Demilitarised Zone in Korea Becomes Wildlife Haven

The demilitarised zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, established in 1953, has become an unintended sanctuary for endangered wildlife. Decades of restricted human access due to military constraints have helped preserve the area's natural environment, experts say.

The preservation of the Civilian Control Zone south of the DMZ over the past 70 years is the result of both legal environmental protection and the restriction of human access due to military constraints. For the past 30 years, Green Korea United has conducted extensive on-the-ground surveys across the Civilian Control Zone and border areas to monitor the habitats of endangered wildlife. These efforts highlight how the absence of human activity has allowed ecosystems to thrive in this heavily guarded region.