South Korea Moves to Reopen Three DMZ Peace Trail Sections After 2024 Closures
Updated (3 articles)
Government Requests UNC Consultation on Trail Reopening The Unification Ministry announced it will seek talks with the United Nations Command to restore public access to three DMZ Peace Trail segments in Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong that were shut in April 2024 for national‑security reasons amid heightened North Korean tensions [1][2]. The three sections are part of the 2019‑launched trail network of eleven routes that link border towns along the demilitarized zone [1][2]. Officials present the reopening as a confidence‑building step toward the North while emphasizing compliance with armistice provisions [1][2].
Minister Chung Visits Goseong, Sets One‑Year Target Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young inspected a closed trail segment in Goseong on Jan 21, 2026, accompanied by UNC security personnel as part of the DMZ Education and Orientation Program’s fifteen designated sites [3]. During the visit he pledged to have the three sections reopened within the current year, aligning the effort with the administration’s broader diplomatic agenda [1][2]. Photographs from a July 2025 Panmunjom event were included to underscore the minister’s ongoing engagement with inter‑Korean affairs [3].
UNC Maintains Jurisdiction, Warns Paths Remain Restricted The UNC reiterated that the three walking routes lie inside the DMZ and therefore stay under its authority, citing ongoing security considerations [1][2]. While South Korea argues the armistice does not forbid peaceful use of the zone, UNC officials anticipate objections and have indicated that existing access restrictions will continue until a formal agreement is reached [1][2].
Reopening Tied to Trust‑Building Policy Toward North The trail‑reopening plan has been incorporated into the government’s policy agenda for the year and was reported to President Lee Jae Myung as a measure to pre‑emptively restore trust with North Korea [2]. By promoting civilian movement along the border, Seoul hopes to create a “peace corridor” that complements diplomatic overtures while still respecting the UNC’s security mandate [1][2].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: South Korea seeks UNC talks to reopen three DMZ Peace Trail sections – Details the ministry’s request for UNC consultations, lists the three closed segments, and notes expected UNC objections .
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[2]
Yonhap: Seoul seeks UNC talks to reopen three DMZ trail sections – Mirrors the first report but adds that the reopening goal was presented to President Lee and is part of this year’s policy plan .
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[3]
Yonhap: Unification minister tours DMZ area escorted by UNC – Describes Minister Chung’s Jan 21 visit under UNC escort, highlights the 15‑site education program, and provides visual context with a 2025 Panmunjom photo .
Timeline
1953 – The Korean War armistice is signed, establishing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and granting the United Nations Command (UNC) authority to enforce the cease‑fire and oversee all activities inside the buffer zone[3].
2019 – South Korea launches the DMZ Peace Trail, creating 11 public walking routes that link border towns and give civilians limited access to the heavily restricted DMZ area[2].
Apr 2024 – Three sections of the Peace Trail in Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong are closed for “national security” reasons as tensions with North Korea rise, cutting public access to a key confidence‑building project[1].
Jul 25 2025 – A ministry‑released photo shows Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young at Panmunjom, illustrating ongoing diplomatic engagement and the symbolic importance of the DMZ corridor[3].
Jan 21 2026 – Minister Chung Dong‑young tours a designated DMZ Education and Orientation Program site under UNC escort, walks the ROK Peace Trail routes south of the Southern Boundary Line, and highlights the UNC’s role in maintaining safety and stability in the zone[3].
Jan 22 2026 – The Unification Ministry announces it will seek UNC consultations to reopen the three closed Peace Trail sections, positioning the move as a step toward restoring trust with North Korea and aligning with the government’s broader reconciliation agenda[1][2].
Jan 22 2026 – Minister Chung Dong‑young reiterates his pledge, stating, “I will work to reclaim the full DMZ course,” and vows to have the trails reopened within the year, underscoring the administration’s commitment to peace‑building despite expected UNC objections[1].