South Korea is set to soon start comprehensive research on cultural assets and natural heritage sites within the Demilitarized Zone along the border with North Korea.
The project is part of the 2018 inter-Korean summit deal on the peaceful use of the DMZ and Seoul's plan to transform it into a global peace zone.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced Monday that the work will be carried out in collaboration with the Gyeonggi and Gangwon provincial governments and run for a year.
The panel will look for archaeological relics and flora and fauna at 40 sites and villages, including the Joint Security Area.
The first joint survey will be held from Tuesday to Friday at the village of Daeseong-dong, the only civilian habitation within the southern portion of the DMZ.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
