South Korea Pushes UNC Talks to Reopen Three DMZ Peace Trail Segments

Updated 2026-01-22 05:32:32+00:00 (17 articles)

Reopening Initiative Targets Three Closed Trail Sections South Korea’s unification ministry announced it will consult the United Nations Command to restore public access to three DMZ Peace Trail segments that were shut in April 2024 for security reasons amid heightened North Korean tensions [1][2]. The affected routes lie in the border towns of Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong, each part of the 2019‑launched trail network [1][2]. Officials present the move as a confidence‑building step toward improved inter‑Korean relations [1][2].

Minister Chung Dong-young Leads On‑Site Commitment Unification Minister Chung Dong-young toured the closed Goseong section, reiterating a pledge to reopen the entire trail within the year [1][2][3]. His on‑ground visit was framed as part of a broader strategy to restore trust with the North and was reported to President Lee Jae Myung as a policy priority [2]. The minister’s presence underscores the administration’s political will to revive civilian access to the DMZ [3].

UNC Expected to Resist but Remains Central Authority The United Nations Command, the armistice‑enforcing body, has warned that the three paths remain restricted under its jurisdiction and is likely to object to any reopening [1][2]. South Korean officials argue that the armistice does not prohibit peaceful civilian use of the zone, prompting negotiations despite anticipated pushback [1][2]. These talks will determine whether security concerns can be balanced with the trail’s tourism and educational goals [1][2].

DMZ Peace Trail Background Provides Context for Reopening Launched in 2019, the Peace Trail comprises 11 routes linking border towns and offering limited civilian insight into normally off‑limits forest and security areas [2]. The three closed segments represent a significant portion of the network, reducing public exposure to the DMZ’s ecological and historical sites [2]. Minister Chung’s UNC‑escorted tour of one of the 15 DMZ education sites highlighted the trail’s role in promoting safety, stability, and cross‑border understanding [3].