Imjingak: A Portal to Korea's Divided History (a near DMZ oasis)
- mellinegalani
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
For those traveling or even living in South Korea, Imjingak Park (임진각) or Imjingak Nuri Peace Park is a must see destination not only in terms learning a bit about this country's history but also for the aerie feeling of looking at North Korea from afar. For Koreans is a place of sorrow and remembrance, a bloody past that cannot be forget or swiped away, with deep scars left in this nation’s collective memory.
As a short summary of the history, shortly after the Japanese occupation was over in 1945, the Korean War happened (1950-1953) where, according to different sources between 2.5 to 5 million lives were lost. For those who want to understand better what lead to this tragic war I recommend the book The Guest by Hwang Sok-yong.
The book is based on actual events, and explains the premises that led to the Korean War as well as the division of ideologies within the same nation. During the Korean War, Hwanghae Province in North Korea was the setting of a gruesome fifty-two-day massacre. In an act of collective amnesia, the atrocities were attributed to American military, but in truth they resulted from malicious battling between Christian and Communist Koreans.
Imjingak, located in Paju near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is a deeply meaningful place that tells the story of Korea’s modern history. Built in 1972 to comfort those separated from their families in the North, it has become a symbol of both pain and hope for reunification.
Here, visitors can see the Freedom Bridge, once used by prisoners of war returning home, and the Mangbaedan Altar, where displaced people still bow toward their hometowns during holidays. The park is also filled with monuments, a peace bell, and even a colorful display of ribbons carrying wishes for peace.
Located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line, is now at the forefront of tourism related to the Korean War, within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of North Korea and South Korea alongside the Imjin river and is the furthest point north that South Koreans can freely travel.
There are many war artifacts exposed, a bunker, a resting area, a cable car, a three-store observatory, a garden, and an amusement park. Basically, anything one needs to spend an entire day here. The resort preserves the Peace Bell, the Freedom Bridge from the war to remind people of the past, along with other monuments. The railroad bridge was used to repatriate soldiers of the North.
I personally was overwhelmed and impressed by this place when I visited it. Not only that I could almost feel the pain, screams and sorrow of the past voices but also the sadness of a nation that was divided based on others’ will in a similar way that my own country was divided by the same powers. Maybe because of the resemblance of our countries modern history, Imjingak holds a special place in my heart.
However even for those who are not interested in history at all this place should be on their bucket list. A ride with the cable car offers a beautiful view from above of the entire area. The resting area provides drinks, desserts and snacks for the visitors and the amusement park offers entertainment to all ages and walks in the park are perfect on sunny days.
However, pictures or filming are not allowed everywhere so make sure you read the signs. Also, for some further areas in the DMZ reservations are required.
Imjingak is more than just a historical attraction, it’s a deeply meaningful destination that blends a divided history, memory, and reflection. Standing here, you can feel the weight of the past while also experiencing the collective hope for a peaceful future.
The park is easily accessible from Seoul, making it a popular day trip for both locals and international travelers who want to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s modern history. It’s a place where you don’t just learn about history, you feel it, through the symbols, stories, and emotions preserved within its grounds.