Terrain is on of the most important factors in the selection of defense areas. The objective of the study is selection optimum defense area between Seoul and Dongducheon using GIS technique. The contents of the study are: (1) to select the defense area by pure terrain factors, (2) to select the defense area with focusing on the avenues of approach, and (3) to compare the above two kinds of area. The study area is located in the northeastern part of Seoul metropolitan area. It is part of Choogaryung Rift Valley which is running from Seoul to Wonsan. Six factors are considered for the selection: tactical distance, direction, elevation, slope, aspect and the distance from main roads. The defense score of each area is calculated by the multiplication of scores of each factors. The optimum defense area I consists of high-mountain areas such as Mt. Dobong, Mt. Wan-gbang, etc. The optimum defense area II consists of high-mountain areas along the three main roads selected. An east-west line of optimum defense area from Kuksabong in the east to Mt. Bulkuk in the west through Chookseok pass is identified from the spatial pattern of the area II. The line is also a dividing line between the northern and the southern watersheds.