In the midst of the Korean Peninsula, separating North and South Korea, lies the demilitarized zone (DMZ), a 160-mile stretch renowned as one of the world’s most heavily armed borders. Characterized by fences, landmines, and an eerie absence of human activity, the DMZ has unwittingly transformed into an unexpected haven for wildlife. This week, Google unveiled unprecedented street view images of the DMZ, shedding light on the rich flora and fauna thriving in this no man’s land.
The release of these images is part of a collaborative project involving several Korean institutions, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in 1953. Although hostilities ceased, a formal peace treaty was never signed, leaving the region technically still in a state of war.
Google’s street view function enables users to embark on a “virtual tour,” showcasing cultural relics and heritage sites near the DMZ, including war-torn buildings and defense bunkers. However, the most captivating aspect of the images lies in the more than 6,100 species that have flourished in the DMZ’s unique environment, encompassing reptiles, birds, and diverse plant life.
Remarkably, of Korea’s 267 endangered species, 38% have found refuge in the DMZ, forming a new ecosystem that developed over the 70 years with minimal human interference. Google acknowledges the unintentional role played by the DMZ, stating, “After the Korean War, the DMZ had minimal human interference for over 70 years, and the damaged nature recovered on its own, building up a new ecosystem not seen around the cities and becoming a sanctuary for wildlife.”
Among the DMZ’s inhabitants are endangered mountain goats scaling rocky peaks, musk deer with long fangs dwelling in old-growth forests, and otters gracefully navigating the river that meanders through the two Koreas. Golden eagles, listed as endangered, often spend winters in civilian border areas where residents generously feed the hungry hunters.
The images, captured by unmanned cameras installed by South Korea’s National Institute of Ecology, also reflect success stories in conservation. In 2019, these cameras documented a young Asiatic black bear for the first time in two decades, bringing joy to researchers concerned about the decline of this endangered species due to poaching and habitat destruction.
Seung-ho Lee, president of the DMZ Forum, a group advocating for the protection of the area’s ecological and cultural heritage, described the DMZ as an “accidental paradise” in 2019. He highlighted how the region had become an oasis for migratory birds due to deteriorating conditions on either side of the border, with logging, flooding, urban development, and pollution impacting habitats.
Google’s images not only showcase the diverse wildlife but also unveil pristine, biodiverse landscapes. Users can virtually explore the Yongneup high moor, featuring expansive grassy fields adorned with wetland plants, or the Hantan River Gorge, where turquoise waters snake through high granite walls.
Despite the ecological richness and calls from environmental organizations for the conservation of the DMZ, progress remains challenging, requiring cooperation from both Seoul and Pyongyang. While there have been efforts, such as the commitment in 2018 by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to transform the DMZ into a “peace zone,” geopolitical tensions in 2022 have complicated the process.
Despite the challenges, the DMZ stands as a testament to nature’s resilience, transforming a once heavily militarized zone into an accidental haven for biodiversity. As the world gains unprecedented access through Google’s street view, there is hope that the DMZ’s unique ecosystem will continue to inspire conservation efforts and foster international collaboration for the benefit of both nature and peace.