[Photo] Mount Kumgang Observatory in DMZ to open to the public for two weeks

The Mount Kumgang Observatory (717 Observation Post), located in Gangwon Province on the edge of the North Korean border, is usually closed to civilians and accessible only to military personnel. However, Gangwon Province and the South Korean Army have arranged to open the observatory to the public for two weeks from Oct. 1 to 14. This measure is part of an agreement in the Pyongyang Declaration signed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to convert the border region surrounding Mount Kumgang into a “peace tour” zone. The observatory was originally constructed in 1984, but it has been closed to the public and used strictly as a military observation post since 1994. Online reservations are necessary to gain access during this period, and only 160 people will be allowed in a single day. (photos provided by Goseong County)