The roads across country today took us very close to the border. This was evident by the numerous checkpoints and army barracks. You can’t get closer to the border as there are no roads running north from here.

In the picture is one of the tank traps we passed. There are lots of these, all looking like they could be deployed immediately should the need arise. The idea is that an explosive charge blows apart the small concrete support for the larger concrete blocks. This large block then falls into the road, making it impossible to pass – even in a tank. Time it right and the tank is immobilised at the same time.

During the war the south Koreans had no answer to the soviet T.38 tanks. Many lives were lost in the struggle to stop them. I think lessons have been learned. Even though the republic has its own tanks, this first line if defence still remains very active.