South Korea announces partial resumption of DMZ tours after the incident of US soldier

South Korea recently announced the resumption of some tours of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which will mark the revival of a popular attraction for foreign visitors. As per the news reports, that tours remained suspended for around four months following a security incident.

The DMZ tours, popular among tourists, were halted after a US Army Private named Travis King crossed into North Korea in July while on a tour. King was subsequently returned by North Korea, and now faces charges upon his return to the United States.

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Although general public tours remain suspended, the South Korean Unification Ministry disclosed that a special tour is scheduled to cater to individuals with ties to the ministry. These exclusive tours, limited to 20 participants, will occur three times a day, four times a week.

The decision to resume the tours comes after a meeting between the Unification Ministry and General Paul LaCamera, the commander of the United Nations Command (UNC), which oversees affairs in the heavily fortified DMZ.

The UNC, a multinational military force led by the US, manages the region between the two Koreas, which technically remain at war.

The Ministry stated that it would collaborate with the UNC to review all aspects, including public safety, with the goal of eventually reinstating general tours. The UNC had previously suspended all tours around the Joint Security Area (JSA) – also known as Panmunjom – after the unauthorized crossing by Private King.

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Prior to the incident, the JSA had been a popular destination for tourists seeking a close encounter with the heavily controlled village and a glimpse into the historic location where inter-Korean talks have taken place. The resumption of DMZ tours marks a step towards normalcy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and cooperation between South Korea and the UNC.

While these exclusive tours represent a cautious restart, the potential revival of general tours awaits a comprehensive assessment of safety and cooperation aspects, ensuring a secure and enriching experience for visitors amid the unique geopolitical landscape of the Korean Peninsula.