Cosmojin Travel Agency, which specializes in packages for international tourists in South Korea, said on Tuesday that the number of visitors to the Demilitarized Zone had increased by 280 percent compared to the same time last year, with growth of 10 percent on average each month. (Image: Cosmojin Travel Agency)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – Despite growing tensions with North Korea, the number of visitors to the DMZ has more than doubled this year, according to a travel agency.
Cosmojin Travel Agency, which specializes in packages for international tourists in South Korea, said on Tuesday that the number of visitors to the Demilitarized Zone had increased by 280 percent compared to the same time last year, with growth of 10 percent on average each month.
The unexpected figures come following the heightened tensions between South Korean and North Korea over a series of missile and nuclear weapon tests in recent years despite condemnation from the international community.
“Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the national security of the Korean peninsula has been put back in the spotlight, giving a boost to DMZ tourism,” Cosmojin Travel Agency said.
The travel agency added tour programs to the Joint Security Area, a highly political area of the DMZ where South Korean and North Korean forces face each other, are sometimes cancelled due to security concerns.
Cosmojin Travel Agency’s DMZ tour program also consists of other destinations including Unification Bridge, the 3rd Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory.
“Ironically, visitors to South Korea find DMZ tours to be the most inspiring destination, a place that symbolizes the Korean War and the history since. We plan to continue our efforts to develop DMZ tour programs,” said Jung Myung-jin, the CEO of Cosmojin Travel Agency.
Ashely Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
