Today we make the tense journey across (not under) the Korean Demilitarised Zone to the other half of Korea: South Korea.
The contrast between the two Koreas cannot be starker. While North Korea has languished in over half a century of stunted economic growth, South Korea has thrived to become one of the world's most advanced economies. Between 1962 and 1994 the South Korean economy grew an average of 10% per year.
South Korea is now the largest shipbuilding nation in the world and has grown huge corporate giants such as LG, Samsung and Hyundai.
Despite South Korea’s economic transformation, the two Korea’s are technically still at war and have been since war broke out in 1950. The demilitarised zone, just north of Seoul is a striking reminder that despite all of South Korea’s progress, there is still a potent flashpoint for all-out conflict on the Korean peninsular.
Almost one-fifth of South Korea’s population lives in Seoul, however, the South Korean government has recently been emphasising growth outside of Seoul. South Korea even has two capitals as of 2012. While Seoul remains the official capital and the economic and cultural centre of the country, Sejong City is now the administrative capital and home to many South Korean government agencies.
South Korea is another place I really want to visit - to me, it has much of the appeal of Japan, but is less travelled, even though the “Korean wave” is growing rapidly.
I can’t wait to plan that trip, there will certainly be lots of bulgogi, bi bit pap, kimchi and soju.
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