DMZ: Symbol of peace in Korean Peninsula

What's the DMZ? After more than 60 years of the suspended war, the DMZ became the site of history, the symbol of world-peace and natural environment.

What is the DMZ?

The DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) was created in 1953, when the Korean War was not yet stopped but suspended, and South and North Korea agreed to withdraw each army by 2km to the north and south, respectively, with the MDL (Military Demarcation Line) as the center. It stretches 248km long from the west (Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do) to the east(Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do) of Korea.

After more than 60 years of the suspended war, the DMZ became the site of history, world-peace and natural environment. Especially, Paju city in Gyeonggi-do, where is the center of the DMZ tour, attracts tourists from all around the world with accessibility from Seoul. You can visit and see what has happened and how it will be.

Recommended destinations in Gyeonggi-do

PANMUNJEOM

l Contact : tel. +82-2-755-0073 / www.tourdmz.com

Joint Security Area(JSA)

Panmunjeom, which is a 90-minute drive away from Seoul, is a joint security area (JSA) located in the DMZ in Jinseo-myeon of Paju City. On April 27, 2018, under the agenda of “Peace, a New Beginning”, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un of the State Affairs Commission held an inter-Korea summit in the truce village of Panmunjom, which resulted in the adoption of the “Panmunjeom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula”. It is a historically meaningful place where the two leaders worked out an agreement on improving South and North Korean relations including building a permanent framework for peace.

DMZ

l Contact : tel. +82-31-259-4700 / http://dmz.gg.go.kr

The Demilitarized Zone-or DMZ-is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone between South and North Korea. One of the most heavily militarized borders in the world, the DMZ is one of the last remainders of the Cold War as well as an ecological treasure trove.

IMJINGAK PAVILION

l Contact : tel. +82-31-940-4114/ http://tour.paju.go.kr

Imjingak, between Seoul and Gaesong

The Imjingak Pavilion in Paju City offers vivid reminders of the Korean War and the subsequent division of the Korean Peninsula including Mangbaedan, the Peace Bell, the Peace Garden, the Imjin River Battle Memorial, Freedom Bridge and more.

DORA OBSERVATORY

l Contact : tel. +82-31-940-8523 / http://tour.paju.go.kr

The view of DMZ

Dora Observatory is situated on Mount Dora and looks across the Demilitarized Zone. It is the part of South Korea closest to the North, and offers a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state. Through binoculars, visitors can view the North Korean propaganda village situated in the DMZ and as far as Gaesong City.

THE 3RD TUNNEL

l Contact : tel. +82-31-940-8523 / http://tour.paju.go.kr

The train stopped during Korean War

The 3rd Tunnel of Aggression was discovered in October of 1978. It is 1.7 kilometers long, 2 meters high and 2 meters wide. It runs through bedrock at a depth of about 73 meters below ground and was apparently designed for a surprise attack on South Korea.