Inter-Korean exchanges: UN Command approves opening of 2 DMZ peace trails

The UN Command on Thursday approved the initial phase of two additional peace trails in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to encourage inter-Korean exchanges, according to the United States Forces Korea. South Korea announced its plan to create peace trails in the southern side of the DMZ last month, reported Xinhua. Three border towns, namely Goseong, Cheorwon, and Paju were identified for the project.

The approval came before North Korea launched two short-range missiles from the Sino-RI area on Thursday evening, merely five days after its last tests. Previously, a partial withdrawal of guard posts along with the excavation of the remains of soldiers killed during the Korean War was undertaken in a bid to ease military tensions across the border.

Meanwhile, civilians are allowed to visit the 7.9 km-long Goseong peace trail on a trial basis. While the opened trail does not include the DMZ section, the Cheorwon and Paju trails are slated to include routes inside the South Korean side of the DMZ. The statement added that once completed, this will take the count of UN Command-approved educational sites to 16 in total.