He could not come back in the end

In the early 17th century, when the Chinese Qing dynasty invaded Korea (Joseon Dynasty), a governor from the Pyongyang region fled with his beloved, a woman named "Aegi." She was a "gisaeng," a Korean courtesan of the Joseon era. Due to the feudal social system of the time, upper-class men had more freedom in their romantic affairs than modern Korean men.

Gisaengs, though of lower social status, were not merely prostitutes. Some were official artists and entertainers affiliated with government offices. As Aegi and the governor headed south to escape the war, they reached the current MDL (Military Demarcation Line). Unfortunately, the governor was captured by Qing forces. Legend has it that Aegi spent the rest of her life atop a hill, gazing northward, longing for her lost love.

On the map northwest of Seoul, you'll see a faint dotted line representing the MDL, which has separated North and South Korea since the Korean War. Just below this line is a 155-meter hill known as "Aegi's Peak," named after Aegi and believed to be her final resting place. This area was also a fierce battleground between South Korean marines and Chinese forces during the Korean War.

Until 2013, Aegi's Peak was famous for its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. North Korea repeatedly threatened to destroy the tree, claiming it was a threat to their regime, as the cross-shaped light could be seen far into North Korean territory. The ceremony was discontinued in 2014 due to these threats and safety concerns of the metal structure but resumed last year after a 10-year hiatus with new facilities.

The DMZ 3rd Tunnel Tour is one of the attractions for foreign visitors to Korea. Many local tour companies upload the same DMZ tour on OTA (Online Tour Agency) platforms like Viator or Tripadvisor under similar cookie-cutter names like "DMZ tour & Suspension Bridge").😅 However, less known to foreigners are the many observation points along the DMZ, like "Aegi's Peak".😥

At Aegi’s Peak, near a Korean Marine Corps base, you can view North Korean villages up close and feel the tension between North and South Korea. If long lines for cliche shuttle bus tickets to the DMZ tour inconvenience you, Aegi’s Peak is a highly recommended alternative.👍👍✔️