Day trip to DMZ: how to choose the best tour
Last Updated on November 11, 2024 by Alex
Unsurprisingly, the area dubbed ‘the world’s most dangerous border’ is South Korea’s number one tourist attraction. If you, too, are looking for the best day trip to the DMZ from Seoul, this guide will help you make the right choice!
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Table of Contents
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – what is it and a short history

To understand the DMZ, we should touch on Korea’s 20th-century history.
In 1910, Japan annexed Korea and ran it as part of the Japanese Empire. To this day, there are mixed feelings and differing interpretations of that specific period of Korean history.
After Japan lost WWII, the Americans occupied the southern part of the Korean peninsula while the northern side fell under Soviet administration. The initial plan was to unify the two halves. However, like in Germany, reunification didn’t happen because the former allies, the US and the USSR, became enemies in the ensuing Cold War.
Long story short, the North Korean USSR-supported government decided to unify the peninsula by force and invaded the South in 1950. The UN, supported by the USA, responded by deploying a multinational force to defend the South.
By 1953, the two sides fought each other to a standstill, occupying more or less the same lands they did before the war. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, died for nothing.
Finally, an Armistice was signed on 27 July 1953, requiring the opposing armies to retreat two kilometers each to avoid direct contact. Hence, the DMZ was born, a 4km wide and over 250km long no-man’s land separating the Northern and Southern armies.
Since its creation, the DMZ has successfully fulfilled its mission, keeping the opposing sides apart and maintaining an uneasy peace. Nevertheless, occasional skirmishes still happen, reminding the world of one of the last vestiges of the 20th-century Cold War.
What is the Joint Security Area (JSA)

The JSA is the only point in the DMZ where the two opposing militaries actually meet. It is also where politicians from the opposing sides can meet and discuss issues; Trump met Kim Jong-Un here a few years ago.
Given the sensitive nature of the JSA, there are strict security rules for visiting.
What you should know about visiting the JSA: rules and regulations
One needs to book the tour a minimum of 72 hours in advance for security checks, and no children below the age of 12 are allowed – keep this in mind if you plan to go for the full-day tour.
When visiting the JSA, another important thing to keep in mind is the dress code. Officially, visitors are expected to show their respect for such an important geopolitical sight, but the real reason is much quirkier: North Korean authorities used pictures of casually dressed tourists to convince their citizens of how poor and decadent Western and South Korean citizens are. So, no ripped jeans, sleeveless shirts, or mini-skirts, please!
Also, avoid clothing with military-like prints, national flags, or other national symbols. For some reason, workout clothes are not allowed either: no sweatpants or leotards!
As for footwear, no sandals or similar open-top or open-back shoes; loafers, mocassins, and dressier sneakers are fine.
While in the JSA, there are restrictions on what you can photograph. For example, you are not allowed, under any circumstances, to take pics of the North Korean soldiers. However, you can take pics with the cool, sunglass-wearing South Korean guards if not otherwise advised.
By the way, did you know that sunglasses are part of the South Korean guards’ uniform? They are supposed to shield the soldier’s emotions or, I would guess, the annoyance of being photographed by all the passing tourists.
Other things worth knowing for a day trip to DMZ
Opening Hours
As mentioned, booking a tour is the only way to get to the DMZ.
Usually, the tour starts at 08:10 AM (Weekdays)/ 07:10 AM (Weekend-Sat.&Sun./National Holidays) and leaves from Hongik Univ. station exit 3.
Tour options are not available on Mondays and Korean Public holidays, as you can easily see from the simulation below.
What to bring with you
You must have a valid passport with you.
Also, wear comfortable shoes and clothes that will allow you to walk through the narrow tunnel.
Other things you will see on the day trip to DMZ

Apart from the JSA, both the full-day and half-day tours cover essential historical landmarks such as Imjingak Park or The Bridge of Freedom.
Since 1974, South Korea has discovered four underground tunnels dug under the DMZ; specialists believe there could be as many as twenty tunnels.
The so-called 3rd Infiltration Tunnel is usually part of the guided tours. Although North Korea denies this, the corridor seems designed to allow a surprise attack on Seoul. Given its dimensions, it has room for 30.000 North Korean soldiers armed with light weaponry to pass every hour. That is 720.000 soldiers in 24 hours; imagine the damage they could do by falling behind the South Korean defenses.
Many are curious to get a glimpse of the isolated hermit state of North Korea, but travel to the country is severely restricted. However, you could safely do this by visiting the Dorasan Observatory.
By using its high-power binoculars, you can observe parts of Kaesong, the ninth-largest city in North Korea. 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.
However, DMZ is not only about military history and political propaganda. Since it is an almost 1000 square kilometers area with virtually no human population, nature has reasserted itself over the decades.
There were sightings of the endangered Siberian Tiger, in addition to Amur Leopards and numerous bird species.
A DMZ day trip experience
Our friend Silvia has traveled from Hong Kong and went on a DMZ day trip from Seoul. Here is what she has to say about it and why you, too, should consider going on such a trip.
“We chose to go on a full-day tour from Seoul. A coach did transportation, and the starting point was the Hongik subway station.
The first stop on the tour was at the tunnels, where the guide gave us the history of North Koreans digging into the south to facilitate attacks. Then we went in, and it all became very real, very fast.
Afterward, we were guided to a shop selling North Korean export products, such as local wine and cosmetics.
The next stop was the Dora observatory, where we could see inside North Korea.

Next on the list was the highway crossing, where the South built a factory inside the North to improve relations. The plan was that South Korea would bring the machinery and expertise while North Korea would bring the workforce. Everything was abandoned when North Korea decided to ban the project.

The last stop was Dora train station, the last train station in South Korea. Located 56 kilometers away from Seoul Station and 205 kilometers from Pyeongyang, the place wishes to play a decisive role in linking South and North Korea.
It is an aspiration for reunifying the Korean peninsula and the first station towards the North.

What I loved most was the opportunity to learn a bit more about the tumultuous history of the Korean Wars and actually see inside North Korea.
DMZ Tour options
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