DMZ, Dora Observatory & Imjingak Park Morning Tour (Seoul) – Half Day

Seoul

Highlights

Explore the “Demilitarized Zone” separating North and South Korea – Lonely Planet’s Top #13 experience in the country
See the war monuments of Imjingak Park and the Bridge of Freedom where prisoners and hostages were exchanged
Visit Dora Observatory, where you can peer through binoculars for a closer look at North Korea

About

Out in no-man's land, everything appears to be at peace. At least that’s what it seems on the surface of one of the world's most hostile borders – the DMZ. Now an unexpected wildlife corridor, Korea’s Demilitarized Zone is a 4-kilometer wide, 240km long buffer separating the peninsula into North and South.

On this day trip, we’ll take you on a morning tour to explore the sights in and around the DMZ’s two villages...

DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall: An exhibition center that features a large replica of the DMZ with a small theater showing a documentary about the tunnels.

Imjingak Park: Located in the last village before the DMZ, where remnants of the Korean War dating back 60 years can be seen. Today you’ll find a bell of peace and tourist facilities the likes of carousels, an observation roofdeck, gift shops, and eateries.

Bridge of Freedom: A former railroad bridge used by repatriated Prisoners of War or soldiers returning from the North.

Third Infiltration Tunnel: One of four tunnels found running under the DMZ, dug by the North Koreans for surprise military attacks. This is the third discovered since 1974, running 73 meters deep. Get a chance to walk along 265 meters of the tunnel creeping and hunched over to reach the coiled barbed wire blocked by a triple concrete wall.

Dora Observatory: A viewing point from which to peer across to North Korea using binoculars. You might just see Kaesong City and its industrial complex where cheap North Korean laborers toil for South Korea’s rich conglomerates.

Dorasan Station: Standing at the foot of the mountain, this terminus is the last stop of South Korea’s rail line – a symbol of hope for the eventual reunification of the two countries. Also a chance to ride through to Pyongyang (open / closed depending on current relations between the two governments).

Unification Village: An incredibly quiet place located in a buffer zone just outside of the DMZ, from which North Korea is easily visible. Residents, troops and others pre-approved by the military must pass through checkpoints to enter.

For more information, watch this video