South Korea will modify the boundaries of its civilian restricted zone along the border with North Korea in order to reduce its impact on residents, amid the evolving security situation in the region, the Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday.
This control line, which currently extends up to 10 kilometers south of the military demarcation line (MDL), imposes strict access restrictions on a vast border area. Any entry into this perimeter requires military authorization.
According to South Korean authorities, the new measure involves moving the boundary approximately 6 kilometers closer to the MDL (Metropolitan Development Line), thus reducing the area affected by these restrictions. The government justifies this decision by stating its desire to respond to long-standing demands from residents and to facilitate daily life in these rural areas.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back explained that this reform is made possible by improvements in the country's surveillance and defense capabilities. It also falls within a series of measures aimed at easing certain rules in border areas.
According to several media outlets, approximately 20,000 people live in the affected area, where agriculture and certain economic activities are permitted but subject to authorization. The government also plans to ease some restrictions, particularly on the use of agricultural drones, to support local communities.
This decision comes amid a tense diplomatic climate. The government of President Lee Jae-myung, in office since last year, has adopted several initiatives to try to ease tensions with Pyongyang, which nevertheless maintains a hostile stance towards Seoul.
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