The hidden village just metres from North Korea | BBC News

The tiny village of Taesung sits deep in the heart of Korea’s Demilitarised Zone - the strip of no-man’s land separating North and South Korea.
The community of South Koreans, many aged in their 80s and 90s, live mere metres from North Korea, meaning they must be guarded day and night by hundreds of soldiers.
The village was established at the end of the Korean War as a symbol of peace, but 70 years later, the Korean Peninsula is still divided, and over the past year tensions between the two countries have flared.
The BBC’s Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie has secured rare access to the village, the people who live there and the soldiers who guard them. Filmed and edited by Hosu Lee.
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#SouthKorea #NorthKorea #BBCNews

[@TheEdgeOfUnknown]

The old lady that offered cabbage to the cameraman reminds me so much of my grandma…still kind, loving and persevering through life after having for sure lived through so much trauma and hard times. Wishing nothing but the best for all Koreans, may the Kim dynasty meet its end soon.

[@rajoarcheryutama]

But watch how she react when she met the northener. Eventough that's lawfully and politically correct reaction, I think ,humanely, she shouldn't rat the escapee to the military.

[@EagerElectricCar-de1ss]

@The EdgeOfUnknown. . . Sweet Grandma!😊 I've been to SoKors' Nonsan Province and lived there for more than a month, old people who are farming do offer and gave some of their crops . .when i do my walking and passby an ajushi or ajuma, i do receive some tomatoes. . .cucumber. . .onions. . Etc...from them...

[@MrNixe07]

@@rajoarcheryutama its not only lawfully and politically correct reaction, its what she's used to. Her husband was killed by North Koreans, leaving her to care for their 6 children alone. Do you expect her to be kind to the people who killed her husband? I appreciate you're empathy, but empathy is a luxury for people like us who haven't experienced tragedy from war. You just cant judge her reaction based off of that.

[@MelanieDoyle-cl6yw]

'people like us" is doing a lot of heavy lifting

[@marymarlow3646]

She was probably thinking wtf am I going to do with all these cabbages 😂 it’s what I was thinking.

[@mexicotaco0913]

not sure why captions are missing in some parts but: 3:20 "after the armistice, there were no [buses] at all. Then they started to come once a week, once every three days..." and 3:41 "it would be nice [to do my hair] once every month, but it's too much of a hassle."

[@1certain]

At 3:20 she says, "Even right after the armistice, I barely ever saw any vehicles* pass through the village. Then they would arrive once a week, then once every 3 days, and now it's 3 times in a single day." 3:41 "It would be nice to go once a month, but I'm lazy*." (Assuming she is alluding to how out-of-the-way and inconvenient it is to leave the village even for a haircut, which is why she says she is "lazy")

[@jwang1978]

thank you ！

[@DennisTheInternationalMenace]

Thank you! I was just about to comment on the poor translations from BBC.

[@DennisTheInternationalMenace]

​@@1certainTy for the accurate translation!

[@jkim47ill]

BBC sucks with the translations

[@HLJlovejoy]

Praying for reunification. My mom’s siblings were separated by the war & she’s never heard from or seen them since late 40s. It’s truly unimaginable & heartbreaking.

[@julianpignat9095]

you know why , Truman said no do not attack korea and general MacAther the the USA army in 1950 invaider Korea

[@kbengson9163]

As long as the Dictator and the family bloodline is in power reunification will never ever ever ever (did I say ever?) happen because they would lose too much control and that is the thing that scares them to death is losing power and control of the people and money.

[@andromedamessier3176]

@@julianpignat9095 you forgot the soviet involvement in the conflict too.

[@andromedamessier3176]

It has been almost 100 years. Both countries cultures in terms of society are so far detached from each other now. I don’t think it is possible.

[@Bighannes410]

That’s truly heartbreaking and hard to believe this is something that is ongoing in our world

[@westnilesnipes]

It’s a bit sad to think one day this village will be as deserted as the one that sits in the North…

[@lincan4108]

the north Korean village is always used as a propaganda "city", you could actually see that the village actually has some modern tall buildings to prove that the north is a capable county, but it is just a shell nobody lives there except for military

[@theMcWOPPER]

No it won't.

[@mykolakozak]

Same I doubt … NK will collapse

[@jangtheconqueror]

@@theMcWOPPER It will be, but I think the biggest factor would be that Koreans just don't go for rural life anymore. Any kids that may still live there are likely gonna grow up, go to college, and work in some city. Most of these elderly peoples' kids clearly already did so. It's not some symbolic thing that these guys make it out to be, that's just reality. What are you gonna do, force people to stay and be farmers for symbolism?

[@rebeccasjodal9769]

​@@jangtheconquerorIsn't that the norm for most industrial rich countries? That norm is still strong here in Sweden, but people have begun to questioning it and at least partially move back to the countryside. Especially if they are about to raise a family

[@alberteinsteinthejew]

Harvesting crops with soldiers watching, feels like an apocalypse movie

[@c0gimyun]

we are in an apocalypse movie

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

The world is dystopian, a bleak universe is all we got

[@unvcht5046]

Maybe only to you but I would love plus not pay for tax and rent lol just have a hot girl living with you with 20 kids and live life with latest technology

[@villagecat5539]

That village is an administrative district for the U.S. military. Exemption from conscription and taxes. Even the President of Korea cannot enter the country without US military permission.

[@ygpwnxd_xd752]

@@villagecat5539👍👍☝🏾 Vow really dude this news if it’s true then it’s unbelievable imagining such rules N laws do take place in a unknown village .

[@Kitana2020]

The man waiting for one day to reunite with his brother stuck in NK... This world is evil

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

Yeah your capitalist consumer world is evil

[@eireman51]

I'd reckon that village has absolutely no crime.

[@vladimirdaljic5078]

ofc when theres only few dozen gramps and grannies and armed soldiers

[@오늘이최고다-x8s]

하지만 군부대 인근 마을주민들은 군인들에게 편의서비스를 제공할때 바가지요금을 요구합니다. 한국에서 군인은 사회 최하위 계급취급하고 있습니다.

[@danielp415]

Well they basically have a private army 😂

[@alexandramcginnis8872]

One of those grannies gotta be secretly doing some internet piracy

[@sherrygadberryturner9527]

@@오늘이최고다-x8sYeah, it’s not like they would be the first line of defense for the people. 😤🤬🤬

[@branchgaa]

The reality of families having been seperated after the war, the elderly would certainly want Korea united, but perhaps the youth don't know much about this unless they listen to the elderly. Makes me think about why they might choose to live there, in remembrance and hoping to see thier family again.

[@apReaL17]

And it’s heartbreaking

[@goldhawk151]

Plus the people who live there get lots of privileges like tax and military exemptions. Their crops are also sold at a good price

[@Erick-ev5zt]

I literally got teary eyes when that old man told the reporter about his older brother who got trapped in the North when the war broke. That's really sad not knowing whether your sibling is dead or alive at this very moment.

[@YourSense114]

It’s devastation and unbearable pain created by men to separate from love ones. Unbeknownst to those who cultivated this painful policies already they have their consequences,no criminals will be at large forever, they will test painful consequences on judgement day Because of worldly materials, power, to conquer to divide and with greediness the tiny minority set it an agenda and political strategy and ideology that they propagated , promoted and manipulated. None of young generation of today or tomorrow will ever understand why’s but few who are gifted with consciousness knows why certain powerful, educated , intelligent with principle thoughts and patriotic nations were targeted and isolated or sanctioned. If you ever been bullied at school and everyday new kid is used against you and none of these kids you wronged but one devil kid is bullying everyone against you and the devil kid won’t leave you alone until you bow to the devil and if you agree to become puppet then the devil targets the next kid. But if the other kid refuses to be bullied the rest of the kids will be used a weapon against him/ her. This world will never get better either in peace or in equality, the powerful puppets will always be used to attack the helpless or the weak , no matter how hard people fight back with words, pen or with platforms justice will never prevail on this planet, the very reason God created two paths, the good and the path and will have our certificates for the next life and will know who wronged who? Every cold case you ever wondered who killed who, you will witness and all secrets will become no secrets PERIOD Try to pick the good path and avoid worshipping worldly materials and hurting others

[@smek22071975]

@@YourSense114 Try to pick the good path and avoid worshipping worldly materials and hurting others But you also say, the very reason god created two paths. So either path is gods path. You religious people are the dumbest people on Earth. Why must you go with some book with stories. Make up your own mind and be free?

[@incisivecommenter5974]

My father fought in the Korean war 1950-1953, he was 17 when he was drafted. He passed in 2016. Towards the end of his life, he talked about the war, very traumatic stories.

[@오늘이최고다-x8s]

그의 노고에 감사합니다. Thank you for your service.

[@incisivecommenter5974]

@user-vg5hc3bc8q Thank you for recognizing his service❤️🇺🇲❤️🇰🇷❤️ I hope one day there's peace.

[@gm2282]

Same with my father

[@ShutupNKissme]

Idiot​@@오늘이최고다-x8s

[@yoobinjung35]

🇰🇷🇺🇸🇺🇳 👮🏻‍♂️👮🏼‍♀️👮🏾 🗽

[@lisasantiago2784]

The villagers looked happy and content in their simple life with friendly soldiers to protect them. 🙏🙏🙏

[@mykolakozak]

Really I didn’t see too much happiness

[@lynnebvinson2888]

And I'm ready to move there! Get me a visa!

[@wsdmsage]

If I have and possibpe would also live there. Simple life

[@cho0402_]

its been awhile since im dropping a comment, but ill live here too. make families here, and let my children go around the village to break the village's silence.

[@kibulb3143]

the story of the man who hasn't heard from his brother since the war really breaks my heart. Cellphones and stuff weren't a thing yet so I can't imagine how hard it was to contact someone even BEFORE the war.

[@SaiCharan-ti6rm]

They both don't even know if the other is alive or dead I cried when I heard his story

[@SaiCharan-ti6rm]

I cried when the old man said about his brother 😢 it's so sad that so many losed their relations due to the partition................

[@joshr8666]

Never heard of these two villages in any other video i've ever seen on north korea.. Thanks BBC

[@raysabor3413]

Did two tours in South Korea, The Older Lady is an Awesome example of the Korean people, She works hard is kind and loving, and prevailed though so much hardship.

[@MrJm323]

"Tae Song Dong" is how we G.I.s (Second Infantry Division) knew it, when I was there in the 1980s, pulling patrols inside our small section of the DMZ and pulling duty on the observation posts inside the DMZ itself: "Guard Post Oullette" and "Guard Post Collier". It was my understanding that the North Korean "propaganda village", Kijong-dong, was uninhabited, but every day the North Korean authorities would truck in civilians to farm the fields, etc.. They would trucked back out in the evening. The North Korean flag, mounted on their pole (which of course is higher than the flagpole on the South's side), is supposedly the largest flag in the world. Like the soldier, here, explained, there is no physical barrier separating the Northern half of the 4 kilometer wide DMZ from the Southern half. There are only some rusted out yellow signs indicating the "MDL" ("Military Demarcation Line") along this line. The south-facing sides of these signs were in English and Korean, the north-facing sides in Chinese and Korean. Step beyond those, and you were in the North. ...So when you see photos of soldiers walking along a fence, that fence is the southern limit of the 4 KM-wide DMZ, rather than the actual line of demarcation between South and North Korea. One impression this video doesn't provide is the audial experience I remember: the propaganda speakers from each side, projecting music and spoken propaganda. (Usually pop music from the South Korean speakers, martial music from the North Korean ones.) It was made more eerie because the banks of speakers would be swivelled in various directions, and you could hear the music or words wafting in and out. Other than that, there wasn't much noise. There was very little traffic on the road (the main road from the gate to the Joint Security Area or "Panmunjom", the "truce village", which was a compound centered on three buildings [for conferences] which straddled the MDL). The JSA is the most tense place there -- the place most likely to erupt in violence (in case someone defected or one side were to trim a tree, whatever). ...Another eerie aspect was at night: most of the DMZ seemed to be in darkness. But, when you lifted your NOD (night observation device) up to your eyes, suddenly large swaths would be "lit up", because there were infrared lamps and spot lights, lighting up what each side thought was a critical part to have under constant observation, in a light wavelength invisible to the naked eye.

[@livelovelaugh85]

Thank you for sharing this! I think the scary part too is getting kidnapped by the DPRK soldiers.

[@julianpignat9095]

@@livelovelaugh85 frist go to Pyongyang, passe the official way you will have no problem

[@Minato_Akiyama03]

As a Korean living in Australia for freedom, thank you for your service. Do you think Korean war will resume and the border will stay the same or be different when the Korean war ends? 🤔

[@Minato_Akiyama03]

​@anxioushellcat6075 Yeah, apparently it happened couple times long time ago in some other village on the upper Incheon areas, the island place at night. I don't know why they kidnapping fellow neutral villagers but it's sad

[@matrixman7706]

I wonder how easy it would be for North Koreans to defect at the particular border crossing by the rusted sign? There’s no river you have to cross to go into another country. Unless North Korea has that whole area beyond that rusted sign full of landmines?

[@Gary_Ji]

Touched video! Hope those farmers will live in peace and tranquility, thanks BBC to show us how they lives like.

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

Yeah but those Nato soldiers don't look so peaceful. they look dangerous

[@rodneyjweltham150]

Incredible documentary. Thank you BBC

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

This is pure western propaganda

[@nasdaq15]

Amazing documentary and reporter. God bless those people

[@carolinegodden4364]

Very special Elders ❤

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

It was propaganda.

[@boris8787]

For obvious reasons I wish the village of Taesung was exactly like my favourite village.

[@anthonylagunas6737]

When I was stationed in the Army in S. Korea the US Army still had a sector to patrol in the DMZ. We were stationed at Camp Liberty Bell (DMZ). We would patrol in the winter. The JSA stayed in the truce village.

[@joshr8666]

Is this the truce village?

[@anthonylagunas6737]

@@joshr8666 No this is a village where people live and farm.

[@FakeGothBitch]

​@@anthonylagunas6737is this the one near to the observatory? If it is they have a small shop now and sell dried food to tourists + soybean ice cream obviously.

[@anthonylagunas6737]

@@FakeGothBitch No it is farthing the DMZ.

[@Undergroundbase-r1x]

Ironically one of the safest towns in the world

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

I don't think so. they live in army occupation

[@ryanimal34]

The respect and appreciation the elders/ community members have for the ROK/US/UN soldiers shows how much the people in the community appreciate the fact that they can still live in their homes with some peace of mind because of the sacrifice these soldiers have made. I hope one day for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

[@shrimpgeisha]

I was stationed there when I was 19. The people who live in these villages are very sweet and appreciative. I'm sure we annoyed them at times, but they were quite gracious and kind.

[@Amtcboy]

So different from the younger generation. In a few more years, there’ll be fewer inhabitants in this village. And then, none.

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

They are brainwashed by their american occupiers

[@thehangmansdaughter1120]

"We don't have to serve in the military" Oh Sweetie, you already are. Living under these conditions is your service.

[@WilldyPS3]

Don't all South and North Koreans have mandatory military service?

[@chan13153]

@@WilldyPS3 I think its just males for south korea that have mandatory service

[@WilldyPS3]

@@chan13153 It was a boy who said it

[@user-mc6vi8yd7l]

​@@chan13153 ? isn't NK mandatory service like 10 years

[@chan13153]

@@WilldyPS3 probably an exception for just those villagers then

[@sangminlee3136]

I am a farmer living like them. Nowadays We farmers have serious noise issues of millitary drills and blsting sounds of big guns. Thanks god our villege is sourrounded by big mountains.

[@Garbeaux.]

North Korea acting up again? How do you deal with it? I don’t think my anxiety could handle it.

[@sangminlee3136]

@@Garbeaux. You misunderstood me. North korea's nuk missile is not targeting southkorea. They are targeting japan and USA. It's developed defensive purposes only.

[@sangminlee3136]

@@Garbeaux. Millutary power? North korea no match for Southkorea. Without US and Japan, South Korea can handle North Korea easily. But Geopolitics matters. USA wants to crush China. They want Japanese Navy and South Korean Army. They want South Korea as a door to urasian field.

[@sangminlee3136]

@@Garbeaux. Tension between S-N in Korean Peninsular is deliberately caused by Japan and USA. They even support millitary dictatorship decades long. Still boosting right-wing party in korea.

[@sangminlee3136]

@@Garbeaux. In short, north korea don't make me anxious. US 🇺🇸 make me anxious. I hate American military presence in korea.

[@254NOMAD]

I feel for that Old Man who has never seen or heard from his mother since the war started😢

[@thecommentatorofreallynoth9966]

Based on the healthcare in the North, the brother would've died a long time ago.

[@JoseDuarte-jh5ss]

This was an incredible insight into one of the most peculiar places in the world.

[@Jmk345]

I love Korea 🇰🇷 💕 from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

South Korea

[@Awesomefishingvideo-bb2tf]

wow proud of them

[@Silenceisgolden25]

I love that the older generation were able to stay in their village with good protection. Heartbreaking necessity, but they all seem to have a very good relationship. I would love to visit. The village people seem to be lovely people.

[@BernardSantillan-bi9qg]

Brother against brother..😢

[@mykolakozak]

Fixed upon by an authoritarian regime. What they’re experts in

[@johncane2304]

Japan is the blame to this after destroying joseon

[@fanfan8788]

​@@johncane2304main culprit Japan then Korean politician who carry different views but unable solve the problem and came for one solution or not ready to do this then the American and Russian greed as always with other supporter nation

[@mduduzigama5534]

I live for these kind of documentaries. Thank you BBC. (shoutout from South Africa) ♥️

[@fxrivrgirl]

I do to ♡

[@FirstLast-tp8bm]

For a lot of Koreans, reunification is like the Fountain of Youth. It sounds nice on paper, but even if you keep looking, you will never find it.

[@steveerossa]

it will lead to cultural clashes, solidarity taxes being sent up north, and lots of crime from people raised under communism who don't respect private property.

[@user-xz6gm3bq4s]

my question has alway been what does the reunification look like? would it be the total take over of the north and haveing a westen korea lead my the US

[@steveerossa]

@@user-xz6gm3bq4s Koreans will decide for themselves. There will be no more need for American soldiers but Korea will now share a border with russia. So they will need a larger army. As for ideology, it will be South Korean ideas. They succeeded, the north failed. You gotta go with what works. Can't go half and half on successful and failed ideas.

[@shadowslayer9988]

​@@steveerossaThen Unification ain't happening u less both sides get to keep their form of government and North Korea gets to keep it's nukes reunion will just be a delusional dream.

[@shadowslayer9988]

​@@user-xz6gm3bq4sReunification is not happening North Korea would NEVER except South Korea form of government and vice versa.

[@patriciavillanueva7391]

You should translate the interviews with Koreans, the documentary doesn’t make sense without knowing what they said because you also didn’t post a resume after the interviews…

[@SourDoughBill]

Awesome. Great job Jean and Hosu. You captured both the beauty of the village and the people living there.

[@sydneygxekwa6315]

This why I'd always choose documentaries than movies. Real life this. Very sad what is happening to the Korean Peninsula. We pray for peace and better days. ❤️✌️

[@xskrym]

My heart breaks for these people and it breaks more for North Korean population. Lord have mercy on them.

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

The Northerners live well if you didn't know . they have communism 🇰🇵🇰🇵🇨🇳👏🇨🇳🇨🇳👏👏

[@BillyBoucher-ql3pw]

4:50 the most protected old lady on earth

[@f1peter27]

Fantastic short film. Really insightful.

[@hmj1116]

When I was at South Korea in 1951 to 1953 I was an American soldier fought North Korea many of our troops died or have feet frozen had to amputate by American doctors it's very tragic.

[@e36dhdbsjzb]

Thank you for your sacrifice sir!

[@MrCaptainSisko]

Full credit to the BBC for this documentary. Love this one but it should have been longer.

[@GoDawgz90]

Served there in 2015 its a surreal feeling when you're over there. I've been to Tae Song Dong several times with Mr. Kang. JSA Boy for life!

[@Unknownknown7]

What a beautiful village I hope one day North and South reunite each other love from 🇵🇭

[@kentoi7956]

Pag na unite Sila kami nmn hihiwalay sa pilipinas.

[@sbnu2351]

God Bless the citizens living near the border as well as their soldiers. I salute to them. 😊... ❤

[@ryantomei]

Thanks for skipping subtitles for that sweet old lady…. Anyone know what she was saying? Because BBC seemingly ignored to translate for us.

[@DanielSPark-by6cm]

3:17 "Even after the ceasefire, there was no car (public transit). It used to be once in a week, then once in three days, and now, it's three times a day." 3:42 "It would be better to get my hair done once a month, but... because it's cumbersome." Also: 4:45 - the interpreter says "I like you very much, too!" after the man says "USA number one!" 4:53 - I can't hear what the lady says but the soldier replies "thank you" in Korean. 12:50 - the woman says "yeah, mom doesn't work today" out of context.

[@iamReddington]

1:31 "What do you like about living here?" "We don't have to serve in the military." Can we take a minute to reflect on this answer from a child? Holy shit, that is sad.

[@AvocadoTheBugCat]

There’s not really any perks for a kid lol, not like he has to pay rent anyways as a child. It would totally suck living in a remote village vs seoul

[@pauls8456]

Great documentary thanks for going to the effort of travelling there.

[@shutup-gc2yk]

Every South Korean I know doesn't even think about reunification, and when asked about it, they'll tell you it's not going to work. It's been 70 years. The countries couldn't be any more different, and they know what it would entail for South Korean society and economy. Reunification dreams will be gone with the generation that lived through the war.

[@shadowslayer9988]

​@@simbaskiNorth Korea is not giving up there nukes or changing there government qnd South Korea is not changing their government eithier so reunification will not work.

[@elfenengel162]

Your first sentence "....it would work in 5 years...." and than came "however" . Reunification would lead to a downfall for southkorea! And there would still be division in there mind, culture and society.... ​@@simbaski

[@eleven-ci1qj]

watch the battle of yultong..how the filipino soldier defend the south korea to north korea and china

[@verlorenish]

Exactly, even if the DPRK fell China would step in again and install a new puppet government to keep a proxy in between South Korea (West) and it's own borders. It's that simple. The whole of North Korea is just a buffer zone for China.

[@Code-pd5hy]

​@@eleven-ci1qj Overproud pinoy nanaman hayst. Wala rin sa topic.

[@northyorksimonkim]

The old lady says some funny things in Korean, the subtitles don't justify it, she has a perfect Seoul accent but it very informal, compared to the very formal BBC English, so the juxtaposition is hilarious

[@Abrar.Rahman.Nafim.44]

I Wish Both Korea Can Reunite Peaceful 🇰🇵🇰🇷

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

The problem is that they have sooo different worldwiews that the reunification is not possible. The south koreans must recognize the Kim dynasty 🇰🇵 first before negotiations

[@CARL_093]

kudos to the staff and whole personnel who is part of this documentary

[@TREASUREPHILS_Project]

Went to the DMZ last month and as a foreigner getting to know the history of Koreanand seeing even just a glimpse of life inside the DMZ amazed and saddened me at the same time.

[@antonstupivtsev3553]

Incredible report. Thank you BBC

[@chuck9693]

4:05 I love farming and agriculture. I absolutely adore her family’s farm. Lovely place, of course not like a great place to be due to border concerns, but I love the farm

[@jonallseitz4895]

I would love to live somewhere like that, nice peaceful and nothing but respect for everyone

[@langandlitlover]

Heartbroken! Families are separated by war and can not see each other though they actually live very nearby.

[@MacKaledy]

"Abandoned village.. no one living there.." BUT there is literally someone cycling in the village at 5:44 lmao

[@MacKaledy]

whats also keeping a lot of the older and possibly younger koreans in the village is the fact that you do not need to pay taxes on income when living in that place

[@anthony9535]

💀 was looking for this comment

[@trinitywood4100]

If you go to the DMZ and look at this village through the binoculars, you'll notice that it's always the same guy riding a bike and he does a route. Same with a car - they'll have one or two drive around the village to give the impression that North Koreans have cars when really, it's just high ranking gov and military officials that have that privilege. The people in that village are just props like everything else.

[@bunnyfufu9933]

Never knew such place existed. Thanks for sharing

[@vornamenachname1069]

I like the irony of it being named "demilitarized zone" while yet being one of the most militarized borders in the world...

[@sunright20475]

To think those villagers are just few meters away from living as a Kim Jong Un's slaves. They are really blessed.

[@menaoye]

I mean! What a blessing in disguise! God saved them

[@twinkle_yara]

Don’t make it seem to be that bad I’m sure they’re living their best life not like South Koreans who got the highest rate of suicideees and all that

[@tonyquek6157]

RESPECT to the villagers of Taeseong for continuing to stay in a dangerous village. 🙇‍♂️

[@TheFailedmessiah]

They don't have to pay taxes. That alone is amazing.

[@mbilly3013]

They hv separated and survived for so long.. is best to remain as it is..👍🏽

[@tmausali]

Amazing informative documentary. Thank you.

[@ziggyc3004]

2:10 They live like kings compared to just over the border, what a tragedy.

[@erictroxell715]

This was n is fantastic in so many ways

[@leemackie8434]

That’s so very sad 💔

[@MaailmanNapa-pm9lw]

Yes the capitalist's world is sad😭😭😭😭🇪🇺🇲🇵🇬🇧🇺🇸🇷🇺😭😭

[@sharonburton9663]

Without the threat this place looks like heaven

[@1missing]

At around 5:42 in the bottom right hand you can see what looks like a car driving down the road. It might not be a village like Taesung, but it's definitely occupied by somebody.

[@marketads1]

Thank you so much for this. I’m an American whose daughter dreams to teach in S Korea. I’ve always been concerned about the conflict, and more so in the last few years as Kim threatens with missiles. These people are so lovely and live on hope for the future. They are willing to show that with their actions.

[@kelly-bq8cz]

Very informational.

[@eustab.anas-mann9510]

Perfect subtitles

[@mgtowski395]

Decent. A lot of things said were skipped over, and a few things translated were off a bit.

[@accordiongordon]

@@mgtowski395p sure they’re being sarcastic, considering the instances of missing subtitles

[@sdd123]

The military are so respectful. God bless all of the world’s troops.

[@StarInbound]

It's their home. They didn't abandoned it during the war, and they're sure as hell not going to abandoned it now.

[@jinnotjen]

Very well made documentary. Thank you.

[@DanZdrodowski]

Excellent documentary!!!

[@vcwloves9864]

This was interesting. Thank you for covering it. You learn something new every day!

[@MacksChinese]

Great video! I really enjoyed the documentary about Korea, although there’s a lot of conflict not only in Korea right now but around the world, but hopefully in the future we can all live in peace.

[@zoey06]

I agree. Hope that we can have the peace and love we need.

[@1977Futre]

It is a stunning place.

[@7212372frank]

This is great reporting

[@SouthKHenry]

i served at kunsan airbase for the u.s airforce and never even heard about this! great documentary bbc

[@Translucent6000]

I’ve been there. It’s actually quite easy to drive a car in these gray areas

[@goldhawk151]

I actually saw that village two weeks ago while touring the DMZ. They’re close enough to be able to hear North Korea

[@Mary-tq4ge]

Man those perks the villagers are given are worthwhile, it's quite, and of course don't forget the country feel,

[@Don-e7n]

I feel so bad for the citizens there not just bc of the border but their sad stories 😢

[@christineb2666]

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me. -Martin Niemöller This quote is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a poem. After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

[@rafars2246]

There are quite a few villages at the border, not just this one.

[@deekang6244]

Ive been to one.

[@rafars2246]

@@deekang6244 me too

[@funnytortoise]

What a beautiful documentary

[@ytn00b3]

They can still access to all the resources in the South Korea, even doctors regularly visit that village

[@MacCosmic]

It's beauty will only be missed when it's gone, another important part gone but not forgotten. Sometimes the morals out way the costs and I thank those who keep hope that Korea will be whole and people free to laugh, love and live life. I thank those solders for doing more then they know for freedom.

[@TheFailedmessiah]

3 positives about this border village. Free rent. No taxes to pay. Don't have to serve in military. That's awesome

[@banlavericngah6928]

Peace between the two Koreas is possible!!!

[@Mr.Santoyo]

As an American in my mid 30's, I would love to move into that village. And take over, one of those crumbling houses and farm that land. 😍

[@pasang2256]

BBC, you need to do better with the subtitles. They were missing in few parts of the video.

[@frankmccracken1160]

I was stationed on the DMZ in 77, a year after the ax murder there. Ran night patrols inside DMZ and did gate guard as well. Night you hear South Korean guard use to shoot at anything that they thought was a target. We had to had someone come to our post to verify any target prior to engaging any targets. Erie at night, we experienced on night patrols where the usual night noises of the woods, animals would go deathly quiet. You heard nothing at all!!! Then branches like being stepped on!!! Yes it’s a war zone. Spies still infiltrate thru tunnels and mini subs on shore! You just don’t hear it

[@psikopatte1]

Incredible. Thanks to show it

[@sameldridge9964]

I was stationed there in 1984 -85 Camp liberty Bell. Been in that village many times.

[@c0gimyun]

i pray that these residents remain safe during the impending war. 😢

[@Lori_L]

May there never be war there again

[@livelovelaugh85]

@@Lori_L true 😢 but war is inevitable in their case.

[@endjfcar]

As a Korean, I can assure you that the war is not coming.

[@northyorksimonkim]

there's not going to be any war, a war will result in all the north korean soldiers defecting and jong un left to fend for himself

[@Kotniwiec]

3:57 made me laugh. The way she threw a cabbage, looked like she is annoyed with the fact, the cameraman don't want a cabbage from her. This is typical grandma behavior, You can see internationally. xDDD

[@georgewin7243]

grandma is so cute, despite the limitations and stress, she really makes time for her hair 😊

[@friyeamen9579]

2👀 Dé Elderly Lady Work Hard💔

[@AlexWatson-t1f]

Those perks are excellent