South Korea will move a key civilian control line closer to the military border with North Korea in a move aimed at easing long-standing restrictions on local residents, according to the country’s defence minister.
The Civilian Control Line, which currently sits up to 10 kilometres south of the Military Demarcation Line established after the 1950–53 Korean War, limits access to the area unless authorised by the military.
Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said the adjustment will reduce the restricted zone by an average of around six kilometres, reflecting what he described as improved security conditions and long-standing requests from communities living nearby.
He added that the decision is intended to balance national defence requirements with the daily needs of residents, many of whom live, farm, or work within the controlled zone under strict permission rules.
Authorities estimate that up to 20,000 people live within the restricted area, with others regularly entering for agricultural and work-related activities under military oversight.
The defence ministry also announced additional easing measures, including relaxed reporting rules for drone use in farming, as part of broader efforts to reduce administrative restrictions in border regions.
The changes come under President Lee Jae Myung’s administration, which has introduced a series of policies aimed at reducing tensions with North Korea, although Pyongyang continues to maintain a hostile stance towards Seoul.
