[🇺🇸]“You Can’t Enter Without a Reservation”: Korea’s Exclusive DMZ Punchbowl Trail

Located in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, the DMZ Punchbowl Trail is one of Korea’s most unique trekking destinations.

Situated inside the Civilian Control Zone bordering North Korea, entry is strictly reservation-only via the “Forest e” (숲나들e) platform. Visitors must book at least four days in advance, bring identification, and join the hike under the guidance of a forest interpreter. Admission is free, but on-site registration is not available, and the trail is closed every Tuesday.

The trail is divided into four themed routes. The representative “Oyu Field Trail” takes about four hours, showcasing waterfalls, valleys, and colorful autumn foliage. On the “Peace Trail,” hikers can glimpse North Korea and reflect on the reality of division. The “Mandae Plain Trail” offers picturesque views of rural basin villages.

What makes this trail truly special is that it is more than just a forest path. The dirt trails beneath your feet were once fierce battlefields, but today they are a sanctuary of rare plants and natural monuments. Walking along the unique Punchbowl Basin, visitors can simultaneously feel the grandeur of nature, the scars of war, and the wonder of life’s resilience. From the observatory, panoramic views of the Punchbowl and even Mount Geumgang’s Birobong Peak complete the journey.

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