Name: Canet Cengiz Durmuş
Journal Name: Time flies in Korea
Date: 30 July 2022


A week has already passed with knowledge and joy. We finished the week with Seungjik Yoo’s classes about emission projections on Friday. The classes were detailed and very useful. We all thought that the cultural tour today is well deserved. 

I was looking forward to this trip to DMZ because it one of the unique instances that anyone can experience in their lives. Despite all the battle and conflicts between two side of the country, I believe that South Korea managed to see turn it something positive. 

The tour to DMZ started early at 10:00 since the travel took around 90 minutes. I was enjoying my time during the travel looking around and observing the beautiful nature of Korea. 
When we arrived the control point of DMZ, the military servants checked our passports. We have been already warned that the region is a military area so we need to always obey the instructions. We turned off our phones/cameras and continue with the journey to the 3rd infiltration tunnel. 
After a short informative documentary, we headed to the entrance of the tunnel. There were always soldiers who were explaining about the tunnel and the history behind it. The walking distance of the tunnel wasn’t too long and but the low ceiling and the high incline at the entrance of the channel made most of get tired. 
Although the aim of the tunnel was not for peace, I was still quite impressed all the effort made by the soldiers to build it. 
The rock formation in the tunnel looked too hard which most probably wasn’t easy to dig. It led me think that people can be so dedicated and do things even if is not right.



The tour continued with the observatory, where we could see both sides of Korea. We were informed about the buildings and establishments within the DMZ. 
Then we went to the roof to check the area with binoculars. I thought that this the nearest I can get close to the North Korea. 
The weather was too hot and humid but at least it was clear that we were able to observe the long distances. The nature along with the DMZ was really beautiful. This case is kind of a scientific experiment of how nature can recover itself if anthropogenic activities are not interfering. This might have taught us that we need more nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change as well.  

After the cultural tour we were ready have our lunch at Ma Duwon. 
When we arrived the restaurant, we were instructed to take off our shoes, which was actually quite relaxing. 
I do not only like the food in Korea but also how it is served. We enjoyed our delicious “Mandu Jeongol” with the side dishes. The journey back to the hotel wasn’t so long since we all got tired and eventually fall asleep. 

Although the cultural tour was finished but we had the evening ahead of us.




Coordinator's comments:
I hope your visit to DMZ left you long-lasting and also unique memories of Korea.
And yes, the day was clear with beautiful skies but hot and humid, I have to admit! But the good side was that such typical summer weather was much better than a rainy day because if it rained, we would not have been able to see wonderful scenaries at the Dora Observatory and get one of the best photos of everyone like the one in your journal.
Hongdae and Itaewon Streets are definitely one of the most exciting and lively districts in the city of Seoul. It's good that you and fellow trainees enjoyed more aspects of the city, and also that none of you got infected with COVID-19 after an adventure in those districts.