Day 2 - Incheon & Goyang

This morning we went to Imjingak Park and Mt Dora Observatory, in the De-Militarised Zone (DMZ), to know more about the issues surrounding the division between North Korea and South Korea. 

In the afternoon, we visited the Korea Aerospace University to look at their facilities and to know more about the International Summer Programme.

Appended below are reflections by our students about the people they met and the places we visited. We hope you will enjoy their personal journals.

DMZ gate (shortest pathway between the North & South)

A view of the "Freedom Bridge" & the railway connecting North and South

"We went to the DMZ in an area somewhere around Paju. Imjingak was the first place that we went to. Over there, we saw the "freedom " bridge which connects the south to the north and got a glimpse of North Korea on the other side like. It was rather tragic to hear the history of the Korean War , how families got separated during the war and are still searching for their family members in the north. After Mt Dora Observatory, we went to a North Korean Museum and got a feel of what it was like living in the North. It was sad to see how hard and primitive those citizens lives are and how their leaders are not doing much to improve the welfare of their people. It made me have a better understanding of what it really meant to appreciate whatever you have now and not take anything for granted."

Andrew, DME/3B/23

"This educational trip with the school is a eye opening for many of us. Even though this is the second day only, we were brought to places such as the DMZ to understand the North Korea and South Korea history of war and what exactly happened between the two countries. We went to KAU (Korea Aerospace University) which talks about the summer training program that SP is interested to send their students over for the 2013 batch. I personally feel the summer program is great as it give a whole new exposure to student going as different races and different countries people. The people in Korea are nice and they are very friendly, they are very respectful and bow when we greet them. I am very happy that I am on this trip as a final-year student and this exposure is really a great experience for me."

Shawn, DCPE/3B/25

"It is only my second day in Korea and I have already fallen in love with this place. The food is spectacularly good and the weather is perfect. The citizens are friendly, even treating us like family! I admire how Koreans have a certain pride in their country and it shows in everything they do. National pride is something to think about. Are we, Singaporeans proud of who we are?"

Kimberley, DCEG/2B/21