S. Korea to ease border buffer zone restrictions to boost public access and regional growth
South Korea's defense ministry announced Wednesday a plan to ease restrictions within the military-controlled buffer zone near the inter-Korean border, aiming to expand civilian access and support local economic development, Qazinform News Agency cites Yonhap.
Under the initiative, the Civilian Control Line (CCL), a restricted area located south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) that divides the two Koreas, will be moved closer to the border. The average distance between the CCL and the MDL will be reduced from its current range to around 6 kilometers, according to Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back.
Ahn said the adjustment reflects changing security conditions and the need to balance military operations with the interests of local communities. While the CCL was originally established after the 1950-53 Korean War to limit civilian access and protect military facilities, residents have long argued that the restrictions hinder land use and everyday activities.
The revised plan forms part of the Lee Jae Myung administration's efforts to ease development limitations in border regions. Areas currently designated as Controlled Protection Zones will be reclassified as Restricted Protection Zones, allowing construction and land development projects with approval from relevant authorities.
The ministry said the change will affect approximately 270 square kilometers of land, an area roughly 90 times larger than Seoul's Yeouido district. In addition, restrictions will be lifted on around 450 square kilometers of existing Restricted Protection Zones to further encourage private development.
Before implementation, the measures will undergo a series of reviews involving the defense ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and local governments. The rollout is expected to take place in stages.
As part of the broader initiative, authorities will remove outdated military structures that are no longer considered strategically necessary, including anti-tank barriers at 23 locations in border areas such as Paju and Yanggu.
The government also plans to simplify procedures for civilian entry into the CCL by introducing mobile applications and digital authentication systems by 2027. Approval requirements for agricultural drone operations in border-region farms will also be eased to support local agricultural activities.
Earlier, it was reported Pope Leo XIV is open to a North Korea visit, support peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.