
AI-generated summary
Recently, as the trend of deregulation of border areas, such as the movement north of the Civilian Control Line, has become visible, Paju City has established an innovation forum to secure a sustainable growth engine for DMZ peace tourism.
Paju City announced on the 29th that it held the 'DMZ Peace Tourism Future Vision Innovation Forum' at the Panmunjom Tour Support Center on the 28th and declared a great leap forward as a base for peace and ecological tourism attracting the world's attention.
The forum was established to respond in advance to the trend of deregulation of border areas, such as the recent trend of moving north of the Civilian Access Control Line (CCL), and to secure a sustainable growth engine for peace tourism in the Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Attendees reexamined the value of the unrivaled ecological, historical, and peaceful resources of the Paju DMZ and explored differentiated strategies for developing future tourism content.
Park Yong-sik, former head of the Gangwon-do Peace Region Development Headquarters, who was the first speaker, presented legal and institutional improvement plans for easing security regulations in border areas and revitalizing tourism under the theme of 'Sustainable improvement of tourism regulations in Paju City.'
Next, Ha Young-jae, a visiting professor at Hallym University, explained various ways to provide real economic benefits to local residents by linking DMZ resources under the theme of 'DMZ regional economy revitalization strategy.'
The comprehensive discussion was moderated by former Paju Mayor Choi Jong-hwan and included in-depth discussions by experts representing each field.
In particular, at the public debate, questions and discussions surrounding the core policy direction of Paju DMZ tourism were actively held with on-site attendees.
Key contents included the promotion of the transfer of Panmunjom tour duties from the Ministry of Unification to Paju City, a plan to connect major historical and cultural resources such as Heojun's Tomb, Haemaru Village, and Deokjinsanseong Fortress to metropolitan tourism bases in line with the move to move north along the Civilian Control Line, and the simplification of entry and exit procedures along the Civilian Control Line and improvement of the entry system.
Paju Mayor Son Bae-chan said, "Changes in the security environment and easing of regulations, such as moving north of the Civilian Control Line, are a golden opportunity and a turning point for the times for Paju DMZ peace tourism to take a leap forward. Based on the in-depth suggestions of experts from various fields and local residents, we will do our best to establish the Paju DMZ as a world-class attraction for peace and ecological tourism visited by people from all over the world, beyond the pain and special sacrifices of division."
About 150 people attended the forum, including Paju Mayor Son Bae-chan, National Assembly member Park Jeong, Paju City Council Chairman Choi Yu-gak, provincial and city council members, tourism industry experts, and local residents.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Panmunjeom tour duties will be transferred from the Ministry of Unification to Paju City.
Likely · Within months
In line with the move to move north along the Civilian Control Line, historical and cultural resources such as Heojun's tomb, Haemaru Village, and Deokjinsanseong Fortress will be connected to regional tourism bases.
Possible · Within months

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