A Brief Visit to the Korean Peninsula Quiz

Answer: DMZ

The DMZ represents "demilitarized zone". The term itself is really a misnomer as the region is one of the most heavily fortified and guarded borders in the world. The atmosphere is very tense, but visitors and tourists are allowed carefully scrutinized access. The warning sign in Korea and English serves to underscore the tension and apprehension.

Answer: Baekdu Mountain

North Korea does allow a very limited number of visitors to the country. One of the most spectacular sites to see is that of a crater lake also known as Heaven Lake. Baekdu Mountain may be approached from China or North Korea.

Answer: Dandong

Dandong sits on the border between North Korea and China. As China is North Korea's largest trading partner, the city is a major point of exchange between the two countries. It has been suggested that China loves Korea so much that it wants two Koreas.

Answer: Propaganda Village

Interesting enough, even though the two countries on the peninsula share the same language for the most part, this particular place has two different names. In North Korea, it is called Gijeongdong. It is also known as "Peace Village". In South Korea, however, the name is "Seonjeon Maul", literally "Propaganda Village".

The village appears to be unoccupied and only exists for appearances and publicity.

Answer: Pyongyang

There are many interesting sites and tourist attractions in North Korea's main city. It has most of the modern conveniences and features that any other comparatively large city would have. Even so, foreign visitors to the city generally are only allowed to see what the government wants them to see.

Answer: Busan

Busan, or Pusan, is the second largest city in South Korea. It rivals Seoul with respect to cosmopolitan features and attractions. Each summer, vacationers flock to Haeundae for rest and relaxation. "Haeundae" is also the local name for South Korea's first disaster film. The film is called "Tidal Wave" outside of Korea.

Answer: Gangnam

The Gangnam district is one of the most influential and popular in the city of Seoul. The COEX Mall and COEX Aquarium are in this district. A significant number of successful applicants to South Korea's most prestigious university, Seoul National University, come from the Gangnam district. In context, the term "Gang" means "river" and "Nam" means "south".

Answer: Han River

The Nakdong River is the longest river in South Korea, and flows through Busan. It is one of the most scenic and well visited sites in Seoul. In the Korean film entitled "The Host", a hideous monster emerges from the river as a result of toxic waste dumping into the river.

In reality, the river has been faulted for being polluted, but extraordinary efforts have been made to clean up the river and its image.

Answer: mountain park

Jirisan is the largest mountainous national park in South Korea. It was established in 1967 and spans approximately 472 square miles. The was the first park to have been established as a national park in South Korea.

Answer: divers

During a trip to Jeju Island, one may be fortunate to see the famous "sea women" or female divers of Jeju Island. They are well known for their diving stamina and endurance. Unfortunately, with the continuing success of tourism on the island, the profession may be waning.