The Demilitarized Zone is a land in Korean peninsula and it act as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. Vigorously protected and mined, the unusual region can be visited, yet just on an official, guided visit. DMZ was established in 27 July, 1953 when the Armistice Agreement (A formal agreement to stop fighting) was signed during the Korean War. The Demilitarized Zone is 250 km long and 4 km wide which is fully under the control of military.
The Demilitarized Zone extends between Gyeonggi-do (most populous province in South Korea) to Gangwon-do (forested province in northeast South Korea), jointly with seven different cities and smaller counties of Paju, Yeoncheon (county in Gyeonggi Province), Cheorwon (county in Gangwon Province), Hwacheon, Yanggu (geographic center of the Korean peninsula), Inje and Goseong. Within the Demilitarized Zone is a Joint Security Area (JSA) served as a meeting point between two nations. Some important meetings between North and South Korea are held in Joint Security Area and important decisions are taken at the end of meeting.
DMZ Peace Train operated by KORAIL takes the tourists very close to DMZ. This train travel on 155 mile long military demarcation line which is having 2 km wide DMZ on both sides. During this trip you can watch Odusan Peace Observatory which gives close and clear view of North Korean Farmlands, Veterans Memorial Park explain the history of Korean War, Imjingak Park holds many statues and monuments related to Korean War. Finally site is the “Bridge of Freedom” which was used by POWs and soldiers who was sent back to mother land. It is a one day trip starts from Seoul and ends in Seoul.
The train runs in three tracks, they are Dorasan Security Tour (extension of the DMZ Train from Seoul to Dorasan), Yeoncheon Dreaming Tour, and the Cheorwon Security Tour. All are one-day tour packages. This is the restricted zone for humans for about 6 decades but now it is a heaven for natural lovers.
DMZ Peace Train operating days:
From Wednesday to Sunday
No train on Monday & Tuesday
Train Ticket cost:
Adults (ages 13-64) 36,000 won
Children (ages 12 and younger) 33,000 won
Seniors (ages 65 and older) 34,000 won