[One Day Walk] Following Dutayeon from the Geographic Center of the Korean Peninsula... DMZ Yanggu 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.

Today’s focus is the Yanggu course, the first step departing from the geographic center of the country along Dutayeon toward Geumgangsan. Yanggu was an essential course for travelers to Geumgangsan, including Taejo Yi Seong-gye and the painter Gyeomjae Jeong Seon. After the outbreak of the Korean War, fierce hill battles were fought to defend Yanggu. Departures are every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10 a.m. on weekdays, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends.

Road Sign to Geumgangsan Mountain
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Dutayeon is formed where streams originating from both South and North Korea merge. These streams carve through the rugged nature of the Yanggu area, creating meanders (incised meanders) and breaking through rocks (meander cutoffs), resulting in spectacular scenery. At Dutayeon, visitors can see the turbulent water flow along with waterfalls, wide plunge pools (deep, round pools formed beneath waterfalls), and potholes created by swirling water and pebbles. The dramatic cliffs carved by the rushing river are also a famous feature of Dutayeon.

Samdaegyo Gate
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

The road to Geumgangsan was used not only immediately after liberation but also during the Japanese colonial period and the Joseon Dynasty. Currently, it is a route where civilians cannot freely travel. Past Geumgangsan tours started from Goseong County in Gangwon Province and mainly covered Outer Geumgang, without access to Inner Geumgang. The Samdaegyo checkpoint gate is located at the end of the DMZ Peace Trail Yanggu ‘Road to Geumgangsan.’ Beyond the gate lies a military area where civilian access is restricted. Here, visitors can observe the southern limit line of the Armistice Line and military guard posts.