With 5,000 won, one can enjoy a scrumptious meal at the ECC food court. However, with the same 5,000 won, one can go to Imjingak, the northernmost area of , and enjoy a train trip, watch a movie, visit historical sites, experience Korean culture, and even have a romantic time. Which one would you chose? If you choose the latter, grab an identity card, a blanket, a mat and some snacks, and come along to the Shinchon Train Station. The Ewha Voice has prepared a one day trip at Imjingak for Ewha students to gear up for the remaining semester. Here we go!
On board a train at Shinchon Train Station, the serene ride will take you to the Imjin River Station where the
After clicking the shutter a few times and looking around the park, head back to the train station and get ready for a ten minute ride to Dorasan. At the station, you will find soldiers doing all the ticketing, but don’t get intimidated - they are very kind to visitors. Then, take the a bus and enjoy a guided tour around the area, including the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the unification village.
The Third Infiltration Tunnel, found in 1978, was designed by the North Koreans for a surprise attack on
Next, a chance to take a glimpse of the Kesung city, the second largest city of , is offered at the observatory. Then, the bus will pass by the unification village where the lives of the people near the border can be seen. One thing that is notable at this village is that houses don’t have gates and addresses since there are no thieves in the area. Moreover, the village is famous for its rice, soybean, and Jinseng; which can be purchased at the restaurant run by the villagers. Also, at the restaurant, there will be signature dishes, such as the hot boiling dwen jang chigae (bean paste soup) and lots more! 
Before going back to the
"It was at that moment when the reality of the situation finally hit me. Standing there looking at the messages written on the gate, the flowers and trinkets left behind, a cold chill came over me. You could almost hear the cries in the breeze, and feel the pain of those who stood around me," said Lena Bose, a foreign tourist.
After experiencing the stark reality of the separated , head back to the
The earliest train, which is the commuters’ train, leaves from Shincon at 5:57 a.m. for only 1,300 won. At 9:32 a.m., the Saemaeul Train also leaves for Imjingak at only 2,000 won ($2). (To find out more about the train schedule, check details online at www.korail.com)