Hikers rejoice! New trails in North and South Korea are opening
Hardcore hikers are rejoicing as they now have the option to explore the hiking trails that are alongside the Korean Peninsula’s Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).
The trails just so happen to be near the world’s most heavily armed border that divide North and South Korea, but as a part of South Korea’s Peace Trail project, there are three new trails being built.
Local government has approved three trails within the DMZ buffer, which stretches 4 kilometres wide and 240 kilometres long.
The area where the trails are looking to be built has divided the nations since 1953.
The first trail, which is inside Gangwon province on the east side of the Korean Peninsula, opened on the 28th of April.
"United Nations Command (UNC) and the ROK [South Korea] government have demonstrated superb teamwork, collaboration and coordination throughout the entire 'peace trail' process and will continue to do so," said General Robert Abrams, leader of the UNC, in a statement.
"The ROK military has worked extremely long hours to ensure the success of this very important initiative, while assuring visitors their safety remains paramount."
As the DMZ has been closed off to the public for more than six decades, it’s given the wildlife a chance to flourish. The area is home to endangered species, such as rare types of cranes, ducks, deer and mountain goats.
According to reports from CNN, there are more than 6,000 different species of flora and fauna living inside the DMZ.
However, hikers will be accompanied by military personnel and be required to wear bullet-proof vests and helmets during the walks.