Beginning April 18 (Friday), the Korean government will open ten themed routes along the DMZ Peace Trail (“Themed Routes”). The Themed Routes encompass various local regions adjacent to the DMZ. Those interested in participating can apply online in advance, starting Friday, March 28, via the Peace Trail website (www.dmzwalk.com) and DuruNubi mobile app for Korea Dulle Trail walking tours.

Enhanced cooperation among government ministries to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth in the DMZ border area

The Themed Routes span ten border areas in Incheon (Ganghwa), Gyeonggi (Gimpo, Goyang, Paju, Yeoncheon), and Gangwon (Cheolwon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje, Goseong). Designed to allow visitors to experience the value of security, peace, and freedom firsthand, these routes showcase the ecological, cultural, and historical resources north of the Civilian Control Line. The Korean government has established an “Integrated Management System for the DMZ Peace Trail” through collaboration with relevant ministries—including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Unification, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Ministry of Environment—to ensure efficient and effective management.

A unique security and peace experience highlighting the ecological and historical resources of the DMZ border area

Travel along the routes is primarily by vehicle to protect the diverse wildlife and plant species inhabiting the DMZ and border areas and ensure participant safety. However, key sections allow participants to walk along the barbed-wire fences with the cooperation of military units. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the area’s unique natural and cultural resources found only in the border regions. They can also uncover fascinating and hidden stories about the area through tour guides and local residents. To join the Themed Routes, participants must undergo an identification verification process and pay a participation fee of KRW 10,000. This fee will be reimbursed in the form of local gift certificates or specialty products to support the regional economy.

The Korean government hopes that opening the Themed Routes will revitalize security and peace tourism in the DMZ border regions, helping to restore tourism in the area and boost the local economy, both of which have struggled due to population decline and development restrictions. In addition, this initiative is expected to remind participants that the freedom and peace people enjoy today was made possible by the sacrifices of countless heroes in unseen places. Moving forward, relevant ministries and local governments plan to develop the Themed Routes into a globally recognized peace tourism resource, sharing the historical and ecological significance of the DMZ and border regions with the world.