The recent inter-Korean summit has also reached the tourism sector-- especially in Paju, the city that hosted the talks.<br />Many people, curious about the region that is just south of the demarcation line separating the two Koreas,... have been seeking various attractions in Paju.<br />Our Park Hee-jun went to check it out. Paju city in Gyeonggi-do Province is close to North Korea, both in terms of distance and history.<br /> And within the city limits is Imjingak-- a village built in 1972, a couple of decades after the Korean War armistice was agreed. Imjingak is only about 7 kilometers away from the Demarcation Line.<br /><br /> “This village stands as a symbol of hope-- hope for reunification between the two Koreas. And after the 2018 inter-Korean Summit was held nearby in Panmunjom, more and more people have been visiting the area."<br /><br /> "Following the summit, the number of visitors to some attractions has nearly tripled. It's a popular spot for those wishing to get a close-up understanding of the two Koreas' history, but it's also a great destination for couples and families to take some time off and relax."<br /><br /> "Especially the last day there was this meeting between these two presidents. So now I was feeling that it was a good time to know more about this situation, this political situation."<br /><br /> "Hopefully there will be more exchanges between the two Koreas through roads and railways, so that I can also visit Baekdusan Mountain."<br /><br />And thanks to the soaring numbers of visitors,... restaurants and cafes in the area are also seeing better business.<br /><br /> "Sales are 2 to 2-and-half times higher than around a week ago. Many people are visiting Imjingak out of curiosity from the meeting between the two Koreas."<br /><br /> At the village, visitors can take a trip back through history,... to the war that separated South and North.<br />It's one of the world's most heavily guarded borders, but the atmosphere is calm and quiet.<br /><br /> To boost tourism in the region,... the government plans to create more attractions and increase the city's annual festivals.<br />And with hopes for peace and reunification in the air,... Paju could have even more visitors in the future.<br /><br />Park Hee-jun, Arirang News, Paju <br />
