North Korea vs. South Korea

I was very excited to go to the North Korea vs. South Korea soccer (or football or whatever) game. So was every foreigner in Korea, or so it seemed. It was like Itaewon took a field trip to the game- so many light faces I couldn't believe it. But the game wasn't sold out like one back home would imagine it would be. I am sure that this was due largely to the fact that the outcome of the game didn't matter- both teams were guaranteed to advance regardless of the results. But still, you'd think the average citizen would be more interested in something like this game. Oh well, guess not.

I have been reading a great book about North Korea, Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader. I got really excited last week about visiting North Korea, which yes, you can do. You can go two places, Mount Geumgang, or Gaesong, an industrial and important historical city. The tours are mainly to historical landmarks and nature sites, but you do get to drive through the country and see a lot of people, and other cool stuff. So I booked the trip to Gaesong. Unfortunately, a South Korean tourist was shot by NK soldiers a few days ago on one of those trips, so now they are temporarily cancelled, and will probably remain so for a while. But I will be first in line to go when/if they start it up again. Probably will be easier to book a space, too.



The unified Korea flag. I want one (smaller, of course), but I have no idea where to get one.


Riot police. Not there because of the particular teams playing- they are always around. Some of them got to come in and watch the game- the rest had to stand outside like this the whole time. At least they got a chance to work a day without being beaten by anti-US (beef) protesters. These poor guys get a rough deal- they would be much safer in the army. I wonder if they have a choice, or if it is just by chance- every male has to do 2 years in the police or the army.