ROK Soldiers at the JSA (DMZ)

Republic of Korea (ROK) Soldiers standing guard at the Joint Security Area (JSA) (along the DMZ)

A modified Tae Kwon Do stance, called ROK Ready, is an extremely difficult position to maintain, yet these solders will stand in this position without moving for as long as there are visitors in the JSA. No shift change, no bathroom breaks, no movement, this guard will remain at his post until relieved. And this does not mean only as long as visitors are inside the blue buildings, but anywhere inside the JSA perimeter.

At building corners they stand half covered by the building and half exposed to the North Korean side, a symbol of being prepared to take cover if a fight breaks out, while being ready to fight at the same time. This is a power stance to show determination, strength, commitment. It's all a mind game to demonstrate power, determination and great will to let the North soldiers know they mean business. The North solders do nothing of this sort.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• North
• South
• Korea
• JSA
• DMZ

[j12torts]

what if they need to do maintenance work on the buildings or the demarcation concrete line. How is that arranged? who gets the burden of maintaining the buildings and the demarcations? i think its stupid how people are divided not by oceans and landmass but by political ideologies.