Infiltration Tunnel #3

DMZ Infiltration Tunnel Entrance

We cap off our experience by hiking down into Infiltration Tunnel #3. For security reasons, we are prohibited from photographing the experience. I snap a picture of our small 'Coca Cola Companion' amidst the signs pointing to the DMZ, Infiltration Tunnel #3 and various other unique 'sights' in the area.

Donning hard-hats, we hike down a steeply sloped walk into the tunnel. We head so deep into the Earth that our ears 'pop'. We feel drops of water hit our helmets. Occasionally, the water drops hit our shoulders and legs. The cool Spring air grows warm and muggy. The deeper we get, the hotter it becomes. We eventually make it into THE tunnel and notice signs that explain various unique sights. Explosion stick 'holes' amidst the rough, craggy surface of the tunnel walls, drill marks heading 'South', 'black coal' marks superimposed upon granite walls (an excuse that the tunnel through sheer granite was actually a coal mine) and other indicators that the North was not forthright in how the 'tunnels' came to exist. Another very interesting experience. We wander to the end of the tunnel where we hit coils of concertina wire--at least, near the Demarcation Line and then climb, the rugged climb, back out of the tunnel. The air grows lighter, cooler, crisper & clearer as we return to the Earth's surface. A fitting metaphor for our return to a 'free' society. We quietly enjoy the bus ride, along the Northern bank of the Hangang River, the 60 km back to Seoul. A distance that as the bird flies is only 40 km.