Bush peers into 'evil' North Korea

The visit was the first time Bush has seen North Korean territory

SEOUL, South Korea -- U.S. President George W. Bush has taken his first look at North Korea -- one of three countries he has labeled as forming an "axis of evil."

Looking through binoculars from a sandbagged bunker on the southern side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Bush peered across the heavily fortified frontier into one of the most secretive nations on Earth.

In the distance on the North Korean side U.S. military personnel pointed out a "peace museum" complete with a painted white dove on the roof.

Inside are reported to be two axes used by North Korean soldiers to bludgeon to death two U.S. soldiers in the mid-1970s.

"Did you hear that," Bush said shaking his head in disbelief. "No wonder I think they're evil."

THE DMZ 'Scariest place on Earth'    MORE STORIES • Analysis: Korea: A chilly diplomatic climate  • Presidential visits to Korean DMZ a ritual    EXTRA INFORMATION In-Depth: President Bush: East Asia Tour  Gallery: Cheers and jeers for Bush  Bush's 'Flying White House'  Interactive: A look at Bush's itinerary

The two soldiers were killed by North Korean troops in August 1976 as they supervised tree cutting work in the DMZ.

Bush flew to the DMZ by helicopter from the South Korean capital, Seoul, just 30 miles (50 km) from the border.

He then drove in an armored truck towards the frontier and through a narrow anti-tank wall packed with explosives.

The wall is designed so that any vehicle too wide for the passageway knocks into it triggering a blast.

Along either side of the road lay broad swathes of landmines and a double fence of barbed wire that stretches the 151-mile (248 km) length of the DMZ.

At the observation post, situated just a short distance from the actual demarcation line, security personnel had installed a bulletproof glass screen to protect the president as he surveyed the border region.

Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell, who is traveling with the president on his Asian tour, then had lunch with about a dozen U.S. soldiers stationed at the post.

Asked what he thought following his inspection of the U.S. presence and the border fortifications Bush replied: "We're ready."