[Weekender] Stroll round Korea to essentially get to know the nation

With its final course — an 11.4-kilometer path connecting Unification Safety Park in Goseong, Gangwon Province and Goseong Unification Observatory in Goseong, Gangwon Province – having opened Sept. 23, the complete 4,500-kilometer-long Korea Dulle Path that traces the sides of South Korea alongside the japanese, southern, western coasts and the border space of the Demilitarized Zone within the north is now open.

The path is an effective way to find and expertise the nation along with your toes firmly on the bottom. Development of the formidable undertaking to permit hikers to stroll actually across the nation started in 2009.

Whereas Haeparang Path alongside the east coast, Namparang Path alongside the southern shoreline and Seohaerang Path alongside the west coast opened in 2016, 2020 and 2022, respectively, the DMZ Peace Path was accomplished this yr.

Whereas these strolling trails share some similarities, together with panoramic coastal views and the absence of high-rise buildings, every path presents experiences and sights which are completely different.

A wealth of details about the completely different programs is out there on the Korea Dulle Path’s official web site and its unique Durunubi app, however nothing beats truly strolling the stroll.

DMZ Peace Path Course 1

For many who have no idea how troublesome the strolling path is or don’t know which course to decide on among the many complete 284 programs, DMZ Peace Path Course 1 is a good selection.

This primary course, which permits vacationers to start their journey at DMZ Peace Path Shelter on Incheon’s Ganghwado, an island off the west coast, presents a glimpse of South Korea’s historical past and the fact of the 2 Koreas.

After checking the map and DMZ Peace Path indicators on the shelter, head over to the Previous Ganghwa Bridge, a street that used to attach the island to Gimpo. It’s a car-free bridge, the place solely pedestrians and bikes are allowed.

With darkish brown-colored guideposts and inexperienced ribbons, even novice hikers won’t have difficulties following the appropriate path.

Following the street alongside the Ganghwa River, you’ll discover that bushes are quickly changed with fences and barbed wire, making a vibe not typically felt at standard journey spots.

One other sight you would possibly overlook when touring by automotive is 6.25 Veterans Memorial Park.

It might be small in measurement, however Ganghwa County turned one of many previous guard posts into an out of doors picture museum, the place guests can study in regards to the historical past of the Korean Conflict and pay tribute to Korean Conflict veterans.

At 6.25 Veterans Memorial Park, a listing of nations that despatched their troops to combat alongside South Korean troopers acknowledges the troopers’ sacrifices.

Be certain that to remain hydrated whereas exploring the primary course of the DMZ Peace Path, as many areas should not have any bushes or shade.

Cease by one of many “eight scenic spots” of Ganghwa on the pavilion known as Yeonmijeong, the place you possibly can sit on a bench and benefit from the cool autumn breeze whereas taking within the scenic river view.

Earlier than heading to Ganghwa Peace Observatory, all guests are required to point out their IDs and obtain a go on the guard submit because the observatory space is guarded by the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.

Ganghwa Peace Observatory is without doubt one of the areas closest to North Korea, a mere 2.3 kilometers away from Gaepung-guyeok in North Korea, from the place you possibly can view North Korea from the South.

“On a transparent day, guests can see North Korean farmers plowing the fields with cows and go about doing their work,” an observatory official instructed The Korea Herald.

Many separated households steadily come to the observatory, wishing their households again in North Korea are alive and wholesome.

“There are a lot of telescopes on the observatory, however my eyesight is getting worse yearly. I can’t actually see the land past that river,” mentioned Park Gwang-ho, 78, a bus tour participant.

“It’s unlucky that we’re separated. I really feel unhappy once I see individuals who come to the observatory to carry out ancestral rites as a result of their hometowns are in North Korea,” Park added.

Whereas the DMZ Peace Path is a strolling path, bus excursions and different types of street journeys are allowed. Nevertheless, trash-carrying balloons despatched throughout the border by North Korea have made the Marine Corps and journey companies extra cautious about border space tourism.

“We function a stamp tour and a trekking program in areas near the Civilian Management Zone. However, they’ve all been briefly suspended because of the heightened tensions with North Korea,” a DMZ Peace Path Shelter official instructed The Korea Herald.

The path is managed by the Tradition Ministry, Korea Tourism Group and Ganghwa-gun, however the northern a part of the island is beneath the Marine Corps’ authority and safety.

“Be certain that to double-check with the information at a Ganghwa-based vacationer heart earlier than making your go to to the county, as a result of entry to the Ganghwa Peace Observatory may be blocked per the Marine Corps’ judgment,” the official defined.