Just prior to entering the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) we entered what I would describe as a sort of compound area. Here we were asked to get of the bus and attend a briefing session prior to continuing on into the DMZ. At this point the bus was searched (I imagine for stowaways) and our local guides and the driver surrendered their identity documents to the military. They picked them up on our way out. This collection of identity documents is clearly a precaution against defections at the border itself though the risk of such must be minuscule as all guides are clearly party approved and 100% loyal to the leadership. Further, readers may be aware that defection by North Korean’s is not an action they take lightly. Putting it bluntly, a defector can anticipate that his or her family, close friends, etc will be rounded up and most likely killed.
This security detail does not involve tourists and I will presume that you would not enter North Korea in the first place if you desire was to defect from it! They will very willingly let you leave in more conventional ways should you wish to do so before your tour officially ends.
Do forgive me, I have digressed from the purpose of this review.
Having alighted from the bus I was drawn to two large murals as depicted.
While the subject matter of the murals is not surprising I did find their positioning a little perplexing.
Both murals yearn for a reunified Korea.
The first one shows happy smiling children, one from the north and one from the south, together in front of a map of a united Korea. This depicting of (always happy, smiling) people from north and south on murals and other propaganda material (including the Arch of Reunification at the beginning of the Reunification Highway just outside Pyongyang) is common and guides, to make the point that there is no difference, will ask you to spot the difference between the North Korean and the South Korean featured.
The second mural reminds the viewer that Korea is one and points to a reunified homeland.
What I find perplexing is trying to work out who these particular murals are directed it. Typically murals, etc are directed at North Koreans but there are no North Koreans in this area apart from those already fully converted to the cause. Also the murals face southwards so presumably directed at those coming from that direction. No-one comes from that direction with the possible exception of South Koreans working in special economic zone set up in nearby Kaesong wherein over 100 South Korean business including Hyundai have opened factories. I don’t know if this is the entry point for these workers. Barring this possibility I can only presume that the intended audience of these murals is indeed tourists.
This blog entry is one of a group (loop) of entries based on my visit to Panmunjom (DMZ), North Korea. I suggest you continue with my next entry – DMZ Visitors Centre and Toilets – or to start this loop at the beginning go to my introductory entry – If war resumes leave the area as soon as possible!
The Rambling Wombat 