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Paju_Tongil Dongsan

Plaza where the longing for unification is planted



In an era during which the rulers of both Koreas hold hands together to look towards the future, talk peace as they step over a divider that has seemed impossible to overcome, and a new page in the history book is being written, I took a visit to Paju. In a city that wraps Imjingang River and neighbors North Korea, there is a plaza that was established a long time ago with hopes for unification – Tongil Dongsan, which appears on the way to Imjingang from Heyri Art Valley. It is a quiet plaza situated behind street-side restaurants. During meal hours, most of the restaurants are busy but the park seems lonesome, a bit different vibe than the upbeat atmosphere of the Korean Peninsula in the aftermath of the inter-Korean summit.




The area of Seongdong-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon in Paju is a national security and tour complex established since 1991 on a 1.68 million-pyeong land as a part of a national project for preparation of North-South exchanges. Headlined by Tongil Dongsan of Seongdong-ri and Odusan Unification Observatory, the area serves to remind citizens and tourists the true meaning of peace on the peninsula. A free-flying bird sculpture, which embodies a wish for peace, is located at the center of Tongil Dongsan that faces Odusan Mountain, and you may be able to ponder its meaning as you take a walk through a tranquil park. Also, Jayuro Drive-in Theater and a cart race circuit are located next to the park, which makes it a great date course for couples.




Written and photos by Park Hee-eun





세부정보

  • Tongil Dongsan

    Address/ San42, Seongdong-ri Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

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