A walking event will take place in the Duta Valley area of Yanggu County, allowing participants to explore nature and remnants of war within the civilian control line. Participants will walk approximately 8 kilometers along the old path leading to Geumgangsan, with opportunities to pay respects at a memorial and enjoy performances.
According to Yanggu County officials, the Yanggu Cultural Foundation and the Yanggu County Council of the National Unification Advisory Council will host the 'Walking the Path to Geumgangsan' event on the 15th. This event, held for the first time in two years since 2024, will accept 2,000 participants on a first-come, first-served basis from September 28 to October 12.
Registration can be completed on the Yanggu Cultural Foundation's website or in person at the first floor of the Yanggu Arts Center. Participants must gather at the main parking lot of Yanggu Sports Park by 8 a.m. on the day of the event. After identity verification and ticket issuance, they will be transported by bus to the starting point at Biduk Information Center.
The walking route spans about 8 kilometers from Biduk Information Center, passing through the Via Mok Bridge and Haya Bridge intersection, and ending at the Duta Valley Sculpture Park. This course does not lead to Geumgangsan but follows the old path in the Duta Valley area.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, there is a signpost indicating the 'Path to Geumgangsan' at the Haya Bridge intersection. The trail connecting Duta Valley to this point follows valleys and forests. This event is designed to combine the natural scenery with memorial observances, allowing participants to reflect on the ecology and history of the border area.
Duta Valley is located in the Gyeonggi Province of Yanggu County, along a tributary of the Suyukcheon River in the Bansan-myeon area. It features a deep pool formed beneath a waterfall and surrounding cliffs as its main attractions. As it lies north of the military demarcation line, access is regulated, and entry outside designated areas is prohibited according to Yanggu County tourism guidelines.
At the midpoint of the course, a traditional Korean music ensemble will perform at the Haya Bridge intersection. At the destination, the Duta Valley Sculpture Park, participants will pay respects at the Yanggu Battle Memorial, followed by lunch, a performance by the Dongducheon City Choir, and a raffle.
Participants must bring identification. They should also prepare their own lunch, water, mats, and items for inclement weather. As the event takes place within the military control line, participants must follow designated routes as instructed on-site.
The organizers will deploy ambulances and emergency medical personnel at the event site and along the hiking route. Safety and guidance personnel will be stationed at various points along the course. The event may be canceled in case of severe weather or military operations.
Kim Jong-gu, the secretary of the Yanggu Cultural Foundation, stated, “We have prepared this event to allow participants to enjoy the natural scenery of Duta Valley while experiencing memorial observances and performances. We will do our utmost to ensure that participants can enjoy the event safely.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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