On November 16, 2013, the NSLI-Y students traveled with their Resident Director to the Demilitarized Zone. The students visited the 38th parallel in order to study and discuss the division of Korea, as well as to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. As part of the excursion, students were assigned to research the perspectives of Americans and Koreans on the division, which they accomplished by using their Korean language skills to interview their host family, friends, and teachers.
While at the DMZ, the students toured Imjingak, the Third Tunnel of Aggression, and Dora Observatory, where they were able to catch a glimpse of North Korea. The visit to the DMZ really helped the students expand their understanding of Korea and also gain a deeper interest in its relationship with North Korea.
Many students come to South Korea for the K-Pop and K-Dramas, and while that is alright, it is important to recognize the reality in which South Korea exists and functions. Korea is still at war, and it is vital to realize that as much as K-pop and K-Dramas are a great way to learn more about Korea, there is that reality that cannot be ignored.
-Gadi, NSLI-Y Korea, Academic Year 2013-2014