DMZ
4.5
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- Clayton S1 contributionSuperb DMZ Tour with SP HongTour was fantastic. We visited multiple sights and each area was well explained with historic stories along with current facts. Tour guide -SP Hong is a really cool guy, he brought smiles to the group we were with, was helpful and makes you feel at home. Right after the tour he nade sure everyone was accounted for and even helped by giving suggestions and tips to do while in Korea to others and myself.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 April 2024
- Dimo CHVarna, Bulgaria391 contributionsAdvanced way to DMZFor advanced travelers, I recommend the following way to get to the Imjingang tourist center. Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Turquoise Line to Munsan Station. I'll paste the details below. The most important thing is to get to the ticket office at least by half past eleven in the morning, otherwise the tickets may be sold out.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 April 2024
- HoadjieGisborne, Australia311 contributionsAmazingCame here on a tour I was really looking forward to this and it disappoint. Got to go in the tunnel, learnt a lot more on the Korean war I was lucky it was a nice clear day so I could see north Korea which was great. Probably the closet I will ever get to north Korea We also stop in the little town which is in the area and try their special ice cream. I didn't like it, but quite a few people in the group like it. Every stop had toilets and gift shopsVisited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 May 2024
- Paula D13 contributionsGo for Gogo!Gogo was a fantastic tour guide, explaining all of the history of the sites we visited. He was very helpful throughout the day. The sites were amazing. A lot of walking and hiking but worth it for the incredible views Gogo is great!Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
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4.5
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JCY
Hong Kong, China74 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
The Panmunjeom and bunker exhibition in Imjinggak were closed because of covid (as of 11 October 2022). The Dora observatory and the Third Tunnel were still open to tourists.
Photos are not allowed in the DMZ after going through the security checkpoint operated by the military, except some designated tourist spots. Recommend to try the soybean ice cream at a souvenir centre - tastes like tofu ice cream.
Overall an exciting and unique experience.
Photos are not allowed in the DMZ after going through the security checkpoint operated by the military, except some designated tourist spots. Recommend to try the soybean ice cream at a souvenir centre - tastes like tofu ice cream.
Overall an exciting and unique experience.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
patrick h
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar183 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
thank you for this great visit and to our guide madmae Jon. The taking into account of the bus and circuits were punctual, and very well organized, to really advise compared to other tour operators. We were all able to do very early, and therefore get back to Seoul early to give us the free afternoon, it's great.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine
Glasgow, UK125 contributions
Apr 2023
We had a wonderful time. Our guide (Dora) was so educated and really helped make the trip valuable, with her interesting details. She was very professional and this made our day something we will always remember. The trip allowed us to learn so much about the Korean War and again, Dora was full of knowledge. On the day itself, Pak arrived at our hotel and took us in his car to the DMZ, where we met up with our tour - thanks for your kindness in this. I would highly recommend choosing this company if you want to fully enjoy the experience - it made the trip to South Korea for my daughter and I something we will treasure. We visited the Observation Tower, the museum, the Unification Bridge and there was shopping at the DMZ village too. On the way back, the bus dropped us at City Hall - a 15 minute walk to our hotel in Insadong. Thank you all very much, Pak and Dora.
Written 5 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Дарья
8 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The review of an independent trip to the DMZ here is almost ten years ago, so I will share updated information after our trip)
You take the metro to the munsan (terminal) station, where you change without leaving the station to the train to imjingang. I am attaching a memo with the munsan-imgingang train schedule on weekends and weekdays. By the way, imjingang park is closed on Monday). If you don’t have time for the metro train, you can take bus 58, stop at the station (on the memo there is a diagram of how to get there), bus fare is 1400 won, I’ve attached the schedule, although the journey takes longer due to windings and stops (and the metro exit is through one stop). Get off at imgingang, turn left and go to the parking lot (it will be on the right across the road) with a bunch of buses, there are several buildings near it, one sells tickets directly to the DMZ tour (cost 9200 won, if you want to go down into the tunnel (and up from it) to monorail, not on foot (300 meters down and back), then 12,200 won); in the other - tickets for the “gondola of peace” (it’s a cable car across the river, there’s a small museum there and that’s basically it, the cost is 11,000 won, there’s no point in visiting, only if you spend time waiting for a tour of the DMZ, but in my opinion, it’s worth walking around the park more interesting and free). You buy a tour in a building that says “DMZ”, fill out a short form before purchasing, and be sure to bring your passport with you! Tour groups are actively buying tickets, we arrived at the ticket office at 11.00, there was only time left until 14.40. We walked around the neighborhood, saw a shot train, a bunker (2000 won entrance), a park, took a ride on a gondola, which we regretted, wasted money)) At 14.30 we board the bus, it stands at the ticket office buildings with a sign “14.40”, seat numbers written on tickets when they are sold) There is a stop along the way where border guards check passports. First they take you to the Dora Observatory, there is an exhibition hall, an area with binoculars and a view of the DMZ and both Koreas, you walk for about half an hour, then back on the bus (every time the guide counts people), a trip to the 3rd tunnel, then there is a short film about the war and the way back, where they make a stop at a souvenir shop and cafe. In general, the excursion takes about 3 hours, but our group managed it faster, so we caught the 58th bus at 17.30 (the metro train on weekdays at 17.25, plus the bus stop is closer, so we slightly missed the metro). Through agencies, the excursion costs from $40 (and there are no Russian guides there either), with us it turned out to be almost 4 times cheaper, not counting the “gondola”))
You take the metro to the munsan (terminal) station, where you change without leaving the station to the train to imjingang. I am attaching a memo with the munsan-imgingang train schedule on weekends and weekdays. By the way, imjingang park is closed on Monday). If you don’t have time for the metro train, you can take bus 58, stop at the station (on the memo there is a diagram of how to get there), bus fare is 1400 won, I’ve attached the schedule, although the journey takes longer due to windings and stops (and the metro exit is through one stop). Get off at imgingang, turn left and go to the parking lot (it will be on the right across the road) with a bunch of buses, there are several buildings near it, one sells tickets directly to the DMZ tour (cost 9200 won, if you want to go down into the tunnel (and up from it) to monorail, not on foot (300 meters down and back), then 12,200 won); in the other - tickets for the “gondola of peace” (it’s a cable car across the river, there’s a small museum there and that’s basically it, the cost is 11,000 won, there’s no point in visiting, only if you spend time waiting for a tour of the DMZ, but in my opinion, it’s worth walking around the park more interesting and free). You buy a tour in a building that says “DMZ”, fill out a short form before purchasing, and be sure to bring your passport with you! Tour groups are actively buying tickets, we arrived at the ticket office at 11.00, there was only time left until 14.40. We walked around the neighborhood, saw a shot train, a bunker (2000 won entrance), a park, took a ride on a gondola, which we regretted, wasted money)) At 14.30 we board the bus, it stands at the ticket office buildings with a sign “14.40”, seat numbers written on tickets when they are sold) There is a stop along the way where border guards check passports. First they take you to the Dora Observatory, there is an exhibition hall, an area with binoculars and a view of the DMZ and both Koreas, you walk for about half an hour, then back on the bus (every time the guide counts people), a trip to the 3rd tunnel, then there is a short film about the war and the way back, where they make a stop at a souvenir shop and cafe. In general, the excursion takes about 3 hours, but our group managed it faster, so we caught the 58th bus at 17.30 (the metro train on weekdays at 17.25, plus the bus stop is closer, so we slightly missed the metro). Through agencies, the excursion costs from $40 (and there are no Russian guides there either), with us it turned out to be almost 4 times cheaper, not counting the “gondola”))
Written 1 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonelim
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia237 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Make sure you pick DMZ/PSA tour. Journey to the border take about 2+ hours by tour bus. The briefing by the US guards was interesting and the tour was amazing and informative. Excellent photo ops everywhere. A piece of history you wouldn’t want to miss. Take back a pin souvenir.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LassiJ
Helsinki, Finland63 contributions
May 2022
Interesting place to see with a history. Though everything is more commercialised than one would expect.
The tunnel experience is a good easy hike. I don't understand why cell phones and cameras are not allowed as there is nothing to hide. Probably just to avoid people crowding the tunnel in some places while taking photos.
I would have liked to stay longer time on the viewing terrace but that part of the trip was hurried so don't expect to have time to finetune your camera to search people from the North Korean side.
The tour promotes joining the Koreas again trough a peaceful change.
The tunnel experience is a good easy hike. I don't understand why cell phones and cameras are not allowed as there is nothing to hide. Probably just to avoid people crowding the tunnel in some places while taking photos.
I would have liked to stay longer time on the viewing terrace but that part of the trip was hurried so don't expect to have time to finetune your camera to search people from the North Korean side.
The tour promotes joining the Koreas again trough a peaceful change.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaka093
Montfermeil, France499 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The area is not very visible, normally it is a military zone. We do not see much. I took this visit with a tour operator, fortunately other sites are planned as a result. In addition to the area under construction, we could not hear the guide's comments.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha T
18 contributions
Dec 2022
We went with VIP travel with their tour guide Nancy (aka leader of "Team Nancy").
I would highly recommend this tour.
The tour was punctual and were very informative. Nancy was a great tour guide and gave us pertinent information regarding the places that we were visiting.
We also felt very safe on the tour as they had done the paperwork and arrangements needed for us to enter the DMZ.
This tour left very early--before sunrise. We did have a breakfast stop at the Imjingak tourist center, and there were several options for food. Nancy even came with us to help us order food, if needed.
Our next stop was Paju and we were given information by Nancy and allowed some time to see the monuments and placards there.
We did have to stop at the checkpoint and show our names and passports to the N. Korean guards that came onto the bus.
We also visited an observation tower and infiltration tunnel, and there were some photo opportunities to pose for pictures in the DMZ as well as to buy famous goods from there such as ginseng tea and soybean chocolate.
Our last stop was for some soybean ice cream before heading back to Seoul. They were timely and got us back to Seoul by the early afternoon.
Must have/bring: passport or you cannot enter the DMZ.
I would highly recommend this tour.
The tour was punctual and were very informative. Nancy was a great tour guide and gave us pertinent information regarding the places that we were visiting.
We also felt very safe on the tour as they had done the paperwork and arrangements needed for us to enter the DMZ.
This tour left very early--before sunrise. We did have a breakfast stop at the Imjingak tourist center, and there were several options for food. Nancy even came with us to help us order food, if needed.
Our next stop was Paju and we were given information by Nancy and allowed some time to see the monuments and placards there.
We did have to stop at the checkpoint and show our names and passports to the N. Korean guards that came onto the bus.
We also visited an observation tower and infiltration tunnel, and there were some photo opportunities to pose for pictures in the DMZ as well as to buy famous goods from there such as ginseng tea and soybean chocolate.
Our last stop was for some soybean ice cream before heading back to Seoul. They were timely and got us back to Seoul by the early afternoon.
Must have/bring: passport or you cannot enter the DMZ.
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iara Melo
62 contributions
May 2024 • Family
You can only visit this place with a tour so you will need to find a guide. We chose to take a guide recommended by the hotel. Plan to go on a day without rain and preferably not too hot. You will need good visibility to see things in the other Korea. There is a lot of fog in the place, so on very hot days this fog gets in your way. For people who have difficulty locating or the elderly, I wouldn't recommend it. The tunnel is quite long and to get to the observatory you have to climb a large ramp
Written 19 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clayton S
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
Tour was fantastic. We visited multiple sights and each area was well explained with historic stories along with current facts. Tour guide -SP Hong is a really cool guy, he brought smiles to the group we were with, was helpful and makes you feel at home. Right after the tour he nade sure everyone was accounted for and even helped by giving suggestions and tips to do while in Korea to others and myself.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning to visit Seoul in September 2024. Will the DMZ be open at this time ?
Written 2 May 2024
Hi,
We would like to plan a visit, however, friends have advised that tickets booked on the tour are not "confirmed" time of entry - the agencies send people there to get tickets (not JSA) and most people/ groups arriving at Imjingak area will have to wait for up to 5hours for entry - could someone kindly advise?
Also, if we can't wait due to this timing... can we just inform the group and depart on the GJ subway line back to Seoul on your own?
thanks much!
Written 17 April 2023
Hej
Jag vill fråga om tunneln man måste gå i, hur lång ungefär? Var det lite otäckt att gå där, ? Brant stigning ?
Mvh
Marianne
Written 27 October 2022
Hi,
We are going to South Korea in January. Just wondering if you had to go on a tour to go to the DMZ or if you can drive there yourself. I see there is a train that you can catch as well.
Written 26 September 2022
Hi, there is the ticket center and display train, mini museum that is accessible to the public. However, I believe it’s more or less restricted for people who want to cross the Blue Line to the Dora Observatory (or Third Tunnel), unless perhaps if you arrive very early before noon
Written 27 September 2022
Hello - it appears the JSA is closed to tours currently. Is there any insight as to when it might reopen to tourists?
Written 4 July 2022
Hello - I hear DMZ and JSA is closed. But want to know between what dates is it closed before it re-opens. ? Planning to buy air tickets accordingly.
Written 20 October 2019
I did answer. Basically there’s a risk of the DMZ being closed at any time on short notice
Written 7 November 2019
Добрый день, а что за компания у вас была?
Written 24 September 2019
Здравствуйте! Я был в деловой поездке, мои корейские партнеры любезно предоставили мне автомобиль для поездки в DMZ. Это в 70 км от Сеула, посещение не требует разрешения, стоимость осмотра обсерватории, если я не ошибаюсь, 10 долларов. Удачного путешествия!
Written 25 September 2019
Добрый день! А что за контора КТБ? Где лучше купить экскурсию на день?
Written 24 September 2019
Buenas tardes.
Voy a ir en Diciembre a Seúl y me gustaría saber cual es la mejor opción de visita a la DMZ, querría visitar todas sus zonas, las casetas azules, zona de armisticio etc...Quiero saber en que pagina y que visita (la más completa) debería coger.
Muchas gracias, espero vuestra respuesta.
Written 2 September 2019
I visited the DMZ from the North Korean side so I cant tell you personally how to do it from the south korean side but I know some friends who did it this way. So the best is you book a tour and you should do it already some weeks before when you want see the blue barracks from close.
Written 3 September 2019
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