“DMZ” is an abbreviation for “Demilitarized Zone”. The term is defined in the dictionary as an area in which it is forbidden to station military forces or maintain military installations based on treaties. Since areas that have the potential for military conflict carry DMZ classification as a preventive measure, the DMZ blocks human access. For this reason, the DMZ usually remains intact.

As you are aware, there is a DMZ in Korea where the entry of civilians is wholly restricted. In August of 1953, based on the “Agreement about Civilian’s Entrance into DMZ”, the “Freedom Village” – in which Korean citizens were allowed to reside – was established. Residency and visiting privileges were granted only to qualifying people, and strict rules still apply regarding the entry of the general public. Technically, access and entry was strictly forbidden near the iron fence areas that are classified as part of the DMZ except for some tourist attractions.

Recently, new programs have been launched so that civilians can visit and experience select areas near the DMZ. Among these programs, the DMZ Bike Tour has been held on a regular basis. The program allows participating cyclists to travel along the Imjin River shore for 17km, crossing Imjingak in Paju City of Gyeonggi Province. The first session of the program this year took place in March; I participated in the April session. On a warm Sunday morning on April 12, I lightheartedly took part in the session with the DMZ Bike Tour group. Riders of different ages and genders started gathering from one o’clock in the afternoon. Many of them had come with their families, and some came with their bike clubs. In particular, foreign students who are studying at Seoul National University came in a group, making this session even more special.

I came across a rider who had a Korean flag on the back of his bicycle. He was an avid rider; he had crossed not only Korea but also New Zealand by bicycle. According to him, while he could go everywhere with a bicycle – whether it be tough, far, or a foreign land – it is not as easy to visit DMZ even if it is our own land; so he could not miss this chance to visit the DMZ area. What he said was insightful to those of us who are accustomed to the fact that the DMZ is just an area that cannot be reached.

A mother and a daughter who just looked like sisters attended as well.

People are getting themselves ready for the tour. With the foreign student group from Seoul National University, a lot of foreigners were seen at the April event.

I came across a very mature kid who was sitting alone on the bench. He was participating in the event with his dad. He maintained a poker face even when I took a picture of him. A cool guy, isn’t he?

I met someone familiar: a reporter from G-Teen Press. He joined the tour to write an article about it; surely an important task to fulfill. The youngster rides his bicycle and an elderly man follows him along in an electric car.

After carefully listening to the guidelines, everyone expressed their readiness with a shout. Now, all the riders are ready to depart.

We were divided into two groups – the head and rear – and each group was led by a staff rider in red vest. Since the tour area is an unpaved road surrounded by a military zone, special attention is paid to the tour in order to prevent possible incidents.

Now, it’s time for departure.

The army patrol road that we travel on is in a military region, so photos are allowed only in designated areas, and only in particular directions. For that reason, not many images were generated. You can get an initial idea regarding the appearance of the DMZ Bike Tour from the following few pictures taken during the tour.

We were on our way back from the borderline after approaching the Unification Road. The bike club members and professional riders are making a turn, while those who need a little more exercise are passionately pedaling.

There is always one person who makes this kind of pose when he/she sees a camera. “I want to go back!”

I, working on a Sunday, want to go back as well.

Oh, there goes the cool guy. The small cool guy is diligently pedaling with his dad. He looked quite cool when he was waiting for departure. Now he looks like a cute kid.

These riders went to the 64T point without taking a rest. You can see a young rider who has a candy in his mouth while determinedly riding his bike.

You can take a short rest at the midpoint in the Chopyeong Wetlands, an ecological road, or you can turn back to the starting point. Taking photographs is allowed in this area.

The tour course begins at the Imjingak Stadium and goes along the Unification Road through Imjingak. The tour route, which begins at Imjingak Park, connects the Unification Bridge to Gunname Crossroad and to 64T, a turning point for returning to the starting area. Beginner riders can rest on the opposite side of Chopyeongdo and join the group that turns at 64T to come back to Imjingak. Snacks and bottled water are provided here.

Bicycles need a rest as well.

Since there are certain operating hours, the rest time is short. There is a course where drawings by university students have been affixed to the iron fences. These paintings, which adorn the fence before the Imjin River, make one feel quite somber. This is maybe because they have far more meaning than just “art”; they convey Korea’s historical pain.

The 17km-long course maybe too short for a professional rider, but it is quite a hard for the beginners.

We pass through the last area where photos are possible. The riders who participated in the session may have returned home with precious memories.

Cheers for the G-Teen Press reporter who assiduously rode through the course.

Perhaps, May and June will present a much better landscape. The scenery was more winter-like with less rich green. For that reason, the landscape behind the fence was somewhat solitary.

I may challenge myself to take this tour again in June. To target the 64T point, which I did not reach this time, I need to train.

The pictures that I took during the tour have mostly been uploaded since there were requests for them from the participants. I hope that everyone who took part in the April DMZ Bike Tour forged special memories.

DMZ Bike Tour (17.2km)

Imjingak East Gate (Departure) – Unification Bridge (South Gate) – Gunnae Crossroad (Turn) – Unification Road (South Gate) – Chopyeongdo (Rest) – Unification Bridge – Imjingak East Gate

Time: Every fourth Sunday (once a month from March to October)

Number of participants: Around 300 / Price: KRW 10,000 per person / KRW 3,000 for equipment

Giveaways: Bottled water, snacks, KRW 5,000 gift certificates for traditional products

Application: Gyeonggi Tour (http://peace.ggtour.or.kr）

http://www.gg.go.kr/newscast2