Tensions have eased slightly on the Korean Peninsula despite a recent missile test by Pyongyang and just weeks after fears of an impending war. As South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-in seeks talks with Pyongyang, CGTN’s Jack Barton went to the place the talk will potentially be held — the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that divides the peninsula.

The demilitarized zone, where South Korean and the DPRK soldiers come face to face, is almost 250 kilometers long and about four kilometers wide. And despite its name, it is one of the most militarized borders in the world, and would be the flashpoint for any potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

The DMZ is also the place where past talks have been held, as well as the place where future negotiations would be carried out, if South Korea’s new president can convince Pyongyang to halt its nuclear missile program. 

According to the soldiers here, tensions have eased since a fortnight ago, when there was even talk of war. This area has been off limits to regular visitors for the past two years since the DPRK troops secretly laid land mines, resulting in serious injuries to two South Korean soldiers. 

This is normal on such a peninsula where an end to the war has never been formally announced, and sporadic conflict here has claimed hundreds of lives on both sides over the years. 

Most Koreans hope this zone will one day disappear, but through talks, not another war.