Rooftop of Dora Observatory Opens in August
Dorasan Shuttle Train Sells Out, Boosting Tourism Momentum
As security conditions in the inter-Korean border area have recently stabilized, the number of visitors taking part in Paju City's flagship tourism program, the DMZ Peace Tour, has been rapidly increasing.
According to Paju City on September 2, the number of tourists who visited Paju for the DMZ Peace Tour between January and August this year reached 327,000, representing an increase of more than 12% compared to the same period last year.
What is particularly noteworthy is that this upward trend has accelerated since June, with the number of visitors over the past three months rising by approximately 25% compared to the same period last year. This is analyzed as an effect of the abrupt suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea in mid-June, which significantly eased military tensions in the border area.
With a marked improvement in security conditions around the DMZ, all access restrictions to the rooftop of the Dora Observatory-which had been closed for over a year-have been completely lifted, resulting in a surge of visitors. The Dorasan Shuttle Train, which celebrated its first anniversary of operation on August 8, has sold out all 200 seats, indicating strong public interest.
Decisions made this year to increase the number of people allowed to enter civilian control zones for tourism purposes have also played a role in revitalizing peace tourism. Following consultations with the 1st Infantry Division, the city expanded the number of tour buses permitted for peace tourism from 65 to 90 per day starting in March, and from April, the number of people allowed for the Dorasan Shuttle Train-linked tours was increased from 100 to 200. These efforts have contributed to the promotion of peace tourism.
With the selection of the Peace Tourist Site as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Open Tourist Destinations initiative, the creation of a barrier-free tourism environment in the area is expected to accelerate. In 2026, a newly renovated monorail at the Third Tunnel will be introduced, allowing people with mobility difficulties and the elderly to fully enjoy the peace tour. Construction will also begin on a history park that will transform the Third Tunnel into a park blending history, peace, and ecology.
Han Yoonja, head of the Tourism Division, stated, "The Paju DMZ Peace Tour will continue to seek change and development," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that peace tourism in the future becomes even more promising."
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