To start off the day today we headed north to Camp Casey, which is an American Military installation in Korea. When we arrived we had to have our passports checked for security clearance before we entered the base. Our guides were Grace and William, both former Pitt students so that was a nice connection to share with them and connect over. They showed us around their campus as they explained that since Camp Casey was so close to the North Korea DMZ they had to stay there without families since it was considered a less safe zone, due to it being the first line of defense against a hostile invasion. Then they showed us some of the special equipment they use in the CBRN unit for handling chemical samples and identifying biohazards. They use a special striker variant that is like a lab on wheels with 13 special sensor capabilities that allow them to handle all kinds of dangerous situations. Then they showed us the Class A suit they wear on missions that protects them from liquid, dust, and airborne hazards while in the field. They also showed us the JSLIST which is standard army equipment that provides a light level of protection from some hazards, they explained that they need to be able to get the whole suit on in 8 minutes and the mask on in the first 9 seconds to ensure their safety.

After Camp Casey we went to Mount Soyosan which is near the base for a short hike to a buddhist temple. The hike took us through a series of stair flights and up a few hundred feet of elevation. The temple was located in a small grotto near a waterfall and it lends itself to a very peaceful environment that made me feel intune with my spirit and aware of my surroundings.

Today was another fun day and I can’t believe we are ¾ of the way through the trip. Tomorrow is a very packed day with the DMZ and baseball game, but it should be thrilling.