Four more tourism trails near DMZ to open next Tuesday

Visitors enjoy a spot on the Yeoncheon route area near the DMZ, in this file photo. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Four additional tourism routes near the inter-Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) will open to the public next week, the Gyeonggi provincial government announced Tuesday.

The additional routes will open in Gimpo, Goyang, Paju and Yeoncheon next Tuesday.

One route takes visitors from Gimpo's section of the Han River to Aegibong, a hill offering views of North Korea and where the Imjin River, Yesong River and Han River meet.

Another runs from Goyang's Janghang Wetland to Haengju Mountain Fortress.

In Paju, a trail runs to Dorasan, just south of the DMZ, and includes Imjin River Ecological Trail and the Dorasan Peace Park. The Yeoncheon course encompasses the ruins of the ancient Horogoru Fortress.

Each route is divided into a walking section and a section where visitors can ride in vehicles. Residents provide explanations and commentary about the tourist resources. Applications for participation can be made through the Korea Tourism Organization's website, and visitors must carry identification.

The four courses are also part of a joint program run by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of National Defense, among other agencies.

Previously, the Gangwon provincial government announced that five tourism routes near the DMZ in Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje and Goseong counties in Gangwon will open next Monday.

"The DMZ is Korea's most well-known tourist destination, and foreigners want to visit it," said Cho Chang-beam, director of the Peace and Cooperation Bureau of the Gyeonggi provincial government. "We will actively promote the opening of the routes to revitalize the local economy while providing opportunities to experience the history, culture and ecosystem of the border area."

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]