United Nations Command Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea

FACT SHEET DMZ PEAE TRAILS

May 5, 2020

In spring 2019, the Republic of Korea Government (ROKG) announced the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Peace Trail project as part of the ROKG’s inter-Korean peace initiatives. United Nations Command worked with government counterparts to plan, survey, and approve the construction of the peace trails inside the DMZ. By the end of May 2019, “Phase 1” was complete with three “Peace Trails” located along and within the DMZ in Goseong, Paju, and Cheorwon.

The three Peace Trails are designated sites within the UNC Commander’s larger DMZ Education and Orientation program. The trails themselves are comprised of both walking and driving portions, with limits on daily capacity. UNC authorizes access to the trails, and the ROK Army’s frontline Infantry Divisions are responsible for managing the safety and security of the visitors while traversing the trails.

Background on DMZ Education and Orientation Program (DEOP): UNC maintains sites designated for education and orientation of military, government, and civilian personnel. There are currently sixteen (16) DEOP sites, not including the Joint Security Area at Panmunjeom. The most recent additions were the three Peace Trails, which opened in April and May 2019.

The DMZ Education and Orientation Program is UNC Commander-directed and meant to provide access to specific areas within the DMZ in order to familiarize military, government, and civilian personnel on the armistice conditions that have contributed to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula since 1953. The Education and Orientation Program sites are locations within the DMZ where Korean citizens, foreign tourists, and distinguished visitors can learn about the Korean War and the Armistice Agreement while observing the conditions within the southern half of the DMZ. UNC has validated the safety and security of each of these sites to protect the health and safety of all visitors.

Rules for Peace Trails: The safety and well-being of all visitors to the DMZ is a critical priority for the UNC Commander. Like other DEOP sites, UNC has set rules and conditions for visitation on the peace trails to ensure safety and security. The Peace Trails are beset and in close proximity to active minefields and portions are still located within the DMZ. Therefore, all Armistice Agreement provisions apply. Like visitors to other areas in the DMZ, personnel and vehicles must be properly marked. Currently, groups are limited to no more than twenty people in order to ensure safety and adequate control.