11 Demilitarized Zone Hiking Paths Between South Korea And North Korea Open To The Public, Interested In Trying?

Illustration of the demilitarized zone tour (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea. (Wikimedia Commons/Korean Culture and Information Service/Kim Youngdek)

Eleven peace-themed hiking paths along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating South Korea and North Korea were opened to the public at the end of April.

Launching The Korea Bizwire on April 18, each route that opened on April 21, consists of several parts that can be passed on foot or in a car.

The working day tour will take place from Wednesday to Friday at 10 am and 2 pm for groups of 20 people.

In addition, local authorities will operate weekend tours on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 am for a group of 40 people.

The routes are located in 10 cities or districts bordering DMZ - Ganghwa, Gimpo, Goyang, Paju, Yeoncheon, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje and Goseong (which have two different routes), as quoted by the Korea Times.

The DMZ, which stretches about 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, is one of the most fortified borders in the world, with the two enemies of Korea technically in conflict conditions, as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a ceasefire, not a peace agreement.

This program offers unique opportunities for tourists to reflect on the meaning of freedom and peace, while learning about the ecological, cultural, and historical values of the region from experienced guides.

Each route consists of several parts. Although most parts are taken by vehicle for the safety of participants and protection of wildlife, some parts are designed just for walking, so that participants can fully enjoy the experience, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Previously, Ginseng Country opened three climbing routes in Paju, Goseong and Cheorwon as trials in April 2019. However, it had to be temporarily closed due to the outbreak of African swine fever and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five new routes were added in November 2021, but the entire program was immediately closed again for the protection of migrating birds and preventing the spread of the pandemic. However, the Yeoncheon and Inje routes were completed last year, and now the 11 routes will be accessible to the public.

Online reservations for tours will be available on the DMZ Peace Road website managed by the Korean Tourism Organization, according to the ministry.