The 'Third Tunnel of Aggression' is a tunnel under the border between
North Korea and
South Korea.
Only 44 km (27 mi) from
Seoul, the 'Third Tunnel of Aggression' was discovered in
October of
1978. It is 1.7 km (1.1 mi) long, 2 m (6.5 ft) high and 2 m (6.5 ft) wide.
[The Second Layer] It runs through bedrock at a depth of about 73 m (239.5 ft) below ground. It is apparently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea, and can easily accommodate a full division per hour along with their weaponry. A total of four tunnels have been discovered so far, but there are believed to be up to ten more.
[1] South Korean and
U.S. soldiers regularly drill in the
DMZ in hopes of finding more. Its description as a tunnel of aggression was given by the south, who considered it an act of aggression on the part of the north. North Korea tried to downplay the shaft, officially declaring it part of a coal mine. Black "coal" was painted on the walls to help confirm this statement. Additionally, observed drill marks for dynamite in the walls point towards
South Korea. Photos are forbidden within the tunnel, which is now well guarded. The South Koreans have blocked the actual
Military Demarcation Line in the tunnel with three concrete barricades.
The tunnel can be visited as part of various tourist
tours of the DMZ from Seoul.
[2]
References
1. globalsecurity.org
2. Life in Korea
See also
★
Korean Demilitarized Zone
★
Military of North Korea
★
List of Korea-related topics