Camp Greaves

A person who visited the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea dozens of times would still take a deep breath when entering it. Perhaps this is to show awe and respect to a place that keeps the remnants of the tragic national division and to express somberness in meeting a secret space whose clock stopped 60 years ago. The nearest military facility that guards Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone is U.S. Camp Bonifas, which is 400 meters south of the zone. It was named after U.S. Army Captain Arthur Bonifas who died in an axe murder incident at Panmunjom in 1976. The par-3 golf course within the camp is surrounded with a minefield and is called the world`s most dangerous course.

The first U.S. troop that appears when a person crosses over the Imjin River and passes the western front civilian control line designated by military was Camp Greaves. Located 2 kilometers from the southern limit line, the camp was nicknamed "Stands Alone." Installed in July 1953 immediately after the Korean War, the camp stayed there until 2004 and served as a combat troop supporting Joint Security Area defense. Since one can`t carry heavy weapons besides pistols in the demilitarized zone, Camp Greaves had secured key military power.

U.S. troops were called "trip wires" since military intervention is automatically made when North Korea invades South Korea or opens fire. They are now gradually moving to south of Pyeongtaek. Camp Greaves was transferred to South Korea in 2007 and is changing into a new history theme park. Accounting for slightly more than half the land size out of a total 225,000 square meters, a security experience facility, and ecology arts and leisure facilities will be created there. The socket shelter, living hall and gym that U.S. military used at overseas military bases will be preserved.

When visiting the U.S. for summit talks with President Barack Obama last month, President Park Geun-hye announced plans to make the demilitarized zone into a world peace park at her speech in Congress. If this is realized, Camp Greaves will become a major peace park tourist spot where more than 10 million people will visit annually as it is linked with Panmunjom. I hope that the day will come soon when people can visit this place without sighing deeply.

Editorial writer Ha Tae-won (triplets@donga.com)