DMZ – SECURITY TOUR
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea was established in 1953 as part of the armistice agreement. It stretches approximately 250 kilometers in length and is about four kilometers wide. To this day, it formally marks the boundary between two political systems that remain, in legal terms, still at war. At the same time, the DMZ is a strictly controlled area, characterized by a strong military presence, extensive security infrastructure, and tightly regulated access.
Over several years, a series of photographs was created during various stays in Korea, in the context of organized DMZ tours. These visits revealed the extent to which the border area is now also shaped by tourist infrastructures. The DMZ is not only presented as a political and historical site, but also as a consumable experience: with predefined routes, viewing platforms, souvenirs, and standardized narratives. The tension between the actual geopolitical reality and its touristic staging produces a disquieting effect. A place that stands for division, military confrontation, and unresolved conflict is simultaneously transformed into a commodified form of experience.
