Understand

Welcome to Panmunjeom, a small village that holds a unique story from the Cold War era. Here, at the final battle front of the Korean War, the truce that ended hostilities was signed in 1953. However, peace was never agreed upon, and as a result, the two sides are still officially at war over sixty years later. A million men stand guard around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 4-kilometer strip of land that separates the Koreas. The DMZ itself is devoid of troops (except in the Joint Security Area or JSA), but both sides of this heavily armed zone are armed to the teeth. Picture pillboxes, land mines, barbed wire, and tank stoppers stretching back halfway to Seoul in the South and Pyongyang in the North. This section is often referred to as the Militarized Zone. In South Korea, there are restricted areas called Civilian Control Zones adjacent to the border. Just one kilometer east of the former village (now deserted) lies the Joint Security Area (JSA). This almost circular patch of land, with an 800-meter diameter, is where the South and North jointly police the area. Occasionally, the two sides meet for discussions (or gunshots). Most of the time, soldiers glare at each other across the border, forbidden to cross the demarcation line into each other's territory since the Axe Murder Incident in 1976. This intense spot, Panmunjeom, sits right on the Military Demarcation Line, the actual border between North and South Korea. Remember, the DMZ is a buffer along the north and south sides of the MDL, stretching 2 km into both North and South Korea.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first and perhaps most famous Korean dish is Kimchi Jjigae, a spicy stew made from fermented vegetables (most commonly napa cabbage), with sliced pork, tofu, and chilli peppers added for extra kick. It's a comforting yet fiery dish that showcases the depth of Korean flavours.

Bibimbap is another wildly renowned Korean dish which translates directly to 'mixed rice'. It's typically served as a bowl of warm, steamed white rice, topped with sautéed vegetables, sliced meat (often beef or chicken), a fried egg, and chilled gochujang (red pepper paste) sauce that's stirred into the dish just before eating. This versatile meal can be enjoyed with an array of side dishes, making it both hearty and customizable.

Jajangmyeon is a delightful noodle dish starring chewy somen noodles drenched in a savory black bean sauce, typically garnished with julienned cucumber, crispy seaweed, and sesame seeds. While it often features seafood like squid, octopus, or shrimp, there are also vegetarian versions available. This hearty meal is both filling and satisfying, reflecting its Chinese origin while embracing a uniquely Korean twist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing