Hwacheon DMZ Rally to Be Held on the 17th... Over 3,000 Cyclists to Race Through Pristine Scenery

Starting at Hwacheon Sports Park on May 17... Covering a 71 km Course
All Participants to Receive Local Gift Certificates, Boosting the Regional Economy

The 2026 Hwacheon DMZ Rally will be held in Hwacheon on May 17.

2025 Hwacheon DMZ Rally held last year. Provided by Hwacheon County

Approximately 3,000 cycling enthusiasts from across the country who registered for the event will participate, racing through pristine natural courses.

Hosted by Hwacheon County and supported by the Ministry of National Defense, Hwacheon Police Station, and Hwacheon Volunteer Center, the event will begin with an opening ceremony at Hwacheon Sports Park, followed by the official start at exactly 9:00 a.m. Participants are required to assemble at the venue by 8:00 a.m.

The total length of the course is about 71.35 km. The section from the main stadium at Hwacheon Sports Park, the starting point, to the Hwacheon Youth Training Center is a non-timed parade segment.

Certain sections, including steep descents, will also not be timed for safety reasons.

Hwacheon County is prioritizing safety in its preparations by arranging insurance coverage, repairing the course, and operating group bike patrols.

This year, the rally will be held without separate checkpoints, as the Ministry of National Defense has moved the civilian control line further north around the Peace Dam area.

Safety personnel, including county officials and event staff, will be stationed at the venue and along each section of the course.

Hwacheon County expects a significant boost to the local economy, given the large number of participants attending the event.

All participants who pay the entry fee will receive a Hwacheon Love Gift Certificate worth 10,000 won, which can only be used in Hwacheon, and all items required for the event will be purchased locally.

Prizes for winners in both the cycling and MTB categories will be rice produced in Hwacheon.

Choi Moonsun, Mayor of Hwacheon County, stated, "We will ensure the safest and most enjoyable event for cyclists visiting Hwacheon from all over the country."

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