Day trip to the DMZ of North and South Korea

Highlights

• Learn all about North and South Korea's fascinating history
• English-speaking tour guide
• Hotel transportation and entrance fees included
• We visit The Peace Bell, The Bridge of Freedom and many other famous landmarks

All about the trip

Join us for a day trip to Korea's DMZ!

Even though the Cold War happened a long time ago, Korea is the only country that still remains fully divided as a consequence. The DMZ lies on the border between the North and South of the nations and is the most heavily fortified border in the entire world, so don’t miss the chance to see it!

Together with an English-speaking guide, we will travel to Panmunjom, Imjingak, which is located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line. This location, now at the forefront of tourism related to the Korean Conflict, was built in 1972 in the hope that someday unification would be possible. The three-storied Imjingak is surrounded by several important Monuments, including "Unification Park" and the North Korea Centre.

One of the main exhibitions here is a display of over 400 photos and documents showing the stark reality of the tensions. They are displayed in the North Korea Centre of Unification Board. Outside Imjingak, there are 12 kinds of tanks and crafts on display that were used during the Korean Conflict.

Following on, you can see the Unification Pond which is built in the shape of the Korean peninsula and is a beautiful place to take photos!

We then visit the Peace Bell in this area and also the 'Bridge of the Freedom', which is the site where South Koreans crossed when they came back to their mother country from North Korea, behind Mangbaedan.

In front of Imjingak is also the Gyeongui Train Line, which was destroyed during the Korean Conflict in 1950. It has been under construction since 2000. Every year many events for unification are held at Imjingak, which is now one of the famous tourist spots for foreigners in Gyeonggi-do Province because it is possible to visit here without going through any security check points.

A stop not to be missed on our itinerary is the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. Located 12 kilometres away from Munsan and 52 km from Seoul, the tunnel was discovered in 1978. Its purpose was to be used to invade the south. At 1,635 meters-long, 2 meters high and 2 wide, the tunnel has the capacity of moving an entire division per hour!

The curious fact here is that when the tunnel was discovered, North Korea alleged that the south had built it for a surprise attack, but evidence points to the contrary. Walking through will feel like you’ve stepped back in time! (If you aren’t comfortable with closed spaces, you’re welcome to wait by the exit).

At the DMZ Theater you will have an opportunity to watch a short 8 minute video about the Korean conflict. The video provides a South Korean perspective on the Korean War, how the DMZ came about, and the current situation today. It also gives some background to the infiltration tunnels that were dug by North Korea. Having just had the opportunity to walk through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, it should be quite enlightening.

The best place for history lovers is saved for last, The DMZ Exhibition Hall. Inside the DMZ Exhibition Hall you will find many exhibits and artefacts on display from the Korean War. Containing photos, documents and some remnants from the past, a walk through the Exhibition Hall will give you a deeper and more visual knowledge to the conflict.

The gallery is comfortable and well-lit. There are a good number of exhibits on display and some interesting facts for history buffs. You will also learn about how wild life has blossomed in the DMZ, where there is no longer human interference.

We will also enjoy views from The Dorasan Observatory. Whilst sitting at the top of Dorasan, you will see that the Observatory is ideal for looking across the border using high-powered binoculars. This is the part closest to the North and is a firm favourite for many visiting travellers on this tour. For many visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime sneak peek at the 'Hermit Kingdom' otherwise known as North Korea.

By using the high-powered binoculars on the third floor, you will be able to see the North’s propaganda village which located right inside the DMZ. You can also see as far as Gaesong, which is the ninth-largest city in North Korea. If you’re lucky to be here on a clear day, you’ll get to see the bronze statue of Kim Il-sung from the Dorasan Observatory.

We also visit the Dorasan Station, which is a crossroad point between the two nations. Dorasan station is actually the northernmost station of South Korea and was originally constructed with the idea of connecting railroads between the North and the South. It was also nearby here that the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel was discovered.

This fascinating half-day trip will show you everything you need to know about the border zone between these two nations.

What is included in the price

• English-speaking tour guide
• Hotel transportation
• Entrance fees

What is not included in the price

• Additional refreshments or extra snacks

Instructions

This activity is organised by VIP Travel, Mapodaero 109, Mapo-Gu, Seoul, 04146, South Korea, +82 2 739 3501, vip@vviptravel.com.