Paju officials propose reforms to expand DMZ peace tourism

Experts and local officials at the DMZ Peace Tourism Future Vision Innovation Forum have proposed several strategies to transform the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into a global peace and ecological tourism hub. Key recommendations include transferring the management of the Panmunjom tour support center from the Ministry of Unification to Paju City and expanding the daily visitor capacity from 3,000 to 6,000.

To support increased tourism, participants suggested that local governments share the security burden with the military by employing veterans as security personnel and managing access control. Proposals were also made to implement mobile reservation systems and QR code check-ins to replace manual processes.

Economic revitalization strategies include developing long-term stay programs linked to local markets and traditional villages, rather than short tours. Experts also emphasized the need for a permanent consultative body involving the military, local government, and the United Nations Command to streamline entry approvals and safety protocols. The Ministry of Unification noted that any expansion of visitor numbers would require revisions to United Nations Command regulations.