"Preserving the Memory of the DMZ: A Call for a Dedicated Museum in Paju"

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has become a globally recognized symbol of division, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists annually. In fact, visitor numbers to the DMZ surpassed 4.9 million last year, exceeding the number of visitors to Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace. This surge in tourism has led to increased local government efforts and government support for DMZ tourism development.

However, there has been a notable lack of focus on preserving the historical records, artifacts, and memories associated with the DMZ and the events that led to its creation. Despite the daily erosion of this history, efforts to document and preserve the DMZ's past have been insufficient. Paju City has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, launching a "DMZ Documentation Project" last year to preserve records, photographs, and the remains of structures like the Livi Bridge, built during the Korean War.

Fortunately, the South Korean government announced a plan to establish a "DMZ Memory Museum" during its Expanded National Tourism Strategy Meeting in April. This museum would not only commemorate the division and tragic history but also present a vision for the prosperity of the Korean Peninsula. Recent policy discussions have outlined plans for a complex space that combines education and cultural exchange, departing from traditional, history-focused museums. Paju's Imjingak and Cheorwon Peace Culture Park have been proposed as the most suitable locations.

While these plans are promising, concerns remain about the lack of specific details regarding the museum's scale and construction timeline. There is a risk that this project could be relegated to the planning stage. The need for a DMZ Memory Museum has been substantiated by research, and what is required now is strong government commitment. It is crucial that the government makes a sound decision regarding the museum's location, avoiding the kind of excessive competition that has marred previous DMZ-related projects.

To maximize the museum's utilization and impact, it should be located in a place that is both symbolic and easily accessible. Paju meets both criteria. With sites like Panmunjom, Imjingak, Daeseongdong Village, and the Gyeongui Line railway, Paju offers a living classroom where visitors can learn about the pain of division and the efforts towards peace between South and North Korea.

Moreover, Paju is easily accessible, being within an hour's reach of Seoul, Incheon, and Gimpo airports. With the extension of the Gyeongui Line to Imjingak scheduled for the end of this year, public transportation access will be even easier. Gyeonggi Province has also expressed strong support for the museum project, offering to provide the necessary land free of charge. The statistics on DMZ tourism support these advantages. Of the 4.9 million visitors to the DMZ last year, 82% or 4 million visited Paju, including 710,000 foreign tourists.

A DMZ Memory Museum will foster public interest in the coexistence and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and connect with the global community. The government should move forward with the construction of this museum as soon as possible. It is imperative to avoid making decisions based solely on regional balance without considering factors such as symbolism and accessibility. We urge the government to take proactive steps to preserve the invaluable history and legacy of the DMZ by establishing a dedicated museum.

By Mayor of Paju City