korea dmz tour from seoul

The 5 Best DMZ Tours From Seoul [2024 Reviews]

It’s no secret that Seoul has become one of the hottest travel destinations in recent years, from the explosion of K-POP to the centuries-old temples and rich history. Of course, just like everywhere else in the world, South Korea also has its fair share of tourist traps.

One thing’s for sure, though, you won’t regret taking a DMZ tour! This journey into the heart of Asian history takes you to the edge of two very different worlds, with palpable tension and stories forever etched into the landscape.

Whether you’re a history buff or would simply like to explore the “path less traveled”, you’re going to be fascinated by these top tours of the DMZ from Seoul! Let’s jump right in!

Best DMZ Tours From Seoul

Quick answer: the 5 best rated dmz tours from seoul for 2024.

• Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Forced Shopping)
• DMZ Full day with Suspension Bridge Tour
• From Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour
• Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)
• Free Style Private Tour(Seoul/DMZ)

DMZ Tour Reviews

1. private dmz the 3rd tunnel tour from seoul (no forced shopping).

• Duration: 8 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 AM
• Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, transportation, all taxes & fees

Let’s start things off on the right foot with one of the most unique tours one can take in South Korea!

The Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul  will lead you through this incredibly important historical site with an expert guide who will provide you with cultural context throughout your time with them.

If you have a full day available and would like to see the country in a different perspective, look no further than this excursion. The Korean Demilitarized Zone, more commonly-known as “the DMZ”, is the most heavily-fortified border on the planet.

It’s definitely not all fun and games, but this “real deal” experience will get you as close as possible to experiencing the tension, mysteries, and stories that have unfolded between these two divided nations.

Around 4km wide, this modern-day “No Man’s Land” doesn’t allow any  military personnel, activities, and much less, civilians. The only exception to this rule is a place called the “Joint Security Area”, which is a neutral ground where soldiers from both sides come together for talks and negotiation.

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One of the highlights of the tour was climbing the heights of the Dora Observatory, complete with high-powered binoculars for you to see the North’s propaganda village.

When the weather is clear, you may even be able to see the bronze statue of Kim Il-sung, casting a watchful eye over the divide.

Then, you’ll get to see the Third Tunnel subterranean passage discovered in the 1970s and stretching nearly 2,000 meters long. This secret conduit screams espionage and conspiracy, with North Korea having built it then denying it.

Oh boy, there are a ton of interesting stories surrounding it and your guide will fill you in on some of the most captivating.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. dmz full day with suspension bridge tour.

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes: Full-day tour of the DMZ and suspension bridge, professional guide, all fees and taxes

Next up, we have a full-day tour that will take you for an immersive experience through some of the most iconic locations around South Korea.

The DMZ Full Day with Suspension Bridge Tour is full of thrills, intrigue, and incredible views to the unknown. With a guide to share historical accounts and plenty of personal stories with each location visit, you’re sure to view the country from a different viewpoint!

Starting off at 7:00 am, you’ll be picked up right from your hotel by your professional guide in a climate-controlled coach with plenty of legroom and big windows.

Upon arrival to Imjingak Park, you’ll get to see the Freedom Bridge and old steam trains, which was pretty cool by itself. The guide was there to teach us about the Korean War and the sacrifices that needed to be made, which only enriched the experience.

While I enjoyed the entire tour, the most memorable part for me was seeing the Gloucestershire Regiment “Gloster Hill”, which commemorates the actions of the regiment and C Troop, 17th Mortar Battery, Royal Artillery of the British Army during the Battle of the Imjin River.

Nearby is the incredible rope bridge known as the “Gloucester Heroes Bridge” which was a bloody battle field during the Korean War. Today, it stands as the longest suspension bridge in the country, sitting over 700 meters above sea level!

Finally, you’ll get to see the DMZ exhibition hall and learn about the old weapons, which was pretty cool! Next, make the walk over to the Third Tunnel which was made by North Korea, who actually claimed the South had constructed it with the intention of a guerilla attack!

The Dora Observatory was crazy to see, showing you a peek into North Korea’s propaganda village with the high-powered telescopes.

3. From Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour

• Departure:  65-6 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Departure Time:  7:00 AM
• Includes: Licensed professional guide, roundtrip transfer from Seoul, admission fees to DMZ, monotrail tour in 3rd tunnel or walking tour for shared tour option

This next tour is one of my favorites, seamlessly combining incredible nature views with the rich and varied history of South Korea. If you consider yourself an adventurous person who enjoys those “more unique” tourist sites, this one’s for you!

The DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour  is one of the only ways you can actually see a glimpse of North Korea in person, offering a deep dive into the history of the area.

First things first, though: you’ll have to pick either the private or the shared tour option. For the private tour, you’ll travel with only your party and go on a monorail tour in the Third Tunnel.

For the shared tour option, you’ll obviously be traveling with strangers and will instead go on a walking tour in the Third Tunnel – either way, they’re great options!

After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll arrive and get to see the Freedom Bridge, Mangbaedan Altar, as well as an old steam locomotive that was destroyed during the Korean War.

Your guide will be there to tell you all about how the Korean War affected the country and landscape – particularly on the border. You’ll then visit 4 different locations at the DMZ, starting with the Third Infiltration Tunnel.

Whether you’re walking or monorailing in, you’re sure to get a bit of a creepy vibe as you enter this “lair”. After, check out the Dorasan Observatory, which allows you to see into North Korea from their superpowered binoculars!

You can also choose to explore some Unification Villages located in a buffer zone and is civilian controlled by the government. Then take a hike around 15 to 20 minutes and appreciate the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, which has quite the intense history of its own.

If time allows, you’ll even get to see the Majang Suspension Bridge located right at a glass-like lake perfect for taking some photos.

4. Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Departure Time: Varies
• Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, all taxes and fees

You know what’s really annoying when you’re on a trip and trying to maximize your time by seeing as many interesting things as possible?

When your tour guide “forces” you and your group to go shopping at specific stores and markets. There’s none of that nonsense with this next tour – the Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul is all about learning in a fun and interesting way!

This is another one of my top recommendations if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul. You’ll get picked up in the morning by your guide and make the trip on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with plenty of unobstructed views along the way.

Right from the get-go, I did notice that our guide did a fantastic job at providing detail and easy-to-digest historical accounts and personal anecdotes which made it that much more fascinating.

Upon arrival, you’ll get to see the Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri park and learn about how it was constructed to house the refugees who left North Korea during the Korean War.

After that, check out the Bridge of Freedom which was also made to free almost 13,000 prisoners during the war. It’s not only incredibly moving to learn about, it’s set in one of the most beautiful natural settings ideal for photo ops!

After that, it’s time to head to the DMZ Theater where you’ll watch a short film about the war, and the South Korean perspective on it. You’ll learn how the DMZ came to be what it is today, as well as get time to walk through the creepy Third Infiltration Tunnel.

It definitely gives you a deeper understanding of just how serious this situation is, and the photos and artifacts only help.

5. Free Style Private Tour(Seoul/DMZ)

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, English-speaking guide

One thing that many people may be turned off about tours, is that you’re obligated to go on one set schedule. The great thing, is that many tours offer the option of creating a custom itinerary designed around your specific interests!

The Free Style Private Tour (Seoul/DMZ) is one of my favorites, catering to your tastes to ensure you’ll see the things you’re most captivated by!

If you’re a history buff, or really into Korean culture or food, you can tell your guide and they’ll create a personalized agenda just for that. While the tours will never be exactly the same, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Start off with your guide picking you right up from your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle made to transport only you and the rest of your party.

As you do get to choose, it’s quite possibly the best way to maximize your time in Korea – especially if it’s your first time there and/or you are there for only a couple of days.

While it’s not necessary, I definitely recommend going to the Gyungbokgung Palace, which is the most popular of the 5 in total in the city. You can then head up by car to the top of the mountain peak, whick offers some of the most breathtaking views of Seoul possible.

After that, head to a local eatery for a delicious, traditionally Korean lunch which has been reviewed by some of the top publications in the world. Follow it up with a trip up to the N-Seoul Tower by cable car, or head over to the DMZ, of course!

The DMZ, as you already know by now, is a must-see and is the one way to really gain insight into the tension between these two neighboring nations.

FAQs About the Korean DMZ

Q: what is the dmz in korea.

A: The DMZ or Demilitarized Zone, is a strip of land the is about 2.5 miles wide the runs across the Korean Peninsula near the 38th parallel north. It’s a buffer between North and South Korea, that are still technically at war because the war ended with an armistice and not a peace agreement.

Q: Do I have to take a tour to visit the DMZ?

A: Yes, you can only go to the DMZ on a guided tour. You can book them online or through travel agencies. You can take a half-day, full-day, or private tours, that show you different sites and activities in the DMZ. The most popular attraction is the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is where negotiations took place. The Third Tunnel of Aggression, was dug by North Korea to infiltrate South Korea and the Dora Observatory where you can see North Korea with a telescope.

Q: Is it safe to visit the DMZ?

A: You may be wondering if it’s safe to visit the DMZ. While the Korean DMZ is considered “the world’s most dangerous border”, there is no danger to visitors. Just make sure you follow the rules and instructions of the tour guides.

Tour Guides

The Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul is our Editors Choice for the best DMZ tour from Seoul.

Richard Remick

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews].

A DMZ tour from Seoul

Visiting the border with North Korea is a fascinating experience, so here’s what you need to know about the demilitarised zone.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: July 11, 2024

How to do a DMZ tour from Seoul

One of the most fortified places on the planet, the Korean Demilitarised Zone is not just fascinating to see, it represents so many awful stories about what's happened to the two countries.

The easiest way to visit the DMZ is to take a tour from Seoul, so here's everything you need to know (plus some alternatives).

• A brief history of the DMZ
• The best things to see at the DMZ
• My tips for the best DMZ tours from Seoul
• How to visit the DMZ independently

These days, it seems so ludicrous that you would just split a country apart – especially along a fairly arbitrary line like the 38th parallel… but that’s exactly what they did to Korea at the end of the Second World War.

To try to deal with the remaining tensions between the major powers at the end of the war, the US and the Soviet Union agreed to temporarily divide the Korean Peninsula in a straight east-west line while they worked out what to do.

As we now know, though, they couldn’t work out what to do. This irrational hard border led to the Korean War. It led to the creation of two new countries – South Korea and North Korea. And led to the DMZ, or Korean Demilitarised Zone.

As an introductory video proclaims on my tour to the demilitarised zone, “the DMZ has remained a scar of the war”.

In the immediate aftermath of this division, many families were separated, jobs were lost, lives were upended.

Just think about what would change for you if suddenly you weren’t allowed into the other half of your country, your state, or your city.

Nowadays, we think of North Korea and South Korea as separate countries, with completely different cultures (and, of course, political systems). But one of the things that visiting the DMZ does is remind you that they were unified for centuries until this artificial border was drawn across the country.

To see the DMZ, I recommend this guided tour from Seoul , which includes all the main sights.

Visiting the DMZ is one of the most popular things to do in Seoul, and I think it’s worth the day trip. What you’ll see on a DMZ tour is unique and, of course, you’ll even be able to peer over all the fortifications into North Korea.

Perhaps it’s just a bit of fun for some people – and certainly the small theme park here on the southern side suggests that even some locals see it that way.

Or perhaps, for many foreigners, there’s something adventurous about going to the front lines of a war that has not technically ended.

But the issues are really complicated around the Korean War, the separation of the peninsula, and any potential resolution. You won’t solve them yourself on a day trip to the DMZ from Seoul… but it does offer a good chance to give them some consideration.

As our guide Jenny ruminates towards the end of the DMZ tour when asked about whether there will be a reunification of the Koreas: “Honestly I don’t know, it will be very difficult. But what I do know – we need peace”.

If you take a guided tour , you’ll learn a lot about the history of the DMZ and gain an insight into what South Koreans think about it. (Hint: there’s not a unified opinion on reunification).

But I also think it’s worth doing a bit of research beforehand, because the experience is not always what people expect.

For instance, here are a few key things to know about a DMZ tour from Seoul:

• A DMZ tour won’t actually take you into the official DMZ. The actual Korean Demilitarised Zone is about four kilometres wide and is largely empty (and guarded). What you’ll go to is the Civilian Control Zone, which is a secure buffer area to the south.
• Regardless of which tour you take or if you arrive independently, you’ll have to transfer to one of the official tour buses that have a few set stops.
• Yes, you will be able to see North Korea – but from a distance. It may be the closest you’ll ever come to the isolationist country, but you’ll still be getting most details through binoculars.
• Also, one of the famous images you may have of the buildings that literally straddle the border – well, that’s not on most DMZ tours. It’s called the Joint Security Area (JSA) and it’s in a different part of the border to the main tours.

This photo of mine of the Joint Security Area (JSA) is actually from when I visited it from the North Korean side years ago.

There are some tours that visit the JSA, but they are not always available. I’ll talk about more about the logistics of that soon.

What is the DMZ?

The Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is the area around the border between North Korea and South Korea. It stretches out for about two kilometres in each direction from the border, which is known as the Military Demarcation Line. It is one of the most heavily guarded places on the planet but is mostly empty, with very little development inside.

Can tourists go to the DMZ?

Tours to the DMZ from Seoul are very popular and are easy to join – but most people won’t actually go to the DMZ, which is generally off-limits. Instead, the tours go to an area called the Civilian Control Zone, from where you can look into the DMZ (and into North Korea). There are sometimes tours to a different part of the border called the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is within the DMZ. So, if a tour there is running (they often stop for indefinite periods for security reasons) then tourists can visit the DMZ.

Is it worth visiting the DMZ?

Visiting the DMZ from Seoul is a really interesting day trip and a good way to learn about some of the history of the Korean War and the division of the Korean Peninsula. There are quite a few things to see around the DMZ that make the visit worthwhile. But keep in mind that most tours don’t physically go into the DMZ, just the zone bordering it, so make sure you have realistic expectations.

There are quite a few ways you can get there, and I’ll run through some of the best DMZ tours later in this article.

HOT TIP: You’ll almost certainly save money if you use the GoCity Seoul Pass to take a DMZ tour from Seoul!

First, though, I wanted to have a look at what it actually is and what you’ll discover when you visit the DMZ during your trip to South Korea.

History of the DMZ

The DMZ (officially called the Korean Demilitarised Zone) has been there for the entirety of many of our lifetimes – but in the broader history of Korea, it is very new.

The story of the DMZ starts at the end of World War II when the defeated Japanese left the Korean Peninsula they’d be controlling, and a decision had to be made about what to do with it.

The ‘solution’ at the time (in 1945) was a compromise between the US and the Soviet Union to temporarily split it in two along a straight line tracing the 38th parallel.

The problem was they couldn’t agree what to do next, and in 1948 the two new countries of South Korea and North Korea were established and both claimed they should have the whole peninsula.

This led to the North invading in 1950 and the start of the Korean War, which raged until 1953 when there was an armistice agreement (although, technically, no official end to the war).

As part of the Korean Armistice Agreement, a new border between the two countries was determined, 248 kilometres long, following geographical contours (so not a straight line), and intersecting the 38th parallel in a southwest-northeast direction.

This border is called the Military Demarcation Line.

On either side of this line a buffer area was declared, about two kilometres in each direction. And it’s this four-kilometre-wide stretch of land the entire way along the border that is the DMZ.

There’s something ironic about the name – the Korean Demilitarised Zone is actually one of the most militarised places on earth. It’s just that these fortifications are on the edge of the zone, not in it.

The DMZ is actually relatively empty, other than a few small settlements and official buildings. It’s so undeveloped that is actually has a reputation for becoming a bit of a nature reserve, particularly for deer, bears, and birds

Things to see at the DMZ

Whether you visit the DMZ independently or come on a DMZ tour from Seoul, you’ll be able to see the same things – because ultimately everybody ends up on one of the same official buses to head into the controlled area.

There’s actually a fairly limited range of things that you’ll be able to see, but they each show a different side to the history and current situation along the border.

Your visit will almost certainly begin at Imjingak, which is on the edge of the Civilian Control Line.

Everything you pass through to get here is just normal South Korea. Everything beyond is in the heavily guarded Civilian Control Zone, which is the buffer area before the actual edge of the DMZ.

Imjingak is a funny place because it’s been developed as a bit of a tourist resort, and there’s the odd sight of a small theme park called Pyeonghwa Land right next to the sombre National Memorial Hall of the Korean War Abductees.

Regardless of how you arrive, you’ll probably have to spend some time in Imjingak while you wait for the official tour bus to take you further. Which is fine, because there are quite a few things to see at Imjingak (if you do jump on a bus quickly, come back and have a look around).

The most interesting area is around the Freedom Bridge, which was built in 1953 as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement and used to exchange prisoners at the end of the Korean War.

This is where you’ll also see the Peace Train, which is the locomotive from the last train to cross the border before the war, in 1950.

There are also quite a few memorials here, dedicated to different groups who fought in the Korean War, as well as the Peace Bell, which is rung at midday each day to pray for peace.

Imjingak is also where you can catch the Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola (more commonly known as the DMZ Gondola). It’s not really worth it if you’re doing a proper tour, but it’s an easy way to go into the Civilian Control Zone to visit the former American installation of Camp Greaves (plus get a view across the area).

Camp Greaves

I just want to make a quick mention here of Camp Greaves, because it’s not actually somewhere that most people will visit as it’s not considered important enough for the majority of tours.

As I just said, it’s reached via the DMZ Gondola from Imjingak and usually doesn’t have the same queue as the main tours (plus it can be done in less time). So it’s an option for people who don’t have time for a proper visit.

Camp Greaves was a US military facility for about 50 years after the end of the Korean War, with the land only given back to the South Korean government in 2007.

Now, the various buildings (including ammunition bunkers) have been turned into a gallery/museum with art exhibitions and displays related to the war – including photos and memorabilia from the facility itself.

It’s actually quite interesting and may be worth adding to your day if you’re visiting the DMZ independently.

Dora Observatory

Beyond Imjingak, past the border check at the Civilian Control Line (which happens on the northern side of the Unification Bridge), you’ll be in the Civilian Control Zone, the area that borders the actual DMZ.

One of the main attractions is the Dora Observatory, a viewing complex at the top of Mount Dora.

The modern building has a couple of lower levels with a basic information display and a theatrette. But the main attraction is the rooftop, where the observatory platform is.

From here, you can look right across the empty demilitarised zone and into North Korea.

Some of the things you’ll be able to spot nearby are the town of Kijong-dong, known as the ‘Propaganda Village’; the large city of Kaesong, which has a population of about 200,000 people; and enormous flagpoles on either side of the border that kept being built higher to try to show superiority.

The viewing platform area is equipped with a long line of binoculars that are free to use. This lets you get a better view of some of the buildings and settlements on the North Korean side.

Third Infiltration Tunnel

As I start to head down the path to the Third Infiltration Tunnel, our guide calls after me, “Please come back to South Korea!”.

She’s joking, but it’s a fun reminder of what I’m about to see.

This is one of the tunnels that the North Koreans supposedly dug under the DMZ to try to reach South Korea (I say ‘supposedly’ because the North has denied that it is theirs… and our guide suspiciously spends a lot of more time than necessary explaining why the South couldn’t possibly have done it themselves!).

Assuming the official story is correct, the tunnel was still being dug in 1978 when it was discovered by the South about 73 metre below the surface – but by this time the North had dug more than 1.6 kilometres, including 435 metres into South Korean territory.

The plan was probably for a surprise attack on Seoul, and it’s estimated that about 30,000 soldiers could come through each hour.

Now, there are three concrete blockades around the actual Military Demarcation Line to stop anyone getting through – including tourists like me. But this is still the closest most people will get to North Korea (and, technically, you will be in the DMZ).

Getting down to the tunnel is a steep walk 75 metres underground, then you’ll go through the tunnel for about 265 metres before turning around and coming back.

It’s low and narrow and I have to hunch over the whole time, but it’s definitely a highlight of a visit to the DMZ.

Unification Village

The other stop on the official DMZ tour is the Unification Village, called Tongil-Chon in Korean.

Only about 500 people live here, in one of the few settlements within the Civilian Control Zone. And, other than the fact it’s in an unusual place, there’s not really much that’s exciting to see here.

The main reason the tours stop here is for the large shop that sells souvenirs related to the DMZ, as well as food and drink that has been grown here.

Personally, I was a bit bored at this stop – but I’m not a big shopper. I guess it’s nice to be able to buy something unique, which is what is on offer here.

Joint Security Area (JSA)

The final thing to see in the DMZ that I want to talk about is the Joint Security Area, known as the JSA.

This is not part of the normal DMZ tours. It’s located about five kilometres further along the border from the Dora Observatory and is about 10 kilometres drive in a different direction from Imjingak.

The JSA is the most interesting thing you can see here, though, because it’s actually in the DMZ. In fact, this facility straddles the border, half of it in South Korea and half of it in North Korea!

I visited it from the northern side when I did a tour in North Korea. From Seoul, there are some special tours that will take you there, but numbers are limited.

The other thing to note is that the JSA is often closed, and tours can be suddenly cancelled (sometimes indefinitely) because of security issues.

For instance, when a US soldier defected across the border on a tour in July 2023, the JSA tours were stopped and haven’t restarted again yet!

Best DMZ tours

It is possible to visit the DMZ independently from Seoul, and I’ll discuss that in the next section. But because public transportation is difficult and you’ll end up on the same official bus anyway, I would recommend taking a tour to make the most of your time in South Korea.

There are quite a few companies that can take you there, each offering fairly similar sights. The difference with the best tours to the DMZ is that they have good guides who can really give you the context of what you’re seeing.

There are also some slight differences with what the tours are able to add to the trip beyond the standard entry into the Civilian Control Zone. Some will add the gondola, for example, or a scenic suspension bridge nearby.

For the best standard tour to the DMZ, I recommend this one , which has a reputation for the best guides.

But any of these other tours from Seoul are also very good:

Another thing to think about is the GoCity Seoul Pass (either Explorer or All-Inclusive). It’s a pass where you get multiple entries or experiences for a set price – and it includes a DMZ tour from Seoul. In fact, the DMZ tour is one of the most expensive inclusions, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to save money!

A couple of things to keep in mind:

• You’ll need to have your passport with you. This is very important because it will be checked. Don’t forget to bring it!
• The DMZ sights are closed on Monday so no tours run that day.
• The tours can be suddenly cancelled at the last moment if there are security issues (it happened the week that I went out there because of a North Korean missile test).
• And most tours start very early in the morning from Seoul because the companies can’t reserve tickets and need you to be there to get them personally.

All in all, though, it’s pretty straightforward and easy to visit the DMZ on a tour, so once you have booked something, you can just relax.

Visiting the DMZ independently

If you’re keen to visit the DMZ without taking a tour, it’s definitely possible and there are a couple of options.

The first thing to know is that the closest you’ll be able to get independently to the places I’ve talked about is Imjingak. You won’t be able to go beyond the Civilian Control Line without one of the official options.

If you’ve got a car, then the first step is easy – you can just drive to Imjingak.

If you’re using public transport, there is a station at Imingak, called Imjingang Station. But it hasn’t been open for a while.

Still, you should be able to take the train from Seoul to Munsan station and then transfer to a bus that is replacing the usual rail line.

Just check in advance, because this route has been a bit unreliable lately. If all is ok, it should take about 2 hours and cost 2400 won (US$1.80) each way.

Once you arrive at Imingak, you’ll be able to see all the sights in the area for free, including the Freedom Bridge and the memorials.

From here, you can easily take the DMZ Gondola into the Civilian Control Zone to Camp Greaves. It costs 11,000 won (US$8) for a standard ticket, 9,000 won (US$6.55) for a child, and 8,000 won (US$5.80) for a senior.

To go on the official tour to see the other sights (such as Dora Observatory and the Third Infiltration Tunnel), you can buy a ticket from the visitor centre at Imingak.

The tour costs 11,700 won (US$8.50) for a standard ticket, 9200 won (US$6.70) for a child, and 7400 won (US$5.40) for a senior.

The tricky thing here is that tickets are sold on a first-come first-serve basis, and the tour buses get here before ticket sales start at 9 o’clock. So if you don’t get in the line early enough, you may find you have to then wait a long time until it’s your turn to take the bus tour (or even miss out entirely in busy periods).

So to get to the ticket line early, you’ll have to get a really early train/bus combo from Seoul. This is ultimately why I would usually recommend taking a tour, even though it’s going to end up costing you more.

A final thing to note here, you won’t be able to visit the JSA independently because of its location right on the Military Demarcation Line. If you want to see the Joint Security Area, you’ll need to take a tour.

But with all that said, I hope you’re able to make the most of your visit to the DMZ and come away with a new understanding of the conflict that it emerged from, and what it’s done to the families since.

The stories from my guide were quite emotional, a reminder that many families have had their stories changed so dramatically because of an arbitrary line across a country.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN SEOUL

For most first-time visitors, I would recommend accommodation around Myeongdong or Insadong, although I’ve also got a detailed story about where to stay in Seoul .

Colourful and cosy, the  One Hostel Hongdae  has comfortable beds with curtains and a nice rooftop terrace to meet people.

Right in the middle of Insadong,  Top Hotel & Residence  has lovely staff and plenty of good amenities for your stay.

There are some really funky features at  Moxy Seoul Insadong , which also has a cool bar on site.

Along with a fantastic location and a colourful design,  Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong  also has beautiful views and a lovely pool.

More stories about South Korea

• All the World Heritage Sites in South Korea
• How to visit the DMZ from Seoul
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1 thought on “A DMZ tour from Seoul”

This is a very interesting article. I plan a 6-month trip to Asia later this year and I’ll spend a couple of weeks in South Korea. I am interested in a day tour to the DMZ and I have already selected one of the tours you mentioned in your article. I will have insurance that covers my trip to several countries, but it does not cover North Korea. Did you have special insurance for just a day of visiting the DMZ with a guided tour? Thanks for your feedback. Roxane

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Living and traveling in Korea

A Complete Guide For How To Visit The DMZ From Seoul

Not only was I featured on CNN for sharing some hidden gems in the DMZ, but I’ve been there multiple times over my more than 15 years living in Korea. If you want to visit the DMZ or take a DMZ tour, or maybe you’re wondering how to visit JSA, then you’ve come to the right spot for all of the information you’ll need to plan the trek. I say trek, but it’s actually easier than you might think.

The DMZ in Korea can be closed for any number of political reasons so you’ll want to know everything you can about where you can and can’t go if the actual entrances in are blocked to tourists. Even when they are, there are areas you CAN visit to still get a peak north… Ready to learn more? Let’s figure out how to get to the DMZ from Seoul and more.

What you need to know to plan a trip to the DMZ in Korea:

What Is The DMZ?

Where is the dmz, what you need to know about visiting the dmz, what’s the difference between the dmz and jsa, tours to the dmz, the bridge of freedom (자유의다리), peace park (임진각평화누리), dmz gondola (파주디엠지곤돌라), camp greaves (캠프그리브스), third tunnel (제3땅굴), dora observatory (도라전망대), dorasan station (도라산역), the joint security area (jsa), odusan unification observatory (오두산 통일전망대).

• Things to know about heading to the Cheorwon DMZ area

North Korean Labor Party Building (노동당사)

Woljeong-ri station (월정리역), cheorwan peace observatory (철원평화전망대), second underground tunnel (제2땅굴), cheorwon plains (migratory bird habitat) (철원평야(철새도래지)).

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

DMZ stands for demilitarized zone and is the area between North Korea and South Korea. This buffer zone or no-man’s land exists because of the Korean War, which technically never ended though there are always discussions on peace. Measuring four kilometers in width and 250 kilometers long, the DMZ was put in place in 1953 when the Armistice Agreement was signed.

The DMZ runs the entire northern border of South Korea so while there are more popular areas of the DMZ where tourists visit, there are more areas than just one spot to find the DMZ. Below, I’ll share points along the DMZ where you can visit starting with the easiest and most popular and going from there. I’ve also made a note where you can visit that’s really really close even when you can’t get inside the DMZ. When tours are closed, fear not, there are still some really cool spots to check out to see what you can see and learn what you can learn.

• You MUST Be On A Tour: You can get pretty darn close to the DMZ without being on a tour, and I’m going to tell you how, but you CANNOT enter the DMZ unless you’re actually on a tour with an official tour company with a registered guide. This is the info that you’ll find most places. There are parts of the Civilian Control Zone that you can enter though even without a tour too.
• You MUST Have An ID/Passport: You’ll need to show your ARC (local Alien Registration Card)/passport in order to enter the DMZ. If you’re a resident, you should be fine with your ARC, I’ve used mine on two separate tours, BUT to be safe, take your passport. Every major tour company will tell you you must have your passport for a tour, so take it or they probably won’t let you on their bus. I went with two companies that said my ARC was fine though. Just my experience.
• Be Aware Of Your Clothes:  There is sort of a dress code for visiting the DMZ though I’ve just gone casual and never had issue. BUT, they do recommend that you don’t wear sandals, especially if you’ll be going down into the tunnels. You also shouldn’t wear ripped jeans or clothing as they say that North Korea may take photos of the tourists watching them and use it as false propaganda.
• Be Mindful Of Movements: When looking out into North Korea from any vantage point, you’ll be instructed not to wave, point, or make signals toward North Korea. Just assume that you’re being watched.

You might be surprised on your tour if you sign up to see the DMZ and then don’t see the blue buildings that are often portrayed on the news when talking about North and South Korea. DMZ, as mentioned above, refers to the demilitarized zone but JSA is specifically the Joint Security Area which is as close as you can get to North Korea.

While most people want to visit the JSA when they’re talking about the DMZ, it’s usually the area that is often closed to tourists. While it is though, you can often visit other parts of the DMZ and that’s one reason I’m writing this. A lot of people think when the JSA is closed, they can’t visit the DMZ. They are a bit different though and tours may still run to other parts of the DMZ. So keep that in mind.

While there are areas that you can visit on your own around Imjingak and other civilian control points, a tour is the best way to really learn and get an education on the DMZ from the past and today. There are quite a few tours that even have North Korean defectors as the guide so there is a lot you can learn.

Note Age Restrictions:  It’s important to note that not all tour companies allow children below the age of 10 on tours to the JSA. If you’re planning a trip to the DMZ/JSA, make sure to check with the tour company if you plan on taking small children. Children must be accompanied by a parent at all times.

Tours You Can Take:

• Tour Length:  6.5 hours long. Starts at 8:00am and ends at 2:30pm
• Reasons To Book: Easy to book and cancel if necessary on Klook. Free cancellation with 48 hours notice. English speaking guides.
• Tour Length: Ranges from 6 hours to 9 hours depending on which tour you book.
• Reasong To Book: Free cancellation, English speaking guides.
• DMZ Tour with the Joint Security Area (JSA): Currently the JSA isn’t open to tourists. When it is, I’ll update this tour option.

Timing: Most tours require a 2-5 day advance reservation, so plan accordingly.

The Most Popular DMZ Area: Imjingak Resort (임진각관간지)

The most popular area to visit the DMZ for visitors/tourists in Seoul usually includes a stop at Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, Dorasan Station, Dora Observatory, and the Third Tunnel. What a lot of people want to see when they go to the DMZ , but often can’t due to restrictions, another tour up to/through the Imjingak area visits the Joint Security Area (JSA), Odusan Unification Observatory, the Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory.

Called a resort, but don’t expect a hotel with a swimming pool or anything. Picture a giant parking lot with various things to see and do that surround it. You can actually visit the Imjingak area on your own and there’s a lot to do there. If you want to go further in, you’ll need a guide, BUT, here’s what you can do at Imjingak and then how to go further in from there if you want to plan your own trip.

What You Can See

The bridge that is both a symbol of and named for freedom is where prisoners were exchanged after the war. The bridge is blocked off now and the fence leading to it is covered in hopeful prayer ribbons. There is an old rusted train that is on display here as well that is riddled with bullets from the war and, if you look out for it, you’ll spot an entrance to an underground exhibition area here too. Koreans with family in the north often come to this point to pray, especially around big Korean holidays, so remember to be respectful and quiet when you’re in this area.

• Address:  1400-6 Majeong-ri, Munsan-eub, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 문산읍 마정리 1400-6)
• Note: You do not need a tour to visit this.

Peace Park sits in the Imjingak Resort area and is basically a large grassy expanse that can accommodate up to 20,000 people. There are various art installations that are meant to depict peace between the north and the south. When you visit, make sure to take a walk up and through the field and see what installations are on display. Some of them change throughout the year. Walk up and over the hillside and you’ll find a cafe to stop into. The cafe in the pond is always busier though.

• Address:  148-40 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eub, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 문산읍 임진각로 148-40)

One of the newest additions to the Imjingak Resort area is the DMZ Gondola. To take the ride, you’ll need to show your ID/Passport and then once to the other side, you can visit Camp Greaves, previously an American installation in the DMZ. Check out more below. This is a fun ride if you have the time and want to enter the civilian control zone in the easiest way there is.

• Address: 148-73 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eub, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 문산읍 임진각로 148-73)
• Hours:  Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Weekends: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission:  W7,000 ~ W14,000 (Price depends on whether you choose the glass bottom or the regular.)

When I first visited Camp Greaves, the only way to get there was to take a bus over a bridge where our passports were checked but since the gondola was built, now that’s how you get to this former American military installation in the DMZ. Today, Camp Greaves is an art, culture, and history complex inside of the Paju Civilian Control Zone. This is a really interesting place to learn more about the DMZ as the artistic exhibitions are promoting peace and display references to history. This is a unique look at the DMZ as you’re in the Civilian Control Zone and on a former American installation. Learn more about Camp Greaves in my full post here .

Discovered in 1978, the 1635 meter long tunnel was made by North Korea though they denied it at first. This is one of four tunnels that have been dug by North Korea and found. To enter, you’ll get a locker to place your belongings in and then be given a helmet to don because the tunnel is narrow and low.

The tunnel is steep! Be prepared to huff and puff. To be honest, I don’t think the tunnel is any more interesting than other tunnels in Korea… or anywhere, except that the story and information behind it is.

• Note: You do need a tour to visit this.

Either before or after the station, visitors are taken up to the Dora Observatory which sits at the top of Dorasan Mountain. Take a look out into North Korea. You can see Kijong-dong Propaganda Village from the viewpoint and on really clear days, you’d be able to spot Kaesong, a special industrial area where both North Koreans and South Koreans can work side by side.

Often the final destination on tours is Dorasan Station. This is the last train station before the border and is a symbol of the peaceful future. The idea is that some day, when there is peace, this train line will continue north and south and families can re-unite. Visitors can get a fake ticket to Pyeongyang and even have it stamped.

• Address:  307 Huimang-ro, Jeongdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 장단면 희망로 307)
• Tour schedule:  Depart from Yongsan Station (10:08) – Seoul Station (10:15) – Arrive at Imjingang Station (11:24) – Complete identity check (11:32) – Arrive at Dorasan Station and board connecting bus (11:43) – Dorasan Peace Park (12:10) – Lunch break at Tongilchon (Unification Village) (13:00) – Dora Observatory (14:00) – The 3rd Tunnel (14:40) – Tour Unification Platform (15:50) – Depart from Dorasan Station (16:27) – Seoul Station (17:47) – Arrive at Yongsan Station (17:54)
• Train   Tickets:  Adults: W36,000; Children: W33,000
• For More Information

The closest point a tourist can get to North Korea. One of those spots that everyone wants to see in person, the JSA tour may or may not be opened and it depends on the political tensions at the time. If restrictions are heightened, then you’ll likely be able to go to the stops above, but not this one. If you can see it though, this is the blue building spot that you see in the news and will recognize easily.

Generally for tours to this area, visitors first visit Camp Bonifas, a United Nations command post that houses the United Nations Command Security Battalion whose mission is to monitor and enforce the Korean Armistice Agreement. You’ll see the Unification Bridge, Freedom House, Demarcation Line, MAC Building, and Bridge of No Return.

An observatory on Odusan mountain, use the binoculars to get a closer look into North Korea. The observatories are all relatively the same. Head up to the top, look through the binoculars and see what you can catch a glimpse of.

• Address:  369 Pilseung-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 탄현면 필승로 369)

A Hidden Natural DMZ Gem: Cheorwon

Most tourists and even long term residents and travelers will head to the Imjingak DMZ area, but there’s another DMZ tour area just northwest of Seoul in Cheorwon.

Cheorwon is special because it’s more natural and untouched so a lot of visitors, and specifically birdwatchers, will go to see the yearly migrations of cranes and other birds that stop here while simultaneously taking a tour of the DMZ. Cheorwon is a special area with some major sites from war to see, but also a ton of natural wonder.

When I first went for a tour, tours started from the Cheorwon Facilities Management Office formerly Iron Triangle Tourist Office (철원 시설물관리사업소 (구 철의삼각전적관)). Now, it looks like you can search the Tourist Information Center or 철원 DMZ 형화관광안내센터 and that’s where you’ll start. Surprise, the two places I just mentioned are the same spot but there’s been some changes there.

Anyway, visitors must stop here to get on a tour. If you take your own car, a guide may jump into your car, or you’ll be asked to join a caravan behind another car that has the guide. If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to get a taxi that can also enter the DMZ.

• Address: 1825 Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 철원군 동송읍 태봉로 1823)

Things to know about heading to the Cheorwon DMZ area:

• Reservation in advance is not allowed. You must get to the DMZ Peace Tourist Information Center on time. If you miss the time to enter with the guide, you will not be permitted to enter. Make sure you plan how you’re getting there to a T.
• Note that registration for a tour closes 15 minutes prior to the times listed above so you can’t rock up AT 10:00am or 2:00pm and jump on a tour. You need time to fill in forms.
• On-site registration is first-come first-serve basis.
• The tour takes approximately 2 and a half hours.
• You must carry your ID to enter.
• Check the local Cheorwon Tourism website for updates and seasonal adjustments to times.

The building was built in 1946 and used until the armistice in 1953 by the party. North Korea controlled this area for five years as it falls above the 38 th parallel but during the Korean War this area came under the control of South Korea and UN forces and when the armistice was signed was still under the control of the South. The bullet holes and loss of the ceiling of the building are blunt reminders of the violence this area saw and though there was once a vibrant and large city here, now there are just rice paddies and checkpoints.

The building is just the shell of what it once was, a stop on the Seoul-Gangwon line, but sitting in the back is an old North Korean transport train, bombed by American forces. Woljeong-ri Station is the last stop before reaching the DMZ and is the spot where the fiercest battle was held during the Korean War.

• Address: 1882 Durumi-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 철원군 철원읍 두루미로 1882 (철원읍))

From here, you’ll be able to take in the views out of the DMZ. There is a monorail here that will take you up so it’s easier to get to and you can use the binoculars to catch a glimpse of what you can see on the other side of the DMZ.

• Address: 588-14 Junggang-ri, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 철원군 동송읍 중강리 588-14)

Discovered on March 19th, 1975, a soldier heard an explosion beneath the ground and there it was. The tunnel is 3.5 kilometers long and is 50-160 meters deep. Don a hard hat and descend into the wet and dark tunnel.

If you are interested in birdwatching and you’re in Korea , well you probably already know, maybe this is for the people that don’t, the Cheorwon Plains sees 30% of the world’s wild crane population during migration season. And that’s just the cranes. There are 110 species of birds that migrate through Cheorwon and use the calm surroundings as a natural habitat to feast when they stop through. To view the amazing bird scenery, you’ll want to visit Cheorwon between the beginning of January and the end of February.

You’d still start from the same place as mentioned above, but the tours are a bit different with this one being on the tour focused on migratory birds. Tours also stop at Togyo Reservoir, Sapseulbong Peak, and Saemtong.

The DMZ isn’t just one place. It seems that a lot of tourists don’t realize that. There’s more places to go than you might realize. And there are plenty of things you can do on your own pretty close to the civilian control zone as well.

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30 comments, ken carlson.

My wife and I will be coming to Korea early June 2024, and will visit for roughly 2 months. I am actually looking for a phone number to call in Korea for tours to get a much more deeper idea and understanding what would be the best for us to do, our heart is to have a deeper understanding of North Korea and to see as much as we possibly could. If you could provide any phone numbers that we can call so that we can talk or detail of different tours or options of again visiting spots close to the North Korea side That are safe of course. Thank you.

I’m here now and was looking for Dmz options that were more unique than the regular tour, this is the best collection of information that I came across. Thank you. I can’t wait to go there tomorrow

Hallie Bradley

I appreciate that Robert and hope you had a good day out.

Thanks for the information and there’s so much to take in. I’m visiting in Oct 2024 and really want to see the JSA. Are there any tour agencies that only do the JSA tours or does it have to be with the DMZ? I’m physically unfit so I won’t have the ability to do the tunnels. Would appreciate any advise. Thank you.

Thank you Hallie, for such a wonderful post. I have been looking for these details and stumbled upon your page. I did a DMZ-JSA tour back in 2017 with a tour, but in Jan 2024 I am planning to go to DMZ with my family. Since my dad and my 3-year-old nephew are joining, we plan to drive on our own, as based on my experience with the 3rd tunnel, it is not convenient for my dad – but all the tours seem to include the 3rd tunnel.

My dad really wishes to see the north border, so we plan to at least visit the Dora Observatory, the Bridge of Freedom, and if possible the DMZ Gondola. If you don’t mind, I have a few questions, if it is possible for you to answer. 1. If we were to drive on our own, are there any travel restrictions for foreign visitors i.e. military checkpoints etc. If so, will passports be sufficient or are there any special passes required?

2. Are the Dora Observatory, DMZ Gondola, and Bridge of Freedom accessible from the same parking facilities, or do we have to drive from one point to another? Or do we park the car at the Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park and get to all these attraction from there? I am a bit concerned with this as it seems that the Dora Observaotry does not show on KakaoMap navigation, and I could only pin to Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park.

3. Any idea if we could also visit the Dorasan Station without a tour? Since we will drive on our own as the DMZ train is still not operating (I checked with Korail last week). Can we drive there to the station?

Hi, so you can’t go into the DMZ or through any checkpoints on your own at all. You can go tot he Imjingak/Pyeonghwa Nuri Park area on your own. From here, you can take the cable car over the Camp Greaves on your own as it’s in the Civilian Control Zone (showing your passport when you get tickets for the gondola), you can see the Bridge of Freedom here as well, all without moving your vehicle. But, you can’t go any further on your own. You need to have a certified guide to go to Dora Station, Third Tunnel, etc. For the 3rd Tunnel just so you know, you ride a monorail so if it’s the walking up and down you’re worried about, your dad can sit or just not take the ride down into the tunnel.

Thanks for your prompt reply! Do you know if the Dora Observatory is also accessible without a guide or is that considered as DMZ, and restricted? In the Paju website, it is stated that we can buy a DMZ tour ticket at ticket booth. So, if the Dora Observatory requires the DMZ tour, I guess that is the ticket that we can buy at the booth without following a tour from Seoul. Have you perhaps tried this?

Is the JSA open? Do they allow electric scooter to be used for a disabled person? Thanks

JSA hasn’t been open for awhile. Other parts of the DMZ are open though if you enter with a certified guide. You can use the sites listed above to book a tour with a guide.

Not sure how updated your info is but I’m in Seoul station on Oct 1st, 2023 and according to the information desk here there haven’t been any DMZ train since 2019! The only way to get there aside from a tour is to take the subway to Musan station and transfer with a shuttle bus to Imjingang then find a tour company there

Yeah, a lot of things stopped due to Covid and Korea only stopped requiring masks in February of this year so has taken awhile to get everything back up and started again. Hopefully that comes back in full force again. But yes, you can get up to Imjigang pretty easily. From there you can take a tour further in, or take the cable car to Camp Greaves just across the river there. Quite a few options to see the civilian control zone.

Thanks for sharing the information! May I check if it’s possible to drive there on our own, pls?

What are you trying to drive to? Which area? You can’t just drive into the DMZ.

Any idea if the JSA tours are open for tourists? Am trying to go on my own if possible! Such a wonderful site thank you!

Hi, firstly, thank you for sharing these details and also help set expectations for newbies like myself. My family and i plan to do this tour (likely with klook) but i’d like to ask for another piece of advise. I am told that booking with klook etc only gets you to the DMZ area but does not gurantee you a ticket in. These tickets must be purchased only when you are there… Thus, these “tours” asks that you are ready to rock and go to the DMZ area like at 5am but see if you are lucky to get tickets in? Another friend said they were there are 5am, tickets to enter were only available for 10am. I am sorry i do not yet know where they are trying to get into but i’d ask anyway hoping that you could help with some advise on such a situation? thanks!

I worked with a tour guide recently who was taking a group out and he said that they only let a certain number of buses in per day and thus tour groups are heading out earlier and earlier to ensure they can get their groups in as promised which means that you probably will have to leave super early if you want to be sure you’ll get in. If your group leaves later, you will probably see Imjingak and other sites nearby, but maybe not the tunnel.

Joe Patterson

Definitely not. Current political affairs are not stable enough to allow JSA access. If you are going to the DMZ to learn more about the Korean political relations then you don’t need the JSA. The tours provided will explain what you need to know.

By the way, we took the advice on this blog in October 2022 and were successful in taking a KORAIL train to Munsan. Then in Munsan we had to get off and wait 15-30 minutes. Along came a local train at the same platform. That train took us to Imjingang two or so stops later. Then we walked about 1/4 mile and we’re able to get on a tour bus and gondola ride. We paid about 10% of the cost that tour groups were charging from Seoul.

It’s now July 2023 and we’re on the train doing the same travel again. It’s Sunday so we’re hoping that we don’t have troubles with tour availability. I can provide an update later today. Good luck with your travels!

Hi Joe, thank you for yr inputs. Hallie’s too!

Joe, is it possible for you to update your July 23 trip to DMZ. I am looking into going on our own instead of joining a tour in Seoul, I cam’t imagine going early to wait those few hours!

Really appreciate it very much!

This is a wonderful overview, thank you so much! I have visited the DMZ in 2015, but will come back end of March with a friend again. I was thinking of taking the train from Yongsan station. Do I understand correctly that there will be a bus waiting for the tour to Dora Observatory etc. – and will there be additional costs for the bus ride? The bus will return in time so that we can take the train back to Seoul?

Right. If the train is running, then the bus and the tour there is all set up since you can’t just go wandering on your own in that area.

Thea Angelie Manila

Hi, firstly thank you so much for this post. I was so confused as I did the tour in 2015 but then see a lot of different things when I search for a tour these days. Now I don’t know what to do as it’s a 5am start.🙈 we have the KORAIL PASS and it says DMZ train is included so would probably like to do the train-bus combo instead of startingbthe tour in seould and wait for 5 hours. However, I tried multiple times and couldn’t book on the korail website. Should we just head to the yo gsan station and book it there?

Did you check the KORAIL site? https://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfAboutDmz_Train.do There’s a schedule and booking button there. There’s also a phone number for the KORAIL travel center which could help you as well.

Thanks for the helpful guide! You mentioned some places that needed tours and some places that do not need tours.

If I were to drive to DMZ, would there be a tour that we can take upon arriving at the DMZ? So that we can spend half day on tour (visiting places requiring tours) and the other half day without tour (visiting places not requiring tour)?

Yes, so it depends which area you’re headed to. But if you’re going to the Paju area, you’d head to Imjingak where you can do some things on your own, but you’ll also see an area where you can join in tours. If you go to Cheorwon, similarly, you’ll go to the office I mentioned above where you can join in for the areas that require a guide and then do other spots on your own.

Wow! This is just a detailed and latest read! Very helpful. Been to Korea for ten times already, but haven’t visited the DMZ areas as I thought those were only accessible via organized tours (and read a lot of stories of organized tours being cancelled without prior notice due to military activites). But the wanderlust in me wants to see it in my next travel, hence landing in your write up. I think of doing the DIY since it can give me the flexibility on trip dates. Thank you for this!

Yes, there are a lot of places that are very close and, like I said, even some now that you can go right into on your own and people don’t realize it. I hope you have a great adventure!

We are staying in Seoul at the moment. Can you let us know a good adress where we can book at tour to the DMZ. Thanks.

Regarding Odusan Unification Observatory, I have read some other sites that say there is no tour required to enter the observatory and that you can take a shuttle to it that runs every thirty minutes and pay an entry fee. Have you heard of that option?

This was very helpful! I live in Daegu and I’m planning my first DMZ trip. Do you reccomend an area to stay in Seoul that’s near where tour groups meet/pick up? I’ll have to take the KTX the night before and stay overnight in Seoul for a morning tour. Thanks!

It depends which company you’re going with. But a lot of them pick up downtown so staying near Seoul Station probably wouldn’t be a bad idea. If you wanted to head out to Imjingak on your own, you could stay in Hapjeong and get a bus from there or catch the DMZ train from Seoul Station in the morning. Definitely some options.

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Welcome Guest

What to expect, traveler's photos, activity provider, payment / cancellation policy, full day korea dmz and jsa (joint security area) tour from seoul.

Great tour!

Angelmylife, it was a nice look around., available tue, wed, thu, fri, sat, pick-up not available, travelers interested in this activity also viewed.

Overall rating

The tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable and interesting. He loves his job. I had a great time. Some rude people kept talking over him...RUDE. The only complaint I have is that there were not any North Korean sol ... diers in the blue house. I would have liked to have seen one. We got exactly what was promised out of this tour. The bimbimbap was delish. We were warned that we may not get to go to visit the JSA, but we did get to. thank goodness. Loved it. It was an ALL day tour. Left in the morning and arrived home in the evening. Long ride home. :)

I've booked a DMZ and JSA tour but half a day before the tour should start, they cancelled the JSA part. It was okay. We saw various things like the tunnel to the boarder to North Korea, an observation platform where w ... e could see North Korea... but also a manufacturer for jewellery. I don't know why this should be a part of a tour concerning North Korea.

JSA and DMZ Canceled

After preparing fr months, making two expensive hotel bookings and stopping in Korea just for the tour then being canceled due to the African Swine Flu so very expensive and disappointing but not Veltra's fault. They han ... dled alternative tour and refund difference perfectly and Han our guide was wonderful. But sad I did not see what I traveled 8 thousands of miles to see.

Activity Provider Cosmojin Travel Agency

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• Any cancellations made after the booking confirmation date will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

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日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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• Children 11 years old and above can participate in this activity.
• The JSA area is under strict military jurisdiction and is subject to sudden closures. Scheduled tours may be changed or cancelled without prior notice at any moment. Guests will be offered alternatives or refund for affected tours.
• Guests with serious fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), heart and cardiovascular issues, asthma or other respiratory problems are not permitted to enter the Third Tunnel. Walking through the Third Tunnel is not required. Guests may opt out and choose to stay in the bus, exhibition room or souvenir store.
• Korean passport holders or citizens residing in Korea will not be able to join this tour due to local laws. Citizens who live outside Korea will need to send a "Certification of Residence Overseas" to participate in this tour.
• Walking shoes
• The JSA has a strict dress code. Please dress appropriately in smart casual attire. Avoid revealing clothes such as sleeveless tops, short pants and skirts, ripped jeans, tight garments like leggings and open-toed shoes. Please refrain from wearing military-style outfits, biker gear, sports wear with logos and over-sized clothes.
• Following UNC rules, citizens of the following countries will be requested to submit a scanned copy of their passport (first page with photo) after booking to [email protected]:
• Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Burma, China, Cuba, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Russia,Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen
• Names, nationalities and passport numbers (and copies of passport if needed) must be sent at least 72 hours before the tour. Without this information, the activity provider cannot confirm your seat.
• Every visitor has to use the authorized bus and follow time and photo regulations. The operator cannot be held responsible for any personal incidents or losses during the tour.
• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• When in the MAC conference rooms, please refrain from touching any equipment, microphone and flags that belong to the North Korean side.
• Please do not approach or engage with any personnel of North Korea. Do not speak to them or make any gestures.
• The following items are prohibited within the JSA premises: cameras with lens larger than 90mm, wheelchairs, walking sticks, umbrellas, luggage and big bags.

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• Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
• Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.

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Trazy - Book Travel Crazy Things to do in Asia

Dmz half-day tour - experience one of the deepest tragedies in korean history (morning/afternoon), how to book.

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• A designated pick-up location near your accommodation
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