PANMUNJOM - Joint Security Area

The above photos are from Camp Bonifas on the way to the briefing room.  Prior to proceeding further on the tour to Panmunjom, this was a form I had to sign before going further, check it out and you will see this place ain't no regular tourist attraction. Being that this is actually a military base.  Photography was pretty much limited to certain areas here, due to security issues.

VISITORS DECLARATION
(UNC REG 551-1)

VISITORS TO THE JOINT SECURITY AREA ARE REQUIRE TO READ AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING

1.     The visit to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom will entail entry into a hostile area and the possibility of injury or death as a direct result of enemy action.  The Joint Security Area is a neutral but divided area guarded by United Nations Command military personnel on the one side (South) and The Korean People's Army personnel on the other (North)
 Guests of the United Nations Command are not permitted to cross the Military Demarcation Line into the portion of the Joint Security Area under control of the Korean People's Army.  Although incidents are not anticipated, the United Nations Command, the United States of America and the Republic of Korea cannot guarantee the safety of visitors and may not be held accountable in the event of a hostile enemy act.

2. Visitors must comply with the following instructions:

a, UNC military personnel will wear appropriate military uniform prescribed by their service for off-duty wear. Other visitors will be dressed in appropriate civilian attire so as to maintain the dignity of the United Nations Command.

b. Prior to entering the Joint Security Area, each visitor (including military personnel) will receive a laminated guest badge which identifies him/her as an authorized guest of the United Nations Command.  Guest badges must be worn on the upper left side of the outmost garment.  Guest badges must be turned in prior to departure from Camp Bonifas.

c. Fraternization, including speaking or any association with personnel from the Korean People's ARMY/Chinese People's Volunteer's (KPA/CPV) side is strictly prohibited. Personnel from the KPA/CPV side are identified as follows:

(1) Military Personnel - Brown or olive drab North Korean Uniforms with red arm bands for guards with weapons and yellow arm bands for military Armistice Commission personnel.

(2) Press Personnel - Green arm bands.

(3) Visitors - Green pieces of cloth at upper pocket.

d. Visitors will not point, make any gestures or expressions which could be used by the North Korean side as propaganda material against the United Nations Command.

e. Visitors will remain in a group from the beginning to the end of the tour and will follow all instructions from their tour guide.  Any complaints will be registered after returning to Camp Bonifas.

f. Firearms, knifes or weapons of any type will not be taken into JSA.

g. The area and buildings (tan colored) under the military control of the Communist side will not be entered for any reason.  Permission of the tour guide must be obtained prior to entry into UNC buildings (blue colored) in the JSA.

h. At no time will visitors stand in the way of or interfere with military formations.   Facilities and equipment inside the conference room will not be handled.  Photography is permitted in the JSA but is prohibited enroute between checkpoint A (the entrance to Camp Bonifas) and checkpoint B (the entrance to the JSA)

I. If any incidents should occur, remain calm and follow instructions issued by security personnel.

3. Any questions concerning the above information should be brought o the attention of the tour guide.

DECLARATION

I have read, understand, and will comply with these instructions.  If I am accompanied by minor dependents, minors for who I am responsible for the purposes of this tour, my signature constitutes acceptance of the terms of these instructions in their behalf.

      SIGNATURE:  _________________________________                                                       DATE: ____________________

EDITION of 1 MAY 85 WILL BE USED UNTIL EXHAUSTED

UNC FORM   12EK
 1 Apr 95

Here we are at Panmunjom: The border line between North and South Korea.

Inside the MAC Building is where you're only able to be right on North Korean turf.  Spot the flag and the black things on the table (this is the borderline).  Note the picture of a guard in front of a door... if you can get past him, and walk out that door, you're in the hands of the North Korean Soldiers behind that door. Also in the pics which I kept at their very large size (when blown up) you can spot the North Korean Soldiers standing outside, and inside the guard tower. They were also gawking at us, taking pictures and filming us.
Spot the North Korean Guard !!!! North Korean Guard Tower. Guards are inside looking at us, taking pictures and filming us as well... Inside the MAC Conference Room
Right at the borderline!!!! Right in front are land mines going towards the MDL (borderline) which a rusty yellow sign marks. This is the actual sign (from the War Memorial Museum) Would you believe there was only some posts with a chain around this area to protect us !!?? One slip down this and I could hit a landmine. ROK Soldier A village in the distance in North Korea View into the North Korea area   
View of Bridge of No Return at the distance Stump of a Felled Tree. In 1976 an axe murder took place by North Koreans attacking US and South Korean Soldiers when cutting down a tree that was blocking the view between guard towers on both sides. The Bridge of No Return. Cross this and you're in North Korea.. Never to come back !!!!