Border farmers demand complete abolition of civilian control line

Farmers in South Korea's border regions are calling for the complete dismantling of the Civilian Control Line (CCL), a buffer zone established for national security. The government's recent proposal to shift the line approximately 2 kilometers further north is seen as inadequate by the Border Area Farmers' Alliance, which held a press conference on Thursday in Paju.

"After enduring sacrifices for national security for 73 years, the government must respond with practical compensation," the alliance urged. The group, comprising eight organizations including the Incheon Eco-friendly Agriculture Association and farmer associations from Gimpo, Paju, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Cheorwon, and Yanggu, argues that the current CCL restricts their ability to farm and access their land.

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After enduring sacrifices for national security for 73 years, the government must respond with practical compensation.

"We have endured a reality where we cannot freely enter or cultivate our own land," said Wi Jae-ho, co-representative of the alliance. "The CCL has become an old shackle suppressing the survival and property rights of border farmers."

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We have endured a reality where we cannot freely enter or cultivate our own land. The CCL has become an old shackle suppressing the survival and property rights of border farmers.

Kim Yong-bin, chairman of the Gangwon Provincial Federation of the Korean Federation of Farmers and Fishermen, who farms rice within the CCL, echoed this sentiment. "The government announced it reduced the CCL from 8 km to 6 km, but this is meaningless to farmers," he stated. "The CCL is already within 6 km in reality. It must be completely removed to match the actual situation."

The Ministry of National Defense had announced in June plans to adjust the CCL, set at an average of 8 km south of the Military Demarcation Line, to about 6 km. This adjustment, along with relocating guard posts and reinforcing security facilities, was slated for phased implementation starting in 2027. However, a lack of clear communication regarding specific adjustment zones, criteria, and timelines has led to confusion among local units, municipalities, farmers, and residents.

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The government announced it reduced the CCL from 8 km to 6 km, but this is meaningless to farmers. The CCL is already within 6 km in reality. It must be completely removed to match the actual situation.