While the South and North Korean militaries warily eye each other across the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two countries, Seoul's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that farmers and residents will be allowed to access a bit more land near the heavily fortified border starting in 2027.
The ministry said it would shrink the Civilian Control Line (CCL), a military-controlled buffer zone south of the border, from 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to an average of 6 kilometers.
"The CCL was established to restrict civilian access and guarantee military operations, but there have been growing calls for a need to complement its actual control measures," South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said.
"We have come up with an adjustment plan for the CCL to adapt to future security environments amid shrinking military manpower, while ensuring operational conditions," Ahn added.South Korean farmers will be able to develop more privately held land near the border to the North Image: Kwak Kyung-keun/Matrix Images/picture alliance
Restrictions on life near the border
