By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Latvian Ambassador to Korea Janis Berzins, ambassadors from 13 countries, descendants of independence activists, and Choi Jae-cheon, Chairman of the D.O.F. Organizing Committee, participated in the “2025 DMZ OPEN Peace Walk and Marathon” event on Nov. 1 and 2.

The 'DMZ Peace Walk', held on the first day, is an event where participants walk along the Imjin River ecological trail within the Civilian Control Line (CCL) and experience ecological value and the meaning of peace firsthand.

At the opening ceremony, six representative participants, including Gyeonggi Province Ambassador Kim Gyu-ri, relayed peace messages from the stage, with all participants responding with "DMZ is peace," adding to the excitement of the event.

The walk then began with a powerful "tago" (beat a drum) by Second Vice Governor Kim Dae-soon, praying for peace.

Participants walked on stepping stones modeled after the footprints of endangered species found within the DMZ, including the musk deer and Asiatic black bear. Along the Imjin River Ecological Trail within the Civilian Control Line, participants were able to observe the ecological landscape beyond the normally restricted barbed wire fence.

This year's event also featured a celebratory peace performance by the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, offering a more diverse range of events.

In the first-floor lobby of the DMZ Ecological Tourism Support Center, a photo exhibition featuring 13 independence activists from Gyeonggi Province was held, providing a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the "spirit of liberation and the value of peace."

The DMZ Peace Marathon, held on the second day, is Gyeonggi Province's representative marathon festival. Starting with a relay chant and a rallying cry at Imjingak Peace Nuri, the event consisted of two courses: a half marathon (approximately 21 km) and a 10 km course.

The participants crossed the Imjingang Unification Bridge and ran to the Tongilchon Intersection, the Civilian Control Line (CCL), experiencing the unique scenery of the DMZ.

The event was attended by Second Vice Governor Kim Dae-soon, National Assembly Members Yoon Hu-deok and Park Jeong, and members of the provincial council, who offered words of encouragement to the participants.