Re: DMZ

[James Dennis <jrdennis@earthlink.net>]

>Hi James,
>
>Thanks for your input!
>Sounds like you are also quite
>knowledgeable about the DMZ area.
>
>Can you tell us how big is the Civilian Control Zone
>(or Military Control Zone?) below the southern boundry
>of the DMZ? How many miles from the DMZ?
>Does the North also have a similar zone above the
>northern boundry of the DMZ?
>
>John
>

Thank you.

The Civilian Control Zone/Military Control Zone.   This seems to vary in 
places.  In the Western Corridor, the Civilians could get as close as the 
south bank of the Imjin River.  But remember that the Imjin does turn due 
north through the DMZ and into North Korea.  

The Uijonbu Corridor pretty much peters out before it gets to the DMZ 
(far to the North of the 38th Parallel (only the area near Panmunjon is 
actually south of the 38th).  As I remember the civilians could get up to 
the hills that face the South Barrier Fence.  (It is difficult to farm a 
steep hill) 

I never really got a handle on the Chorwon or the areas to the East.  But 
it would be about a mile or so.  (Terrain dependent)  Up through the 
1980s, the Military had the right to take any area for things like a 
Hardened Artillery Site (HARTs), a new barrier or what ever.  Since the 
Civilian Govt has taken over, the military may not have as much freedom 
to take things, but if the government wants something that you own, they 
can take it, and take it a lot easier than one would think and a give you 
a lot less than it was worth. 


The North Korean Govt owns everything north of the North Barrier Fence 
(actually MDL), this includes property, livestock and people.  If you 
and/or your family aren't completely loyal, trustworthy, well thought of, 
etc, you don't live near the DMZ nor are you allowed to get close to it.  
Just making a statement about how bad the rice harvest is, could get you 
and your family relocated to someplace worse.  There are advantages and 
disadvantages to rural life in North Korea.  You can grow extra stuff for 
you and your family (not always true) but you don't get the few benefits 
of life in the city (like rice/food distribution from foriegn agencies).  
Corruption has always been endemic in Communist, Socialist, Monarchist, 
Democratic... Society.  Stuff can get lost, pocketed and whatever.  The 
further in the mountains, the more pockets there are to fill.  And if you 
and/or your family aren't completely loyal, trustworthy, well thought 
of... you probably won't get any spare rice or benefits.