According to an announcement by the Ministry of Unification of South Korea, the passenger train service connecting Seoul Station to Dorasan Station will resume operations on 10/4. This move aims to restore inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation activities.

The train, named "DMZ Peace Link Train", operates on a specific schedule to ensure security management in the border region. During the initial phase of its restart in April and May, the train will run two trips per month, on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. From June, based on tourist demand, the frequency is expected to increase to four trips per month, running every Friday.

A South Korean train arrives at Dorasan Station in Paju, Gyeonggi, on 18/12/2018. Photo: Joint Press Corss

Each train trip is limited to a maximum of 120 passengers. As Dorasan Station is located within a civilian control zone, tourists must book tickets in advance through the KORAIL Tourism Development online system. Passengers must carry a passport or valid identification for security checks at Imjingang Station before the train enters the border area.

The DMZ Peace Link Train is part of efforts to resume tours of the border region, according to the Ministry of Unification of South Korea.

Dorasan Station is approximately 56 km from central Seoul and lies near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that divides the two countries. This railway line is part of the Gyeongui axis, which historically connected North and South Korea.

The station was established after the 2000 summit between the leaders of both nations. At that time, both sides agreed to reconnect the railway system, which had been severed during the 1950-1953 period.

In the past, Dorasan served not only as a tourist destination but also as an economic lifeline. Cargo trains once passed through this station to transport raw materials and finished products to the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a symbolic economic cooperation project located on North Korean territory. After the industrial complex closed in 2016 due to escalating tensions, Dorasan Station only maintained train services for visitors.

By late 2019, all operations here were completely suspended due to the outbreak of African swine fever, followed by the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic. The restart of the train route after nearly seven years of "freezing" is expected to revive the atmosphere of peace in the border area.

The resumption of the train line is seen as a step towards restoring tourism in the northern part of Gyeonggi province. The area around Dorasan Station currently features several attractions, including a border observatory and historical tour routes.

Mai Phuong (According to Korea Joongang Daily, Yonhap)