2025 DMZ OPEN Peace Walking and Marathon held successfully at Imjingak Peace Nuri
Nov 03, 2025
A two-day festival was held in Imjingak Peace Nuri, Paju, Gyeonggi-do, where people feel the value of ecology, peace and history while walking and running around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). As a representative sports program of the DMZ OPEN Festival, the '2025 DMZ OPEN Peace Walk' was held on the 1st and the '2025 DMZ OPEN Peace Marathon' was held on the 2nd.
On the first day, 'DMZ Peace Walking' is an event to walk along the ecological trail along the Imjin River on the civilian control line to experience ecological values and the meaning of peace firsthand. This year, about 1,500 people, including ambassadors from 13 countries, descendants of independence fighters, and Chairman Choi Jae-cheon of the D.O.F. Organizing Committee, participated in the event.
At the opening ceremony, whenever six representatives of the participants, including Kim Gyu-ri, who is active as a public relations ambassador for Gyeonggi-do, read a peace message in front of the stage in a relay format, an event was held in which all participants responded that "DMZ is peace" added to the enthusiasm of the site. Kim Dae-soon, the second vice governor of the administration, then began walking to pray for peace with a powerful ride (tabuk).
Participants were able to step on a scaffold depicting the footprints of civet deer and Asiatic black bears, which are endangered animals living in the DMZ, and see the ecological landscape beyond the barbed wire that is usually restricted in the walking section along the ecological trail along the Imjin River in the Civilian Control Line.
In addition, this year, more colorful events were organized along with the Gyeonggi Sinawe Orchestra's performance to celebrate the peace, enriching the atmosphere of the walking event.
In the lobby on the first floor of the DMZ Ecotourism Support Center, a photo exhibition of 13 independence activists from Gyeonggi-do Province was held to reflect on the spirit of liberation and the value of peace. In addition, a DMZ peace mailbox event was held to symbolize that the DMZ is the starting point of peace, not disconnection. Participants delivered messages wishing for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula on postcards to the DMZ postbox, creating a place for harmony and communication to reflect on the historical meaning of the 80th anniversary of liberation.
The "DMZ Peace Marathon" held on the second day is a marathon festival representing Gyeonggi-do, starting with relay chants and market capitalization at Imjingak Peace Nuri, which was held in two courses: half and 10km. Participants crossed the Imjin River Tongil Bridge to the Tongilchon Intersection, a civilian-controlled area (Civilian Control Line), to experience the special scenery of the whole area of DMZ.
Gyeonggi-do Province set up safety fences on the Tongil Bridge and the main half-point section with the safety of participants as its top priority, and deployed control personnel to manage the competition smoothly and safely. In addition, medical support and various convenience facilities were carefully prepared so that participants could complete the course without any inconvenience.
In addition to the marathon competition, a variety of side events were arranged to add to the festive atmosphere. Participants participated in a variety of programs, including an obstacle race to feel the spirit of challenge, a friendly basketball competition between South Korea and the U.S., which symbolizes the friendship between South Korea and the U.S., and a digital stamp tour enjoyed while exploring the Imjingak area. These side events go beyond simple sports competitions and add to the richness of the event as a venue for participatory festivals where you can experience the meaning of peace, cooperation, and exchange.
On the first day, 'DMZ Peace Walking' is an event to walk along the ecological trail along the Imjin River on the civilian control line to experience ecological values and the meaning of peace firsthand. This year, about 1,500 people, including ambassadors from 13 countries, descendants of independence fighters, and Chairman Choi Jae-cheon of the D.O.F. Organizing Committee, participated in the event.
At the opening ceremony, whenever six representatives of the participants, including Kim Gyu-ri, who is active as a public relations ambassador for Gyeonggi-do, read a peace message in front of the stage in a relay format, an event was held in which all participants responded that "DMZ is peace" added to the enthusiasm of the site. Kim Dae-soon, the second vice governor of the administration, then began walking to pray for peace with a powerful ride (tabuk).
Participants were able to step on a scaffold depicting the footprints of civet deer and Asiatic black bears, which are endangered animals living in the DMZ, and see the ecological landscape beyond the barbed wire that is usually restricted in the walking section along the ecological trail along the Imjin River in the Civilian Control Line.
In addition, this year, more colorful events were organized along with the Gyeonggi Sinawe Orchestra's performance to celebrate the peace, enriching the atmosphere of the walking event.
In the lobby on the first floor of the DMZ Ecotourism Support Center, a photo exhibition of 13 independence activists from Gyeonggi-do Province was held to reflect on the spirit of liberation and the value of peace. In addition, a DMZ peace mailbox event was held to symbolize that the DMZ is the starting point of peace, not disconnection. Participants delivered messages wishing for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula on postcards to the DMZ postbox, creating a place for harmony and communication to reflect on the historical meaning of the 80th anniversary of liberation.
The "DMZ Peace Marathon" held on the second day is a marathon festival representing Gyeonggi-do, starting with relay chants and market capitalization at Imjingak Peace Nuri, which was held in two courses: half and 10km. Participants crossed the Imjin River Tongil Bridge to the Tongilchon Intersection, a civilian-controlled area (Civilian Control Line), to experience the special scenery of the whole area of DMZ.
Gyeonggi-do Province set up safety fences on the Tongil Bridge and the main half-point section with the safety of participants as its top priority, and deployed control personnel to manage the competition smoothly and safely. In addition, medical support and various convenience facilities were carefully prepared so that participants could complete the course without any inconvenience.
In addition to the marathon competition, a variety of side events were arranged to add to the festive atmosphere. Participants participated in a variety of programs, including an obstacle race to feel the spirit of challenge, a friendly basketball competition between South Korea and the U.S., which symbolizes the friendship between South Korea and the U.S., and a digital stamp tour enjoyed while exploring the Imjingak area. These side events go beyond simple sports competitions and add to the richness of the event as a venue for participatory festivals where you can experience the meaning of peace, cooperation, and exchange.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
