Yangyang-gun Hyeonbuk-myeon holds a hidden history trekking event along the 38th parallel

(Yangyang = Yonhap News) Reporter Ryu Ho-jun = Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do is holding a historical trekking event to reflect on the historical significance of the 38th parallel.

Yangyang-gun's Hyeonbuk-myeon Office announced on the 21st that it will hold its first 'Walking along the 38th Parallel - History Trekking along the 38th Parallel' on the 3rd of next month at the 38 Peace Village in Hyeonbuk-myeon and the 38th parallel.

This event was designed to publicize the historical significance of Hyeonbuk-myeon, where the 38th parallel passes, and to allow participants to take a first-hand look at the historical sites of the time while walking along the village streets in the fall.

Yangyang is the area where the Korean army first broke through the 38th parallel during the Korean War.

On October 1, 1950, the 23rd Regiment of the ROK Army's 3rd Division crossed the 38th parallel for the first time in the Yangyang area, and to commemorate this day, October 1st was designated as Armed Forces Day.

The trekking begins at the 38 Experience Center, passes through 38 Peace Village An-gil and Songi-gil, and returns to the 38 Experience Center, a 5.7km section.

It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.

Participants will explore the history of the 38th parallel and the lifestyles of local residents at the time, while walking along village roads and 38th parallel paths colored in autumn colors.

The event will be held twice, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A total of 400 people, 200 per session, are recruited on a first-come, first-served basis, and participation is free.

If you wish to participate, you can make a reservation in advance through the ‘Gogo Yangyang’ app.

In addition to trekking, the event venue will feature a Haneulsori drum performance by the residents' self-governing council, an exhibition and experience of military combat uniforms and equipment, and food sales by a local women's association.

At the site, local food such as black bean noodles, sweet and sour pork, acorn jelly, and buckwheat pancakes will be showcased.

Those who complete the trek will receive 1kg of Yangyang new rice.

Participants who make a reservation in advance can receive a 40% discount on accommodation and camping fees at 38 Peace Village.

When using it, simply present the participation completion screen on the GoGo Yangyang app.

Kim Sang-cheol, head of Hyeonbuk-myeon, said, "This event is a historical trekking where you can walk and feel the history of the 38th parallel that you learned in textbooks in real life. I hope it will be a meaningful time to reflect on the meaning of freedom and peace while enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery of Yangyang with family and friends."