DMZ North Korea: The Scariest Place on Earth?! (2021)

In 1993 Bill Clinton called the DMZ in North Korea “the scariest place on earth”, and since then the DMZ North-South Korean border, otherwise known as Panmunjom, has been referred to as 'the world's scariest border crossing', or 'the world's most dangerous border crossing'.
Having been here a good few more times than Bill Clinton, I get a different opinion. And unless you're trying to cross over the border illegally, I don't think it's all that scary at all.
In this video, I take you through what it's really like to visit Panmunjom from North Korea and also give you some history and background of how it came to be, as well as an exclusive interview with my good buddy / special forces officer Won Chol.
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📍 Panmunjom and the DMZ is nearby the city of Kaesong in North Hwanghae Province. If you travel from Pyongyang, you’ll embark on a 3-hour journey along the reunification highway. (Very bumpy!) Or, you can choose to stay overnight in Kaesong which is just 10 minutes away from the DMZ.
🏯 When the border was originally drawn, Kaesong city belonged to South Korea, so during the Korean War, it was spared much of the bombing that the rest of North Korea suffered and therefore retained many old buildings and structures.
⛰ The Korean DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone, was established in the aftermath of the Korean War (1950-1953). It stretches for 250 kilometres (160 miles) across the width of the Korean peninsula between the Mt Kumgang region in the east and the mouth of the Imjin and Han rivers in the west.
🖌 At the entrance to the DMZ are two propaganda posters, one saying ‘let's pass on a unified motherland’, and the other saying the common slogan ‘조선은 하나다’, Korea is one.
📸 It’s not permitted to take photos of the entrance area of the DMZ, and before you enter, you’ll have an explanation of the area and relevant history from the military guard who will show you around.
🚪 After the explanation, you’ll then line up in a group, cross the white line, and enter the gates marking the entrance of the DMZ area before getting back on the bus.
🚍 It’s then just a short bus journey to the first stop.
🏠 Used by North Korean and UN officials to negotiate and sign the armistice agreement, these two buildings hold important historical significance, and after an explanation in the first, you go on into the second building where a museum has been set up. The original flags and agreement are under glass on a table in the centre of the room along with photos and artefacts from the time.
🙋‍♂️ Whilst everyone is having a look around, I take the opportunity to have a chat with an old friend.
🚍 Next up, a drive to the next location.
🇰🇵 On this drive, the North Korean flag is visible on the right-hand side flying atop one of the largest flagpoles in the world.
The flagpole was built in the border town of Kijong-dong, one of two towns allowed to exist inside the DMZ. There are 245 families that live here.
✍ This area is known as the JSA, and once you arrive here, you are taken to the signature of Kim Il Sung; a huge marble monument with the President’s signature emblazoned on it.
It is reported that this is a copy of the signature he wrote on his final document before his death in 1994.
🥇 After this, you are taken to one of the most well-recognised places in North Korea; the DMZ Military demarcation line. If you’re lucky, you may even get the opportunity to head into one of the blue conference buildings and step, technically, into South Korea.
Very rarely, you will see people on the other side visiting from South Korea.
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- Who am I? -
Hello! I'm Zoe and I'm from the UK. I'm here to give you a different insight into North Korea, from someone who has called it their second home for more than 2 years.
I'm not here to play into the media role of saying how crazy and terrifying North Korea is. There are plenty of vlogs out there who give you that "experience".
I'm here to give facts, answer questions, and show a human insight into the DPRK (North Korea).
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#dmz #panmunjom #판문점

[@RC093]

Usually North Korean soldiers have a serious look on their face most of the time, but this North Korean soldier was very friendly and smiling. Great to see!

[@marcusmcglarcus1557]

Because it's his job 🙄

[@mynameisfrancis4986]

@@marcusmcglarcus1557 its his job too look happy

[@marcusmcglarcus1557]

@@mynameisfrancis4986 that's what I said

[@Wellch]

@@mynameisfrancis4986 but not TO look happy.

[@Bodhi510]

He better smile or off to a labor camp.

[@Kevin14henrY]

*Locals are always kind. The evil is the government.*

[@ZoeDiscovers]

YES.

[@ericchen9238]

Same to China

[@nauuwgtx]

They're just badly divided by one word. Politics

[@ericberen5698]

Western imperialist governments are the most evil governments of all🙄. You guys will be surprise to learn how many countries we have colonised and invaded resulting in million of deaths. Not to mention looting and genocide of indigenous peoples and their cultures. The division of Korea is also one of the legacy of imperialism.

[@twilightknight2333]

the "locals" are higher up military men who are part of the government...

[@glenjarnold]

That was absolutely fascinating, Zoe. It's nice to see a not-so-often-seen side of things!

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Alex10479]

This played after a documentary, and the quality seemed like a national geographic picture. Awesome job!

[@ZoeDiscovers]

aww thank you so much!!!! I'm still new to this video editing stuff...

[@ibrayahya2825]

That north korean officer in the thumbnail looks friendly

[@ZoeDiscovers]

He is!

[@stumpedii8639]

people are good.. its the govts that are the problem.. somehow biden managed to start bombing other countries.. yet couldnt keep his promise of the stimulus check.

[@darwinabadilla5827]

@@ZoeDiscovers Hi Zoe.. marry me darling..

[@lonesparrow88]

@@ZoeDiscovers and handsome lol

[@user-qi8sm9yd7z]

@@ZoeDiscovers but isn’t it against the nk law...

[@alexandersonmei]

Why is nobody talking about how kind the soldier is ??

[@twentyonegrams8617]

The North Korean people are actually almost always extremely kind and intelligent people. None of the North Korean government situation is their fault.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Why does no one ever talk about that? Unfortunately that’s not interesting... what people wanna hear is that it’s crazy and the people are brainwashed etc... that’s why I do what I do. 🤷🏼‍♀️. And yeah, this guy is lovely. He had no problem spending his time to do this interview with me. Shout out to Won Chol. 👏

[@alexandersonmei]

@@ZoeDiscovers well... i guess i belonged to that group of people who thinks that they're brainwashed lol... But wow... seeing them smiling, and talking to you like there's nothing wrong with anything.. it's just really bizarre... kinda wholesome.. but also sad as well... it's sad to see that these beautiful people have to live their lives under such harsh regime :(

[@ZoeDiscovers]

@@alexandersonmei As long as I can get that across to at least one person then I feel that doing this work is worth it :)

[@prospermensah1113]

Cos it's staged

[@connormacleod7010]

Once again another beautiful video thank you for letting people know what's going on and showing these beautiful videos

[@RECON_7]

The JSA Joint Security Area is not a hazardous area. As the DMZ Special Reconnaissance Officer of the Republic of Korea Army, I risk my life for the DMZ operation. Combat does not take place in the Joint Security Area. Foreigners may not know it well, but it is different from the JSA or Army Special Reconnaissance Unit. And we are proud of our entire army.

[@user-qg2gy5lg4g]

Most of the west is pretty ignorant to the situation in Korea, unless we become directly involved with it. So you can't blame her for thinking this is an accurate presentation of North Korean culture. I attempted to sign up for a JSA tour last year, but unfortunately that was right around the time of the US Soldier who tried to flee into the North. After that, the tours were cancelled.

[@meanjune]

Thank you for the video. I'm a South Korean male who's leaving for the military soon, and there's a lot of mixed emotions. Of course, I'll do anything to protect the free world, but just seeing that my enemy is exactly the same as me (Same race and culture) is super heartbreaking. I hope tensions never escalate to a point where I'd have to do the unimaginable. Nice video!

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Wishing you good luck in the military and wish you never have to go to war with your brothers and sisters! :(

[@montagekurt8531]

Capitalism and freedom are just as mutually exclusive as imperialism and peace .

[@romanlegionary6376]

Your English is very good

[@vietcongbuondanbannuocphan1791]

You better protect South Korea with your life, or your family will end up like the South Vietnamese

[@amberforcen1177]

Don’t be fouled by this video . North Korean shoulder won’t think twice about killing you! If they would even nuclear your country

[@bembs0256]

When I see the officer’s smile, it’s warms my heart. Makes me realised that North Korean people are just ordinary people, just like us. The difference is, they’re isolated from the outside world and currently lived under the repressive regime. And that’s make me sad.

[@PNikhilKunda]

They don't live under a repressive regime. They just happen to be cut off from the world by the US. North Korea offered to open up and de-arm itself multiple times but the US declined. Conveniently we're not told that part of the story because it makes the west seem like the bad guys, which they are. Can you imagine getting your country bombed and flattened by some foreigners and having to live with the fear knowing that the people that once levelled your country are at your southern border with a ton of experience from fighting wars all over the world? Well, that's exactly what North Korea is facing and even among those conditions the government is doing the best that they can for their people. If you want the North Korean people to be more "free" than they already are, fight the US and the west not the tiny nation which is trying to protect it's sovereignty. North Korea is a severely bullied nation and is a victim of the west's global hegemony and imperialism. China is DPRK's only trade partner and apart from that they're effectively forcibly being cut off from the world. The west is killing North Koreans not the Kim regime.

[@kocsisjanos850]

If you have not noticed-you will see this guide-officer in many DMZ videos and he will tell you very openly that he is selected and trained to be a guide. Not to shoot.

[@ignacioariellopez8491]

@@PNikhilKunda "the government is doing the best that they can for their people" You are not only a joke, but also a disgrace. Do the world a favour, stop using the internet from the rest of your life. Holy fucking shit.

[@elterroristanegro4729]

@@ignacioariellopez8491 Man, you don't have to disrespect others if you do not agree with them. If you think he's wrong, then tell us why with valid arguments and not only disrespecting someone who only was telling his opinion.

[@komeleduc]

I hope that officer can live a happy and joyful life very soon without having to be separated

[@heyvivian]

i visited the dmz in 2018 and was able to go inside the blue conference building technically steeping into the North. an unforgettable experience indeed. So cool seeing it from the other side!

[@chrisb3976]

Shes literally in a ticking time bomb for war and shes talking and smiling like everything is cute and cheerful.

[@paulfroelich1024]

You are correct.

[@jukio02]

She could be a spy.

[@maarten3623]

Based

[@alecgurney9305]

Typical narcissistic white woman

[@rasmuskock8077]

@@alecgurney9305 Eww stop

[@hm_nn_5633]

I wasn't aware North Korea conducted tours of the DMZ. Fascinating ...

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Yeah right! I hear it's a lot more chilled out than visiting the south too

[@vandkmac1106]

I know CRAZY

[@teop7887]

They're also propaganda tours. Vice did a documentary years ago, you should check it out. Truly the most f'ed up place on Earth.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

@@teop7887 If you're directing people to Vice over my channel then I've truly done something wrong.... Also I just find it hard to believe that people really have such a hard time accepting my content and accepting that this is how people see North Korea when you go. Do you really think Vice gets more of an insight than me? They've been there once and in their video they say that there is a guy following them around filming their every move - that guy is a tourist cameraman who goes around and films your trip so you buy the DVD at the end. Like really, if you want people who are producing videos not showing the real North Korea then do go and look at Vice because they're doing it for the audience. I'm not doing it for my small audience.

[@fdpcompdm]

@@ZoeDiscovers Gurl shut up you are painting a false, misleading image of what NK is!

[@clarapotts7003]

I visited DMZ from Seoul side of border about 10 years ago. Lots of rules to follow but, definitely worth the effort. A very special experience.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

I heard visiting from South Korea is much more intense with lots more rules etc. I’ve never been from that side, though!

[@clarapotts7003]

@@ZoeDiscovers On top of the regulations you mentioned, no jeans, no green khaki clothings . Not alllowed to point at the North when standing at the watch points, etc.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

@@clarapotts7003 Yeah I heard that!!!

[@jessicamarie8299]

@@clarapotts7003 so you saying that South Korea is more strict than North Korea?

[@clarapotts7003]

@@jessicamarie8299 when comparing to Zoe's video, it seemed so, the south side seemed to be a lot more cautious & serious throughout our visit.

[@mary-janerobb6612]

That's so cool to think you have formed an acquaintanceship with the N.Korean soldier during your many visits to the site. It's nice to see someone actually humanize the citizens.

[@user-so9pn2nc7o]

@Toby Henderson If it's rural in North Korea, it could be. Because there are so many poor people in North Korea that they die while eating weeds. South Korea no longer eats except for very few old people

[@mishapurser4439]

This video was really interesting. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@tiktakvlog2721]

That Nokor Soldier,....He is also human like us,...respect.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

We're all human :)

[@josephj7908]

Since when has it become a big burden you can't spell north korean fully correctly, you have to cut corners. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@tiktakvlog2721]

@@josephj7908 Since you replied thats a big BURDEN..LOL!

[@user-ir1fx6mr5p]

of course he is，what kind of human think nokor soldiers are not human

[@tiktakvlog2721]

@@user-ir1fx6mr5p are you guilty for being human or human animal?lol.

[@KoreanAir001]

November 13, 2017, a N.K soldier defected to S.K through Panmunjeom, in this video 3:06, they said they cant use automatic weapons... but dat day, they shot multiple rounds with AK which is automatic weapon... what an irony..

[@musseia]

That....Dat is not a word.

[@KoreanAir001]

@Raine Cowles nope he didnt

[@KoreanAir001]

@@musseia still can understand wat i mean :P

[@__Kimes]

내로남불이자네 ㅋㅋ

[@kenneth8477]

@@KoreanAir001 yes 4:25 it went just like this. @ 4:25 better to say "we're the furiest and we're done so we march 250,000 men and captured seoul within 3days and made a decision to make korea great again."

[@desert.mantis]

I loved this video, Zoe. Thank you for the upload!

[@Bigdaddy19994]

The guard you talked to seems to genuinely care. Sucks his government can’t be like that

[@rubyalac4188]

I respect the North Korean government and agree with there laws, I salute Kim jong un for the amazing laws, even though it's still kinda shaitan-Inspired, I respect it more than other shaitan inspired laws. God bless!

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

The government cares in it's own weird sort of way, which is especially evident by Kim Jong Un making a lot of reforms from his father. I can't say I like Juche, but as an isolationist ideology, many truly believe, including those in the government, that keeping everything locked down is for the greater good, as protection from foreign influence, as many Western values are considered _evil._ in other parts of the world. Historically that is pretty normal however, and that's why people call ideologies that go against the current one either revolutionary or extremist, there was once a time democracy and liberalism was viewed as extremist, and even evil by some, even in the West, yet it became the norm in the West and is now considered moderate and good today. For a good case study look at how communism shaped Eastern Europe, despite the fact it's no longer a thing there, and the majority of people still dislike it. Who knows what the future holds, people may look back at the norm today in the same way people look at communism, some failed experiment that resulted in a lot of bad things. Only time will tell. Obligatory: "Not supporting the North Korean state." just making the point context and PoV matters.

[@johnorona99]

I wish the US government would be that friendly

[@jimmyweathersby327]

@@johnorona99 rather have a u.s government cause this one don't know how to feed his people lol

[@RenanKavalcante]

@@jimmyweathersby327 The US is afraid that the famines will end, it is afraid that People's Korea will develop despite US embargoes. The US destroyed Korea and killed many of its people, but it bounced back.

[@michaelonlign]

is it weird for people outside the US to have us so involved in their geopolitics? Imagine if the border between the United States and Canada was drawn by South Korea

[@themachoechidnaugandarandy7583]

Welp we already are threatening Mexico to hand over it's resources, canada will inevitably be next

[@CrustyUgg]

Having Allie' Is Necessary.

[@CrustyUgg]

@@themachoechidnaugandarandy7583 we take in enough of their people illegally.. they owe us something 🤷🏻‍♀️ maybe they should try fixing their problems instead of thinking "America will take in our people and spend their BILLIONS on OUR people each year" Mexico is so corrupt from the bottom to the top. Stfu.

[@MathRaven1910]

I have nothing against the US peoples,only the USGov,theses guys are the real evil ones

[@donbow450]

Korea however was loot from wwii and shared between the US and the soviets. So Korea is a bad example.

[@triplea1650]

기분이 미묘하네요. 남쪽에서의 dmz 여행이 아니라 북쪽에서의 여행이라니. 저들에게는 흥미로운 여행이겠지만 우리에게는 참 여러가지 감정들인데 말이죠.

[@yeonmoe9745]

네 ..

[@railfanningCNrail]

랙 ㄱㄷ미

[@user-jc3by4hk7z]

한글 댓글에 반갑습니다. 평화로운 남북왕래가 빨리 이루어지기를 기원합니다. 고맙습니다.

[@kes8402]

오~~한글댓글 반갑습니다^^ 저도 판문점 너무 가보고 싶었어요~~^^

[@Misa-vc1jr]

이건 뭐하고 있니?

[@basedsketch4133]

Mr. Won Chol seems like such a warm and kind man. He was born into the world where he was and does his job and probably comes home and sees his wife and kids has dinner tells him he loves them and gets up and does his job day in and day out. Hes no different than you and me. All people have love and hate from saint to sinner. We're all one nation

[@user-wx6fz3oy6c]

I'm South Korean and I'm so envy you for traveling DMZ on the North side! The scene which you talking with North Korea's border defender was really impressive!

[@VLADIMIR007ISH]

I saw the secuence movie of "The squid games" I noticed that South Koreans live other dictatorship wraped in a fake democracy

[@VLADIMIR007ISH]

@@I0love0you0. South Korea has one of the most highest rank of suicide indicators of the world, definetly I dont see the difference between South or North Koreas.

[@user-zn3ov8ys1y]

@@VLADIMIR007ISH 🥲

[@mio8198]

@@VLADIMIR007ISH ㅅㅂㅋㅋ 너희나라는 얼마나 거지꼴이길래 그러니ㅜㅜ

[@mio8198]

@@VLADIMIR007ISH 니네나라보다는 나으니까 걱정하지말고 너희나라 걱정이나 해라 ㅋㅎ

[@ZhongXiangyu]

Love the modern remix of the theme song of Order No. 027!

[@birdsky8622]

맨날 북한 쪽 건물만 보다가 북한에서 우리쪽을 보니까 ㅋㅋㅋ 새롭네~ㅋㅋㅋ

[@seonwooKIM77]

OH? It's the first time I've seen a person working in the DMZ smile. Thanks for showing us the rare material.

[@user-qg2gy5lg4g]

They know they are being filmed. One of the things the North indoctrinates into their citizens is showing them what a paradise North Korea is. They never want the dark side of their nation to be seen. That's why tourism in their country is so restricted. It's sad and frustrating to see so many people in the comments here who don't realize that's the case. These are the people who end up siding even with the regime, because of their ignorance.

[@ByeKoreahelloworld]

We Koreans must live together in the one glorious country. Even though the systems are different. We take the others in the north as our beloved half..We are one..

[@celinesaummya1567]

why u were separated u both have same language same tradition

[@edwinagustian4769]

Its separated because in this world have the most superior country that one to "colonized" the weak and more small country... ,

[@cab06215]

@@celinesaummya1567 have you heard of the cold war? Korean War, along with Vietnam War, was a hot war that broke out. What a tragedy...

[@revolutionarymarxist-lenin7252]

Shame that the USSR and US had to separate the Korean peninsula

[@revolutionarymarxist-lenin7252]

@Dakyn Yup.

[@user-so7sb8pm3o]

Your video is very impressive! Thanks!

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Thank you very much!

[@harsh4834]

When I visited DMZ 3 years ago, we could hear loudspeakers on both sides spewing propaganda. Are they still there?

[@ZoeDiscovers]

They don't have them anymore!

[@ignisilluminati]

Both sides agreed to withdraw them from the demilitarized zone.

[@KoreanAir001]

N.K spewed propaganda... but we just played some k-pop music...but seems like they got really mad at this :P

[@stoggafllik]

@@KoreanAir001 K pop is cheap mass produced garbage made for the simplest of simpletons.

[@KoreanAir001]

@@stoggafllik some of them are yea... but major k-pop songs are not...

[@user-nf5fg2gz1e]

“Thank you for showing a little bit of the world im certainly not going to be able to see” words by my tourist guide when i was leaving NK

[@giulia6671]

Did you show him pictures ? That’s so sad

[@kimemma7709]

I live in South Korea. DMZ is really near from my house. It takes just one hour. I have seen North Korean solider with telescope. One day I wanna visit North Korea

[@tanvirchowdhury2725]

First time I'm watching a video of DMZ from the north korean side

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Hope you enjoyed!

[@tanvirchowdhury2725]

Yeah 👍

[@gabrielorosz333]

I been there with my friends in 2017...super trip🍀😁

[@JiHoo0501]

굉장히 위험한 영상이네요.지금도 북한에서는 수많은 사람들이 굶어서 죽어가고 있는데 북한의 선전영상을 이렇게 거짓으로 만들다니...😢😢😢

[@Zippsterman]

I toured the South Korean side and even went through one of the invasion tunnels North Korea dug that South Korea intercepted I didn't see the joint security area, but the ubiquitous soldiers, machinegun towers, minefield signs, warnings that the bridge we were crossing was wired with explosives, warnings that we were now within range of North Korean artillery, and more of the insanity really set a stark impression of the whole thing

[@Wolfsbane909]

On the south korean side there are popular places for people to etch their name on trees. its how i found my way back 😆

[@jae-hyoungkim7538]

My family originated from G(K)aeseong where my father was born when it still belonged to South Korea pre-war era. Good to see well preserved city center that seems to need some better maintenance. A part of where the Panmunjom stands now was my family's property, which doesn't mean much under the communist regime there before we're reunited. Appreciate what you offered.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

NOTE: The explanation given by the guide regarding the Korean War is North Korea's version of the narrative that I am simply showing in this video to give an insight. It is not my message that I am passing on. If you want to find out more on the Korean War do head over to Wikipedia or another reliable news source.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Note!

[@user-dc1mv5rd4n]

Actually, the revisionist history lesson was great fun. I've seen the JSA many times from the south. It was pleasant to view it from the north. Why didn't you go down to the blue conference room on the line?

[@ZoeDiscovers]

@@user-dc1mv5rd4n Actually those rooms are controlled by the south. So if you're lucky and it's open, you can go in. If not, then you can't. I've been about 20 times to the JSA and only been in the blue huts once...

[@dddk236]

@@user-dc1mv5rd4n The Korean War was not even a bit of fun stuff. Military invasion with a clear motive to make the whole peninsula to be a communist country. Shame and pity on North Koreans who insist that they were attacked but won the war in the end.

[@user-dc1mv5rd4n]

@@dddk236 Indeed, the war was not fun stuff; I never said it was. What I did say was that the revisionist history presented was. And I said it with irony to make the point that the way it was presented by the NK was absurdly laughable. I concur with you on the painful consequences to that and future generations.

[@tossdori9400]

3:06 What the woman is saying is wrong. In the DMZ, heavy firearms and automated machines are installed in both (north / south) From 12.7 ~ 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns to grenades and anti-tank missiles ... huge heavy weapons are concentrated. In addition, military operations are conducted daily within the DMZ area... From 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise, armed South and North Korean soldiers operate in the DMZ area. They are committed tonight too.

[@yo__on8380]

You are right about the Heavy MG’s and the Grenade launchers but there are no AA guns and AT missiles “inside” the DMZ area(Not sure for the North side tho). “Inside” the DMZ only minimal infantry weapons are allowed to defend each side of their outposts(infantry fire arms, mines, hand grenades, 12.7mm MG’s). However “outside” the DMZ even a inch outside, there are heavy weapons facing each other such as 81inch mortars, 155mm howitzers AA guns, missiles and even MBT’s standing by. And yes there are operations every night and day even now(Believe me i was posted at the 38th parallel and retired from the army last year and i was on those operations..)

[@JS-wp4gs]

Considering nearly every word out of this womans mouth is a lie that isn't surprising

[@nickysimi9866]

I mean they also said the Korean war was provoked by the us... I wouldn't trust much of what they'd say in their guides 😂

[@clilaux]

Great video 👍 I've always been curious about North Korea, so I'm glad I've found your you tube channel 👍 I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

thank you!

[@jadasakura]

Everything about this video is ridiculously charming. I love when you're able to show your conversations with regular North Koreans, since it's sadly something we aren't usually shown by mainstream sources

[@somebuddyful]

Video starts great already. I love Moranbong Band Music.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Hehe thanks!

[@Mark-yy2py]

The officer left out a couple of minor details- 1) they started the war, as Kim il Sung sought and received the approval of both Stalin and Mao to invade; and 2) the Inchon landing reversed many of the North Korean’s gains into the South.

[@madnbad1408]

Outstanding video. 😊

[@airassault11]

It’s funny that she said that the US provoked the Korean War on June 25th, 1950, when other history books said the North Koreans attacked the South on that date. I was stationed at the JSA in ‘99-‘00 and I always found Panmunjom very surreal, especially at the border. Of course, you’re going to see teeth and gums from the NK soldier and the translator, that’s their job when foreigners are around.

[@jerrylanary4889]

Shut up lost causer. Its just like saying Yankees started the Civil War or Ferdinand Marcos made the Philippines prosperous in his time.

[@capncake8837]

@@jerrylanary4889 Except the North really did start the war.

[@zerogamer935]

@@jerrylanary4889 stfu

[@malkius656]

@@jerrylanary4889 More like ninoy aquino becoming a national hero just because his own siblings assassinated him

[@markl2322]

I don't know how the hell we could have provoked that war. We weren't even IN Korea at the time. No; the north invaded the south. The south requested intervention by the UN, and the UN supplied troops from all over the world (it wasn't just the US that fought over there). The UN forces pushed the north all the way back to the China border, and then the Chinese entered the war, without declaration of intent, and threw that peninsula into a war that lasted longer than it needed to, and killed more people than it would have if they had stayed out of it. So, you don't need to verify any of this with U.S. History books. You can also verify it through the United Nations.

[@user-dc1mv5rd4n]

Zoe, Overall a very well done video. Wise viewers understand your circumstances with the perspective you provide and adjust expectations accordingly. I'd like to see more like this. Thanks.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed the video. More of it to come... Just once a month, since I don't have enough time at the moment. So I hope the next one is worth the wait!

[@Steveinthailand]

Conan O'Brien & Steven Yeun pulled off a hilarious stunt in the Blue House. Yeah... the DMZ from the northern border isnt scary at all. Nice video Zoe, let's hope for some more DPR Korea experiences once the borders reopen

[@connormacleod7010]

My grandfather both my grandfathers three of my great uncle's fought in the Korean War

[@LA-hi5uc]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tronalddump6109]

Excellent video 👍

[@bconover55]

They seem very friendly now. we all hope one day these 2 countries will be unified

[@kaziknowik470]

👍

[@ryangillis4626]

North Korea has to realize that it needs to deal with outside forces

[@faisal35i92]

Says the military soldier 😂🤣

[@user-ki6id4vt8u]

@@ryangillis4626 What, as in succumb to the West who always mess up countries and civilisations as per usual?

[@roverteam4914]

Of course he would say he love this job.....Imagine saying otherwise........

[@smartranger9821]

😂 Exactly

[@senirukankanamge4455]

DeAtH

[@GustavoRodriguez-cv5qw]

They are people that do love there job,not like most work for a paycheck.

[@ascendedbro1828]

Well he has the opportunity to talk to foreigners which is cool. Why would he dislike his job?

[@dabdoube92]

You music choice is funny. I like it 😄

[@judithoconnor6442]

I found this video very interesting. Enjoyed it.

[@jolonidhi_bk]

Really a good video to watch! It's not as scary as it seems in the TV's news.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Yeah that's what I aimed to get at with this video :). Glad you enjoyed!

[@nateg6320]

I’m sure Otto Warmbier enjoyed his stay.

[@wtmfr]

It was terrible what happened to him. Even when he did a silly thing, he did not deserve anything close to what happened to him. Rest In Peace 😔

[@GrexFilms]

@@wtmfr stealing in not a silly thing, it's a crime

[@spunkysparks1779]

@@GrexFilms the punishment was much more severe then the crime. I dont know many people who were killed for simply taking a poster.

[@dionysus4778]

@@spunkysparks1779 you're in NK. They have a different law than, say, your country. Believe me, it's really severe

[@GrexFilms]

@@spunkysparks1779 I know it's hard for you to understand, but that's why NKorean rules work. They have no crime. Can you imagine that? A COUNTRY WITH NO CRIME... till an American shows up

[@user-ih9rj9eb5r]

Awesome video!😊

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Thanks! 😊

[@joekuster4537]

I've been to the DPRK and it's far from the scariest place on earth. It's probably one of the safest places on the planet.

[@user-rj4hc6qi7c]

You can find out when you come to the Korea. No one lives in fear here, and in fact, Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate here is very low. Except for foreigners. And 70% of the Korean Peninsula is mountainous. It is similar to Afghanistan or Switzerland, making it difficult for troops to work recklessly. Also, South Korea has the sixth strongest military in the world. It is absurd for foreign media to report that such a country suffers from the threat of war

[@seanchaney3086]

Yeah, it isn't the scariest place in the world. Only the concentration camps where they starve their own people for questioning their government's legitimacy.....but hey! The trees are nice!

[@user-qg2gy5lg4g]

@@user-rj4hc6qi7c The Republic of Korea's military is indeed very strong. It's not likely Korea would even need assistance from the US if conflict broke out from the North. The US is mostly there as a nuclear deterrent, and nothing more. But unfortunately as you say the media portrays it differently, but it's not to victimize Korea, but just to show how provocative the Kim family in the North is.

[@d.g.1594]

You're real brave Zoe. Not many people have that courage to visit North Korea.

[@user-qg2gy5lg4g]

The JSA is the one area within Korea, even the DMZ that does not have the distinction between North and South Korea. So technically, she was not in North Korea as they do not have any more jurisdiction than the South does.

[@user-kn3bc3iv1x]

북쪽에서 보는 판문점 흥미롭네요. Thank you 😍

[@maopatonga]

The people look friendly and it looks beautiful there. :) It kinda reminds me of the Pacific Northwest.

[@capncake8837]

My grandma was born in Kaesong, but was living further south at the time of the war.

[@andrewelie8687]

Does your tour of the DMZ also visit the town, which is located within the DMZ? Thank you for posting this video.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Good question! But no, unfortunately not

[@ott1887]

I was stationed in ROK while in the US Army, I assure you the DMZ is dangerous outside of the tourist sideshows.

[@F5_cena]

Yeah I heard the room the south and north use are always trashed by the north for when the south uses it for tours. They never keep it clean

[@davidias9020]

Hi from Brazil, Zoe! I ready your interview for Brazilian 'G1' portal! Soon i will visit the DPRK too!

[@TheManFromAustralia]

Excellent video Zoe! Do you know the name of song played during the first minute of the video? It sounds wonderful. Thanks, Cheers

[@TyreChewingDog]

I’m not entirely sure, but from what I’ve heard, not many people live in the DMZ, and Kijong-Dong is only a propaganda town and is not a functioning one. It is literally just a lump of concrete ‘houses’ and buildings that have human dummies inside.

[@GeneralOrgana]

I see it as a Movie set really.

[@saintnicole3209]

think about that for a few more minutes and you'll realize that's probably not true. why would a developing country waste money and infrastructure on building an entire fake town and put dummies inside of the buildings? dprk is almost completely self reliant when it comes to the products they make and the amount of materials that would go into constructing dummies like that is a complete waste of resources. the dprk government is extremely authoritarian but they aren't stupid 😂

[@yesac101]

@@saintnicole3209It is true not probably it is scrutiny with modern telescopic lenses, led to the conclusion that the buildings are concrete shells lacking window glass or even interior rooms, with building lights turned on and off at set times and empty sidewalks swept by caretakers in an effort to preserve the illusion of activity. the buildings are only finished externally to give an appearance of being a town everything you see on a trip to North Korea is a show this is why you have to have a tour guide and security with you because they only are going to show you what they want you too see.

[@kaijudude_]

@@saintnicole3209 The "fake city" was built in the 50s as a means to get South Koreans to defect to the North. It occasionally houses border guards and soldiers manning artillery on the border. However it's not a functioning city merely a prop, it also has the tallest flagpole in the world.

[@GarlicOnions]

I can't trust "from what i heard" its like "trust me bro" lol

[@vvg916happyengineer]

hope they get reunited soon, peacefully.

[@wqwaisj]

must be

[@wqwaisj]

reunified, actually. don't want to be sensitive, but it matters...

[@megaluke007]

We all hope. A reunified Korea that's like South Korea would be preferable.

[@germanshepherd6638]

But how? It’s not Germany?

[@wqwaisj]

@@germanshepherd6638 The division of Korea was made regardless of the will of the Korean people. I believe that the unification of Korea will also be made according to the world situation regardless of the will of the Korean people. Therefore, what Koreans need to worry about should be "how to reduce the side effects of unification" and "how to achieve unification" are of little significance.

[@gturew]

In North Korea, every resource are concentrated in Pyongyang. Purpose of this system of north korea government is a maintainance of dictatorship system.

[@cryptojack4933]

When Bill Clinton said that in 1993 it was a scary place and scary time. Even on the South Korean side they don't disclose every incident that goes on at the border, vs now it is all televised. I was born and raised in Paju (where DMZ is located) during the 80's and 90's, and believe me, it was scary times. Now, completely different environment, and much more peace. Great Video Zoe.

[@user-dh1zr5pt4e]

01:38 뒤에 글자 자주동일이 아니라 자주통일임 자세히보면 동자의 ㄷ 위에 점이 찍혀있는데 북한에서는 ㅌ을 그렇게 표기하기도 한다고 함

[@thewilberforce]

It’s good to know the name Turner Joy when studying this.

[@derheiligestahlhelm2523]

Those violins at the beginning are a straight up banger.

[@vandamnjaunclode9813]

this really nice short video also very good music

[@JonnyQ408]

Hopefully one day both sides sides can cross the DMZ peacefully, to see family members living in the south or north

[@KeiFox]

Seeing that soldier have a big smile with you is pleasing to reaffirm that the North Koreans are not evil people, and you do well to set a good example from the Western world to them with your constant presence, and having an open mind to understand how they think. It's this kind of non-judgmental diplomacy that helps to establish positive relations, for the sake of trying reach common ground and better peace in the world. I have no desire to hate anyone in the world, regardless of differences. I may not agree with practices and beliefs, but I will not be closed-minded to be so condemning, having no understanding of the whole picture, thinking outside the box, etc.

[@capitaltrading24]

You're totally dead right, dude. We shouldn't care if they are living under a criminal regime, what the heck! We have food, shelter, clothes and freedom to move around in this side of the world.

[@Danonel]

Of course they aren't bad, but their government is.

[@CrustyUgg]

No one ever said the North Korean ppl were bad people.... 🤦🏻‍♀️ twisting narratives are we,

[@westcoastkidd17]

@@capitaltrading24 No, we should care a lot about where we were born and be fortunate we weren't born in a tyrannical regime like North Korea. Sure that soldier was smiling, but only because the North Korean government forced that soldier to smile in front of the cameras.

[@capitaltrading24]

@@westcoastkidd17 It seems that you didn't undertand my note. I was sarcastic.

[@physics77guy]

Mr. Chol is a PR person at DMZ... he is always very friendly as I have seen in other videos

[@kocsisjanos850]

And he told on a video that he was selected and trained for this post. Which he does in excellent fashion.

[@ricardofierro9183]

Hello, just curious, did you ask if you could visit those 245 ppl living in those towns, since it is said those towns are ghost towns just for show, with all building with no windows or any movement at all?

[@charlesk1089]

Is one ever permitted to see any of the town of Kijong Dong and the base of the large flagpole there ? It must be quite impressive .

[@yumenoarts8481]

When visiting to N or S Korea always visit the DMZ... Cuz its 1 of the unique tourist attraction around the world

[@setdizonro]

Yup crazy me.. i worked in s.korea for 5 years and travel around regions in south korea but never had a thought of visiting this dmz.. but been to a mountain where i saw the fences

[@yumenoarts8481]

@@setdizonro I understand, even my friend travel to S Korean countless of time and never visit DMZ.. try it when u got the time to visit it after this pandemic

[@roberthood9901]

Nice video. I was a JSA soldier in 1984 when the Soviet Defector crossed. NKPA soldiers were just like us in many ways. They would often watch for, and get a closer look on Confrence Row when girls were on our tours. They liked trading North korean cigarettes for Bic lighters, and American cigarettes. We had one GI Staff Sergeant that stood out from everyone else, the NKPA tried to get close up pictures of him on conference Row , but he had a knack for turning his head as they would snap the picture. Very funny to us. I was a civilian policeman before joining the Army, I felt in less danger at the JSA than my home town. Wish I had extended for another year.

[@1dxmark297]

♥그건 니가 공산당원이라서 그래 ♥

[@koreapatriotism1869]

Wow~~~~it's amazing Vedio~~!!! I've subscribed your channel

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Thanks for subbing!

[@koreapatriotism1869]

@Old Windsor ^^

[@jungkelly372]

Hello friend how are you doing. I'm Jung Kelly. chatting from Yemen. Nice to meet you❤❤

[@user-ug3dh7rg1t]

축하합니다! 당신은 이 많은 외국인의 댓글속에서 자랑스러운 한국인의 댓글을 발견하셨습니다!!

[@susu-yp5me]

호옹이

[@user-br7bf3ct3r]

이미 위에 있읍니다!ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@teppo3147]

(짝짝짝~)

[@olefella7561]

Century-old bullied practice of Capitalist Imperialist Western Sanctions over other nations throughout the whole wide world, ( including in N. Korea, where Western sanctions caused over a million innocent N. Koreans deaths in famine/starvation in the past) are nothing more than "Economic Terrorism"; plain and simple. It's all come down to the West's dependency on China's Rare Earth Minerals. North Korea is targeted by the Imperialist West all because it possesses the second largest deposits of 'Rare Earth Metals' in the world; worths several Trillion Dollars. These very rare 'Rare Earth Metals', are essential ingredients in modern electronic equipment. They are found largely in places like China & N. Korea, which held three quarters of world's rare earth reserves. Remember, twenty years ago, it was Iraq, and Saddam, and WMD (weapon of mass destruction). The real motive was Oil. Today, it is North Korea, and Kim, and nuclear weapons. The real motive is Rare Earth Minerals. Same old lame old Colonialist-turned Capitalist Imperialist trick. 🤔 For plain truths, pls read my informative multi-pages 'Ole Fella' comment at, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmfRnHSMmsyeZsk

[@PianistStefanBoetel]

Your friendliness builds bridges.

[@ImNotCreativeEnoughToMakeUser]

I'd love to visit, but the most difficult part would be to not correct the glaringly wrong accounts of history

[@ru2253]

Hi Zoe, I came across your video randomly and was wondering what are the procedures from someone in the UK if they want to visit DPRK? Great videos btw x

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Hi Ruth! There are lots and lots of procedures to be honest but your travel company will prepare you well when you book the tour. I have some FAQ videos you might find useful! Otherwise if you have a question on any procedure let me know :)

[@ru2253]

@@ZoeDiscovers thank you! I will go to check them out(: love your channel

[@jameshanna8762]

I was the DMZ Orientation 'Tour Guides' NCOIC during my 12 month assignment to the JSA. I must have participated in a hundred tours on the South side, but I always wondered what it looked like from the North side. Very cool! Thanks! My favorite thing about Conference Row was the hut where the North troops would peek through the curtains and flip us off, hoping we would respond in kind so they could photograph us. We called it the 'monkey house' because they were so entertaining in their antics. Nothing is what it seems on either side. It is all show and propaganda, but not so dangerous, as we were all professionals. I think we can both agree that Bill Cinton is a total puss.

[@StephenZ827]

Not to many years back had the fortune to work with a young man which also served on the line. He was a MP as I recall. We worked together building a aircraft carrier and when obama came to review the ship I gave my friend the ticket I had been given so he might be a part of that. Thanks to all of you that stand watch around the world.

[@trashyraccoon2615]

How is “Bill Cinton” a puss? As opposed to say “phony WMDs” George W Bush?

[@SC1089]

Nah Bill Clinton was awesome!

[@jameshanna8762]

@@SC1089 I'm sure he was a very pleasant fellow, as long as he wasn't s*xually assaulting you, or arranging your self delete.

[@SC1089]

@@jameshanna8762 if it were up to me he would be dictator for life. Tell the Serbians he didn't know how to heat things up. I work in a building full of ugly, dumpy, female government employees, and every single one of them can take a number and get in line to give him a BJ so long as he can be President for life

[@bubbly4760]

Wonderful video ^.^~

[@jungkelly372]

Hello friend how are you doing. I'm Jung Kelly. chatting from Yemen. Nice to meet you❤❤

[@trainsplanesandotherthings5187]

That's Amazing The DMZ from the North Side of view. I've seen Plenty of video from the South Side but not from the North.

[@spasplash156]

Following u on Instagram then just randomly found your channel funny

[@dcarter3921]

It's weird and funny how it's more relaxed and easier to get to the DMZ from North Korea's side, compared to South Korea's side.

[@Tasos04252]

That border guard seems so awesome and chill

[@rolmaguiland21]

Thanks for this

[@kamikazestryker]

You know thats like Check Point Charlie in Germany Berlin. In the last years of the Soviet Union it was a tourist attraction, I heard from my parents they visited in 88 one year before I was born they did let people in and out to visit each site. During these days the DDR was already in decline and decided to make a little money with the tourists.

[@michaelcody8783]

Thanks for the video Zoe, the Nth Korean officer does seem like a nice guy. Its good to see something good about Nth Korea. But its so sad to hear about how the government there treats most of its citizens and also some visitors to that country.

[@MrShippark]

와~ 좋은 영상 감사합니다.

[@adamtucker127]

Just got back from seeing the DMZ during my trip to South Korea and Japan. It really was quite the experience.

[@TyreChewingDog]

I wonder if that soldier has ever thought about stowing away on one of those busses into the south...

[@jinxxpwnage]

I believe it's fear of retaliation against his family. If he departs he'll be viewed as a traitor and who knows what consequences that can bring to them , the best they can do is to have as little family as possible which in turn is impossible due to extreme poverty. I'd guess larger families can bring in more food a lot easier but it's still very little. At any rate it really makes you question wether it's ethical to endanger your entire family for 1 or 2 lives. Unless it's a smaller family that's agreed for the sake of the young to leave.

[@o_o6189]

6.25전쟁이 미국때문에 일어났다고?? 명백한 북한의 남침으로 시작된건데 이걸 주작하노ㅋㅋㅋ

[@Belle-flower0seoul]

Thank you for the video.

[@ZoeDiscovers]

Thanks for watching!

[@fd23971]

​@@ZoeDiscovers Thanks for producing propaganda for the very democratic peoples republic!

[@theaverageguytraveller7253]

I visited North Korea 2 years ago and visited the DMZ from the north side. I live in Seoul now and plan to visit again soon!