KUALA LUMPUR - All 12 walking routes along the Demilitarized Zone separating North Korea and South Korea will reopen for this year’s programme.

South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the schedule in a joint statement with related agencies, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The trails, known as the DMZ Peace Trail, will operate from April 17 to November 30.

Operations will be suspended in July and August due to the summer heat.

The routes span the border across Incheon, Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces, which were first introduced in 2019.

The initiative offers rare public access to one of the world’s most heavily guarded borders.

Since its launch, DMZ tourism programmes have drawn significant numbers, with over 10 million cumulative visitors recorded in Paju’s DMZ Peace Tourism sites alone as of 2024, averaging more than 450,000 annually, according to local government data.

Some routes have previously operated on a limited basis due to security considerations.

All trails typically close during the winter months before reopening each year.

The Demilitarized Zone stretches about 250km in length and 4km in width.

It has divided the Korean Peninsula since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice.

The two Koreas technically remain at war.

This year’s programme includes sections inside the DMZ in Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong.

Officials said the government will increase operating days and participant capacity.

The move is aimed at allowing more visitors to experience the area, but access remains restricted to South Korean nationals.

Participants must register in advance through the official website or the Durunubi mobile application, with a 10,000 won fee per person.

The US-led United Nations Command said there are no changes to the scope of public access.

“The Republic of Korea government's announcement does not reflect a change to current activities within the DMZ,” it said.

The command added that all activities within the DMZ require prior review and approval.

“The UNC, in accordance with the Armistice Agreement, manages and enforces activities within the DMZ to ensure safety and stability.

“Activities inside the DMZ require prior review, coordination, and authorization under established procedures,” it added.