The Joint Security Area (JSA)

This was the most solemn place of all - filled with many rules and regulations: no pictures; don't stand up; take a picture for the next minute, then STOP. We actually saw North Korean soldiers while on the tour bus.

The blue building to the left (actually it is located i the center of 3 similar buildings) was where the agreement was signed between North and South Korea in 1953. Even today, though, the small room in this building is filled with tension. The South Korean soldier allowed us to take a picture with him, but no talking and no delaying.  We were instructed not to look at any North Korean soldiers - none of whom were present in this important building when we were there.  If you look beyond these blue buildings, you see North Korea, starting at the concrete plaza. The multi-storied building in the background belongs to North Korea. If you look closely, you can see a North Korean soldier surveying us through his binoculars (on the left side of the picture in one of the building's doorways.)