The Freedom Bridge

By the DMZ Tour Tickets Editorial Team · Published from Seoul, South Korea

Quick answerThe Freedom Bridge is a former railway crossing over the Imjin River at Imjingak, and one of the most emotional sights of a DMZ tour. After the 1953 armistice, thousands of returning prisoners of war crossed it back to freedom in the South, giving the bridge its name. Today one end is closed at a wooden wall covered in colorful ribbons, flags and handwritten messages of longing and hope from visitors and separated families.

The history of the crossing

The bridge takes its name from the prisoners of war who walked across it to freedom in the South after the armistice that paused the Korean War. It stands as a direct link to that moment of return and reunion.

The wall of ribbons

At the closed end, a wall is layered with thousands of ribbons, national flags and notes tied by visitors and by Koreans still hoping to reunite with family in the North. It is a moving, deeply personal memorial.

Visiting the bridge

The Freedom Bridge sits within Imjingak peace park, outside the military checkpoint, so it is easy to combine with the memorials and gondola. Most DMZ tours stop here at the start or end of the day. Take a quiet moment to read some of the messages on the ribbons, as many are written by families who were separated when the border closed and who never saw each other again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Freedom Bridge?

It is a former railway bridge over the Imjin River where prisoners of war returned to South Korea after the 1953 armistice. One end is now a wall of ribbons and messages.

Where is the Freedom Bridge?

It is located within Imjingak peace park, just outside the controlled zone, so it can be visited without passing the military checkpoint.

Can you cross the Freedom Bridge?

You can walk onto the bridge up to the wall of ribbons at the end, but it does not continue into the controlled zone, as one end is sealed.