Today was a very early wake up call before 6 AM as we prepared to head to the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea also known as the demilitarized zone. The tour started with a quick breakfast and I got to try some gimpap, which is another Korean staple food and was recommended to me by one of my group members. After that we began the tour first having our bus and passengers looked at by South Korean military to check passports as due to the tensions between nations they can’t take any chances. Next we headed to one of the tunnels under the DMZ which was built in the past by North Korea in an attempt to invade South Korea which inevitably failed and now the tunnels are in South Korean control whom allow visitors to tour the tunnels. Then our group proceeded to the overlook location at the DMZ where we could see North Korean landmarks and some buildings and people through binoculars. this part of the tour was truly incredible that we were able to get such a close look at such an aggressive and private nation. The final stop of our tour was reunification village where our group got to look around at people that lived near the DMZ and learn about their lives and that even in that village they have a mandatory curfew at midnight to be in their homes. As I sit and reflect on the stuff I saw today it makes me feel remorse for the Korean people as when war broke out they were separated from family and after the tragedies done to them by the Japanese during World War II it appeared as things just kept getting worse and worse. However, Korea and it’s people are resilient and they acknowledge and respect their past while building a better life for their children and the nations future. Now as I enjoy a relaxing night and go to the Lotus Lantern Festival I look forward to the National Park tour tomorrow and I believe it could be my favorite day of the entire trip!