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Odusan Observatory

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From ancient times, this area has always been known for its military stronghold and is also famous as the Castle of Gwani (the name for the monument of King Gwang Gaeto the Great). Both Goguryeo and Baekje waged a fierce battle. At present, Odusan Observatory is nestled on a high range of this northernmost tip of South Korea, 118 meters above the sea level, at a strategically important position in the nation's western frontline area.

From the Observatory, visitors can see the estuary at which the Han River in the South and the Imjin River from the North meet. North Korea's Panmun County and Gaeseong City can also be seen easily from here. With the aid of binoculars, many significant aspects of North Korea are visible, such as the Propaganda Villages, Kim Il-sung Historiacal Monument Hall, Primary School, People's Cultural Assembly Hall and the Anti-South Media Propaganda Base. Visitors can also see the rivers, mountains, daily activities of farmers, movements of transportation, and other aspects of North Korea.


Within the Observatory are the Unification Exhibition Hall and North Korea Display Hall displaying inter-Korean events and efforts for reunifying the peninsula. The halls contain various documents and computerized screens showing the stark reality of North Korea and its political and military systems along with many aspects of North Korea life. They also provide a scene of a classroom of the Primary School and the living rooms of ordinary people, providing a look into life in the North.
Cho Man-Sik (pen-name "Kodang") was born in Gangseo-gun, Pyeongnam Province on February 1, 1883. He spent his entire life for his country and people. His firm faith, noble character, solid will power, and ability to carry out his beliefs in reviving national independence as well as his efforts to conduct non-violent resistance activities against the Japanese colonialism is a living lesson for the Korena people. He contributed much to society, education, culture, and industry through his leadership in the Sanjeonghyeon Church in Pyeongyang, the Young Men's Christian Association, and in schools such as Osan, Sungin, and Sungsil, and through work at the Gwanseo Athletic Association and the Joseon Daily Newspaper.

After Liberation from the Japanese (1945), he dedicated himself to establishing a unified democratic nation when he was recruited to be the premier of North Korean Civil politics and head of the Joseon Democratic Party. He stood up to the strong-arm tactics of the Communist political forces and chose to make his own the lot of his countrymen of the North, thereby sacrificing himself and showing a martyr's love. He forms an everlasting symbol of Korea's spirit. In 1950, Cho Man-Sik was martyred by the Communists in Pyeongyang. He was awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, a Republic of Korea Medal, by the South Korea Government in 1970.

Hours: Summer - 09:00 ~ 18:30 / Winter - 09:00 ~ 17:30
Open throughout the year

Admission:
Adults: 2,000 won (Groups: 1,700 won)
Elementary/Junior, high school students: 1,300 won (Groups: 1,000 won)
* Group: 30 people or more

Directions: Olympic Expressway -> Gimpo Int'l Airport -> pass Haengju Daegyo (Bridge) -> enter Jayuro -> park at Paju City's public parking lot and take the shuttle bus to Observatory

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Transportation:
Bus: Geumchon Tanhyeon Terminal -> Unification Observatory Trains: Geumchon- Gyeongui Line

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