South Korea Revises DMZ Buffer Zones: A Step Towards Economic Growth and Enhanced Security

Seoul will cut the civilian control line to return land to communities. The change aims to ease economic strain while keeping security measures in place.

As reported by the online media Ukrinform.

South Korea plans to ease restrictions on about 270 square kilometers of territory near the demilitarized zone.

The Seoul Ministry of Defense announced that access to parts of lands near the demilitarized zone would be allowed for farmers and local residents starting in 2027.

The ministry said it would reduce the Civil Control Line (CCL), the buffer zone controlled by troops south of the border, from 10 kilometers to 6 kilometers.

“The CCL was created to restrict civilian access and safeguard military restrictions, but there are growing calls to improve the current control measures.”

It is noted that South Koreans will need military authorization to live or farm in this area. Analysts say local residents are facing significant economic difficulties.

“We have developed a plan to adjust the CCL to adapt to future security conditions in light of the reduction of military personnel, while ensuring operational readiness.”

– South Korea’s Defense Minister An Gyu-bek

The Civilian Control Line (CCL) was created after the Korean War of 1950–1953 to regulate access and protect military facilities along the border between South and North Korea. It currently extends up to 7 kilometers south of the line on the western side and up to 10 kilometers on the eastern side.

According to South Korea’s Defense Minister An Gyu-bek, South Korea needs to reform the army and strengthen the adoption of artificial intelligence to better respond to potential military conflicts and offset shortages of personnel.

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