This is called reunification sculpture (I think).Last November I and my intrepid colleagues ventured north to the 38th parallel, otherwise known as the Korean DMZ (or de-militarized zone). This is the division between North and South Korea where no one is allowed to go.
Well, except tourists. Although I don't think we actually went into the DMZ. The DMZ itself is a heavily guarded strip of land that is about 4 kilometers in width and it is planted with explosive land mines. This well guarded area functions fairly effectively as a wildlife preserve. We are told that there are even some animals that were thought to be extinct that are alive and well here. Apparently the animals (still living) can smell the land mines or somehow avoid tripping them off. 
When the Soviets announced that they were effectivly taking over Korea many thousands of people fled south for saftey and freedom. In doing so they left many family mambers behind.
Many people come to Freedom Bridge to acknowledge some of the family that was left behind. I don't know how South Koreans feel today about the divide in their country. One young man I talked to wasn't really looking forward to reunification or at least wasn't thinking it could happen anytime soon.
South Korea's economy is finally up and running after a devastating crash in the late 1990s. Reunification, even if it were possible would surely put a huge strain on the fledgling economy. But I think a large number of South Koreans would like to heal the split in their country even if they wonder how they would overcome all the difficulties that it would bring.
Well, except tourists. Although I don't think we actually went into the DMZ. The DMZ itself is a heavily guarded strip of land that is about 4 kilometers in width and it is planted with explosive land mines. This well guarded area functions fairly effectively as a wildlife preserve. We are told that there are even some animals that were thought to be extinct that are alive and well here. Apparently the animals (still living) can smell the land mines or somehow avoid tripping them off. When the Soviets announced that they were effectivly taking over Korea many thousands of people fled south for saftey and freedom. In doing so they left many family mambers behind.Many people come to Freedom Bridge to acknowledge some of the family that was left behind. I don't know how South Koreans feel today about the divide in their country. One young man I talked to wasn't really looking forward to reunification or at least wasn't thinking it could happen anytime soon.
South Korea's economy is finally up and running after a devastating crash in the late 1990s. Reunification, even if it were possible would surely put a huge strain on the fledgling economy. But I think a large number of South Koreans would like to heal the split in their country even if they wonder how they would overcome all the difficulties that it would bring.
This is the memorial alter comemorating the families that were left behind in North Korea after the divide of the country.
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