Private Korea DMZ Tour with Expert Guide & Suspension Bridge
5.0
4 Ratings
Paju
Explore Korea's DMZ with an expert guide. Witness the stark reality of division, hear tales of separated families, and reflect on war and peace.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park - Imjingak Nuri Peace Park was developed immediately after South Korea’s Joint Statement was declared in 1972. This is a complex cultural space where the Global Peace Festival was held in 2005. It is composed of various cultural facilities, such as a large-scale outdoor theater, the hill of music, and the hill of the wind, where about 3,000 pinwheels spin. This is the place to take the shuttle bus in front of the ticket office.
  • The Third Tunnel - The 3rd Tunnel was discovered at a point just 52 km (32 miles) away from Seoul, in the administrative district of Paju, in 1978. The tunnel is underground, with 73 m (240 feet) in depth, 1,635m (1 mile), 2m in width, and 2 m (6.6 feet) in height. Also, it is as large in scale as an army of thirty thousand fully armed North Korean soldiers to pass through within an hour. It is the largest one among the tunnels that have been discovered so far. We can certainly guess how strong the North Korean plot to invade South Korea was at that time.
  • Dora Observatory - This site is situated on Dora Mountain within the DMZ, serving as the northernmost observatory in the South and providing an up-close view of North Korea. Directly ahead, you can observe a nearby North Korean guard post, a propaganda village, and North Korean farmland. Additionally, you can glimpse the urban area of Gaeseong and the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, a GPS jamming tower aimed at disrupting electronic signals and preventing North Korean citizens from accessing South Korean broadcasts. In the distance, the Joint Security Area (JSA) is also visible.

Another intriguing aspect is that on a clear day with good luck, you can observe North Korean people working in the fields, walking along the roads, or riding bicycles through the telescope on the observatory rooftop. You might also catch sight of passing vehicles, like cars and tractors, from time to time.

  • Tongilchon-gil - Tongilchon, also known as Unification Village, is located within the boundaries of the Civilian Control Line. It was founded in 1973, initially comprising 40 households of veterans and 40 native households. Inspired by the Kibbutz model in Israel, the village was strategically designed. While residents go about their regular work on ordinary days, they are trained in military procedures to respond to emergency situations.

The region is renowned for its local specialties: Jangdan soybeans, ginseng, and rice. These products are displayed at the agricultural marketing center located at the entrance of the village and are available for sale to visitors.

  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park - Here, you can visit Mangbaedan, where dispersed family members who were born in North Korea or have their hometowns there come every Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or Lunar New Year’s Day. There’s also the “Freedom Bridge,” where South Korean and UN prisoners of war were repatriated at the end of the Korean War. You will also see a steam locomotive that was severely damaged by the enemy’s attack during the Korean War, as well as bridges and other historical remnants from that era.

And then, you will have lunch at a restaurant nearby.

  • Gamaksan Suspension Bridge - Gamaksan Mountain (675m) is one of the five rocky mountains in Gyeonggi Province. A suspension bridge was constructed over a deep valley, spanning 150m (0.1 mile) in length and standing 45m (144ft) high, all without the need for bridge piers. This design allows the bridge to blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. This bridge also bears the additional name “Gloucester Heroes Bridge,” paying tribute to the courageous efforts of the soldiers from the Gloucestershire Battalion Regiment during the Korean War.

Alternatively, you can also have the option to visit the War Memorial, where you can learn about the Korean War in much more detail, instead of going to the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, or to visit any other places you desire.

  • The War Memorial of Korea - This is an optional tour to Mt. Gamaksan Suspension Bridge. The War Memorial of Korea exhibits and preserves materials related to the Korean War and serves as a national moral educational venue. The museum houses approximately 33,000 artifacts, with about 10,000 on display at indoor and outdoor exhibitions. There are six separate indoor halls, including the Expeditionary Forces Room, Patriotic Memorial Room, War History Room, 6·25 Korean War Room, Development Hall, and Large Machinery Room. The outdoor exhibition showcases large-sized weapons.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Guiding Fee
  • Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Entrance Fees 10 USD per person
  • Meal costs
  • Traveler’s Insurance
Additional Information

Korea is the world’s only divided nation, split into South and North Korea by the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) resulting from the Korean War (1950~1953), which inflicted millions of casualties, including 10 million separated family members.

By joining the tour, you can catch a glimpse of the much talked about border and the stark reality of a divided country. It also offers insights into the history of division, the heartbreaking tales of separated families, and a chance to contemplate war, peace, and the value of freedom.

  • The difference between the total duration (9 hours) and the sum of the duration of each attraction on the tour is the traveling time.
Location
Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park
481-1 Samok-ri, Munsan-eup,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
859saahilc
Jun 13, 2024
Great experience - The trip was very comfortable, informative and enjoyable. Our guide, Mr Lee, was very polite and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sukhving2
Apr 3, 2024
Great tour guide - Mr Kevin did a good job, he really took care of us n explained every single details of the tour. Very friendly and reliable person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pcstmma
Apr 1, 2024
Great guided tour of DMZ with Kevin Lee - Great tour of DMZ and wider Seoul area with Kevin Lee last week of March 2024. Kevin is a very friendly, flexible and knowledgeable guide. He was able to answer all our questions and share valuable insights which enriched the tour and trip. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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