The morning started with a long drive back towards the northern border between North and South Korea. This time, we visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which is a 2.5 mile wide and 150 mile long region that acts as a buffer between the countries where military presence is restricted. Before arriving, we ate at a local soup shop that served us “Korean army stew”. This dish, which was eaten out of necessity during economic hardships after the Korean war, consists of many common army ration foods. The stew had spam, hot dogs, breakfast sausage, instant noodles, and a slice of American cheese on top. After eating a surprisingly tasty lunch, we visited the DMZ. The first exhibit was the tunnels. After reaching a peace agreement, North Korean forces secretly dug a series of four tunnels under the boarder trying to enter South Korea. Disguised as coal mines, South Korea discovered the true intent of the tunnels and blockaded them. Long out of use and deemed a failed North Korean attempt, tourists are able to go into the third tunnel for themselves. We had to wear hard hats because the tunnels were very low and required us to crouch the whole way. The second stop was the observation tower, where you can actually see into North Korea. Unfortunately, it was too foggy to see anything across the border, and we had to rely on pictures and infographics to paint the image. Both sides of the DMZ utilize propaganda to depict a better way of life. The South Korean side plays K-pop hits and music with intentions that North Korean soldiers will hear and question the lies they’ve been told about South Korea being a poor and desolate country. Both sides have jamming towers to prevent the other side’s radio stations influencing the people’s thoughts. The North Korean side even has a fake town that portrays the image of happily leaving people. It was really interesting to get a glimpse at the life on the other side of the border, but equally disturbing to learn about the atrocities that are ongoing within North Korea.
After a long drive back to Seoul, we arrived at the Gocheok Sky Dome. We had Korean fried chicken delivered and we found our seats in the baseball arena of the Kiwoom Heros. They played the Samsung Lions, and despite being their home stadium, Lions fans filled the dome. The atmosphere and experience was very different than an American baseball game. For starters, you can bring bags, drinks, and food into the sporting event. You can also leave and re-enter the arena as long as you still have your ticket. During the actual game, cheerleaders come out when their team is hitting. They lead the fans in songs and cheers, and all the people know the walk-up songs for the players. The energy was unlike any Pirates game I’ve ever been to. Like many other things in Korea, the price of tickets was extremely affordable. Depending on where you choose to sit, ticket prices ranged from only $6.00 to $34.00, much cheaper than MLB games. The game was extremely exciting and energetic, especially being tied 2 to 2 at the end of the ninth inning. However, the Lions were able to push ahead and run the score up to 6 – 2. Despite the loss, it was an incredible experience and one of the most unique and fun sporting events I have attended.
