DMZ Tours from Seoul: Explore Korea’s Past

A half-day tour covering DMZ's top attractions with an expert guide—ideal for those on a tight schedule.

• Day out to explore one of the last remaining borders of the Cold War on a half-day DMZ tour, with an English-speaking guide and easy pick-up from your hotel in Seoul.
• Imjingak Park: The park features the Mangbaedan altar, where separated families honor their ancestors and the iconic Bridge of Freedom.
• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel: Walk through the damp and dark war-secret tunnel, built to transport 30,000+ soldiers per hour to invade South Korea.
• Dora Observatory: A vantage point to peer across the border into North Korea. You'll see the North Korean Flagpole, the Imjin River, and the infamous propaganda village
• Add-on: Hop on a DMZ Gondola ride to take a closer look at North Korea. Spanning 850 meters, the gondola has transparent glass for better viewing angles.

Inclusions #

• Half-day tour of DMZ

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Entry to:

• DMZ Theater

• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

• Dora Observatory

• Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park

• Bridge of Freedom

• Round-trip AC vehicle transfers from Seoul

• Access to DMZ Gondola ride (as per option selected)

Choose between 2 equally stunning suspension bridges and visit other key attractions at DMZ Seoul on this full-day tour with a guide.

• Day out: to see the best of the DMZ with an English guide, round-trip shared transfers from Seoul, and a visit either Mt. Gamaksan or Lake Majang Suspension Bridge.
• Imjingak Park: A park that’s symbolic of the Korean War and houses the Mangbaedan Altar, the Bridge of Freedom, a war-beaten steam locomotive, and more.
• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel: Brave into the dimly lit tunnel dug by North Korea, before heading to Dora Observatory to look into North Korean cities like Kaesong.
• Unification Village: Get a peak into the agricultural life of Koreans. You can shop here and find unique items like North Korean liquor and DMZ souvenirs.
• Ticket option: Visit Mt. Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, a historic Korean War battlefield, or Majang Lake Bridge for lake views. Rent canoes or rafts to explore the lake up close.

Inclusions #

• Full-day shared tour of DMZ

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Entry to:

  • DMZ Theater

  • 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

  • Dora Observatory

  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park

  • Bridge of Freedom

• Round-trip AC vehicle transfers from Seoul

• Visit Lake Majang or Mt Gamaksan Suspension Bridge (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Lunch

Only tour that includes an interaction with a North Korean defector on your DMZ tour. Get hassle-free transfers from Seoul & an English guide.

• Day out exploring key landmarks in the DMZ and meeting a North Korean defector to hear about their life in North Korea and their daring escape on this full-day tour.

• Imjingak Park: See the park’s poignant sites, including the Mangbaedan Altar, the Bridge of Freedom, and a locomotive that bears the scars of the Korean War.

• Dora Observatory & Tunnel: Walk through the 'Third Infiltration Tunnel,' an eerie underground passage, and view distant North Korean landmarks from the hilltop Dora Observatory.

• Unification Village: Tour traditional Hanok houses and interact with friendly locals who share stories of living so close to the DMZ.

• Upgrades: Choose to include hotel transfers from Seoul or opt to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty.

• Third Tunnel – An underground passage dug by North Korea, symbolizing military tensions and secret invasion plans during the Korean War.

• Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park – A memorial park honoring Korea’s division while serving as a symbolic site for peace and reunification, featuring monuments and viewpoints.

• Dora Observatory – A rare chance to get a close-up view of North Korea across the border, offering a stark look into the realities of the DMZ.

• Bridge of Freedom – Also known as "Freedom Bridge," this structure within the Imjingak area represents the enduring hope for reunification.

• DMZ Theater – A multimedia experience that provides historical context and deepens visitors' understanding of the DMZ and the Korean conflict.

• Unification Village – A living testament to community efforts and reconciliation, offering insights into the lives of locals affected by Korea’s division.

• Mangbaedan – A commemorative site reflecting on historical events and the impact of the Korean conflict, embodying both division and hope.

Inclusions #

• Full-day shared tour of DMZ

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Interaction with a North Korean defector

• Entry to:

  • DMZ Theater

  • 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

  • Dora Observatory

  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park

  • Bridge of Freedom

• Round-trip AC vehicle transfers from meeting point/hotel transfers (as per option selected)

• Gyeongbokgung Palace tour (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Meals

What to bring

• All participants must bring a valid ID card (passport or Alien Registration Card) to access the DMZ; no access without it.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
• Bring water and light snacks, as lunch is not included.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and for walking both indoors and outdoors.

What’s not allowed

• Entry without a valid ID card (passport or ARC) is strictly prohibited.
• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• Photography may be restricted in certain areas as directed by military personnel.
• This is a DMZ tour, not a JSA tour; access to the Joint Security Area is not included.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The walking course to the 3rd Tunnel and other DMZ sites may involve stairs, uneven surfaces, and steep inclines.

Additional information

• The tour operates every day except Mondays and public holidays.
• Group tour buses depart at 08:00 AM from Myeongdong Subway Station (Exit #8) and 08:30 AM from Hongik Univ. Subway Station (Exit #3). Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure; no refunds or changes for late arrivals.
• Infants under 24 months are free of charge but must sit on a parent’s lap; please inform the operator in advance.
• The itinerary and stop durations inside the DMZ are subject to military control and may change due to weather, security, or operational issues. Alternative courses may be offered with no refunds.
• Full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.
• Travel insurance is not included; it is recommended to arrange your own coverage.
• This is a group join-in tour led by a retired military officer and does not include shopping stops.

Inclusions #

• Half-day join-in group tour

• Admission to DMZ and 3rd Tunnel

• Observatory view from Odusan/Dora

• Round-trip transfers from Hongik Univ/Myeongdong(as per option selected)

• English-speaking retired military officer guide

Exclusions #

• Lunch

• Travel insurance

Explore the DMZ with a guided tour featuring the North Korea Experience Hall and a suspension bridge walk

• Everything you get: Learn about Korea’s history with a professional English-speaking guide, an immersive visit to the North Korea Experience Hall, and a scenic walk across a historic suspension bridge. Enjoy round-trip transfers from select Seoul meeting points for a convenient day out.
• Why choose this: This tour operates 365 days a year, including Mondays and public holidays, so you never miss out. Experience exclusive access to the North Korea Experience Hall and a suspension bridge walk, all led by knowledgeable private guides.

Inclusions #

• North Korea Experience Hall visit

• Suspension bridge walk

• Professional English-speaking guide

• Pickup at select meeting points

Exclusions #

• Lunch

• Individual hotel pick-up & drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves walking and short hikes.
• Bring water and snacks, as lunch and drinks are not included.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and for outdoor activities.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Smoking is not permitted on the bus or at any of the tour sites.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour includes physically demanding activities such as walking through tunnels and hiking to the suspension bridge.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, serious medical issues, or for pregnant women.

Additional information

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• Infants must sit on laps; strollers may not be suitable for all areas.
• The tour departs on time from designated meeting points. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.
• The itinerary may change due to weather, military schedules, or unforeseen circumstances.
• The DMZ is a military zone and may close without notice; in such cases, alternative sites will be visited and refunds are not provided.
• The tour does not operate on regular safety inspection days (the first Monday of March, June, September, and December).
• A minimum of 5 participants is required for the tour to operate; the tour may be revised or canceled if the minimum is not met.
• The maximum group size is 40 travelers per tour.
• The tour is near public transportation, but individual hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

A guided tour of the DMZ Seoul and a boat ride on the Imjin River on a full-day tour, complete with round-trip transfers from Seoul.

• Day out to explore the DMZ on a day tour from Seoul and a 50-minute boat ride along the Imjin River with an English-speaking guide sharing stories of the Korean War.

• Imjingak Park: Visit the Mangbaedan, an altar where North Korean refugees in the South hold ancestral rites. Walk the Bridge of Freedom, and see the war-damaged steam locomotive.

• Dora Observatory & Tunnel: Scout the dimly lit 'Third Infiltration Tunnel' built by North Korea and spot North Korean landmarks like the Propaganda Village from the Observatory.

• Unification Village: Check out rice paddies, and traditional Korean houses, and meet super-friendly locals at the Unification Village, before concluding your day tour.

• Third Tunnel – An underground passage dug by North Korea, symbolizing military tensions and secret invasion plans during the Korean War.

• Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park – A memorial park honoring Korea’s division while serving as a symbolic site for peace and reunification, featuring monuments and viewpoints.

• Dora Observatory – A rare chance to get a close-up view of North Korea across the border, offering a stark look into the realities of the DMZ.

• Bridge of Freedom – Also known as "Freedom Bridge," this structure within the Imjingak area represents the enduring hope for reunification.

• DMZ Theater – A multimedia experience that provides historical context and deepens visitors' understanding of the DMZ and the Korean conflict.

• Unification Village – A living testament to community efforts and reconciliation, offering insights into the lives of locals affected by Korea’s division.

• Mangbaedan – A commemorative site reflecting on historical events and the impact of the Korean conflict, embodying both division and hope.

• Boat Riding at Imjin River – Provides a rare opportunity to experience the DMZ region from the water, highlighting the natural beauty along the river that runs near the border.

Inclusions #

• Full-day tour of DMZ

• Expert English-speaking guide

• 50-min boat ride on the Imjin River

• Entry to:

  • DMZ Theater
  • 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
  • Dora Observatory
  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park
  • Bridge of Freedom

• Round-trip AC vehicle transfers from Seoul