This year, the 2nd DMZ Korean International Documentary Festivalis offering train tour packages for the first time in history of film festivals

The DMZ Documentary train tour – jointly organized by Gyeonggi Province, Paju City, Korail, the Gyeonggi Performing and Film Commission, and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization – consists of tour packages associated with the DMZ Korean International Documentary Festival, and is especially significant as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.   

The ‘I Love DMZ Documentary Train’ runs a total two times during the film festival on September 8 and 10, and provides a unique opportunity to enjoy both the tour and the cultural festival at the same time.  It starts from Busan Station (via Dong Daegu Station) and ends at Imjingak Station after passing the Dora Observatory, Imjingak and other sites. It links the Heyri PAN Festival, Paju Book City’s Fall Book Festival, and the DMZ Korean International Documentary Festival.

Of particular note, in the Heyri Art Village, one of the first cultural districts of Gyeonggi Province, busking performances have been specially prepared for passengers of the train.  This, in tandem with diverse other special events, is expected to delight participants.  Of course, the viewing of renowned documentaries during the DMZ Korean International Documentary Festival is also an experience that should not be missed. 

The inaugural DMZ Korean International Documentary Festival took place last year and, with the screening of a range of intriguing documentaries, was very well received.  Building on the achievements of the 2009 event, this year’s festival is projected to realize even greater success. 

Jae Hyun Jo, commissioner of this year’s festival, explained that “[By] experiencing the DMZ and viewing documentaries, visitors will have unique opportunities to ask questions about the means of coexistence and communication through the culture of the DMZ, which epitomizes national division.”

Reservations can be made through the Ethankyou website (www.ethankyou.co.kr) 

 (www.123tour.co.kr) or by phone at 1544-1026. From August it will also possible to make reservations via the Korail homepage (www.korail.com) A general ticket for departure from Busan is tentatively priced at KRW 69,500 and from Dong Daegu at KRW 63,500.

The DMZ Korean International Documentary Festival, hosted by Gyeonggi Province and Paju City and organized by the Gyeonggi Performing and Film Commission, will take place under the theme of ‘communication and coexistence’ throughout Paju Book City in Gyeonggi Province from September 9 to 13.