Without a compulsory shopping break, youre free to embrace the cultural experience. In 2012 we joined a full day tour of the south side of the DMZ, including a visit to the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom. One of the most popular one-day tours from Seoul is to tour the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone which is the 240km / 150 mi long border along the 38th parallel between North and South Korea. After comfortable transfer from convenient pickup locations, your group will visit Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park and the Bridge of Freedom. We chose a full day tour to the DMZ with Klook and experienced a wonderful tour. Visiting the DMZ Between North and South Korea 75 Years After - Insider It was the theme song for "Finding Dispersed Families," a series of special live broadcasts depicting the reunions of war-dispersed families in 1983. All you have to do is embrace the adventure. I recommend this to everyone who visits. 41. On the bus, our tour guide Emily Lee began educating us on the history of the Korean War and the DMZ. From Seoul: Half-Day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour Even though it's free to just swing by the War Memorial of Korea, history buffs may still want to travel to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone between South Korea and North Korea). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We enjoyed the palace tour very much and learned a lot about Korean culture and its history from Sadie. We don't waste your time by visiting compulsory shopping centers. Tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with a knowledgeable guide who shares the history and highlights of this important strip of land that separates North and South Korea. Return to Imjingak Park, then visit Gloucester Hill Memorial and the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge before your tour ends. A series of bad decisions the night before endless shopping and staying up for late-night street snacks left us feeling sleep-deprived in the morning. to do this tour so it means its much busier and requires a lot more queuing. More Info. On a clear day, you could even glimpse the bronze statue of Kim Il-Sung, the founder of North Korea and grandfather of its current Supreme Leader. Discovering the flavours of Korea - Review of Etourism, Seoul, South The best time to visit Seoul is during the months of April, May, September, and October. Epic 1 Week Iceland Womens Road Trip & Hiking Tour! More Info. Adventurous 2 Week Pakistan Womens Tour To The Mountains! The DMZ tour from Seoul (full-day) including the stops previously mentioned and the JSA (Joint Security Area).This is the only place you can see North and South Korea soldiers standing face-to-face. We can't find that wishlist, please refresh the page and try again. On June 25, I visited the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, between North and South Korea. This post contains affiliate links. The distance from Seoul to the border with North Korea is only about 50 kilometers. Later, enjoy immersive visits to Yeongju, Andong, Gyeongju, and Busan. Add to wishlist. Travel over various evidences of their military maneuver to the point . . I want to encourage you to always have an adventure and see something new, even if its close to home! DMZ Spy Tour - Day Tours (Seoul) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Buses also run to Paju from Seoul's northwestern districts. We chose to go on a full-day tour from Seoul. A Complete Guide to Planning Your Trip. Well worth taking the tour, great experience. English available. At one point during our research for the 18-day trip, one of my friends suggested booking a day tour to the DMZ. Nami Island Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips people make from Seoul. This tour that I did is really highly rated and I can see why, best of all its one of the cheapest DMZ Day Tours from Seoul too! If youre visiting in winter be sure to wear extra layers for this section as I can imagine its freezing in the winter months! * Tour schedule and arrival time is subject to change (be cancelled) due to the traffic conditions and military reasons. OnedayKorea Tours: Wonderful DMZ tour. On monia tarjoajia, mik on asuallunen tarjonan ja hinnan suhteen Learn why the Demilitarised Zone is in place and gain insight into the barriers to reconciliation. Day Trips from Seoul to DMZ Day Trips Bus Tours Historical Tours Full-day Tours Cultural Tours Car Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Half-day Tours Walking Tours Culinary Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers City Tours Shore Excursions Ports of Call Tours Trolley Tours Adventure Tours Cable Car Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Classic Car Tours China and the USSR being allies, a nuclear attack on China would have ignited World War III and the possible destruction of humanity in the flames of a nuclear Apocalypse. Finally, an Armistice was signed on 27th July 1953, requiring the opposing armies to retreat two kilometers each to avoid direct contact. Unsurprisingly the area dubbed as the worlds most dangerous border is also the number 1 tourist attraction in South Korea; over 1.2 million visitors flock every year to the infamous Korean Demilitarized Zone or DMZ. I was really lucky to be visiting on a sunny day with minimal haze, I know its hard to plan around the weather or know what it will be like but if you can visit on a non-cloudy or hazy day it would be best. Seoulntour Tourist guide Mr Young is professional and shared with us history of Korea in the tour. 8 Day Morocco South Saharan Desert Womens Tour. It is also where politicians from the opposing sides can meet and discuss; Trump met Kim Jong-Un here a few years ago. 3- I know its hard to plan around the weather but if you can go on a sunny and clear day over a cloudy day then do as youll be able to see North Korea better from the observatory. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) wide. 5 Days Essential Tour for Korea's past and present(Seoul, DMZ, Gyeongju, Busan), Private 3 days Seoul Highlight tour - Korean Folk Village - DMZ tour, The Beauty of the Korea Cherry Blossom Discover 9days 8nights, Sparkling of Korea 8days 7nights Temple Stay and KTX Train, See more Virtual Experiences around the globe, Dongdaemun Market and Gate (Heunginjimun), St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). Long story short, the North Korean USSR-supported government decided to unify the peninsula by force and invaded the South in 1950. Excellent source of knowledge and information! " THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Seoul (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor The demilitarized zone runs across the Korean Peninsula for 250 kilometers (160 miles). We weren't allowed to take any photos inside the tunnel, so we kept our phones in the lockers, popped on safety helmets, and embarked on our descent 240 feet below the ground. At the bottom, there is a water fountain and then you carry on along the tunnel. Also, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, that would allow you to walk through the narrow tunnel. I had fun on the tour and at some points it felt reasonably commercialized yet there was a strong tinge of sorrow in each step of the journey. *Bibimbap: Rice bowl with mixed vegetables (vegetarian) 1:30pm. Directions Overview: 2 hrs on Seoul Subway (from Seoul/Myeongdong Station), followed by 2 mins walk to Park. more, Korean DMZ Tour with Expert Tour Guide from Seoul - No shopping, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Forget the headache large groups and discomfort of tour buses and relax in private round-trip transportation from your Seoul hotel. Getting to actually see North Korea and the South Korean guards was amazing. She spoke fluent English and explained the history of North and South Korea in an engaging manner. Explore the many highlights of Seoul, the DMZ, Gyeongju, and Busan, discovering captivating attractions along the way. Tour Guide: Best selected Licensed English speaking guides, who are passionate, well-trained, and knowledgeable to create a truly unforgettable experience. This is an ultimate tour for anyone who wish to see all the key attractions in Seoul only in 3 days. We sat in silence for a while as we took it all in, still feeling surreal about the fact that North Korea was just a few miles ahead of us. Visit landmarks including the 3rd Tunnel and the Dora Observatory. For example, you are not allowed, under any circumstances, to take pics of the North Korean soldiers. Being able to see the most closed-off countries in the world is enough to intrigue any traveller right? Once the sightseeing is complete, relax in swift transfer to the Incheon Airport in time for your departing flight. Best 2 Days Guided DMZ and Seoul City Tours from Seoul. Thanks Young for a fantastic day. Book via Klook and experience the rich history of the Korean War through this immersive day tour from Seoul! Follow a personalized and flexible itinerary during this full-day private tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. You can enjoy popular street foods at end of tour. Bestseller. DMZ Tour Review: How To Find The Best DMZ Tours In 2023 Or is it s till closed due to ASF? The public transport in South Korean cities is really great, so safe and easy to use. Search tours and activities you can do from home. I just stamped part of the brochure we were given and its a pretty cool thing to do and hold on too but yeah, dont stamp your passport! Enhance your experience by adding the Peace Gondola ride for a birds-eye view of the DMZ. Did not get anywhere near any North Koreans. Built in 1972 as a consolation to separated families and with hopes of reunification, Imjingak Park is a popular tourist attraction for not only foreigners but also South Koreans. Our first stop was Imjingak Park. All You Need To Know About A DMZ Tour From Seoul | Best DMZ Tours - Headout After your driver come guide picks you up from your hotel, enjoy a well-rounded visit to the DMZ. Quick View. Overall, my visit to DMZ will be forever engraved in my heart. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-zenmomentsinkorea_com-leader-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px;width:300px!important;max-height:250px;height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'zenmomentsinkorea_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-zenmomentsinkorea_com-leader-4-0'); The next stop was the Dora observatory, from where we could see inside North Korea. ), Private Tour - Paju Imjingak,DMZ, and Ganghwado Island Overnight Tour, 2 Day Highlight - Seoul City / DMZ, N Seoul Tower(Incl. Going on a DMZ Tour from Seoul to see North Korea is one of the biggest things to do in Seoul! If youre phone is locked and not unlocked which I know happens to many people in the USA, youll need a portable wifi pocket rental which you can order and pick up at Incheon Airport. Travel Time: ~3 hours from Seoul. The JSA is located 48km northwest of Seoul, South Korea and 10km east of Gaesong, North Korea. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. After visiting the DMZ tourist information center, your group will head to Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour from Seoul - Klook Travel . 4.7 / 5. Visit two of Koreas most iconic attractions in one day on a private 8- to 10-hour tour. DMZ TOURS | Korea DMZ Tour Reservation - Seoul Tour Korea . They add a lot of acting to it in term of security and rules which are ridiculous and make all process long and not efficient or memorable. I got off at Myeongdong, got some lunch- there are lots of restaurants and street food stalls here and then walked up Namsan Park to Seoul Tower which is a free thing to do in Seoul and a great way to end your day! DMZ Half Day Guided Tour from Seoul - Klook Singapore - Klook Travel Since its creation, the DMZ has successfully fulfilled its mission, keeping the opposing sides apart and maintaining an uneasy peace. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Youll need a T-Money card that you add credit to and can use on all the buses and metros all over South Korea. North Korea Visiting the demilitarized zone (or DMZ) between North and South Korea is a popular and easy day trip from Seoul. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 16 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Seoul That You Cannot Miss in 2023! Hi, is the DMZ tour now available? After Japan lost World War II, the southern part of the Korean peninsula was occupied by the Americans while the northern side was under Soviet administration. The day of my visit marked exactly 73 years since the Korean War began in 1950, and the spot I stood at wasn't far from the site where, a couple weeks later, a US soldier would shock the world by darting across the border and defecting into North Korea.. Spanning the 160-mile width of the Korean peninsula, the . What You Can See The Bridge Of Freedom () Peace Park () DMZ Gondola () Camp Greaves () Third Tunnel (3) Dora Observatory () Dorasan Station () The Joint Security Area (JSA) Odusan Unification Observatory ( ) A Hidden Natural DMZ Gem: Cheorwon Things to know about heading to the Cheorwon DMZ area What I loved most was the possibility to learn a bit more about the tumultuous history of the Korean wars, as well as actually be able to see inside North Korea. 2:30pm. If you think youll have difficulty walking all the way along the tunnel I wouldnt bother going all the way. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. At top of N Seoul tower, you will enjoy a unique and beautiful panoramic view of Seoul. I would want to come on 7th May if possible. With that being said, with the help of the telescopes that line the 3rd floor that are free to use you can often see North Korean Military Soldiers and North Korean civilians. Buy it here! Book now for today. 12:30~1:30pm. Retreats For Muslim Women Around the World! From beginning to end, youll enjoy immersive commentary from your guide that goes beyond the typical travel guide. Nevertheless, occasional skirmishes still happen, reminding the world of one of the last vestiges of the 20th century Cold War. Our tour guide, Mr Young, was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the relationship between North and South Korea. See the Freedom Bridge; look over North Korea from Dora Observatory; explore the Third Tunnel of Aggression, dug under the border by North Korean forces; visit Dorasan Station; and tour Unification Village. The observation place was my favorite. Thank you Sunny. Viator is good. More Info. In my opinion, you have to do this day tour when in Seoul. Korea 4G LTE Unlimited Data and Optional Voice Call SIM Card. DMZ half or full-day trip 2 Days in Seoul, South Korea: The Perfect 48-Hour Seoul Itinerary, 4 days in Seoul: Your ultimate Seoul itinerary - Zen Moments in Korea, Day trips from Seoul: plan your perfect escape from the city, Seeing Seoul in one day - a great itinerary - Zen Moments in Korea, How to get to Namsan Tower: your complete guide for 2022, Winter in Korea - the best things to do - Zen Moments in Korea, 7 days in Seoul - what to do in Seoul for a week, South Korea Bucket List - the complete list of things worth doing, 5 days in Seoul: the easy-to-follow itinerary, Rainy season in Korea - What to do in Seoul when it rains, Discover Seoul Pass Itinerary - is it worth it? Activity provider: VIP Travel. But DMZ is not only about military history and political propaganda. To be honest we didnt get told a huge amount of history although later in the day we did see a short video with more information. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Expert guide escorts you along the infiltration route of 31 North Korean commandos, who invaded to the backyard of Blue House to assassinate then S Korean president. Come picnic like locals by the majestic Han-river, enjoy street food, and bargain your way at lively local fashion stalls in DDP. From Seoul: DMZ Half or Full-Day Guided Day Trip Join a day trip from Seoul for a guided tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the border of North Korea and South Korea. Although we could see a lot of Countryside from here we were told that everything we could see was South Korea. Be inspired in this fantastic Korea experience! President Hotel - Imjingak Park - The Unification Bridge - ID Check - DMZ theater and exhibition hall - The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel - Dora Observatory - Dorasan Station - Lunch - Dokgae Bridge - Bunker Beat 131 - Imjingak Gondola - Amethyst or Ginseng Center - Myeongdong Sending. Though incomplete, it's the largest among the four infiltration tunnels that have been discovered in South Korea. Take advantage of your limited time in Korea on a private 7-day tour to the countrys top destinations. Seoul in Spring: what to do and where to see cherry blossom@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-zenmomentsinkorea_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px;width:300px!important;max-height:250px;height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'zenmomentsinkorea_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-zenmomentsinkorea_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); We are Ingrid and Alex, two Romanians who spent 1 year living in South Korea. Most websites i go to do not have anymore available slots, understand it is quite last minute. It felt peaceful walking in Imjingak Park, but there was a solemn undertone that followed. You cant go to South Korea and not get a glimpse into North Korea!This is the exact tour I did which I really enjoyed and its the highest rated on Get Your Guide. During our time there, we traveled extensively, exploring Seoul and its surrounding area, but also the rest of South Korea. As already mentioned, the only way of getting to the DMZ is by organized tour. DMZ Tours (Seoul) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Buy it here! Ridgways victory put the US in a strong position to negotiate peace, but MacArthur seemed hell-bent to destroy the human race just to soothe his bruised ego. more, City Tours Cultural Tours Sightseeing Tours. "The bridge pier has a lot of bullet marks, which are traces of the Korean war," Lee explained, pointing towards the now-destroyed bridge. Tickets cost 8,400 for a reserved seat. The day of my visit marked exactly 73 years since the Korean War began in 1950, and the spot I stood at wasn't far from the site where, a couple weeks later, a US soldier would shock the world by darting across the border and defecting into North Korea.