Odusan Unification Observatory

and.... I was also at ODUSAN unification Observatory. 

The picture above was the Unification Wishing Room where visitors can write their wishes  for unification between the North and South Korea. And these notes will be stored in a time capsule until the day of Korean Unification. See the peninsula-shaped green paper hung on the wall behind me? Those were the wishing papers written by people during their homage to this shrine.

One interestingly eye-catching display during the tour to Odusan is the panorama or diorama in big sizes that captures the still images , not the real life-like imagery and portrayals of what life would be like in the North. Well, though I am sure that life must've been much better than this one up there in the North, I am sure that this somehow pretty much displays what it must've been like. 

The first time I saw this, it resembles to some extent the same condition of what Indonesians people have in their present living room or houses, especially those who are avid followers of the government. It's pretty interesting to note the similarities: especially on the fact that the portraits of the current president and its vice president are respected by hanging them on the walls. Pretty similar with that of Indonesia's situation.

Then, off we went to Imjingak Observatory. I took pictures with some of my friends from The Korea Brand Communicator.

Another thing that impressed me most is the mere simple sight of parking lot being overcrowded with cars and buses. That means one thing: tourists and locals do come to this place. I never thought that such a historical place like this one does indeed perpetuate its charms and attracts lots of people. I love the fact that lots of Korean people be it young and old, and foreigners do visit the place. I guess..it pretty much has something to do with the intrinsically inherent war-truce that Korea is still under, and yet Korea managed to be one of the developed countries in the world. Being one of the developed countries, Korea managed to make the best use of its status to foster its tourism industry. How cool is that?

And..oh...if you happened to notice...there is even an amusement land just right at the entrance to the site. I think this is one of the myriad ways to attract people. 

I was about to cross over the 'Bridge of Freedom' What is it? Just read my other entry on this one. 

Let the Iron Horse Run Again. 

This is the Steam locomotive at Jangdan station of the Gyeongui line. Being registered as the cultural heritage No 78 in Korea, this historical reminiscence from the Korean War is one of the attractions at Imjingak Observatory.

*Thanks to Presidential Council fon Nation Branding inf Korea for inviting me to this valuable cooperation.

Imjingak 9DMZ ....)

I went to Imjingak with a bunch of my friends from the Korea Brand Communicator. Thanks to Korea's Presidential Council on Nation Branding.....coz it was one of its programs for its members to enjoy and see for themselves the famous DMZ.  I went there to visit several places related with the current North-South Border zones where a war truce between the two countries are still vividly visible. 

The bridge above is called the Bridge of Freedom. I learned that it was built to free the prisoners as many as 12,773 in 1953. They were released from the North and then they got to reach the Gyeongui railway line bridge by car and then..they got to walk across this famous bridge--nowadays called as the Bridge of Freedom. 

It was so hot that day that I got to find a shade so as to relax and take a deep breath of the stifling heat. It looks fine on the picture, but ...OMG..it was so hot that day. The heat kinda reflected the must-have-been hard times the prisoners must have had during the war.

I was circling the circle on my way back home. This is the spot where I was right underneath the bridge and then took my time to take the picture. It was fully made of wood or steel I can't make it out but one thing for sure...it was still intact and most importantly..this standing 'bridge of freedom' symbolizes the longing for freedom in the time of hardships: to cross over some hurdles in reaching out the better world.

This one is what is best known as the Steam locomotive that survived the bombardment from the North.

Just look at the close-up shot below:

  This steam locomotive is a symbol of the tragic history of the division between North and South Korea. This locomotive has been left stranded like this in the DMA since it was derailed by bombs during the Korean war. But, of course, the one being displayed here had undergone thorough inspection to stand the test of time for years to come and for generations to learn about the past.

철마는 달리고 싶다 .'Let the Iron Horse Run Again.'

I think it painfully describes the fact how desperate it is for the train and any future trains to run through the existing railways connecting the North and South. 

As for me, I do hope that this will someday be a dream comes true.

This is the real railways that will enable to transport people and goods once the free flow of traffics between the two countries is opened. Until then, let's hope and pray for the best.

 

I think it is the 'Bridge of freedom' that I was referring to earlier in this entry. I took the picture from up above and a bit way further from the bridge itself. Oh, I saw some remaining Spring flowers. (or they were Summer flowers, actually?) could not know it for sure.

As bright and beautiful as they look, the meaning beyond them does not look so. Well, some hopes and prayers were written on those colorful ribbon to signify the peaceful peninsula. But, the mere fact that they've been there for years.....remains a difficult task and seems to be a far-reaching dream. 

Yet, dreams do come true at times.