Exploring Demilitarize Zone or DMZ tour plus tips

“What’s the highlight of your Korean adventure?” or “What tourist destination you recommend the most?” Every time we were asked by these kinds of questions, we always answered them to try “the Demilitarized Zone or  DMZ tour”. Huh? DMZ tour? hmmm is it safe there? I understand your concern for your safety and to tell you honestly we’ve been in DMZ tour twice and we can definitely assure you it is safe (of course, you need to follow the rules!).

For those who are not familiar with the DMZ and wondering what it is. DMZ or the Demilitarized Zone is a 250 km long and 4 km wide buffer zone wherein North and South Korea separates. DMZ was established in 1953 when the Armistice Agreement was signed between the United Nations, North Korea, and China to end the Korean War.

Trivia: Armistice Agreement was intended to serve only as a cease-fire agreement until the final peaceful settlement was achieved.

Guys! There is a huge possibility that DMZ will just become part of history. especially now when there is recent news about the meeting of the two Korean leaders and it seems that they are pursuing a more peaceful relationship. Once North Korea and South Korea finally settle with peace and/or become one Korea again, DMZ will not exist anymore.

How to get there:

DMZ or Demilitarized Zone is a highly guarded place. D.I.Y. or Do it yourself tour, like the one we always do, is not allowed here. The only way you can explore this place is via a guided tour.

There are 3 kinds of DMZ tours.

• DMZ Tour:  The highlight of the tour is the Observatory, where you can see North Korea and the Third tunnel which is the largest and closest tunnel made by North Korea in their attempt to invade South Korea.
• JSA or Panmunjoum Tour: This will bring you to the closest and safest place to North Korea,  you can see here both North and South Korean soldiers facing one another plus you will have a chance to go inside the blue house (the blue building where the nation leaders talk).
• Combined JSA and DMZ tour : This tour is what we highly recommend. You have the chance to experience going to both tour in a Day plus this has a free Korean lunch meal.

TIPS: 

• Book early as Travel agency needs to secure clearance from Government.
• DMZ or JSA tour always depends on the situation/relationship between the two countries. Tour might not be available/cancel if they asses that it is risky for tourists.
• PASSPORT is a must! South Korean soldiers will check your passport before entering the DMZ.
• Dress properly, follow the dress code given by the Korean Government. (No ripped jeans, sleeveless shirts, mini skirts, shorts, military clothing, exercise clothing, round neck t-shirts, and sandals).
• JSA or the Joint Security Area tour does not allow you to bring backpacks during the tour.
• Also, please avoid waving or any hand signals to North Korean soldiers during the JSA tour. They might misinterpret this gesture.

For a complete itinerary, check out our detailed South Korea Itinerary here: Ultimate South Korea Itinerary