Dispersed family memebers who left their hometowns in North Korea are conducting the ancestral rites looking forward the north, praying for unification.
	Schematic diagram of the vicinity of JSA: The Joint Security Area is the lower left concentration of buildings. Prior to the brutal Axe Murder Incident both forces had access to either side and the only entrance for the north was the Bridge of No Return. Subsequent arguements limited movement within the JSA and the northern forces could no longer enter the Republic of Korea. Therefore, another bridge was started and completed in 72 hours, hence its nickname.
	Freedom House: The freedom house was designed, built, and dedicated at Panmunjom by the people of the Republic of Korea with the support of the United Nations Command. This is a historical symbol of the hope for a peaceeful reunification of the divded Korea under a free and democractic form of government. This serves as the forward administrative office for the ROK Red Cross. In the foreground is the Sunken Garden of the JSA.
	Taesong-dong: Close up view of Taesong-dong.
	Farm onTaesong-dong: The farmers of Taesong-dong farms 14 to 17 acres which compares to 2 to 4 acres for the farmer to the south.