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2nd Infiltration Tunnel | Building of the North Korean Labor Party Hantan River | Jiktang Falls  
The points of interest in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the central frontline of Cheorwon, Gangwon Province,
include Woljeong-ri station, the final point of the southern part of the Gyeongwon railroad line; Iron Triangular
Observation Platform; Baengmagoji, where battle was intense; 2nd
Infiltration Tunnel; and the headquarters of the North Korean Labor Party. Many
tourists, both from Korean and from around the world, visit these places.Woljeong-ri Station 
This station, the northernmost station of the Gyeongwon line, is located on the way to Mt. Geumgang.
The Gyeongwon line was originally built by compulsory labor in Gangwon Province in August 1914. This
industrial railway stretched between Seoul and Wonsan and played an important role in transporting products
to the Cheorwon area. During the Korean War, North Korean soldiers took the front part of the train when
they retreated. Now, only the rear part of the rusty train remains.
The Iron Triangle Observation Platform 
The Iron Triangle Observation Platform in font of the truce line is a four-story building built on the other
side of Woljeong-ri station in 1988. This 300-person capacity building has 8 high power telescopes and gives
a view of the DMZ and parts of North Korea, including Pyeonggang plateau (a propaganda village), Kim Il-sung
Hill, and Blood Ridge. The building also offers a miniature display that allows visitors to experience the
partition of the Korean peninsula on a different level.Monument to the Baengma Hill Battles 
Baengma Hill was the bloodiest area of the Korean War. During one 10-day offensive, ownership of the hill
switched 24 times and the Chinese Army expended more than 300,000 cannon balls. The hill became known as
Baengma (white horse) since it lost its original shape due to artillery fire, now looking like a lying down
horse.
To honor the soldiers of the 9th division of ROK Army who lost their lives in the battle to defend the hill,
this monument was erected in Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun. The Baengma Museum collection includes bazooka guns,
ammunition, and other items used at the time.2nd Infiltration Tunnel 
Twice as wide as the first tunnel, the second tunnel was discovered in March 1975 in the Central Sector of
the DMZ, about 13 kilometers north of Cheorwon. Measuring two meters high and 2.1-2.2 meters wide, the
arch-shaped tunnel is large enough to move heavy weapons as tanks, field artillery, and armored personnel
carriers. More than 30,000 troops could move, three to four abreast (a division in strength), per hour.
Bored through 3.5 kilometers of bedrock at a depth of 50-160 meters below ground, the 2nd tunnel extends
1.1 kilometers south of the Military Demarcation Line to a point 101 kilometers from Seoul. A spacious
troop assembly area was carved out inside the tunnel, which has three exits.Building of the North Korean Labor Party 
This building had been used as the Cheorwon-gun office of the Labor Party by North Korea from Liberation Day
(August 15, 1945) until the outbreak of the Korean War. The building was notorious for frequent torture
and execution of many political convicts and suspects at the time. Remnants of that period include bullets,
sickles, wires, and human bones.Hantan River The Hantan River, formerly called Jecheon or Ryangcheon, originates from Mt. Hwangsun of the Taebaek mountain range and Cheollyeong of Hoeyang and flows into the Imjin River. It stretches 110 km and has an average width of 60 meters. The river valley is a basalt area and was called 'Jecheon' because the eroded area made the cliffs look like stone steps. It runs into the middle of a field making a 20-30 meter deep ravine, similar in style to the Grand Canyon in the U.S. Near the river are many places of scenic beauty including Jiktang Falls, Goseokjeong, Sundam, and Chilmanam. The river is home to various fishes and the source of water for the Cheorwon plain, because it has clean water throughout the year and has never over flown, even after torrential downpours. Jiktang Falls Jiktang falls, located at Jangheung 3-ri, Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun, is one of the 8 scenic wonders of the Cheorwon area. The 3-meter high and 80-meter wide waterfalls are called the Niagara Falls of Korea. Nearby are a beautiful cliff, fantastic rocks, and stones standing vertically. Goseokjeong is located 2 km up the river from the beautiful falls, filled with an abundant level of fresh, clean water. |
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Register for a tour to Panmunjeom. Visit the historic spot on the DMZ where the Armistice talks were held and where ongoing negotiations take place between the North and South. |
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View pictures of the Korean War
(People). See historic pictures of the Korean War donated by Life in Korea readers. |
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