Private DMZ Tour Meet a North Korean Defector
Join our DMZ tour to see where North and South Korea are still separated. Originally a buffer zone after the Korean War, the DMZ is now one of the world's most dangerous places, filled with landmines. Inside, there are illegal guard posts and armed soldiers from both sides. With our knowledgeable guide, you'll witness the tense situation firsthand. In the afternoon, you can meet a North Korean defector and hear his or her incredible stories of escaping danger. Ask what North Korea is really like and how people live there—stories even more dramatic than movies. Don’t miss this chance to understand the ongoing Korean divide.
Options
DMZ Cablecar Tour
DMZ Cablecar & Odusan Tower
Pickup included
What's included in Private DMZ Tour Meet a North Korean Defector
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park
Imjingak is a peace park located in Paju, South Korea, and serves as a symbol of the division between North and South Korea. Built in 1972, it provides comfort to those who left their loved ones behind in North Korea during the war and expresses hope for peace and reunification. The site features the Peace Park with art and exhibits, the Freedom Bridge where prisoner-of-war exchanges once took place, and a historic steam locomotive from the Korean War. Your guide offers insights into Korea’s divided history, helping you understand the current status quo in the country. Imjingak is also a starting point for trips to the DMZ. Overall, it is a meaningful place to learn about Korea’s history and the ongoing need for peace and reunification.
DMZ
[Optional] Since 2002, Paju City has operated a 3-hour DMZ tour by shuttle bus, visiting two main sites. First, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in 1978, is a large underground passage built by North Korea for military purposes. You can walk through about 1 km to see how it was made for a possible invasion. It’s one of four tunnels and a symbol of military tension. The second site is Dora Observatory, where you can see North Korea’s landscape, military facilities, and villages through binoculars, sometimes spotting soldiers and activities. A knowledgeable tour guide will provide additional explanations throughout the visit. It offers a meaningful opportunity for you to understand the Korean divide and the importance of peace.
Odusan Unification Tower
[Optional] If you find the busy, 3-hour shuttle bus tour or the underground tunnel visit uncomfortable—perhaps because it is crowded, dim, damp, or may affect your breathing health—then we recommend trying the Paju DMZ Cable Car. By riding the cable car, you'll get a rare experience of entering a military-secured zone. Although you cannot see North Korean territory directly from the cable car, later at Odu Mountain Observatory, you will have a clear view of a North Korean village across the river. On a good day, you can see children playing near their school or villagers riding bicycles, making you feel almost there. This area is open to civilians without a permit, but it is also protected by the South Korean Army’s 9th Division. You may often meet soldiers and even take memorable photos with them.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Admission fee
- Entrance fee
- North Korean Defector
- Certified English Guide
- Parking Fees
- Budget Lunch
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Pick-up & Drop-off at Airport or Cruise Terminal (Optional)
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
Pickup is available only within Seoul; additional fees apply for locations outside of Seoul (e.g., airports, cruise terminals).
