Hwacheon County Recognized for Advancing Civilian Control Line by 3.5km
A Model Case of Administrative Cooperation in Border Areas
Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province has been recognized for its contributions to the development of border areas in 2025 and became the only local government among the border regions of Gangwon and Gyeonggi Provinces to receive the highest honor, the Presidential Award.
Hwacheon County announced on the 23rd that it was awarded the Presidential Commendation in recognition of its completion of the project to move the civilian control line northward this year and for the successful implementation of the DMZ Peace Road project.
In addition, Kim Ik, Head of Culture at the Culture and Sports Division of Hwacheon County, received the Minister of the Interior and Safety Award for his contributions to the development of border areas.
In March, the Ministry of National Defense announced its decision to move the civilian control line 3.5 kilometers northward along an approximately 9.9-kilometer section from Andongcheolgyo Bridge in Pungsan-ri, Hwacheon-eup, to the Peace Dam in Dongchon-ri.
As a result, the controlled protection zone in this area was eased to a restricted protection zone, and tourists traveling to and from the Peace Dam can now pass freely without undergoing checkpoint procedures.
This is considered the first case of military regulation improvement since the establishment of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province under the military special provisions of the Gangwon Special Act.
Although there were many challenges before the northward movement of the civilian control line was achieved, Hwacheon County addressed each issue one by one through rational administration.
Despite the complex circumstances involving both national security and residents' living rights, Hwacheon County built trust by holding dozens of practical consultations with stakeholders such as Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, military units, and local residents.
Through these efforts, the county was able to find a point of balance where military security could be maintained while also enhancing residents' convenience.
In terms of budget management, Hwacheon County demonstrated outstanding administrative capability by securing national funding through close consultations with central government agencies and Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, thereby minimizing the burden on local finances.
Panoramic view of the Peace Dam. Since March, the civilian control line has moved northward, allowing free access for anyone without checkpoints. Provided by Hwacheon County
This Presidential Award for Hwacheon County signifies that this series of processes is being recognized as a new exemplary model of administrative cooperation in border areas, where the interests of the private sector, military units, and administration are intricately intertwined.
Meanwhile, as part of the DMZ Peace Road project, Hwacheon County also successfully completed the remodeling of the base center and the creation of scenic landscapes.
Choi Moonsun, Mayor of Hwacheon County, stated, "There are still many conflicts and regulations remaining in the border area," adding, "We are doing our best to resolve each issue one by one through rational and trustworthy administration."
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