Train group tour visiting spots near DMZ offered marking 80th anniversary of liberation

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A special tour program took place this past weekend offering those interested a rare glimpse of civilians across the inter-Korean border and more.

Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyung has details.

Hundreds of people have gathered at Seoul Station, to visit strictly controlled tourist spots near the Demilitarized Zone.

They are on group "DMZ Peace Train" tours offered by national railroad operator KORAIL's subsidiary, KORAIL Tourism Development, headed by Kwon Beack-shin, Gyeonggi-do Province and its cities of Gimpo and Paju, marking the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation.

This limited one-day trip provides three courses, and one is visiting Gimpo.

Going on a train itself gave them the journey's excitement, but scheduled events spiced things up.

"In Gimpo, a coastal barbed-wire trail runs along the Hangang River, offering a unique experience of walking along the DMZ border. Also, visitors can experience local culture by trying coffee grounds using a Korean traditional millstone, setting it apart from other places."

"There were guides leading everyone, so we could travel comfortably on schedule. We could also wear military uniforms on the train, and there were many other enjoyable activities."

The pre-set itinerary offers a lot, but the most notable is a visit to the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo City.

At Jogang Observatory, people can see North Korea's border county of Kaepung, just 1-point-4 kilometers across the Imjingang River.

"Within this restricted military zone lies a branch of the iconic capitalist coffee brand Starbucks, which operates under strict security protocols. It has already attracted many visitors eager to get a rare glimpse of North Korean civilian villages."

Coffee in hand, visitors can take a look at the villages, with some lucky enough to find North Koreans plowing and doing laundry in the spring.

That is, however, not the only feature of Aegibong Park.

"Although it is located within the Civilian Control Line, it opens at night once a month. About ten years ago, there was a steel tower where a Christmas lights ceremony was held every year. This no longer exists. but instead, we offer a unique trail that looks like a Christmas tree as a whole."

An opportunity to witness the traces of a divided nation's history, and have a peek at North Korea from up close.

The DMZ Peace Train program will continue this year, starting in mid-April.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gimpo.