Korea was a two day stopover, and a most enjoyable one. As yet, the Koreans have not discovered international tourism, or rather it has not found them.
In many ways, it was a better port of call than China. Cleaner, less frantic, no touts, no pushy sales people. Altogether, a more relaxed place to call. And the guides spoke better english!
What they have to show is more low key, and there was time to take things in. To a large extent, the Korean war that started in 1950 still plays an important part in what they have and do. The truce was signed in 1953, but technically, the war is not over.
The major event of June 1950 was the surprise attack by North Korea on South Korea. They rapidly overrran the S.Koreans, moving quickly southwards. To relieve the situation, a UN force under General Douglas McArthur made an amphibious assault at Incheon, behind the North Korean lines in September. The Koreans still feel indebted to the countries, including the UK, which took part. Our first stop on our tour was to the Incheon Memorial and Museum, a very interesting place. This was followed by the fish market. It was clean and did not smell, and was vast. We have not seen any thing like it before, not only for its size, but also the incredible variety. Many things on display we had not seen before. During a forty minute period, we probably saw about a third of the whole thing.
After a short coach trip, we were in China Town. It is not that large, but was different, and it gave us a chance to strech our legs. Another move, and we were in the Commercial Market, an area of two, covered over, long streets. All of the shoppers were locals, and one could buy just about anything for the home. This was the end of the official tour, and we had really enjoyed ourselves.
We returned to the ship for lunch, Ian had a quick go at the daily golf competition(which he won) and we left the ship on a coach to further explore the area around China Town. This, in reality, meant a climb up a steep hill. (Rather like going up Haytor, but in the town). At the top, we found views, walks, a statue of General McArthur, and an outside gym(which we did not make use of!) It was starting to get cold, so we decided to walk back to the ship.
Day two dawned bright and early, and we were off the ship onto our coach by 8.30am local time (midnight plus30 mins UK time). Our destination was the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)between the North and the South. The actual border lies in the middle of this strip, which is about three kilometres wide. The outer boundaries are clearly marked by fences and watch towers. In the 1970s, the South discovered three tunnels built by the North to enable them to launch a surprise attack. In 1990, they found a fourth. In total, it has been calculated that 30,000 men an hour, and heavy equipment, could pass through these tunnels if an attack had been launched. To this day, the South Koreans are not sure if they have found all the tunnels that the North has dug.
Our visit included a visit, and walk, down Tunnel 3. Fortunately, we were supplied with hard hats. The Koreans are a shorter race than us!! After the tunnel, we moved on to the viewing point in the vicinity, to see the DMZ for real. Unfortunately, it was a bit misty, and we could not see that much.
Next came lunch, Korean style, before we progressed to Seoul. Interesting and enjoyable is the best way to sum this up.
We did not see that much of Seoul, as time did not permit, but what we saw, we liked. Again, we liked it because we were not harassed by touts and beggars.
It was a long day, but different. No-one had any idea of what to expect, so there were no preconceived ideas about Korea. We mixed with the real people, and saw them in there natural ways of life, not one put on for the tourist. Altogether, a worthwhile stopover.