Korea is the world's only divided nation, split into South and North Korea by DMZ 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 the divided country. It also offers insights into the history of division, the heartrending tales of separated families, and a chance to contemplate war, peace and the value of freedom.
At your hotel (Seoul)
Imjingak Nuri Peace Park was developed immediately after the South North 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 large scale outdoor theater, the hill of the 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 3rd Tunnel was discovered at the point of just 52km(32miles) away from Seoul, in the administrative district of Paju in 1978. The tunnel is underground with 73m(240 feet) in depth, 1,635m in length(1mile), 2m in width, 2m(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 Korea plot to invade the South Korea was at that time.
This site is situated on Dora Mountain within the DMZ, serving as the northernmost observatory in the South, 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, 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, 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.
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 in the time of 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 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 of "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 get to know about the Korean War in much more detail, instead of going to the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, or to visit any other places you desire.
At your hotel
Guiding Fee
Free Transportation (11 seater KIA Carnival)
Fuel, toll, parking
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Entrance Fees
Lunch
Traveler's Insurance
1. During the DMZ tour, you must have your passport with you.
2. The DMZ tour involves entering a military-controlled area, so it proceeds by taking the DMZ shuttle bus in groups.
3. DMZ tours cannot be reserved in advance and are done on a first-come, first-served basis by purchasing tickets for the DMZ shuttle bus.
4. The schedule provided above is based on the first DMZ shuttle bus, so the timings might vary depending on the departure time.
5. Following the DMZ tour, you can choose to visit either the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge or the War Memorial Hall. Alternatively, you can also visit any other places you desire.