With the end of the Second World War, the 38th Parallel was drawn on the ground and the war ended. But that was not the end of war, but simply a cease-fire. This 38th Parallel crosses through Inje. The 38th Parallel, which is the line that divides the two Koreas, contains the sorrows of the Korean people. It is peaceful today, but we should not become complacent with peace and never forget the sad history of division.

Immediately after being liberated from the Japanese Empire, the Korean Peninsula was divided by the USA and USSR at the 38th North Latitude until the military demarcation line was made following the Korean War. The 38th Parallel, which contains the sadness of division, passes through Inje, Yangyang and Pocheon. Each region has their own 38th Parallel Service Area, but let’s check out the one located in Inje. There is a monument recording information about the 38th Parallel and the mascot of Inje in front of the service area. Take a moment to remember the sad history of a divided country at the 38th Parallel Service Area.

During the Korean War in 1951, Second Lieutenant Livingston’s unit was ambushed by enemy troops at the Inje Battle and he decided to pull back his troops and cross the Inbukcheon (Riv.). Heavy rainfall suddenly poured down, flooding the river, resulting in the deaths of most of the soldiers in this unit including Second Lieutenant Livingston. Before his death, he left a will asking to build a bridge even if it had to come out of his own pocket, and it was said that his wife built this bridge according to his will.

The 38 Bridge that crosses Soyanggang (Riv.) is located on the national route to Inje. At the end of 38 Bridge, there is a park called 38 Park. 38 Park is a bridge that connects Gwandae-ri and Namjeon-ri of Nam-myeon, Inje-gun, and there are various monuments and sculptures that fill the 38 Park. There are footstep patterns for photospots to take the best pictures of the sculptures, so visitors should make sure to stand on top of the footsteps to take beautiful photos.

The DMZ Peace-Life Valley maintains the beauty of nature, while showing hope for the restoration of nature that cannot be done by people. This place was built in order to change the DMZ (demilitarized zone) into a place of peace and life, while properly preserving the ecosystem, history and culture. The DMZ Exhibit and eco peace education and experience facilities, as well as lodging facilities are located at the Peace-Life Valley so that visitors can properly understand and learn the meaning of the DMZ.