JSA Tour Resumes After 4 Months

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Tours of the Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA) will resume after about four months. The United Nations Command (UNC) had prohibited non-operational access to the JSA since December 18 of last year to protect personnel amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

The UNC, which oversees the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), announced on the 15th that it will resume tours of the Panmunjom JSA after four months.

The UNC stated, "In line with the South Korean government's extension of social distancing Level 2 announced on April 11, and the adjustment of the U.S. Forces Korea's health protection condition in the Seoul metropolitan area from Charlie to Bravo, the UNC will resume Panmunjom JSA tours starting April 20."

On the 11th, U.S. Forces Korea eased COVID-19 related health measures across the metropolitan area from Charlie to Bravo. The global U.S. military bases' public health protection conditions consist of Alpha (A), Bravo (B), Charlie (C), and Delta (D). Charlie is the second-highest level. At Bravo level, activities such as dining out, shopping, and outdoor activities are allowed while wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, but at Charlie level, gatherings and movement are strictly controlled.

However, although tours will resume, the number of participants per tour will be reduced from 40 to 20.

The UNC said, "In the past, general tours operated with up to 40 people per session, but to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the number will be limited to 20 per session until the situation improves." The UNC also stated, "We will continue to closely monitor the domestic COVID-19 situation and take all necessary preventive measures to maintain the health and safety of all visitors coming to Panmunjom for UNC JSA tours."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.