Panmunjeom and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Uncover people, events and spaces around A Symbol of separation, reconciliation and cooperation between the two Koreas, Panmunjeom
Panoramic View of Panmunjeom (1972) (1972) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
Panmunjeom
Panmunjeom is a Joint Security Area (JSA) on the military demarcation line in the Demilitarized Zone in Jinseo-myeon, Paju City in Gyeonggido Province. It includes not only the conference premises but also its surroundings.
A Speech Made by a Participant in the Completion Ceremony (1965) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
Panmunjeom and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Archives on Panmunjeom and the DMZ uncover the area within Panmunjeom and discuss many events, people in DMZ around and within Panmunjeom.
A Boundary Line in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (1969) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
This is a scene of a boundary line in the DMZ. The DMZ includes the demilitarized zone set by the Armistice Agreement, the Civilian Control Line zone set by the Military Bases and Installations Protection Act, and border areas set by the Border Area Support Act.
The Members of the Military Armistice That Inspect the Military Demarcation Line 1 (1959) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
These are Military Armistice Commission members inspecting the Military Demarcation Line.
Freedom House (1975) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
Panmunjeom was used as a space for dialogue and travel between the two Koreas. Additional facilities were built, including the Freedom House in the South and Panmungak in the North.
Freedom House is a two-story building located with its center aligned to the Palgakjeong Pavilion, and constructed on September 30, 1965. The building was expanded to 4 stories above ground in July 1998, as demonstrated in the photo.
The View of Panmun Pavilion (1970) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
Panmungak is one of North Korea's facilities within the Panmunjeom area. Panmungak was built in 1968. North Korea withdrew from the Military Armistice Commission in April 1994, and then established a Panmunjeom Korea People's Army in Panmungak in May 1994.
A Meeting for Preparations for an Inter-Korean Parliamentary Meeting (Panmunjeom, The Peace House) (1988) by National Film WorksNational Archives of Korea
In the 1980s, with increased conversations between the South and North, the South constructed the 'Peace House' and the North the 'Unification Pavilion.' The video demonstrates the preparation process for the Inter-Korean Parliamentary Talks, taking place at the Peace House and Unification Pavilion, back and forth.
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (1967) by National Film WorksNational Archives of Korea
This movie is "The DMZ (directed by Park Sangho, 1965)," filmed inside the Demilitarized Zone for the first time in 12 years since the signing of the Armistice Agreement. The film exposes the atrocities of the war through the eyes of war orphans. Stranded in the Demilitarized Zone, the children try to cook potatoes by using landmines as a rack. Yet, the mines explode as they run away from soldiers, which leads to emergency 'armistice talks.' The actual Demilitarized Zone can be seen during the summit scenes.
A Sign of Daeseong-dong "Freedom Village" (1967) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
The Armistice Agreement states that each side shall have a village within the DMZ. Today, there is Gijeong-dong in the North and Daeseong-dong in the South. Since it is located within the DMZ, Daeseong-dong is administered by the UNC. Residents have voting and education rights but are not required to pay taxes or render military service. Instead of receiving various types of assistance, they have to endure restrictions on their everyday living.
Residents of the Daeseong-dong (1967) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
Most residents are farmers. Since the late 1950s, under the support of the government and the United Nations Command, agricultural conditions improved, and resulted in producing 800,000 kilos of rice in 1962 to 3,040,000 kilos of rice in 1993.
The Move-in Ceremony (1959) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
In 1959, the UNC built modern homes out of brick and public facilities, including a community service center, a medical office, a public bathhouse, and a public hall named Freedom House, for free for the residents. This is a scene of the move-in ceremony.
The 12th Graduation Ceremony (Daeseong-dong Elementary School) (1980) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
Daeseong-dong Elementary School is the only educational institution in Daesungdong Village. It started off as a simplified school in 1954 which was run autonomously by the village, and opened officially in 1968 with authorization to run 3 classes. The photo was taken during the 12th graduation ceremony of Daeseong-dong Elementary School.
Opening of The Panmunjeom
Panmunjeom is a symbolic place which confronts its visitors with the harsh reality of a separated Korea. It has now become a much sought-after destination for many international dignitaries and tourists.
A Photo of Representatives of the International Press Institute (IPI) (1965) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
In 1965, representatives of the International Press Institute (IPI) visited Panmunjeom, from where the military demarcation line can be seen.
American Journalists Inspecting Panmunjeom (1966) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
In 1966, a group of American journalists paid a visit to Panmunjeom.
Plan to Manage Tourism to Panmunjeom Plan to Manage Tourism to Panmunjeom (1970) by Ministry of Foreign AffairsNational Archives of Korea
Tensions between South and North Korea persisted from October 1966 to the end of August 1967 at the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Visits to Panmunjeom were fully discontinued from August 28, 1967, but reopening Panmunjeom was discussed in June 1969 upon the request of the Korea Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Transportation.
Plan to Manage Tourism to Panmunjeom Plan to Manage Tourism to Panmunjeom 3National Archives of Korea
The Ministry of Transportation planned to attract foreign tourists to Panmunjeom on the occasion of the Japan World Exposition. It was based on the idea that Panmunjeom was of great interest to tourists since it is the only place where they can see the confrontation between the free world and communism.
Workplan for Tourism in Panmunjeom - Letter From the International Tourism Organization of Korea Workplan for Tourism in Panmunjeom - Letter From the International Tourism Organization of Korea (1970) by Ministry of Foreign AffairsNational Archives of Korea
The International Tourism Organization explained that Panmunjeom tours will be held 3 days a week for foreigners, accompanied by a tour guide.
Workplan for Tourism in Panmunjeom - Letter From United Nations Command (UNC) Workplan for Tourism in Panmunjeom - Letter From United Nations Command (UNC) (1970) by Ministry of Foreign AffairsNational Archives of Korea
The United Nations Command officially accepted the resumption of tourism in Panmunjeom during the World Exposition, adding that if tensions such as military provocations across the DMZ increase, the United Nations Command will revoke tourism approval by unilateral action.
Regulations on the Procedures of Access to Panmunjeom (Draft) (1980) by Board of National UnificationNational Archives of Korea
This is the "Regulations on the Procedures of Access to Panmunjeom (draft)” written by the Board of National Unification in December, 1980. The articles, 13 in total, set forth the procedures of access to Panmunjeom in accordance with the regulations on organization of the Office of Inter-Korean Dialogue (Presidential Decree No. 10049 enforced in October 20, 1980).
Regulations on the Procedures of Access to Panmunjeom (Draft) - Article 3 (1980) by Board of National UnificationNational Archives of Korea
As stipulated in Article 3, anyone who wants to visit Panmunjeom shall submit an application to an appropriate agency 30 days in advance.
Regulations on the Procedures of Access to Panmunjeom (Draft) - Article 11 (1980) by Board of National UnificationNational Archives of Korea
Article 11 "Compliance" prescribes that visitors are prohibited from carrying dangerous objects such as weapons or ammunition as instructed by the access control officer, making unauthorized contact with North Koreans, or taking unauthorized photographs. Also, Article 11 specifies details about off-limit areas, vehicle procurement, safety and security responsibilities, etc.
Continue to see stories about the Military Armistice Commission established at the Panmunjom, here.
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