[One Day Walk] Walking Along the Fence Road and Emotional Journey at Daeryong Market... DMZ Ganghwa Course

From April 21, the ‘DMZ Peace Trail Theme Routes’ will be fully opened. The ‘DMZ Peace Trail Theme Routes’ consist of 11 differentiated theme courses across 10 border local governments?Ganghwa, Gimpo, Goyang, Paju, Yeoncheon, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje, and Goseong?that border the Demilitarized Zone. By applying in advance through Durudubi, etc. (participation fee 10,000 KRW), visitors can explore the routes by vehicle and on foot.

Uidudondae
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Today’s featured course is the Ganghwa course. Ganghwa has served as a refuge (sanctuary) during moments of national crisis and has been a guardian of peace in the Republic of Korea. Along the northern coast of Ganghwa facing North Korea, old military facilities called Dondae still play a role in national defense and peace. You can walk along the coastal fence trail starting from Uidudondae and enjoy a retro-style time travel at Daeryong Market, which was once the living ground for displaced persons. Departures are every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10 AM and 12 PM. The total length of the Ganghwa course is 61.1 km, but it is mainly traveled by vehicle with 1.5 km walking sections at key points.

Ganghwa Peace Observatory
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Ganghwa Peace Observatory is located atop a peak called ‘Jejeokbong.’ It offers an unobstructed panoramic view of North Korean territory. Since Kaesong is only 18 km away in a straight line, on clear days you can even see the ridgeline of Songaksan Mountain in the distance.

At Uidudondae(蟻頭墩臺), ‘Dondae’ refers to a small-scale defensive facility made of earth or stones built in border or coastal areas to observe and prepare against enemy invasions or reconnaissance activities. From Uidudondae, you can see Songaksan Mountain across the Jogeum River straight ahead, and the side artillery position faces the direction of Haechang-ri. Some military facilities are still installed inside.

Daeryong Market with a strong retro vibe
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Gyodongdo Island is a frontline island facing North Korea’s Hwanghae Province Yeonbaek County across a narrow sea. Due to its close geographical proximity to North Korea, during the Korean War, refugees poured into Gyodongdo from Yeonbaek. Refugees who arrived on Gyodongdo set up stalls in Daeryong-ri, the township center, which became the beginning of Daeryong Market. At the entrance of Daeryong Market, there is a building called ‘Gyodong Swallow House,’ named after the swallows that frequently visit Gyodongdo. Here, visitors can obtain travel information about the Gyodongdo area and experience various activities such as 360-degree virtual reality (VR). At Daeryong Market, you can also taste North Korean-style rice cakes called ‘Gangaji Tteok,’ which were made to feed children while avoiding the Japanese colonial authorities’ rice confiscation during the Japanese occupation.