Once a heavily guarded frontier dividing North and South Korea, the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) has transformed into an unexpected symbol of peace and reflection. Today, it is welcoming visitors eager to understand the scars and hopes that shaped modern Korea.

At the heart of this transformation is Gimpo City, which directly faces North Korea across the Han River estuary. The city’s commitment to developing a “peace tourism” model is breathing new life into areas once known only for military patrols and checkpoints.

At the Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo City visitors look across the border — a few hundred meters that separate two nations, yet remind many of shared hopes.

Transforming a militarised zone into a peaceful attraction has not been without its challenges. Residents had to adapt to new safety measures, while the city worked to ensure that economic growth did not overshadow remembrance.

The Mayor of Gimpo City, Kim Byung Soo, says they had to involve the military and community about the process of opening Aegibong Peace Ecopark.

“This is a military facility that is why we needed to talk a lot, negotiate with the military in order to make the place public to the people. We had to discuss the times it would be open and what extent it would be open. We had to think about what we are going to do in this place and how we will promote Aegibong to the public. We invited the citizens to visit and prepared programmes and areas to be enjoyed.”

The Mayor adds that they do not partake in any activities that may affect military operations.

“We do not partake in any activities that may affect the millitary’s operations or any programmes that may affect the military’s security and programmes.”

One of the most visited landmarks is the 3rd Tunnel near Paju, which was discovered in 1978. The tunnel now stands as both a historical exhibit and a lesson in resilience — a place where visitors walk through history, guided by narratives of division and unity.

The DMZ today stands as a living paradox — a reminder of division, yet a growing symbol of hope. It embodies the delicate balance between remembering history and reimagining the future.
From the once-quiet observatories to the hum of tour buses, the message resonates clearly: peace, though fragile, can take root — even at the world’s most fortified borders.