A Special Day to Reflect on the Meaning of Division and Peace

Because Hwacheon borders the DMZ, many areas here retain their pristine natural beauty untouched, and there are also many places that raise questions about the reality of Korea's division and about peace. Spend a meaningful day visiting the World Peace Bell Park, home to a bell cast from shell casings gathered from conflicts around the world; the Peace Dam, which reflects the sad history of division; and Bimok Park, dedicated to the song "Bimok" (Grave Marker), which captures the pain of the Korean War.

Along the way

1. 1

   Bisugumi Valley

   비수구미계곡

   This valley is famous for being clean and pollution-free. In particular, pristine old-growth forest and broad rocks line the valley, and its lower section meets the shore of Paroho Lake, making it a hidden spot where families can fish and cool off at the same time. Nearby tourist attractions include the Peace Dam, Bimok Park, the Security Exhibition Hall, and Haesan Observatory. MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
2. 2

   World Peace Bell Park

   세계 평화의종 공원

   On a site of about 1,000 pyeong above the Peace Dam stands World Peace Bell Park. The Peace Bell was cast from about 37.5 tons of shell casings collected from some 60 countries that have experienced or are experiencing conflict, and stands 5m tall and 3m wide; the surrounding outdoor exhibition space displays bells sent from countries around the world.MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
3. 3

   Peace Dam (Hwacheon)

   평화의댐(화천)

   In response to North Korea's construction of the Kumgangsan Dam and concerns over potential flooding attacks and other disasters, construction began in 1986, funded by public donations, and the first phase was completed in 1989. A total of 166.6 billion won was spent on the project, including 63.9 billion won in public donations, but construction was halted after the threat from the Kumgangsan Dam became known to have been exaggerated. Later, in 2002, a second phase of construction began to raise the height of the dam, and the expansion was completed in October 2005. Around the Peace Dam are the Water Culture Center, World Bell Park, Bimok Park, a security exhibition hall, and a permanent outdoor performance venue.MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
4. 4

   Hwacheon Bimok Park

   화천 비목공원

   Hwacheon promotes itself with the catchphrase "Home of the song 'Bimok' (Grave Marker)." The northern part of the county borders the ceasefire line, and many former battle sites remain throughout the area; the most representative of these battle-site attractions are the Peace Dam Battle Site and the Paroho Battle Site. MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections