Dreaming of a Pyongyang trip on the Gyeongui line | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Imjingak is a representative peace tourism site in South Korea that holds the pain of the Korean War and national division. This site has various war memorials, including the Imjingang District War Memorial and the US Military War Memorial. A train that used to operate up to Sinuiju in the north before the Korean War is on display. One of the two Imjin Railroad Bridges was destroyed during the war, leaving only the bridge pier. Mangbaedan is a place where displaced families bow toward their families in the North. Imjingak is known as a place filled with the sorrow of separated families. Millions of domestic and foreign visitors visit Imjingak every year. It functions as a unity and security tourism site hoping for reunification. Facilities include an exhibition hall, Pyeonghwa Nuri, Peace Gondola, and the Memorial Hall for POWs from the Korean War. The Imjingak area is developed as a large-scale tourist site with a total area of 140,000 pyeong.

Located along the Imjin River, Imjingang Hwangpo Sailboat is Paju's only boat tour experience, reproducing the Hwangpo sailboats that were major transportation means during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can enjoy cruising on the Imjin River, which was restricted to the public for 50 years after the division, and admire the spectacular views of the Imjin Eight Scenic Spots. The tour also offers an experience of the history and culture of significant water transportation centers in the Imjin River basin, such as Dujinaru and Gorangpo Port. The approximately 40-minute course departs from Dujiri Dock (Dujinaru) and circles Gorangpo Port (Jajang-ri) before returning. With the captain’s cultural commentary, guests can fully explore unique rock formations such as Jajang-ri Red Cliffs, Wondang-ri Red Cliffs, Horogoru Fortress, Gorangpo Rapids, Turtle Rock, and Rabbit Rock. Especially notable is the spectacular view of the vertical red cliffs of the Imjin River, formed 600,000 years ago, which can be enjoyed up close. The Hwangpo Sailboat features a first-floor structure with an open design on four sides and a closed ceiling, offering unobstructed views for sightseeing. The cruise departs on the hour, but departure times vary by day, season, and weather; operation may be suspended during rain or winter ice conditions, so advance confirmation is recommended. The maximum capacity is 45 passengers, and the tour operates with a minimum of 8 passengers. Charter services for companies and group educational experiences are also available. Passengers must present identification and complete a boarding form before departure.

Gamaksan is one of the five great mountains of Gyeonggi (Gyeonggi O-ak) and is named for its rocky mountain that shows both black and blue colors, meaning 'dark-colored rock mountain.' The suspension bridge, located at the starting point of the Gamaksan trail, connects the Seolmari valley, which was cut off by the road. This bridge is the nation's longest 150-meter single-tower mountain suspension bridge, designed to harmonize with nature. The charming valley along Seolmachun and the Woon-gye Waterfall, which falls almost vertically, are proud attractions of Gamaksan and are even used for winter ice wall training. At the summit, there is the Gamaksan Monument, and just below Janggunbong Peak is the Imkkeokjeong Cave, where Imkkeokjeong hid from the government forces. Since Gamaksan is near the Demilitarized Zone, the summit offers views of the Imjin River and Songaksan Mountain in Kaesong. The pine-scented ridge trails and refreshing earthy smells make it a favorite among many hikers.