A language instructor set off on a solo trek to commemorate a personal achievement but found himself in an unexpected adventure when he encountered a guard armed with an M16 machine gun. Stephen Low, who had just finished his first year teaching English near the DMZ between North and South Korea, was saved by his language skills when facing the gun.
To celebrate his milestone, Stephen, now 48, ventured to a popular trail near the North-South border. The area’s sniper huts and remnants of past conflicts served as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions. As he approached the summit, the weather turned cold, prompting Stephen to seek refuge in a mountain hut. Using a copy of the book Twilight as kindling for a fire, Stephen inadvertently attracted unwanted attention.
Thick smoke billowed from the hut, alerting nearby soldiers who rushed down the mountain, mistaking the situation for an attack. Disoriented, Stephen unintentionally ventured into a restricted military testing zone, surrounded by explosions and rockets in the distance. Despite the unexpected turn of events, his encounter with a swarm of bees while trying to find his way back added another layer of chaos to his journey.
After a series of events, Stephen found himself at a military compound, mistaking it for a park. Confronted by an armed sentry, Stephen tried to explain his situation in Korean but faced suspicion. Desperate to prove his innocence, he contacted a former student who convinced the guard to safely guide Stephen through the base.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Stephen recalled the mix of relief, fear, and absurdity he experienced. Despite the challenges, he returned to the trail years later, achieving his goal of reaching the mountain’s helipad. Based in Norwich now, Stephen emphasized the importance of learning basic survival phrases when traveling to avoid misunderstandings.
Stephen’s story serves as a reminder of the value of language skills in navigating unexpected situations while traveling, highlighting the potential difference it can make in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.