DMZFOREST at a Glance
DMZFOREST is an innovative forest-based eco‑wellness destination located inside Paju’s Civilian Control Zone (CCZ)—a place long considered “restricted land” due to division and military tension.
Launched in 2017 by founder Miryeo Lim, DMZFOREST began by restoring and caring for a once‑unvisited hillside forest within the CCZ. Today, it has grown into a unique forest‑culture complex featuring ecological gardens, glass greenhouses, and curated nature-based experiences—connecting forestry & farming, education, and wellness.
How It Started
DMZFOREST was created to explore new possibilities for peace and coexistence in a place once defined only by restriction.
The project spans approximately 9 hectares of forest and farmland in Gunnae‑myeon, Paju (Gyeonggi‑do). Starting from privately acquired land, the team worked through extensive administrative procedures and necessary approvals to establish a sustainable, place-based model—an uncommon approach in the CCZ.
What DMZFOREST Is Today
DMZFOREST is now a multi‑layered forest destination with ecological assets and visitor infrastructure, including:
1) Moss & Wildflower Gardens
A dreamlike garden landscape created with native moss beneath oak trees, inspired by the local ecology of the DMZ area. The scenery stays richly green across seasons, offering a quiet place for slow walking and reflection.
2) Two Glass Greenhouses (approx. 400㎡ total)
Among the first glass greenhouse facilities established in the DMZ area, these spaces host hands‑on ecological programs—such as forest craft workshops and local forest‑product experiences. In November 2023, a completion event marked a new stage of growth for DMZFOREST.
3) Experience-Based Programs (Wellness & Ecology)
Visitors can enjoy guided or semi-guided programs designed to help you slow down and connect with the environment—such as gentle forest movement, mindful practices, and creative workshops inspired by the forest.
4) How Visits Are Operated
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Reservations are required (CCZ access and on-site operations).
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Many experiences are designed as shared programs (you may share time/space with other visitors).
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If you want a fully private experience, Exclusive Buyout programs (half‑day/full‑day) are available by inquiry.
Language Support (Important)
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Programs are conducted primarily in Korean.
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Foreign-language brochures/handouts are available on-site.
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If you need on-site guidance in another language, we can connect you with an interpreter/guide in your requested language (additional fee applies).Please contact: lim@dmzspace.com
In November 2023, CEO Miryeo Lim joined invited guests at the completion ceremony for the DMZFOREST glass greenhouse. Marking the completion of the first glass greenhouse facility within the DMZ Civilian Control Zone (CCZ), the event brought together around 70 attendees, including officials from the Korea Forest Service and Paju City, to share DMZFOREST’s vision.
Recognition & Public Acknowledgement
DMZFOREST has been recognized by public and industry organizations for its unique approach to DMZ tourism and wellness, including selections and awards across forestry, wellness, and tourism venture programs. It has also been featured by major media outlets as a forest of hope and restoration near the DMZ.
Why It Matters
DMZFOREST demonstrates a practical model for:
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Sustainable use of restricted borderland areas through cooperation and responsible operations
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Eco‑tourism that expands beyond security-focused DMZ visits, helping visitors reframe the DMZ as a place of peace and restoration
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A sixth‑industry model connecting production → processing → experiences
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A potential unique MICE venue (meetings, incentives, conferences, events) in an extraordinary setting
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A platform for community collaboration and peace/ecology education
What’s Next
DMZFOREST is growing toward becoming a leading “unique forest venue” and a hub for peace‑themed borderland tourism through:
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expanding MICE and special events using its outdoor and greenhouse spaces
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launching deeper “insight tour” formats that encourage understanding and discussion (not just sightseeing)
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building a consistent “CCZ peace brand” through partnerships and regional connections
Media & Videos
Window to Inter-Korean Relations” (Nam-buk-ui Chang) — A Forest of Hope: DMZ Forest Rises Beyond the Wounds of Division
Segye Ilbo — “Everyone Tried to Stop Me from Buying a CCZ Mountain… I’m Dreaming of a Space for Coexistence”
Nongmin Newspaper — “The Inconvenience of Entering the DMZ Becomes a Special Kind of Fun”
BeLocal — Taking the First Step onto a Forbidden Land Closed for 70 Years: DMZ Forest CEO Miryeo Lim
Yokoku Research Institute (KOKUYO) / Loftwork (Japan) — YOKOKU Field Notes #02 Korea: “Between Winning and Losing” — Published (DMZ Forest case featured)
DMZFOREST STORY
About the Founder (Miryeo Lim)
Miryeo Lim, founder of DMZFOREST, began restoring an untouched hillside forest inside the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ) in 2017 after relocating to the Paju border area. She has been transforming a once-restricted landscape into a living platform where ecology, local production, and wellness experiences meet—turning “the border” into a place where imagination and reality connect.
Education & Early Career
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B.A., Journalism & Mass Communication, Ewha Womans University
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Former Head Researcher / Lab Director, Baekdudaegan Forest Research Institute (NGO)
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Producer/Director, EBS “One Earth” special program: 2008 Wildfire Report
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Produced Korea Forest Service educational PR film: Plastic Log-Carrying Slide (2010)
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Participated in Ministry of Environment research: Management Plan for the Baekdudaegan Trail (2011)
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Participated in research: Master Plan for the DMZ Ecological Peace Park Project (DMZ region)
Major Recognitions & Awards
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2017 — Selected as Paju’s first female forestry successor (official designation)
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2022 — Received a Commendation from the Commissioner of the Korea Forest Service (meritorious service)
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2022 — Selected for the Korea Forest Service competitive project: first case in the DMZ northern border region (forest crop production complex program)
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2023 — Selected as a Preliminary Tourism Venture by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)
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2023 — Won the Top Excellence Award (Governor of Gyeonggi-do) at the DMZ Open Festival Hackathon (Professional Division)
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2024 — Won the Grand Prize (Forestry Category) at the Korea Healing Industry Awards
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2025 — Selected as an Early-stage Tourism Venture by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)
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2025 — Certified as a Gyeonggi-do Wellness Tourism Destination (first in Paju)
Current Positions
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Advisor, Youth Policy Advisory Committee, Special Committee of the Korea Forest Service
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Secretary-General, Paju Forestry Successors Association
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Successor Agricultural Manager, Paju
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Member, Paju Agricultural Policy Deliberation Committee
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Member, Paju Peace City Development Committee
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Member, Future Committee under the Governor of Gyeonggi-do
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Executive Director, Korea Inter-Korean Forest Cooperation Forum (NGO)
CONTACT
TEL : 82) 507-1472-0597 / 82)10-2006-0214
E-MAIL : lim@dmzspace.com
www.dmzforest.com
SNS
www.instagram.com/dmzforest
www.facebook.com/limmiryeo
www.youtube.com/@dmzforest













