But Kaesong holds significance that reaches back much further than recent inter-Korean projects there. It was the capital of the ancient Korean kingdom of Koryo for nearly 400 years until the late 14th century.

The Bakyon Waterfall has long been considered one of Korea's three spectacular waterfalls and traditionally was noted for luring young ladies to gather there and praise its beauty.

The 10-kilometer-long Daeheung fortress wall still stands around the waterfall. North Korea's national treasure, Kwanum Temple, stands in silent witness to 1,000 years of history including the wars and invasions it has withstood.

Sonjuk Bridge is one of the highlights of the tour in Kaesong, because it is where the famous Koryo Dynasty loyalist Jeong Mong-ju was assassinated right before the Chosun Dynasty replaced Koryo.

North Korea has recently threatened to cancel tourism if South Korean civic groups continue dropping propaganda leaflets on its territory. Nevertheless Kaesong is fully booked.

Some 300 South Korean visitors steadily march into the ancient capital every day to enjoy the beauty of autumn with its scarlet and golden leaves embroidering the skies.

Although opportunities to contact locals are limited, and the gap in lifestyles makes North and South Koreans shy away from each other, these factors have not stopped Kaesong from attracting South Koreans who truly wish it to become a stepping stone to unification.

Arirang News