The government briefed on Wednesday the heads of local governments in charge of regions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the areas bordering North Korea to seek their cooperation for a plan to develop the regions.

Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Dal-gon said the government plans to capitalize on the superior environmental resources and the economic potential of the land near the DMZ to develop the region into a global symbol of effective ecosystem management and peace.

About 29 billion won will be spent to carry out eight projects, including the creation of bicycle paths in Hwacheon and two other regions in the border area. The bike roads will cover the area along the southern part of the inter-Korean border running from east to west. The government will also create an ecological peace park in the DMZ and develop environmentally friendly businesses in the area.

The ministry added that it would make the bike road appealing for cycling enthusiasts worldwide to increase international recognition of the DMZ as a symbol of peace.