DMZ JSA tour

Looking at Panmungak from Freedom House during our DMZ JSA tour

Experience the mystery of the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the unique Joint Security Area! These sights should be at the top of every adventurous traveller’s bucket list. No other country in the world has such a remarkable historical division and simultaneous desire for peace. Create unforgettable moments and get insider cultural knowledge on our DMZ JSA tour!

* JSA tour bookings need to be made at least 7 days before your tour. * Children under 12 years old are not permitted to join this tour.

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  • Reviews (6)

What is the DMZ – Demilitarized Zone

The DMZ is the area surrounding the Demarcation Line (DML), which separates North and South Korea. About a half-century ago, the DML was drawn to keep the two countries physically separated.

This border came about from the need for peace between the two countries after the prolonged military and political tension. The DMZ is 250 kilometres long with a four-kilometre diameter.

North Korea is famous for being mysterious and very hard to visit. Our DMZ tours will allow you to get as close to the infamous country as possible and even look across the border!

What is the JSA – Joint Security Area

Looking ahead at the bridge of no return through the windscreen of the DMZ JSA tour bus in Korea

The JSA (Joint Security Area) is a shared space between North and South Korea. Here the two countries can coexist with the help of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC). This is the only place where South and North Korean forces stand face to face – a sight not to be missed!

The former village (Panmunjeom) sits just 60 kilometres northwest of Seoul and was initially called “Neolmun-ri.” The area is rectangular, with a size of 400×800 meters and is set up on the Military Demarcation Line, essentially making it neutral ground.

Here, you will find various buildings that accommodate negotiation talks and a few bridges of great historical importance.

Following our tour group on our DMZ JSA tour. In the background you can see the UNCMAC Conference rooms and North Korea's Panmungak

Don’t miss this chance to see one of the unique corners of the world! Our DMZ JSA tour from Seoul is one of Korea’s most popular and loved tours, and we make sure that you see all these incredible landmarks in comfort.

JSA tour Regulations and Restrictions

The JSA is a unique area due to its purpose – to preserve peace, and therefore the United Nations Command (UNC) have some strict regulations to bear in mind.

Everyone wishing to visit must supply their passport and register at least 7 days in advance. We, therefore, request a full-colour copy of your passport page when booking. All members of your group should be at least 12 years old, and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In addition, the UNC limits the number of people that can visit daily. This limit means it can get booked up very quickly.

If you wish to avoid the restrictions and ensure there is enough space, we suggest you book our DMZ Half Day Tour . This way, you will still see everything there is to see at the DMZ but will not have to deal with pre-registration and limitations.

What to expect on our DMZ JSA tour – key features

Our tour has a very well-organized itinerary that makes sure you don’t miss a beat and are as comfortable as possible. Our pickup and drop-off location is City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6), a central and easily accessible location in Seoul to start and end the day.

We provide professional, licensed tour guides who will be there from start to finish to answer all of your questions. All transportation is included and we take care of all the entrance fees for you, so you don’t have to worry about the details!

One of the key features not to be missed on our DMZ JSA tour is looking into North Korea. You can get a very clear view across the border when the weather is good!

In addition, we will walk through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel dug by North Koreans in an attempt to attack the South. Don’t miss this chance to walk in the steps of the soldiers! The tunnel has a steep slope and is two meters tall and two meters wide. If you don’t feel comfortable in confined spaces, we invite you to wait for us by the exit.

Lastly, we will visit the infamous border between North and South Korea! This is an experience you cannot get anywhere else in the world!

Charge your camera – these are our tour highlights not to miss

Since this area is so rich in history, there are a few buildings and landmarks that you can not miss! We will make sure to cover them all on our tour. Here are all the details you need to know about these spots in advance.

Imjingak – a spiritual place for mourning

A sign at Imjingak showing that the distance to Seoul is 53 km, while Kaesong is just 22 km away.

Sitting 53 kilometres northwest of Seoul, Imjingak is where South Koreans come to mourn their lost ancestors who have fallen in the Korean War.

This ritual happens on every Lunar New Year’s Day. It aims to comfort about ten million people who pay respects to their families lost in the North.

The Bridge of Freedom – crying “Hurrah!”

Until 1998, the Bridge of Freedom was the only direct link to Camp Greaves, Liberty Bell, and Panmunjeom.

According to the history books from the war period, about 13,000 captives crossed the bridge yelling “Hurrah!” for freedom, which gave this structure its name.

People crossing the Bridge of Freedom at Imjingak. In the background you can see the railway bridge that connects with Freedom Bridge.

Feel the spirit of exaltation as the war has come to an end at this historic place on our DMZ JSA tour.

The Third Tunnel of Aggression – crawling through time

This hidden tunnel was discovered in October of 1978. Resembling Tunnel II, which both the North and South knew about, this one was secret! The tunnel’s location lies just 4 kilometres away from Truce Village (Panmunjeom).

The measurements of the tunnel are 1,635 kilometres long, 1.95 meters high, and 2.1 meters wide. It was made big enough to move an entire division per hour and was clearly built for a surprise attack on Seoul! So on our DMZ and JSA tour, we will have the chance to go inside and see the secret tunnel for ourselves!

DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall – an organised look into past events

A glass box gun display in the DMZ Theater and Exhibition hall

If you’d like to track the events of the Korean War and see a significant amount of evidence, you would love the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall. Here, you can expect to see leaflets, bayonets, military letters, pottery, and empty cartridges.

These objects will give you an idea of what life was like during this challenging period and will transport you back in time.

Dora Observatory – see across the border inside North Korea

The view of the closest North Korean village through binoculars at Dora Observatory

Due to stringent regulations, we aren’t allowed to go into North Korea, so instead, we make sure to get you as close as possible so you can have a look at the mysterious country! Dora Observatory is the closest point to North Korea.

Dorasan Station – the railway connecting North and South

An information board directing passengers to board the train for Pyongyang at Dorasan Station located inside the DMZ

Unification Bridge – the idea of peace is manifested

Crossing Unification Bridge over Imjin River

The Unification Bridge (Tongildaegyo) started as an idea of unification. It was built symbolically in 1998 by the Hyundai Business Group of South Korea and towers over the Imjingang River, which flows from North Korea.

The bridge got a peculiar nickname – “Cow Bridge.” This is because of the founder of Hyundai, Mr Jung Juyoung, who crossed the bridge going to North Korea in 1998, bringing 1001 cows.

Camp Bonifas – remembering a hero

Camp Bonifas is a military post that belongs to the United Nations. The site was previously known as “Kitty Hawk”, but on August 18, 1986, the name was changed to honour Captain Arthur G. Bonifas. The American captain was killed in the “axe murder incident”, so the camp was dedicated to him posthumously.

Entering Camp Bonifas on our JSA tour

We will visit this camp during our DMZ and JSA tour. Here you will receive a briefing and watch a slide show from UN military personnel before visiting Joint Security Area.

Freedom House – a safe space for peace talks

A border guard standing in front of Freedom House inside the Joint Security Area

The Freedom House is located on the south side of the JSA and was finished in July of 1998. The building has a modern design and four floors. It serves as the home to the “South and North Liaison Office” and “South and North Red Cross Liaison Office.”

This space aims to provide a safe zone for discussion, inter-Korean dialogues, and cultural exchanges aimed at peace.

Military Armistice Commission Conference Room – enforcing the historic agreement

The United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) was assembled in July 1953 at the end of the Korean War. Its goal is to ensure that peace is maintained and that the Korean Armistice Agreement is strictly enforced.

JSA border guards securing one of the Military Armistice Commission Conference Rooms

The conference room is where it meets. The North and South take turns using the conference rooms in the JSA, which have doors on both ends to ensure privacy and equal access.

Inter-Korean Peace House – leaving military matters aside

The Peace House was completed on December 19, 1969. It is used for talks that have nothing to do with the government or the military and is located 130 metres south of Freedom House.

This building was first constructed in 1980 when the two countries’ prime ministers needed a neutral place to meet and have a dialogue. It was later rebuilt in 1989 and is still used to this day.

Tongilgak (Unification Pavilion) – the hidden office

Tongilgak is a conference hall on the northern side of the JSA that has a similar function to the Peace House. It has mainly been used to house North Korea’s “South and North Liaison Office”, which has been the case since May 1992.

This is where various inter-Korean talks have taken place. Similar to the mysterious image of North Korea, this building is not easily visible. It’s located 100 meters northwest of Panmungak, and you need to actively look for it to see it!

Panmungak (Phanmun Pavilion) – a place for propaganda

Panmungak’s role in the Joint Security Area is to represent North Korea. The building was first constructed on September 2, 1969, and is where North Korean officials have their offices. The building also serves as the waiting room for UN officials who want to have a dialogue with North Korea.

Looking across the demarcation line in the Join Security Area at the Panmungak building aka Phanmun Pavilion

The curious fact about Panmungak is that propaganda efforts take place here. The North is famous for its efforts to promote propaganda information against South Korea. One such example is the “Pan-Korean Convention” that happens every 5th of August. Moreover, this building was completely closed off to the North Korean public until 1964.

The Bridge of No Return – a place marked by a shocking event

A soldier standing guard in front of the Bridge of No Return facing North

You may recognise this bridge from the popular James Bond movie “Die Another Day”. This is also the bridge where the famous “axe murder incident” happened on August 18, 1976. The bridge became infamous as the spot where General Arthur Bonifas and First Lieutenant Mark Bennett were killed.

However, the original purpose of this bridge, which gave it its name, was to be a place where POWs (prisoners of war) were exchanged. Once a prisoner chose the country he wanted to go to, there was no coming back, hence the bridge of “no return”. Don’t miss the chance to see this tense and historically rich place on our DMZ JSA tour!

The Bridge of 72 Hours – a desperate need for access by North Korea

After the “axe murder incident” happened, the Bridge of No Return was shut down and was no longer in use. That meant that North Korea lost its access to the JSA. Shocked and desperate, the government decided to build a new one.

This is how the Bridge of 72 Hours appeared. It only took 72 hours for its completion, which was a massive effort on behalf of the North. This bridge connects Panmunjeom and the city of Kaesong to the north.

As you can see, the DMZ and JSA are two places extremely rich in history and unique in their cultural aspects. Be sure not to miss the chance to discover their mysteries with our DMZ JSA tour!

DMZ + JSA tour Itinerary

  • Meet at City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6)
  • Bridge of Freedom
  • Third Tunnel of Aggression
  • DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall
  • Dora Observatory
  • Pass by Unification Village
  • Lunchtime at Imjingak Park
  • Unification Bridge (Passport Check Point)
  • Camp Bonifas (Slide Show and Briefing)
  • JSA (Freedom House, Conference Room etc)
  • Drop Off at City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6)

Our DMZ and JSA tour includes

  • Fully licensed tour guide
  • Transportation to and from the DMZ and JSA
  • Entrance fees and tickets
  • NO forced shopping stops

Additional Notes

  • Please  bring your passport on the day for UNC military checkpoints.
  • A full-colour scan of your passport picture page including the bar code at the bottom should be sent to us by email at least 7 days in advance.
  • Payment has to be fully arranged at least 7 days before the tour date (by credit card).
  • A 100% cancellation charge will be applied when cancelling within 7 days of the tour date.
  • The above itinerary, time and price can be changed depending on the current situation.
  • JSA tour bookings need to be made at least 7 days before your tour .
  • Korean nationals cannot join this tour.
  • The following dress code applies: Normal blue jeans are OK to wear, but no sleeveless shirts, t-shirts without the collar, short pants, skirts, sandals, military-looking clothes, or clothing with a country flag or name of the nationality on it.
  • Children under 12 years old are not permitted to join this tour.
  • The JSA is controlled by the United Nations Command (UNC), so there are limited seats due to restrictions.

6 reviews for DMZ JSA tour

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Chris (verified owner) – May 5, 2023

Wow, all I can say is do this JSA tour if you possibly can. I did the normal DMZ tour which was great, but then did this JSA tour – it was fantastic and takes you even closer to the frontline and actually inside the DMZ itself to the JSA. Our guide Nancy was quite amazing and brilliant. I have done many great tours around the world – this is up there amongst the very best.

Wiola kawasaki – January 11, 2023

We had the most remarkable family tour.

Marsha – October 14, 2022

JSA DMZ Tour Option? Hello, is this tour still available?

Gareth Singh – September 25, 2019

So glad I booked this tour. Knew I wanted to do it after doing some research before arriving in Korea. I booked early after reading that this tour is difficult to get on dude to all the restrictions and military / political events. Found myself on a bus full of people from all different places. Some people on the bus could only do the first part of the tour because they didn’t book early enough, so be sure to book as early as you can!

Holly is a member of our customer support team here at VIP Travel

Holly VIP Travel – November 5, 2019

Dear , Gareth Above all thank you for review of the DMZ + JSA tour .

Yes , as the JSA is managed by UN community , the tour is only available on certain days with limited seats … So most of time the tour is fully booked in advanced .

You were very lucky to join the DMZ + JSA tour with VIP : )) Haha Hope you can join the tour next time with us if you ever come back to Korea .

Thank you Holly

Tony – September 20, 2019

When we asked our hotel to recommend a tour that visited both dmz and jsa they told us VIP Travel. They said they are well known for having the best dmz and city tours. The hotel staff gave us VIP’s brochure and left us to it, so we decided to give them a try. They quickly managed to get us a spot on the DMZ JSA tour 6 days later. Sophie from the booking staff was super helpful and informative and took care of everything for us. The tour was incredible. You can feel the emotion as you walk around, through tunnels and visiting the camp. So glad we booked it and had such a good time that we are booked on a city tour for tomorrow aswell.

Dear , Tony Above all thank you for the review of DMZ and JSA tour.

Yes Sophie is one of our fast staff that always trying to help our customer . Really great that you got spot for the DMZ and JSA tour as the seats are very limited for tour and always fully booked .

Hope you have enjoyed the city tour as well with us : ) Please come back to VIP if you every comeback to Korea.

We always treat our customer as VIP Holly

Dave and Michele – August 27, 2019

Can now say we have visited both sides of the DMZ JSA border, having previously visited North Korea. Really enjoyed VIP’s take on this tour. Guides were top class and everything went smoothly. Managed to get some great pics and wife enjoyed herself too even though she was originally not that keen to visit again just 2 weeks later.

Dear, Dave Above all thank you for the review of DMZ and JSA tour .

I will pass to the tour guide that you have enjoyed the tour with us : ) Hope you can join some other tours with us if you every comeback to Korea!

We always treat our customer as VIP Thank you Holly

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Taking a photo outside the third tunnel of aggression on our DMZ half-day tour

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Wapiti Travel

How to choose the best DMZ Tour (2024 edition)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

Are you wondering what’s the best DMZ tour?

When we visited Korea for the first time, we absolutely wanted to visit the DMZ.

We did tremendous research about the best way to visit the DMZ and the best DMZ tour.

What we didn’t know at that time was that the inter-Korean summit would sabotage our plans.

Our DMZ tour was canceled because of the meeting between the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in.

Covid-19 threw a wrench in the works of our second trip to Korea, but in 2023, the moment finally arrived! We could again travel to Korea, and this time our visit to the DMZ, became a reality. Hooray!

The visit to the DMZ is slightly different after Covid than it used to be. We share all the latest details.

Here’s everything we learned from our extensive research and from our visit in 2023.

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In a hurry? Here you will find the most important information about the DMZ

The DMZ is an interesting place to visit and a perfect way to learn more about Korean history and the current situation of separation between North and South Korea.

  • The cheapest way to visit the DMZ is with the DMZ peace train . (The train has stopped running due to COVID-19 and service has not yet resumed at this time. )

DMZ half or full-day trip

  • DMZ half or full-day trip ( is slightly cheaper than the one above, but at the moment only runs on Saturday or Sunday )
  • DMZ Tour with Optional North Korean Defector
  • If you are traveling with a larger family or a group, you could consider a private tour with a guide
  • After 2 years of being closed, the JSA is finally reopening. Note that JSA Tours are very popular and are quickly booked up. If you want to visit the JSA you should book your tour as soon as your travel plans are fixed. Read on to learn the difference between the DMZ and the JSA .

Table of Contents

What’s the DMZ

In order to completely understand what the DMZ is all about we will start with some history.

The complete Korean peninsula on which both North and South Korea are currently located was annexed by Japan in 1910. The Japanese treated Korea as a colony. The interests of the Koreans were completely subordinate to the interests of Japan.

Japan was defeated by the Allies at the end of the second world war in 1945.  At that time the Soviet Union had occupied the Northern part of Korea and the United States took control of the Southern part of the Peninsula.  

7 days in Korea, the perfect itinerary. 

The intention of the two superpowers was to create a temporary separation between the 2 parts. Plans existed to create a united and  independent Korea in 5 years but things turned out differently. 

The Cold War ensured that there was no agreement to hold elections for the whole of Korea.

The differences in politics drove the 2 parts further apart instead of coming to each other.

In 1948 the independent Republic of Korea was established in the American zone.  In the same year, the Communist Democratic Korean People’s Republic (North Korea) was founded in the north.

Two years later the Northern army invaded the South with the aim of uniting the two Koreas into one communist state.  This was the start of a 3-year-long civil war that claimed more than 2 million victims.

Initially, the Northern army succeeded in overrunning 90% of the South but they were fought back by US-led reinforcements sent by the UN.

In their turn, they crossed the border and made plans to conquer the whole North, against the will of China that launched a counter-attack.

tour dmz jsa

It took until July 27, 1953, before the Armistice Agreement was signed.

The two parties took long to negotiate where the new border should be but in the end, it was decided that the border remained more or less where it had been all the time. 

The new border diagonally crosses the  38th latitude and was widened with the creation of a four-kilometer-wide weapons-free buffer zone between the states, known as the DMZ.

The war left its traces and further perpetuated the division of Korea leading to a permanent alliance between South Korea and the United States and the establishment of a US base in South Korea.

There has been a truce since then but o fficially the 2 countries are still at war with each other.   We read about how you can literally feel the tension at the border where the armies of both countries are facing each other.

In other parts of South Korea, such as Busan , you do not notice much of the war except that foreign navigation systems, such as Google Maps, do not work because South Korea requires that all mapping data is stored locally. The government also enforces that military bases are removed from maps. Apparently, Google couldn’t promise to obey to all these rules.

In 2018 both countries have done a considerable effort to ease their relations.  At the Korean summit in May 2018, they vowed to officially end the war within a year.

Since then several other meetings have taken place between both parties as well as a historic meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong-un in June.  That was the first time that the sitting leaders of these countries spoke in person.

We are now well past this deadline and nothing has come of it. Relations between the two countries have even deteriorated again.

It would be great news if Korea would finally be reunited but at this point, it doesn’t seem like this will happen anytime soon.

Over time the DMZ will hopefully transition into a more amicable place but nothing has changed for the time being.

It may be one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders but it’s also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Korea.  The DMZ welcomes more than 1.2 million foreign travelers each year, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Why visit the DMZ

The guided tours are very educational and some tours have a North Korean defector as a tour guide who can give you more insight into how life is on the other side of the border. 

It is at this point one of the few still active remnants of the cold war and that makes it extra special.

Americans and South Koreans are not allowed to travel into North Korea, for them this will be the closest they can get to this isolated country.  And despite the fact that other nationalities are allowed to travel to the country, there are not many who do it.

The DMZ is described as one of the most volatile regions in the world and it is a border post that has torn thousands of families apart and still holds them hostage in their “new” country. 

It feels strange that at the same time it is one of the top tourist attractions in this country.

We wondered if we would not feel guilty that we as a tourist came to look at a place that is the source of so much misery for other people.

What convinced us is that we believe that, by showing this to people, hopefully, the following generations will learn from the mistakes of the past.

What is the difference between the DMZ and the JSA

With regard to the tours, there is a distinction between the DMZ and the JSA tours in Korea.

JSA refers to the Joint Security Area , this is as close as you can get to North Korea.

The JSA is what most people probably think about when they think about the Korean border.  This is the area with the blue barracks that are used for all the negotiations between the North and the South.

JSA Panmunjom South Korea

This is an iconic picture of the JSA but things may be different today.  One of the first things that North and South Korea agreed upon was to clear the JSA of all weapons and military.  This disarmament was completed in October 2018.

The good news is that they also decided to preserve the JSA in its current state.

Later on, in this article, we discuss in more depth the different points of interest that DMZ and JSA DMZ tours cover.

Who can visit the DMZ? 

Everybody can join the DMZ tours but at this point, certain restrictions are still in place regarding the JSA.

Since the JSA has been disarmed the expectation is that these restrictions will disappear in the near future.

Until that is a fact, these nationalities can visit the JSA but will need to provide a scan of their passport at the time of booking a tour. Albania – Afghanistan – Algeria – Azerbaijan – Bangladesh – Bahrain – Belarus – China – Cuba – Egypt – Estonia – Georgia – Hong Kong – Iran – Iraq – India – Indonesia – Jordan – Kazakhstan – Kuwait – Kyrgyzstan – Latvia – Lebanon – Libya – Lithuania – Malaysia – Morocco – Moldova – Nigeria – North Korea – Oman – Pakistan – Qatar – Russia – Saudi Arabia – Somalia – Sudan – Syria – Taiwan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan – Tunisia – Ukraine – United Arab Emirates – Uzbekistan – Vietnam – Yemen Visitors with European, American, or Australian nationality do not have any restrictions when visiting the JSA.

Children must be accompanied by their parents for both the JSA as well as the DMZ tours.

Some tour companies require that children are at least 10 years old before they can participate in a JSA tour.  If you’re planning on doing a DMZ or DMZ/JSA tour with small children we recommend that you check with the tour company.

Things to know when visiting the DMZ

Opening hours.

The DMZ tours don’t run on Mondays and Korean holidays ( except Korea’s New Year and Thanksgiving Day).

If the Korean holiday happens to be during a weekend, there is a chance that the DMZ tours will run anyway.

We cover an alternative DMZ tour that you can do if your only chance is to visit the DMZ would be a Monday. More about this tour later.

Things you should bring

A current valid passport is required for both the DMZ as well as JSA DMZ tour. 

You have to take your passport with you.

Without your passport, you won’t be allowed to join the tour.

A dress code applies when visiting the JSA.

The dress code is expected to disappear now that the disarmament of the JSA is a fact but for the time being, we would advise you to stick to the dress code or to check with your tour operator to confirm what you will be wearing is OK.

This is the dress code:

  • Skirts/dresses need to be at least knee length
  • No sandals, flip-flops,s or slippers
  • No t-shirts: must be collared shirts
  • Civilian clothes preferred
  • Jeans accepted with no holes (no ripped jeans)
  • No tank tops
  • No exercise clothes
  • No clothing with militarily styled prints
  • No stretch pants/tights

The reason that the dress code is in place has nothing to do with security as most would think.

The dress code came after it appeared that North Korea used photos of “sloppy” dressed foreigners to use them in their propaganda.   The North Korean government used the photos to showcase the poor state of the other countries.

For this same reason, it is not allowed to wave to the North Korean guards.  Images of foreigners waving to North Korean guards have been used in propaganda and have been framed as people who wanted to defect to the communist state.

Codes of conduct 

There is still a strict code of conduct in place as we write this article. You mustn’t wave, point, or in any other way signal to the North Korean guards.

Photos are also not allowed everywhere.  The guides will tell you what you can and cannot take pictures of. (eg. it is not allowed to take pictures inside the 3rd infiltration tunnel)

When you tour the JSA you must at all times stay with your guide and the military escorts and comply with all the instructions given by your guide and the military.

The disarmament will result in a more relaxed code of conduct in the future.

Most interesting points of interest

The most interesting sights are the Joint Security Area, the Freedom Bridge, the Infiltration Tunnels, and the Mount Odu Observatory.

JSA view from North Korea

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea without getting arrested or shot.

Here you’ll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea. It is also the only spot  in the DMZ, where the South and North Korean soldiers face each other.

The JSA area is occupied by the South Korean and US military. 

Bill Clinton repeatedly called this border post the scariest place on earth but it is touristy at the same time.  There is even a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine.

A visit to the JSA zone usually starts in Camp Bonifas.  

This is a United Nations Command military post that houses the United Nations Command Security Battalion of the Joint Security Area whose primary mission is to monitor and enforce the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953.

Here you will normally also be given a 20-minute briefing by an American soldier explaining the rules and possible dangers. 

There are quite a few rules you should follow so listen carefully. You cannot  take any loose items with you, if you bring a coat you have to wear it all the time (you cannot hang it over your arm), you will also have to walk to the actual border in “formation” and have to set up in rows, etc. 

At this point, you’ll also be signing a waiver that absolves South Korea, the UN, and the USA in case any incidents will arise.  The waiver explicitly states that the visitor’s safety is not guaranteed in the event of unanticipated complications.

A standard formality because in recent years there have been no accidents and these tours are done on a regular basis.

tour dmz jsa

This document also provides more information about photo privileges, specifically when and where you’re allowed to take pictures.

Once everybody has signed the waiver a tour bus brings you to the freedom house.

Here two South Korean soldiers of a special unit stand guard facing soldiers from North Korea.   Often there is only one soldier on the side of North Korea.

The JSA is the only part of the DMZ where North and South Korean soldiers are face-to-face. They stare at each other all day long and have been for several years.

A little later you can enter the conference room. This is the actual conference room where the armistice agreement was signed.  In this room, you will get the chance to cross the border.  The border cuts the conference room in 2 so when you cross the room to the opposite side you’re effectively in North Korean territory. 

This concludes your visit to the actual JSA zone, next you get a short tour along a lookout point towards North Korea from where you can see the Propaganda Village.

This is a well-tended village just along the North Korean border that is supposedly housing 200 families, several schools, and a hospital. 

Tourists seldom see any movement in the village and it is believed that North Korea only built the town for propaganda purposes.  Hence the name South Koreans gave to the town.

You will also visit the location of the Korean ax murder incident.  Two American soldiers were killed here by North Koreans while cutting a tree.  

Another highlight is the bridge of no return.

This is the bridge where prisoners between the two countries were exchanged after the Korean War. 

The name originates from the final ultimatum that was given to prisoners of war brought to the bridge for repatriation: they could either remain in the country of their captivity or cross the bridge to return to their homeland.

However, once they chose to cross the bridge, they would never be allowed to return, even if they later changed their minds.

After 2 years of being closed, the JSA is finally reopening.

Note that JSA Tours are very popular and book out quickly. We therefore recommend that you book as early as possible so that you can choose your desired date.

Check prices and availability: DMZ-JSA Tour

Imjingak park DMZ, South Korea

Imjingak Park and the Freedom Bridge

Imjingak Park has an important sentimental and symbolic meaning. This park commemorates families who are separated because of the split between North and South. 

The remnants of the Freedom Bridge can be seen from the park. This bridge was long 1 of only 2 bridges that crossed the Imjin River.

It had long served peaceful purposes but its position close to the Korean border made it of crucial importance during the Korean War.

The bridge was destroyed early in the war, making the Imjingang bridge alongside it the only connection to supply the Southern troops fighting in the Northern territory with supplies.

After the peace treaty was signed this bridge was also used to exchange the sick and wounded prisoners.

tour dmz jsa

The Third Tunnel of Aggression

The Third Tunnel of Aggression is one of four known tunnels under the border between North and South Korea.

The tunnels have been dug to make a surprise attack from North Korea on South Korea.

North Korea denies this and claims the tunnels are part of a network of tunnels belonging to a coal mine.  This is highly unlikely as coal has never been found in the area.

The Third Tunnel of Aggression is located 44 kilometers from Seoul and was discovered in 1978.  It runs underneath the Demilitarized Zone. 

The incomplete tunnel is 1,635 meters long, with a height and width of 2 meters. It is estimated that the tunnel would be able to accommodate more than 30,000 soldiers with light weapons per hour.

Today the tunnel has become an all-inclusive tourist attraction, with a DMZ video hall, representative sculptures, gift shops, and more.

tour dmz jsa

The tunnel is located 73 meters below the surface and is accessed through a steep tunnel. It makes for quite a tough climb. For a supplement, you can use the monorail pictured above to enter and exit the tunnel. Check in advance with the tour organizer if he can arrange this if you want to use the monorail.

You can walk a part of the tunnel until the MDL (military demarcation line). The tunnel may feel quite cramped and if you’re claustrophobic you want to skip it.

Pictures are not allowed in the tunnel.

The New Dora observatory in the DMZ

The Dora Observatory

The Dora Observatory is the northernmost Observatory.  It is situated on top of Mount Dora.

Here you can catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state without setting foot in the country.

You will see the Kijong-dong Propaganda village and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the real city of Kaesong situated about 8km from the DMZ.

tour dmz jsa

Kaesong is the only city that actually changed hands after the Armistice agreement was signed.  It used to be under the control of South Korea but is now ruled by the North. 

The Kaesong Industrial region that borders the city is because of its proximity to the border a special administrative region where both people from the North and the South are allowed to work.

You can also see the Dorasan train station , a station located only 650 meters from the Korean border. 

The railway line used to continue into North Korea all the way to the capital city of Pyongyang.

The tracks are still there and one hopes that in the near future the trains will again operate in between the two current capitals.

Dorasan Train Station DMZ, South Korea

The Dorasan Train station 

In 2000 North and South Korea made plans for a rail line that connected both capitals.

The line was completed in 2003 but it took until 2007 before the first freight trains started to run across the border.  Not for long unfortunately because already in December 2008 North Korea decided unilaterally to again hermetically close the border.

The Dorasan Train station is currently hugely oversized.  The DMZ train is the only train that serves the station with exactly one arrival and one departure daily.

But, with a large customs & immigration area, the station is completely ready for the day that the trains will again continue further North.  The original intention was to enable passenger transport in the long term. Let’s hope that this will become a reality in the future.

At this point, Dorasan station is more a symbol of the hope for a reunion between South and North Korea than it is an actual functioning train station.

How to visit the DMZ 

The DMZ area is located 60 km from Seoul and can be visited with the DMZ train or a private guided or group tour.

The DMZ peace train

DMZ peace train service has not yet resumed post-COVID-19.

The cheapest way to visit the DMZ is with the DMZ peace train .

The DMZ peace train runs from  Seoul  to Dorasan station from Tuesdays to Sundays. Just before the train reaches Dorasan station it crosses the Imjingang bridge which gives you a good view of the remnants of the Freedom bridge. 

Once arriving at Dorasan station, you can hop on a bus to visit the DMZ. The bus will take you to the Dorasan peace park, the Dora observatory and you will visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression.

Pros and cons

tour dmz jsa

  • The cheapest way to visit the DMZ. You will have to take cash to pay separately for the bus tour (if you don’t join the bus tour the only other option is to hang around for 5 hours at the train station) as well as for your lunch.
  • This tour might be for you if you don’t like group tours. It gives you slightly more freedom although you still will have to join the bus once you arrive at Dorasan station.

tour dmz jsa

  • No English is spoken on the bus tour.
  • This tour takes a whole day. If you are short on time you better opt for an organized half-day DMZ tour allowing you to explore the rest of Seoul during the remaining afternoon
  • You cannot visit the JSA.
  • No hotel pick up, you will need to get to the train station on your own expense

Although we’re not fans of organized group tours ourselves we have opted for an organized tour to visit the DMZ and we were happy with our choice afterward.

The first reason is that you have to join a tour anyway if you want to see the sights such as the infiltration tunnel that are located inside the DMZ. Otherwise, you can only visit Imjingak park.

The second reason is that many of the sights, including in Imjingak park, don’t say that much unless you hear the story from the guide.

We haven’t been able to visit the JSA yet, that will be for our next trip. If you want to visit it you also need to book a tour with a guide.

Finally, there isn’t a huge price difference between what you would pay if you went to the DMZ on your own and took a tour there or booked an organized tour from the start.

That’s why our advice would be to have a look at the organized tours before you opt for the train.

“The scariest place on Earth” – Former US President, Bill Clinton, during his visit to the DMZ in 1993.

The best DMZ tours from Seoul

The most comfortable way to visit the DMZ is with an organized DMZ tour from Seoul.

We recommend using GetYourGuide to book your DMZ tour in Korea. One of the advantages of GetYourGuide is that most tours have a flexible cancellation policy. Normally you can cancel up to 24hours before the tour to get a full refund.

Here is an overview of all the tours on GetYourGuide.

You have a choice between half-day and full-day DMZ tours.

All DMZ tours will head to Imjingak Peace Park first where they will buy tickets to enter the DMZ area. Depending on how busy it is, your group will have to wait there until it’s your turn to visit the DMZ region.

Your guide will tell you some stories about the most important things at Imjingak when you arrive.

The last train to cross the Korean border

You can use your free time at Imjingak to see several monuments and other elements that tell stories about the Korean War. One of them is this steam locomotive riddled with bullets. This was the last train to cross the border. It was destroyed by US soldiers so that it could not be used by North Korean troops.

Once it is your turn to visit the sights inside the DMZ area, the Dora Observatory, and the Infiltration tunnel, you will board a bus and visit those things in groups.

Know that the end times of all tours are only indicative. Only a limited number of people are allowed in the DMZ area at a time. Therefore, there is a real chance that your group will have to wait and that your tour will be delayed. We recommend not booking any other activities on the day of your DMZ visit.

Make sure to book your DMZ tour from Seoul well in advance to avoid disappointments, especially JSA tours tend to sell out well in advance.

Which Dmz Korea tour is the best one? Here’s a list of the most recommended and popular tours. 

To create this list we looked at the itineraries and the reviews.

This tour visits the DMZ and JSA in 1 day. It is the most complete and popular DMZ tour.

Tours to the JSA zone have only just resumed and availability is currently difficult to find.

Check prices and availability: JSA tour on Viator

Inside the JSA buildings DMZ, South_Korea

  • Visit the freedom bridge near Imjingpark and the old steam train
  • Learn more about the Korean war by visiting the 3rd infiltration tunnel and the DMZ Exhibition Hall
  • See North Korea from the Dora observatory
  • Visit the Dora station

They offer both half-day and full-day tours. You can join the half-day tour in the morning or in the afternoon. The morning tour starts at 8 am, the afternoon tour at 11 am.

If you opt for a full-day tour, you will also visit the War Memorial of Korea.

Pickup is included ( see the tour for the exact pickup locations)

  • Those who are not interested in the JSA or who are short on time will find that the half-day DMZ tours offer a great alternative.  You will see all the highlights of the DMZ and still have a half-day to discover Seoul.
  • If you want to visit the War Memorial of Korea, you should opt for the full day tour.

Check prices and availability: DMZ half or full day trip

Dorosan train station

DMZ half and full-day tour

  • Explore the extraordinary Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea
  • Get a rare glimpse of North Korea from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory
  • Stop by at the Veterans Memorial Park and learn more about the Korean War
  • Watch the statues and monuments at Imjingak Park
  • See the Bridge of Freedom

There are both half and full-day tours. 

Both tours will take you to all the highlights of the DMZ. 

In addition, the full-day tour includes an authentic Korean-style lunch (Bibimbap) and a real shooting experience back in Seoul.

Due to COVID-19 measures, the places visited will be Imjingak Park, Bridge of Freedom, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station.

Note that at the moment this tour only runs on Saturday and Sunday.

  • If you aren’t interested in the JSA or short on time will find that the half-day DMZ tours offer a great alternative.  
  • The Ganghwa Peace Observatory is a great alternative for those that are looking to visit a less touristic area of the DMZ.
  • If you add up all the costs of the train excursion, the difference between these half-day excursions is negligible.

Check prices and availability: DMZ half and full day

DMZ North Korean Defector tour

DMZ Tour with a North Korean Defector

  • Listen to enlightening commentary from a professional guide and a real North Korean defector
  • Ask questions about real North Korean life and hear about the past and present of North Korea
  • Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone ( tour of DMZ) and learn about both South and North Korea’s history
  • Explore all the must-see spots in the DMZ in one tour
  • Catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean territory

Tours 

With this DMZ tour, you visit the must-see spots in the DMZ zone and you have the possibility to ask questions to a North Korean defector about life in North Korea.

You can opt for a tour with or without hotel pick-up.

This tour is similar to the half-day DMZ tour we listed above but you will be accompanied by a guide and a North Korean defector.  

This is our top recommended tour if you want to learn more about North Korea. 

There’s no better way to learn more about North Korea than to speak to somebody who lived there for several years.

Check prices and availability: Tour with Optional North Korean Defector

tour dmz jsa

Private DMZ Peace Tour: 3rd Invasion Tunnel(Monorail) and Suspension Bridge

If you are traveling with a larger family or a group, consider a private tour with a guide.

This tour visits all the important stops such as the freedom bridge and the Mangbaedan altar, the third tunnel, Dora Observatory, and more.

You will also have the option to visit Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge or Majang Lake.

The Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge is with length of 150 meters one of the longest suspension bridges in Korea. This bridge was a fierce battlefield during the Korean War. 

Majang Lake is the lake where the Allied Forces fought a fierce battle during the Korean War.

Check prices and availability: Private DMZ Tour

A journey to South Korea is not complete without a visit to the DMZ.  It may feel strange to travel to a very controversial border post as a tourist but it is the best way to learn about the rich albeit sad history of the 2 Korean countries.

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Best DMZ Tour

Full Day Tour JSA + DMZ from SEOUL

tour dmz jsa

  • Traditional Korean meal
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking Tour guide
  • The entrance ticket for The 3rd tunnel and Dora Observatory
  • Entry/Admission - Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park
  • Entry/Admission - The Third Tunnel
  • Entry/Admission - Dora Observatory
  • Entry/Admission - Panmunjom
  • 24-2 Hoehyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea Once you exit from Hoehyeon (Namdaemun Market) station Exit 7, turn left. Cross the small crosswalk twice to reach the Shinsegae building, and continue walking straight for about 20 seconds. This is our designated meeting point.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Participation is limited to ages 8 and above.
  • Please be at the meeting place with the passport/DOD ID card(If you do not have a DOD ID card, please ignore this message and bring your passport.) Please kindly send a copy of your passport to our email address, right after booking the tour. Additionally, please note that all reservations must be made at least 5 days prior to the tour date. If you need to cancel your reservation, please inform us within this timeframe as well, so that we can ensure a smooth and well-prepared tour for you.
  • The following attire and accessories are strictly prohibited within the UNC MACHA. (1) Shirts/tops without sleeves or which expose the midriff. (2) Any clothing with insulting, profane, provocative, or demeaning representations. (3) Ripped jeans or trousers which expose undergarments or private parts of the anatomy. (4) Shorts or skirts that are above the knee in length. (5) Outer articles of clothing that are sheer or stretch material such as warm-ups, pants and leggings. (6) Sports uniforms, logos or athletic clothing of any kind. (7) Shower shoes, sandals or opened-toe shoes. (8) Clothing with military-style camouflage to include hunting apparel. (9) Oversized clothing or excessively baggy trousers. (10) Leather "biker" vests and leather riding chaps.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

tour dmz jsa

  • You'll start at 24-2 24-2 Hoehyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea Once you exit from Hoehyeon (Namdaemun Market) station Exit 7, turn left. Cross the small crosswalk twice to reach the Shinsegae building, and continue walking straight for about 20 seconds. This is our designated meeting point. See address & details
  • 1 Namdaemun Market Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 2 Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
  • 3 The Third Tunnel Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
  • 4 Dora Observatory Stop: 50 minutes - Admission included See details
  • 5 Panmunjom Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details Pass by DMZ
  • 6 Namdaemun Market Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

tour dmz jsa

  • Venture30049899176 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles super fun awesome experience!!! the best tour ever!!!!! our tour guide was super funny and nice and took great care of us! so much was provided on this tour for us, we didn’t have to worry about anything. i would definitely do this again !! Read more Written May 7, 2024
  • toshiakio2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Memorable Tour to see all South Korea! The 7 days tour seemed long at first but it just flew by with great tour guide, Mr. Jay who was very cheerful, attentive and very humorous to make us laugh and keep us in good spirits. He took time to get to know each of us by talking and listening to our stories. The bus driver Mr. Kim supported the tour by keeping us safe with comfortable ride. All hotels were top class and breakfast were sumptuous and delicious. Mr. Jay took care of lunch and dinner menu every day to enjoy different Korean food. I was worried about eating hot Korean food everyday but Jay picked all the meals which were not hot to our stomach. Few travel tips: Recommend to rent a portable WiFi for translation and use for a long bus rides every day. We enjoyed all the tour spots but with lots of walking around historical places so wear a comfortable shoes. There are many coffee shops but If you drink coffee with milk, you have to order a Latte since they don’t provide separate cream. It was fast paced tour but highly recommended to learn Korean history and see all the South Korea in a week. Read more Written May 7, 2024
  • 550sasal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience :) All the activities were amazing. But I wish I had more time in Busan and at Mt. Seorak. I met great people during the trip. Thank you for the good memories. And Thank you Jay for taking care of us ! ❤️ Read more Written May 6, 2024
  • N2683MLannao 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles In the soop tour Saturday 27th april From start to finish, Anna was amazing. Always keeping up updated with times lines and what to expect. Fun and entertaining and very engaging. Next time I'm back in Seoul, I will go on tour with her again. Read more Written May 6, 2024
  • J7663MKmariannea 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour for Armys! Our tour guide, Anna, was great! She took a lot of effort to make sure our trip was memorable, even despite some unexpected issues with the bus heading to the venue. The tour itself was amazing, it was so much fun to be with fellow armys. I highly recommend this tour to all BTS fans! Read more Written May 4, 2024
  • Jay9609 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles In The Soop with Anna The tour was such a fun and exciting experience. Our tour guide, Anna, did an outstanding job. She was very friendly and had high energy from the beginning til the end. She can speak English well so communication was so easy. She thoroughly explained what was happening throughout the tour and was accommodating to everyone. As a BTS army, I will recommend this tour over and over again. Thank you Anna!! Read more Written May 4, 2024
  • Britney D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles In the soop with Anna! It was an exciting tour! We had Anna as our tour guide and she was amazing the whole time. Anna guided us very well around the tour and made sure everyone was having a good time! She had great energy throughout the tour, there was never a dull moment throughout the tour because of her. Anna spoke very good English so it was easy to communicate with her, as she often kept us all updated on our whereabouts during the tour. I highly recommend this tour to any BTS army fans. It was so much fun, and definitely worth the money and the experience. Read more Written May 4, 2024
  • Odyssey31134749266 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome The tour was awesome! Anna is so helpfull and cheer us up all day long. I love it, everybody enjoy it and we are very punctual so we can enjoy with more long time Read more Written May 4, 2024
  • Rena1010 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour. You should try! This tour is amazing, better than I expected. I feel the closest I could be with BTS and ARMY friends. Special thanks to Anna, our guide, who is well-organized, sincerely nice and friendly, and make the whole experience so much fun and memorable. I recommend this tour! Borahae! Rina Read more Written May 4, 2024
  • Venture62775820421 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles In the Soop Tour Anna was our tour guide during the in the soop and she was amazing!!!! I love how she accommodate us all. It was a fun tour with her with freebies and raffle while on tour. It was well prepared. Thumbs up for her!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Well done Anna!!! -Borahae 💜 Read more Written May 4, 2024
  • 319venust 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Tour of South Korea Ever – An Unforgettable Experience I had a phenomenal experience with the all-inclusive 7-day Discover Round Korea tour in April 2024, coinciding with cherry blossom season. Tour Group - As a solo traveller, I was a little nervous doing this tour by myself but I was paired up with another solo traveller on the first day. We quickly became travel buddies and looked out for each other. - Our tour group of 28 was largely made up of travellers from the US, with the rest from the UK and Australia, so we all spoke English and got along well. - Our tour guide, Jay, was enthusiastic, attentive and loves what he does. He is very knowledgeable about Korean history and culture and did his best to explain everything to the tour group using humour, analogies and examples related to current political figures (…you will quickly find this out). Accommodation - We stayed in 4 & 5 star hotels with modern, spacious rooms and amenities (P.S. We stayed at Lahan Select Gyeongju Hotel which had 5 lane bowling alley on 2F, so a small group of us went bowling after dinner and had a blast! We paid 8,000 KRW per person out of pocket). - Best hotel was the Grand Josun Busan Hotel which was located in front of Haeundae Beach, and the hotel staff were exceptional. - Every hotel had a convenience store (7-11, CU or emart24) within the hotel itself, or within 2 – 3 minute walking distance, which was perfect for getting a late night dessert/snacks/drinks after dinner. Food - Hotel breakfast was hit-and-miss with the quality, taste and range of Korean and Western buffet options varying depending on the hotel. Coffee was available at breakfast from an automatic coffee machine or instant coffee sticks (only Grand Josun Hotel in Busan had a complimentary in-house barista). - Lunch and Dinner was at local Korean restaurants, with the only other diners being locals and no other tour groups (…we turned heads every time our tour group stepped into a restaurant). - As other reviewers have mentioned, there is more food ordered than you can actually finish – you will never go hungry. Appetisers and sooo many side dishes (banchan) were served at every meal, soda/beer/wine can be purchased. There were NO repeat meals. - Favourite meal included Korean hot pot (jeongol), black bean noodles (jjajangmyeon), Korean fried chicken and all-you-can-eat pork BBQ for the final dinner. - Jay was very accommodating for members in our tour group that had dietary requirements (vegetarian, no shellfish, no pork etc.) and food preferences (non-spicy, no raw food etc.). He was always the last person to sit down to have his own meal, and would follow up to check if we enjoyed our meal. I highly recommend this 7-day all-inclusive tour for an unforgettable, jam-packed experience of South Korea. Stop hesitating. Book your flights to South Korea, then book the 7-day Discover Korea tour (and say “KIMCHI” to Jay) Read more Written April 30, 2024
  • LokyG1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely day trip from Seoul Great tour! Mason was very entertaining, he made the whole trip go even faster. Even if someone is not a BTS fan, it would be fun to participate. Would definitely recommend! Read more Written April 28, 2024
  • 909monac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do for any BTS fan 💜 Our guide Mason was very helpful and fun! We had a lovely day, everything was well organized and I would recommend this to any Bangtan fan :) Read more Written April 28, 2024
  • Miche'le A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Love this tour and our lovely guide Annaa Loved this tour! Our guide Anna gave such clear instructions it really reduced the anxiety and helped you just relax and enjoy the trip. Anyone who loves BTS should do this tour. Thank you, Anna!! Michèle from Washington state Read more Written April 27, 2024
  • 185deenab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Army must do tour!! From the moment we arrived at our meet up point at the Amid Hotel, Anna our tour guide’s “ Apopangpo Army!” welcome, I knew it was going to be a great day! Be prepared for a full day of fun and BTS memories. The tour includes In the Soop gift, snacks at the rest stop, and an unforgettable trip to the In the Soop 2 filming location. We met Army from all over the world making this an extra special excursion. Thank you to our tour guide Anna for making it such a fun and memorable day!! If you are Army this is a must do while in South Korea. Borahae! 💜 Read more Written April 27, 2024

More to explore in Seoul

tour dmz jsa

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Patricia

Buy it with

tour dmz jsa

Full Day Tour JSA + DMZ from SEOUL provided by HanaTour ITC

tour dmz jsa

  • South Korea
  • Day Trips & Excursions

tour dmz jsa

Full-Day Paju DMZ and JSA Tour from Seoul

  • Tour includes pickup and drop-off from the Hotel President in Seoul
  • 9-hour Paju, DMZ and JSA tour from Seoul
  • Explore Paju and the Joint Security Area with a guide
  • Learn why the Demilitarised Zone is in place and gain insight into the barriers to reconciliation
  • Visit important sites including the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory and Dorasan Station

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Local guide
  • Transportation with driver
  • Lunch (seasonal local food)
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Pickup and drop-off (from the Hotel President only)
  • Entry or Admission - Camp Bonifas
  • Entry or Admission - Panmunjom
  • Entry or Admission - Dorasan Station
  • Entry or Admission - The Third Tunnel
  • Entry or Admission - Dora Observatory
  • Food and drinks (unless specified)
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure & Return

7th floor of the Hotel President, Seoul

7:50amTimes are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Returns to the Hotel President or Lotte Hotel KAL Limousine Station

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • A current valid passport copy must be sent to the tour operator upon confirmation of booking
  • UN requires a copy of all passengers' passports at least 4 days before the travel day. Please send your passport copy to the tour operator immediately upon confirmation of booking. Your reservation will be canceled automatically if your passport copy is not received on time
  • Minimum age is 12 years
  • Please check the restricted countries for this tour: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, South Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and Syria
  • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions and military reasons
  • In the event military or other official circumstances prevent entry into the JSA, the tour will be cancelled and customer will receive a refund.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • The following attire and accessories are specially prohibited during the JSA Tour:
  • Outer articles of clothing which are sheer or stretch material such as warm-ups pants and leggings
  • Flip flops and similar footwear are specifically banned
  • Sports uniforms, logos or athletic clothing of any kind
  • Clothing with military-style camouflage, including hunting apparel
  • Leather "biker" vests and leather riding chaps
  • Umbrellas (except for during periods of precipitation)
  • Tripods (except for authorized media)
  • No tours on following national holidays in 2018 : 2

Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is No cancellation fee
  • If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 50 percent cancellation fee
  • If you cancel within 2 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 100 percent cancellation fee

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?

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