The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was the crowning jewel of our trip to Seoul. This unique opportunity allowed us to witness the world’s most intense and dangerous international border first-hand.

If you’re visiting Seoul, don’t miss this chance to visit the DMZ!

How To Get To The DMZ?

The DMZ is just an hour’s drive from Seoul on a clear day. During your journey, you’ll catch glimpses of North Korea. From the Dora Observatory, you can even spot North Korean landmarks.

To access the DMZ, you must join a licensed tour operator. With many top-rated operators available, tickets sell out quickly. Be sure to book well in advance or opt for online booking for added convenience.

What Is The DMZ?

The DMZ is a 250 km-long, 4 km-wide buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea. Established through an agreement between North Korea, China, and the United Nations in 1953, it separates the two nations.

At the heart of the DMZ lies the Joint Security Area (JSA), where the two Koreas engage in negotiations. Unfortunately, we had to forgo our JSA tour due to Kim Il-sung’s birthday celebrations. While we only visited the DMZ, it was still an unforgettable experience.

The DMZ Tour

With that said, here is a quick glimpse of the DMZ tour.

Photos and a short write-up to show you what to expect.

And one more thing I thought I’d share – remember to stay abreast of any developments from North Korea. Any developments that lead to tension between the two countries can ultimately lead to a cancellation of the DMZ tour.

On that note, I wish you a clear, sunny day for your visit. And remember to carry your passport on the day of the tour.

1st Stop: Imjingak Resort

The Bridge of Freedom is a former railroad bridge which was used by repatriated POWs/soldiers.

The Imjingak Resort is the first stop on the DMZ tour. This is where our tour guide picked up all our tickets. The Imjingak Resort isn’t your typical resort. However, it does have a spooky-looking theme park, which we were told is still operational.

The Imjingak Resort is the last point civilians can drive to before they need government permission to travel further north. While our tour guide was collecting our tickets, we got to explore the “resort” with its monuments, messages of peace and the Bridge of Freedom. This former railroad bridge was used by repatriated POWs/soldiers returning from the North.

The bridge also serves as a memorial for families that were separated during the Korean War. There are brightly coloured ribbons on either side of the bridge with messages for family members.

2nd Stop: The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

The DMZ Museum at the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel site

The highlight of the DMZ tour is to explore a tunnel dug by North Korea. This was the third infiltration tunnel that was discovered by South Korea (a total of 4 have been discovered). It was a surreal experience to enter the actual tunnel. The tunnel is 1,635 metres long at a depth of 73 metres.

For a tall person such as myself, this experience was as incredible as it was claustrophobic. The tunnel is no higher than 5 metres at most parts, and then less than that in the other parts. Sadly, no cameras are allowed inside the tunnel.

The infiltration tunnel was made by manual excavation work with dynamites, shovels, and pickaxes. The tunnel is located only four kilometres away from JSA.

At this stop, we also visited a DMZ museum, where we were shown a short film about the DMZ and the history of the two nations.

3rd Stop: Dora Observatory

There lies North Korea

The Dora Observatory was another amazing experience. This is the last point before the actual DMZ begins. The observatory offers visitors a distinct vantage point allowing them to glimpse North Korea on a clear day.

It is here that both Koreas blast propaganda on extremely loudspeakers at each other. For the most part, South Korea blares K-pop on their speaker. North Korea isn’t a fan of K-pop. Unbelievable, right?

I found it hysterical that at the world’s most internationally dangerous border, the tensions are drowned (or heightened) with blaring K-Pop.

4th Stop: Dorasan Station

The Dorasan Station – The last stop in South Korea

The Dorasan Station is the most futuristic station that I’ve ever visited. Well, it’s futuristic in a different sense. It’s an ordinary-looking station built in the hope of a better future – a time when people of North and South Korea can freely travel between the countries.

Dorasan Station is built to serve a dream. But for now, it’s just the last stop on the DMZ tour.

If you enjoyed these photos, make sure to check out all the photos from the DMZ, and our trip to Seoul. Other than the DMZ tour, there are quite a few other things to do in Seoul.