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S. Korea to create eco-tourism belt in DMZ
SEOUL, March 23 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul government announced on Tuesday its plan to create an eco-tourism belt along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating South and North Korea as part of efforts to turn the area into a world-class tourist attraction.
The DMZ is a 248-kilometer-long, 4km-wide belt stretching from the east to west coasts of the Korean Peninsula. The area, which has remained untouched by humans since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, is rich in biodiversity, including plants and animals.
The Presidential Council on National Competitiveness said in a meeting with relevant ministries that it will push to make a cross-country bicycle path along the DMZ and set up parks and centers for meetings among students of the two Koreas.
The council also plans to build an observation center with high-tech equipment to monitor and preserve the natural wildlife in the zone, it said.
To attract more tourists by giving them easier access to the tightly controlled zone, the council said it will simplify entry procedures and designate additional sections available to visitors.
The government plans to host various cultural events and lure international organizations to set up centers in the region.
Consultative bodies and councils in charge of the project will be set up next month, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to come up with detailed measures by September this year to vitalize DMZ tourism, the council said.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
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