The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization is expanding the operation of the 'DMZ Train' to Yeoncheon County.
On June 25, at the Yeoncheon County Office, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization announced that Kim Deokhyun, Governor of Yeoncheon County; Kwon Baeksin, President of Korail Tourism Development Co., Ltd.; and Jo Wonyong, President of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of train-based tourism products connecting the DMZ border areas.
This agreement marks the first official collaboration for the development of a DMZ Train route specifically targeting the Yeoncheon region. With the addition of the Yeoncheon route to the three existing routes centered on Paju and Gimpo, the number of operating routes will be expanded to a total of four.
Under the agreement, the three organizations will closely cooperate in various fields, including: joint development and operation of train-linked courses utilizing Yeoncheon County's tourism resources; joint promotion and marketing efforts to attract domestic and international tourists; and the creation of a sustainable DMZ tourism ecosystem.
Previously, in March, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization and Korail Tourism Development launched the 'Gwangbok 80, DMZ Train,' which received significant attention, with all seats sold out. This electric train currently operates twice a month, on the first and third Saturdays, running from Seoul Station to Ilsan Station to Imjingang Station. It is the only tourism program that allows visits to the Civilian Control Line (CCL) and is jointly operated by Gyeonggi Province, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Gimpo City, and Paju City.
Gyeonggi Tourism Organization signed a business agreement for the 'DMZ Train' with Yeoncheon County and Korail Tourism Development on the 25th. From left, Kwon Baeksin, President of Korail Tourism Development; Kim Deokhyun, Governor of Yeoncheon County; Jo Wonyong, President of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. Provided by Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
Currently, the three routes depart from Seoul Station and arrive at Imjingang Station or Ilsan Station, after which connecting transportation is used.
The first route visits Dora Observatory, the Third Tunnel, and Imjingak after arriving at Imjingang Station. The second route is a security and ecology-themed course, connecting the National Memorial Hall of the Korean War Abductees, Camp Greaves, and DMZ Forest Trekking from Imjingang Station. Notably, the second route also includes overnight programs such as 'DMZ All-in-One Camping.' The third route departs from Ilsan Station and, using a connecting bus, includes visits to Gimpo Aegibong Ecological Park, a walk along the coastal barbed-wire fence, and a local specialty experience with Millstone Coffee. The planned fourth Yeoncheon route will begin at Munsan Station, with a connecting bus to Yeoncheon Jeongok Market, Yeolsoe Observatory, and Horogoru.
Jo Wonyong, President of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, stated, "This agreement will serve as an opportunity for DMZ train tourism to evolve beyond a simple means of transportation into a journey of experiencing peace. Based on cooperation with Yeoncheon County and Korail Tourism Development, we expect not only to attract more tourists and vitalize the local economy, but also to make significant contributions to building a sustainable DMZ tourism ecosystem."
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