Water from one of the most pristine places on earth
Water from the DMZ is gaining popularity
My local store recently began stocking DMZ water. At 600 KRW a pop I figured I would give it a try --it is really good water. It ought to be, the DMZ has been pretty much empty for the past 50 years.
With upwards of 3,000 different plant species, about 70 different types of mammals and 320 different types of birds we're talking paradise --except for the landmines.
The water is actually tapped about 2km away from the landmines thanks to a joint agreement between Lotte and the military.
The DMZ bottle itself has an amusing label --with a bird of some sort (the legs are too thin to be a dove) levitating in mid-air in what looks to be wheat. If the marketing department was tying its best not to conjure images of war, then they well succeeded.
Written in bright red, block letters, in both English and Korean, "DMZ" jumped out from the shelf. I had to mentally pinch myself to take it in.I figured it must be a gimmick or there were hidden cameras in the store.
Then I saw it was made by Lotte --there must be something more to it. That company consistently puts out good products. Have you had their ice cream?
Lotte spokesman Lee Sang-hyo told Reuters, "We decided on water from the DMZ because it's different, and the environment there is untouched, so many people thinks it's clean."
Well there you go. DMZ water. Next thing you know we'll have Kim Jong-il toothpaste.
