Wishing for peace in the zone where the gunfire has

ceased

A walk along the iron railings in the DMZ
(Demilitarized Zone) with the Infantry Division “KEY” in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do

I arrived in the Infantry Division “KEY,” situated in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do, at 12:05p.m., a little bit after lunchtime. As I arrived later than scheduled, I headed for the mess hall first to taste an army meal. This experience program was joined by more than 80 students from 4 middle schools in Yeoju. These days, most schools offer meal services, so the students didn’t feel awkward about eating food in a tray that was divided into different compartments. Well, the students were in for a surprise, because there was something strange about the way that the food was served that no one really noticed until they sat down.

Article and photos by Jeong Cheol-Hoon 

Chopsticks were nowhere to be found in the distribution area, nor on the tables. Nowhere. Only when they realized this did the students become interested in the spoons, which they had accepted before without any thought. The students had received these utensils, thinking that they were just spoons, but now realized that the utensil had a very peculiar form, which was like a combination of a spoon and a set of chopsticks. There was loud laughter everywhere, as the students became interested in this unique utensil. Their chatter over the multipurpose gadget that they could use to serve rice, eat soup and pick up Gimchi continued for a long time. Filled with the liveliness of teenagers, they also talked much about the army meal that they tasted for the first time. The general appreciation of the military meal, a Korean dish called “Zzambap,” was good. Of course, there were also those who gave low marks for the food. Maybe it was because the tastes of those students, used to instant foods, did not agree with the relatively rough taste of steamed rice. Anyway, they finished their meal all at once, and looked very cheerful. It seemed as though they were pleased to taste the “Zzambap,” about which they had heard people talking often. They washed their own food trays and spoons, and returned them before going out of the hall in groups.

The next place the students visited after gathering together again on the drill ground was the barracks of the private soldiers. To the adults present who had served in the military, there was nothing new about this, but to the third-year middle school students, it was all quite new and interesting. In particular, there were many questions about the bulletproof helmets. They wanted to know whether or not bullets really could not penetrate the helmet, and why it is called “Haiba.” Their questions continued. Soldiers explained that the new bulletproof helmet supplied to our Armed Forces can protect a soldier against 7.62 mm bullets, and is even better than the one used by American soldiers. They added that the word “Haiba” is not jargon, but originated from the word “fiber,” which is used for the production of bulletproof helmets.

All of this was interesting for the students, and at the same time, the soldiers looked pleased, as well. They kindly answered all questions, with each soldier surrounded by a small group of students. Students asked the soldiers if they could try on the bulletproof helmets, which the soldiers gave them a chance to do. They also showed the young visitors the proper way to give a formal salute. All of them looked very close to one another, as if they were speaking with their younger brothers. The students in full kit, somewhat awkward in their movements, attempted to make correct salutes with bulletproof helmets on their heads and cartridges around their waists. Behind them, the laughter of the soldiers resounded through the room.

At the same time, on the drill ground, other soldiers were busy preparing for the inspection visit of the students. The barracks experience program, which was planned together with the program “Walking along the iron railings in the DMZ,” was to include visits to a tank battalion, artillery battalion and infantry battalion of the 5th Infantry Division. The visit program was subject to change, depending on the situation of each unit.

Today, they visited an artillery battalion of the 5th Infantry Division. It was spectacular just to see all the weapons arranged in a row on the drill ground. There were some personal firearms like rifles K1, K2 and K3, the anti-aircraft firearm MG50, and even a 105 mm towed gun, showing the power of the artillery unit. In addition to the firearms, there were other pieces of equipment used in actual military units, such as gas masks and observation equipment. I felt like staying in the military equipment exhibition hall.

The interest of the students was overwhelmingly focused on the firearms. Among them, they best liked the bulky and heavy 105 mm towed gun. The students, seeing guns for the first time, were engrossed in looking at the gun barrel and turning the steering wheel, with great curiosity. The soldiers told us that the gun’s maximum rapidity of fire is 15 rounds per minute, and the shooting rage is 18 km. To this day, it is one of the main firearms of our artillery.

The anti-aircraft firearm MG50 was popular among the students as well. Invented in the 1930s, the MG50 is the most popular heavy machine gun in the world. During World War II, this firearm was famous for its strong firepower. With the exception of tanks, it could destroy all kinds of armored cars and vehicles. But now, the machine gun shown on the drill ground is just an object of the students’ curiosity. There were explanations on how to disassemble, assemble and operate the MG50. The students personally attempted to load the gun, but it was not as easy as they thought. A soldier showed us easily how to load the gun, but it wasn’t as easy for the students. In fact, they couldn’t move the charging handle at all, making some of them feel shamed.

After the visits, the students hurried to get on the car to go to the “Key Observatory.” They were continuing to the program “Walking along the iron railings in the DMZ.” Before the experience program in the DMZ, the group stayed at the Key Observatory, where they heard explanations on the DMZ and the topography of the northern regions that can be seen from the observatory for about 30 minutes. After the briefing, ribbons in all colors were distributed to the students, and they headed for the iron railings after writing their wishes on the ribbons. The moment the wooden gate between the Key Observatory and the GOP (General Outpost) was opened, the students, who had previously been laughing and noisy, became quiet and tense. The DMZ was overgrown with primeval forests, and the iron railings installed in front of the zone could be seen as the gate opened slowly. The thin ribbons hung by other students who had visited before them were fluttering in the wind. They could read the little wishes written on the ribbons of the previous visitors: “We want the reunification of our country,” “For the day we all become one,” and others. For more than half a century, the DMZ has been the symbol of division, but at this moment, it was being reborn as a PLZ (Peace & Life Zone). I was thinking that the way along the iron railings that separate North and South Korea, this unique place in the world, could be a way for peace.

The students walked about 1 km through the very steep stairs, the so-called “Stairway to Heaven,” and a meandering unpaved road. The walk was hard, and the students sweated a lot. But none of them complained that it was too difficult. Maybe it was because they well understood the historical significance of the place and the road on which they were walking.

Information

For the use of DMZ tourism products, reservations through DMZ Tour (www.dmztourkorea.com) and the tourism reservation site of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (www.ethankyou.co.kr) are requested. The fee for the one-day course that includes the visits to barrack rooms and the Key Observatory is as follows: Adults 37,000 won, Youth 35,000 won, Children 32,000 won.    Contact: 02-706-4851.     

Herb Village herbal shop wild flower Yeoncheon gyeonggi-do korea

 LOCATION | #222, Buksam-ri, Wangjingmyeon, Yeoncheon 
 TEL | 82-2-31-833-5100
 URL | http://www.herbvillage.co.kr
 
Herb Village is a resort in which herbs, beautiful wild flowers and culture are blended like a fine pot pourri. 

Detail information

Herb Village is a resort in which herbs, beautiful wild flowers and culture are blended like a fine pot pourri. This village features gardens, galleries, herbal shops and restaurants. Approximatley 100 species of herbs and 80 varieties of wild flowers can be observed here. In early spring, Rainbow Hill is awash in a sea of frangrance and beauty as the 13,223m² area is covered in lavender and tulips. On weekends, music concerts are held on an outdoor stage (400 seats).

 
 

 
  Last modified : 2009. 07. 23

  Source :   Herb Village

  Please contact website to get more information.

  Reference : 82-31-833-5100
 
 



the source-http://english.ethankyou.co.kr/information/informationList.jsp

Yeoncheon-gun_Cultural remains of a border/Border of DMZ

History of Yeonheon

Yeoncheon-gun located in the northeast of Gyeonggi-do, in the central inland of the Korean Peninsula is adjacent to Chwolwon-gu, Gangwon-do and Pocheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do in the east, Paju-si and Jangdan-gun in the west, Namyangju-si and Dongducheon-si in the south, and Geumcheon-gun, Hwanghae-do and Icheon-gun, Gangwon-do in the north. Yeoncheon territory has a high mountainous district, Yeoncheon Plain formed by corrosion, and the deposit of lava came from lava ground of Cheolwon and Pyeonggang. And a great number of the ruins of the Old Stone Age were excavated around lava area of Imjin and Hantan River, which are wide and even and it gave human a suitable environment to live. Yeoncheon territory was called by the name of Gongmokdal-hyeon or Seungryang-hyeon in the period of Goguryeo and Gongseong-hyeon or Dongryang-hyeon in the period of Shilla. It became Yeoncheon-hyeon since King Chungseon of the Goryo Dynasty Period for a while and finally it has became Yeoncheon-gun in 1885,the 32th year of King Gojong. The Prehistoric Age Jeongok-ri, Jeongok-eup, Yeoncheon-gun is the historical place to be proved that human used to live between 270,000 and 100.000 years. A large quantity of the remains of the Old Stone Age was found along Imjin and Hantan River of Yeonchon except the ruins excavated in Jeongok-ri. Also, typical north type Goindol, which is the remains of the Bronze Age, was found in Tonghyeon-ri, Yeoncheon-eup and other type of Goindol was scattered here and there. Besides, the remains of the Bronze Age were excavated in many places of Sang-ri, Yeoncheon-eup. The Age of the Three Kingdoms & Unified Shilla Yeoncheon-gu was under the control of Baeje in the early days of the Age of Three Kingdoms and then came to the part of Gogurye territory as King Jangsu succeedeed in southward expansion in Gogurye. After that, it belonged to Shilla since King Jinheung of Shilla conquered the reaches of Han River in the middle 6th century. Gungyeo had got this place in the age of later Shilla. The grave of King Gyeongsun, who was the last king of Shilla, was found in Goryangpo-ri, Jangnam-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun.

The Goryeo Dynasty Period

Jurisdiction of the Goryeo Dynasty Period was based on Gun and Hyeon system and centralized administration was adopted. Although the central government prohibited official from sending to the province because of restraint by a powerful family in the early days of Goryeo. Official was sent to lastly as Mok was formed all over the nation in 995, the 14th year of King Seonjong. The administrative system of Goryeo was completed by dividing 5 Do and 2 Gyeo. According to the geographical book of Goryeo history, Yeoncheon province was renamed by Janju-hyeon in the Goryeo Dynasty Period. Even of Dalyeonsa was established in 995, 14th year of King Seongjong, it was abolished in 1005, the 8th year of King Mokjong.

The Choseon Dynasty Period

Administrative system was entirely reformed in 1413, the 13th year of Taejong, Choseon. Country was divided into 8 Do and the governor, sent from the central, of each Do controlled Bu, Dohobu, Mok, Gun, and Hyeon. Subsequently Hyeongam was organized in Yeoncheo and this area was called by the name of Yeoncheon whose name used to be Jangju and Yeonju in Goryeo Dynasty Period. But some called it Jangpo. Majeon and Sangnyeong Confucian Temple used to be in Yeoncheon and those are combined into Yeoncheon Confucian Temple under the Japanese rule in 1941.

Early Mordern Period

Now that administrative system, 8 Do changed into 23 Bu system in 1985, the 32th year of King Gojong, Yeoncheon province belonged to Yeoncheon-gu, Hanseong-gun. Yeoncheon-myeon was raised to Yeoncheon-eup in accordance with No.1409 of a Presidential Decree in 1979. Gwanin-myeon was included in Pocheon-gun according to No.11772 of a Presidential Decree. As a result, Cheongsan-myeon, which controls Choseong-ri, Daejeon-ri, Jangtan-ri, Gungpyeong-ri, and Baeui-ri, of Pocheon-gun was transferred the control to Yeoncheon-gun. Also, Hoengsan-ri, Jung-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun was recovered as an administrative district according to No.1019 of Military Regulations and Jeongok-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun was promoted Jeongok-eup in compliance with No.11772 of a Presidential Decree. At present Yeonchon-gun has jurisdiction over 8 Myeon and 2 Eup.

the source - http://www.dmz.ne.kr/ENG/Security/s242.htm

The 17th Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Paleolithic Festival

Duration May 1~5, 2009(for five days)
Venue Prehistoric sites in Jeongok-ri
Supervised by  Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi-do
Hosted by Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Paleolithic Festival Committee
Sponsored by Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Public Administration and Security, Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Gyeonggi-do, Korea National Tourism Organization, Gyeonggi Tourism Corporation, Kyunghee University, Hanyang University

On the Paleolithic Festival

The Yeoncheon Jeongok Paleolithc Festival, held at prehistoric sites in Jeongok-ri and Jeongok-eup, is a sort of Edutainment festival where visitors can learn and enjoy the culture of the Old Stone Age and prehistoric era through education, playing and first-hand experiences, Under the theme of "Sound of Breathing in Jeongok-ri", the solgan of the Festival changes every year.
 The Old Stone Age Experience School provides visitors with unique opportunities to learn the Paleolithic culture through explanations on theories concerned and actual participation while the Prehistoric Age Experience Park serves as a ground for primitive life in the Agricultural Age. As such, the Festival is designed to be experience-oriented, thus family members can enjoy the Paleolithic culture all together, first of its kind in the world.

Values and achievements of the festival

As one of the two most globally renowned Paleolithic festivals, the Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Paleolithic Festival is held based upon historical values of 'Prehistoric Remains of Jeongok-ri,' a world Paleolithic relics. On top of it, great efforts are being made so as to realize world best substantiality in terms of the content and scope of the festival.
It is a sole Paleolithic festival in the nation. By translating cultural values of humankind tracing back 300 thousands years ago into education, experiences and art performances, the festival has established itself as an exemplary occasion for similar events. As a consequence, the festival came to be chosen as a '2007~2009 Festival' by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
As one of leading festivals held in Yeoncheon-gun, the Paleolithic Festival brings about substantial effects of boosting economic values of local cultural assets as well witnessed by on-going follow-up projects such as comprehensive improvement plan for Jeongok-ri Prehistoric Remains, master plan for history and culture village and local tourism resources development plans.

Mascot of the festival
As a mascot of Yeoncheon-gun, "Gorongi" symbolizes the past, ancient times, Paleolithic era and dolmen while "Mirongi" represents being future-oriented and development for years to come. In other words, it manifests the vision of Yeoncheon-gun bridging the past and future and characteristic of the festival as well.



Location

By train
＊ Subway : Getting off a subway train(Subway Line No.1) at Dongducheon Station ※ Please, take a bus in front of Dongducheon Station or a train of Kyeongwon Line(Railroad) after getting off a subway train
＊ Kyeongwon Line(Bound for Sintan-ri) : A train departs on every 50 minutes at Dongduchoen Station - getting off at Jeongok Station - 20 minutes on foot to the venue(first train on 06:50 at Dongducheon Station & last train on 22:27 at Jeongok Station)

By bus
＊ Bus No. 3300 : Seongnam(Bundang) line - Garak-dong Market - Jamsil - rear gate of Children's Grand Park - Nowon Station - Uijeongbu - Dongducheon - getting off in front of Jeongok Station - 20 minutes on walk to the venu
＊ Bus No. 39, 39-1 and 39-5 : Dobongsan(Mt.) Station - Uijeongbu - Dongducheon - getting off at Jeongok Station - the venue

By Car
＊ National Highway No. 3 : Uijeongbu(Uijeongbu IC in the case of using Seoul Outer Circular Highway) - Dongducheon - Choseong Checkpoint - take the road on the right before crossing Hantan Grand Bridge - turn left in front of Hantangang Station - tourist parking lot
＊ National Highway No. 3 : Uijeongbu - Dongducheon - Choseong Checkpoint - cross Hantan Grand Bridge - turn left at Paleolithic intersection after passing by Paik hospital - tourist parking lot
＊ Jayuro(Freedom Expressway, Seoul) Paju(National Highway No. 37) - Moonsan - Jeokseong - Jeongok prehistoric site - tourist parking lo

Operation of special tourism train
＊ Only on May 5
＊ Operated by Korea Railroad Corporation
＊ Route: departure at Shinchon Station - Yongsan - Cheongnyangni - Seongbuk- Uijeongbu - Jeongok Station

Inquiry and contact
＊ Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Paleolithic Festival Committee

http://www.paleolith.org/

PR video http://www.paleolith.org/02preview/sub01.asp

DMZ, Gyeonggi-do - A place where the past, present and future coexist

DMZ, Gyeonggi-do

A place where the breath of hope becomes a warm breeze and life nurtured with hope prevails in the field
The DMZ, the treasure of Gyeonggi-do, is a land of hope, love, and peace

Window of Hope

Gyeonggi-do

Panmunjeom - Paju

History and Nature
A place where the past, present and future coexist
The 3rd Tunnel - Paju

End of Gyongwon Railroad - Yeoncheon

The DMZ lets you encounter another world.

Return of the veterans - Yeoncheon

Pain of war and division was reborn as the historical relics,
the repository of a renowned natural ecosystem, and the symbol of global peace.

Observatory

It’s not just the distant barbed wire and birds that you see with the telescope.

Odusan Tongil Unification Observation - Paju

Mt. Dorasan Observatory - Paju

The Gaesung Industrial Complex

Key (Yeolsoe) Observatory - Yeoncheon

Typhoon (Taepung) Observatory - Yeoncheon

Take a rest
A place of rest, going up the Imjin River and a place where birds traveling from afar stop to clean their feathers

Imjingak tourist sites - Paju

Unification Park - Paju

The land of tranquility is beside us.

Vision and Hope

Dorasan Station - Paju

The train catches its breath.

LG Phillips LCD – Paju Industrial Complex
Our hopes are soaring sky-high.

Gyeonggi-do is now preparing its powerful leap into the center of the globe in which people and nature communicate with each other.

The land of history and vision
The land of peace and life

Gyeonggi-do DMZ invites you.

the source - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kug2nR3rpQI

Key (Yeolsoe) Observatory
Location - Baebawi, Majeon-ri, Sinseo-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun 
 

> Introduction
Key (Yeolsoe) Observatory is located in Baebawi, Majeon-ri, Sinseo-myeon. It was built up in the place to get a view of North Korea at a look on 11 April 1998 by Rising Key Force in order to bear in mind national security and to vent the spite of those who lost home.  

Main facilities	Daily necessaries and military equipments of North Korea are displayed an exhibit room of Key (Yeolsoe) Observatory. There is an extra-large electric board In the vicinity of the observatory to let North Korean to know about domestic and international news including religion and living conditions of South Korea.
Restaurants	Mirak restaurant well known as a cold noodle dishes (Tel: 031-834-8017 )
Accommodations	Jeonwon Inn (Tel: 031-834-8844 ) Wolseong hotel (Tel: 031-834-9372 )
Transportation	Public Transportation Uijeongbu -> Jeongok -> get off at Daegwang-ri station -> take a taxi for 30mins   Car Take National Highway No. 3 -> Yeoncheon-gu office -> take Bang-A Bridge, near a three-way junction over a railroad before Daegwang-ri -> A guide post (identification) -> Key observatory (20 mins from Bang-A Bridge )Uijeongbu station -> Jeongok station -> Daegwang-ri station -> Key observatory (by taxi)

 
the source - http://www.dmz.ne.kr/ENG/index.htm