2 Koreas build new cross-border road

The two Koreas have completed another cross-border road in the demilitarized zone in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. It is the third cross-border road after one on each coast.

The two Koreas have been removing landmines and building a road for personnel and equipment since October ahead of a joint excavation of the remains of soldiers who died in the Korean War.

The South built a 1.7 km-long road from the wire-fenced area on its side to the military demarcation line, while the North built the stretch on its side of the MDL.

There is speculation that the new road will be used to help excavate the ancient palace site of Gung Ye, the founder of the short-lived Later Koguryo Kingdom in the early 10th century, and build an eco park in the DMZ, forming part of a planned highway from

Vice Defense Minister Seo Ju-seok will visit the area to checked the road on Thursday, and a North Korean official is expected to visit on another day.

The two sides are to open a joint office for the excavation of the war dead near the MDL and launch a joint excavation team in April next year and will carry out the project until October.

The two Koreas agreed in September to notify each other in advance in case personnel or vehicles have to cross the MDL on the road.

Meanwhile, the North blew up 10 of its guard posts in the DMZ on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Defense Ministry, as part of an ongoing work to turn the DMZ from a symbol of division into a symbol of peace under an inter-Korean agreement.

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