"Imjingak Tourist Resort is the most representing unification tourist spot after the two Koreas' joint statement was declared in 1972. The sadness and pain left by the war that started on June 25th, 1950, can be felt here through the various remains and displays. It is a place where over millions of visitors come annually to pray for unification of the nation."
Molly has affectionately been calling Martin and I, "M & M" so we thought it fitting to get our picture taken in the big "M" at the park.
The Bell of Peace repesents the peace of mankind and unification of the Korean nation for the new millennium. To commemorate the 21st century, the bell weights 21 tons and has 21 stairs.
The Steam Locomotive at Jangdan Station of the Gyeongui Line, is a symbol of the tragic history of the division into North and South Korea, having been left in the DMZ since it got derailed by bombs during the Korean War. First found near the Jangdan Station in the DMZ, the steam locomotive was nothing but rusty metal with a lot of bullet holes. On February 6th, 2004, the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea registered the steam locomotive as Registered Cultural Heritage #78. It was finally unveiled to the public in June of 2009.
On December 31st, 1950, in the midst of the Korean War, a steam locomotive train driven by train engineer Han Jun-gi was running on the Gyeongui Line to deliver war materials. When the train arrived at Jangdan Station via Gaeseong Station at around 10 at night, a rain of bullets hit the train.
Born in 1927 in Japan, Han Jun-gi returned to Korea in November 1945, just after Liberation, and had driven the steam train which connected North and South Korea since 1946. "When passing through the plains in Paju and Munsan; departing from Seoul, I used to wave hands to the farmers on the fields, who used to wave back as well. I never forgot the railway sound. When the train was crossing the bridge over the Imjin River yet." he said. Even during war through gun fights, he had delivered military supplies running onthe railways between north and south. December 31st, 1950 is the day that train engineer Han cannot forget. When he arrived at Jangdan Station driving the freight train, the train, was rattled away with machine guns, which let it to be halted. "Leaving the train with difficulty and heading south, I felt my heart-broken as I left my baby. It was a day that the last train on the Gyeongui Line was stopped. However, my heart is always with the train traavelling all over. I earnestly ope that the unification will come true as fast as possible and then my dream would come in reality." He added.
The Bridge of Freedom was built to free 12,773 prisoners in 1953. The prisoners reached the Gyeongui line bridge by car and walked across the Bridge of Freedom.
When you visit the Bridge of Freedom, you can buy a ribbon for $1,000 Won (about a dollar), and write a note; and leave it on the fence. Of course I had to do this!
This was a really cool exhibit - unfortunately there isn't any information in my brochure about it. What I can tell you is it's a collection of rocks taken from war sites over time and all over the world. The earliest being from BC 231 - Punic War, Italy, Napoly. The second oldest being from 1911 - the Crusade War, Cypress.
This is the Worship Alter - it was built in memory of the ancestors who were left in the north.
I had to include this next picture, because in the true form of Koreans - come learn about the division of your country...and ride some amusement park rides!
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