Korea’s Peace Gems

See how history and beauty intertwine to grow a message of hope in Korea. The past comes alive at monuments and tours that immerse visitors in the story of the split peninsula, honoring those who fought for freedom and showcasing the natural beauty for which they struggled. Korea’s Peace Gems, in and around the DMZ and elsewhere in the country, bring visitors to the places where the region’s most important events of the last century occurred, offer lessons on their impact, and present a vision for the best possible future.

In and Around the DMZ
Just 30 miles north of Seoul, one of the most fascinating intersections of cultures, history, and nature begins: the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Established as neutral territory between the two Korean governments in 1953, it created a buffer zone between the nations. For more than a half-century, it has existed as a place of the utmost hope, hosting peace talks and offering glimpses into life on the opposite side of the border.

The nations signed the agreement that created the zone in the village of Panmunjom, which is now occupied solely by the Joint Security Area (JSA). While the original town is gone, the buildings erected for the truce talks remain, and it is one of the only places where soldiers from the North and South directly face each other. Visiting the site underlines the proximity of the two nations, and the ongoing optimism that someday both sides will come together again in the Peace House.

While visitors must physically stay on the South Korean side of the border, in the JSA or elsewhere in the DMZ, the Odusan Unification Observatory allows for a glimpse across the Imjin River and into North Korea. Observation decks on the various levels of the five-story building sport binoculars and exhibits inside give context to the sites visible on the far side of the water. Similar observatories dot the 150-mile DMZ, including Goseong Unification Observatory on the east coast, and Ganghwa Peace Observatory on Ganghwado on the west coast.

But as calm as the views might seem from observatories, they look over one of the most fortified borders in the world. While crossing into the neutral area posed a real danger for people, it benefited other forms of life, creating de facto nature reserves. This year, 11 peace-themed DMZ Trails opened to hikers, encouraging them to understand the shared land and how seven decades of disuse has changed it. The various tours span the length of the DMZ, leading past historic sites like Panmunjom, along migratory bird pathways, and through other biodiverse landscapes.

Elsewhere in Korea
The national memory spills far from the border, and even before heading to the DMZ, visitors can learn more about the Korean War and the country’s military history at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. On the site of the former Army Headquarters, this enormous museum presents five floors full of information on the Korean War and related events, including interactive activities and education programs for all ages.

The museum includes an exhibit on the early-morning surprise attack on Busan in 1950, a pivotal moment in the war and one that caused heavy casualties to the UN forces defending the area. Visitors to Busan can visit the UN Memorial Cemetery there, the only UN cemetery in the world. The United Nations Peace Memorial Hall on the grounds provides information about the war, while the lush landscaping, still ponds, and thoughtful sculptures pay tribute to the fallen and set a hopeful tone for a peaceful world.

About Korea Tourism Organization