On July 20, the Gangwon Peace Tours began its "East of the DMZ" tour in Goseong, Gangwon Province,
with international students from Kangwon National University. With a brief explanation from a tour guide,
participants spent a meaningful and joyful time touring the Castle of Hwajinpo(Kim Il-sung's villa)
and the Goseong Unification Observatory, etc.
Castle of Hwajinpo (Kim Il-sung's Summer House)
; The magnificent site, created with surrounding pine forest, lagoon, and beach.
Hwajinpo Castle, famous for its outstanding scenery, was for missionaries in the Japanese colonial era. When this area was part of North Korea from 1945 to 1950, Kim Il-sung(Former leader of North Korea) family used to enjoy summer holidays here. The interior of the two-story cylindrical stone castle preserves the history finely by displaying personal items and materials used by Kim's family.
On the way to Hwajinpo Castle, where the little Kim Jong Il(Former Supreme Leader of North Korea) stood and took the picture became a popular photo spot today. In addition, at the top of the castle, people photograph the splendid sight of a sandy beach stretching for miles. In this attractive location, the students looked around for about an hour, taking selfies.
Hwajinpo Geumgang Pine Tree Grove
Pine trees, known as the tree that Koreans have loved since the past, are usually located on the East coast in Korea, blocking the wind from the sea. Near Hwajinpo Castle, there is a coniferous grove overgrown with pine trees. Prehistoric dolmen and mini-golf courts made of concrete for missionaries are distinctive about Hwajinpo Geumgang Pine Forest. At a large stretch of coniferous forest, participants took their time by strolling and relaxing.
Goseong Unification Observatory
; The coexistence of beautiful landscape and tension
Goseong Unification Observatory is the northernmost place that can see North Korea in South Korea. Passing the civilian control line and arriving at the Unification Observatory, you can see spectacular rocky Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains and Haegeumgang river in North Korea. Despite this breathtaking scenery looking at the confrontation between the North and South military posts through binoculars installed on the viewing deck adds tension.
Besides tourists, people who had to leave their hometown and were separated from their families during the Korean War visit this place wishing the unification. Highly recommend this location for people who wants to understand the sorrow of the national division.
Myeongpa Beach, the Northernmost Beach of S. Korea
he East coast beaches of South Korea are popular domestic tourist destinations for locals to enjoy summer. Uncommonly, Myeongpa beach, the northernmost beach of South Korea, is a secluded beach that is a perfect place nowadays.
What participants say about "East of the DMZ" tour
Thanks to this tour, I had a chance to know about the boundary, DMZ, of South and North Korea.
And I realized that one of the most isolated countries is such close to the open country.
I think I got to know a little more about Korea.
-Hussain Arbaz
When I went to the Goseong Unification Observatory, that was the only time that I can actually see North Korea. As you know, we don’t really have a chance to go there.
Glimpsing the secret country was excited.
-Naval Dawn Patrice Jamila
Kim Il-sung's Summer House was the most impressive part of this tour.
The landscape was really great, and I didn't know that part was North Korea before the Korean war.
So, the fact that was very interesting to me.
-Koycheva Nona Stanislavova
* This tour was not a private tour but a cultural and educational program carried out by Gangwon Peace Tours & Kangwon National University. We strictly followed COVID-19 Guideline in this program.
* EAST OF the DMZ - Korean East Coast & DMZ Peace Tour is supported by KTO Local Tour Innovation Project.
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