As part of the terms of the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953, the opposing armies pulled back their frontline positions to create a 4-km-wide demilitarized zone. CNN cameraman Brad Olson shares his images of the DMZ.
Peninsula divided —
As part of the terms of the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953, the opposing armies pulled back their frontline positions to create a 4-km-wide demilitarized zone. CNN cameraman Brad Olson shares his images of the DMZ.
Brad Olson/CNN
When the two Koreas meet for talks, they do so in the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjun, an abandoned village that straddles the DMZ.
Neutral venue —
When the two Koreas meet for talks, they do so in the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjun, an abandoned village that straddles the DMZ.
Brad Olson/CNN
Our guide stressed to us that we were in an active war zone and should not surprise the other side with "sudden actions" such as shouting and gesturing. We were also made to stay within a very limited area.
On edge —
Our guide stressed to us that we were in an active war zone and should not surprise the other side with "sudden actions" such as shouting and gesturing. We were also made to stay within a very limited area.
Brad Olson/CNN
One North Korean soldier observes us closely with his binoculars through the icicles.
On guard —
One North Korean soldier observes us closely with his binoculars through the icicles.
Brad Olson/CNN
We visited a high point overlooking Kijongdong village, which is located about 2 km away on the North Korean side within the DMZ.
Inside the North —
We visited a high point overlooking Kijongdong village, which is located about 2 km away on the North Korean side within the DMZ.
Brad Olson/CNN
The village of Kijongdong is located on the North's side of the DMZ. South Korean troops refer to it as a "Propaganda Village," as they believe it is largely uninhabited and just for show.
Just for show —
The village of Kijongdong is located on the North's side of the DMZ. South Korean troops refer to it as a "Propaganda Village," as they believe it is largely uninhabited and just for show.
Brad Olson/CNN
A North Korean flag flies over the village of Kijongdong. It must be one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.
Full mast —
A North Korean flag flies over the village of Kijongdong. It must be one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.
Brad Olson/CNN
The Bridge of No Return is where prisoner exchanges were held at the end of the Korean War. We were warned again not to stray into restricted areas or make any sudden gestures. Pointing is considered a hostile act here.
Bridging the divide —
The Bridge of No Return is where prisoner exchanges were held at the end of the Korean War. We were warned again not to stray into restricted areas or make any sudden gestures. Pointing is considered a hostile act here.
Brad Olson/CNN
On the other side of the bridge, we spotted some North Korean soldiers looking back from behind the barbed wire, as well as a farmer herding goats in the field.
Just watching —
On the other side of the bridge, we spotted some North Korean soldiers looking back from behind the barbed wire, as well as a farmer herding goats in the field.
Brad Olson/CNN