Complete Guide to DMZ Tours - Recommended Courses by Region and Essential Information

Where to Start Your DMZ Tour?

There's been a growing interest in DMZ tours lately! It's a unique trip where you can directly witness the reality of division and feel the importance of peace, making it a place you should visit at least once. However, when I looked into it, I found that DMZ-related travel destinations are scattered across various regions like Paju, Gangwon-do, and Gimpo, making it hard to decide where to start.

So today, I've prepared a complete guide organized by region for those planning a DMZ tour! I'll summarize the characteristics and attractions of each region, as well as practical information, all in one go.

🚌 Paju DMZ Tour - The Most Accessible Course

This course is highly recommended for DMZ tour beginners as it's the closest to Seoul and accessible by public transportation!

📍 Camp Greaves

This is a special place that was turned into a cultural and artistic space after being occupied by the U.S. military for over 50 years following the armistice agreement. Its exotic atmosphere is impressive, and it's also famous as a filming location for the drama 'Descendants of the Sun.'

Main Attractions:

• Gallery Greaves: A former bowling alley converted into an exhibition space
• Media Art Experience: "Do Not Cross This Line" artwork in an ammunition depot
• Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Museum: Exhibits related to Panmunjom
• Experience Programs: Wearing military uniforms, stamping, etc.

Visitor Information:

• Address: 59-8 Heyri Village-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Operating Hours: Tue-Sun 09:30~17:30 (Closed on Mondays)
• Admission Fee: Adults 5,000 KRW, Youth 3,000 KRW
• Reservation: Required (Online pre-booking)

📍 Imjingak & Dorasan Station

This is a basic course for the Paju DMZ tour, where you can explore symbolic places of division.

Paju DMZ Tour Tips:

• Can be done as a day trip from Seoul
• Public transportation: Use the shuttle bus from Munsan Station
• ID required (Mobile ID not accepted)
• Tour Duration: Half-day to full-day course

🏔️ Gangwon-do Goseong DMZ Tour - The Closest View of North Korea

This is the place where you can have the most special experience of directly seeing North Korean land. If you want a more serious and in-depth DMZ experience, it's recommended!

📍 Unification Observatory

Located within the civilian control zone, this observatory allows you to see North Korean propaganda villages, Geumgangsan, and Haegeumgang through telescopes. It's a place where you can feel the reality of division most vividly.

Visitor Information:

• Address: 369 Unification Observatory-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
• Operating Hours: 09:00~17:00 (Open year-round)
• Admission Fee: Adults 3,000 KRW, Youth 1,500 KRW
• ID required
• Pre-entry report required (App available)

📍 DMZ Museum

This free museum is located right next to the Unification Observatory. It offers a systematic view of history from the division to the present, providing high educational value.

Main Exhibits:

• Berlin Wall fragments and East German border fence
• Exhibits on division history by year
• North Korean leaflets and various relics
• Donations from North Korean defectors
• Materials related to the Korean War

Goseong DMZ Tour Tips:

• Highly recommend using a private car (Public transportation is inconvenient)
• Visit on a clear day for a clearer view of North Korean land
• Bring outerwear as the wind is strong
• Visit early on weekends as there may be long queues
• Recommended to combine with nearby Hwajinpo and Syngman Rhee's villa tours

🚶‍♀️ Gimpo DMZ Peace Trail - A Unique Walking Experience

This is the only course in Korea where you can actually walk inside the civilian control line! It is conducted as a 2-day, 1-night program, offering a deep experience beyond simple sightseeing.

📍 Main Course

Day 1:

• Walking along Siam-ri barbed wire path
• Aegibong Peace Ecological Park
• Jeollyuri Port
• Accommodation at a base center

Day 2:

• Gimpo Hangang Wild Bird Ecological Park
• Experience walking barefoot on a mud path

Special Experiences:

• Walking the barbed wire path: One side is barbed wire, the other is peaceful nature
• Viewing North Korean land: Observing North Korean propaganda villages through telescopes
• Special Starbucks: Enjoying coffee while looking at North Korea
• Barefoot walking: Healing experience on a mud path

Program Information:

• Operating Period: April~November (Closed in winter)
• Participation Fee: 50,000 KRW (Includes 2-day, 1-night accommodation and meals)
• Reservation: Required (Online pre-booking)
• ID required
• Comfortable clothing and sneakers recommended

💡 Recommended DMZ Tour Types

🔰 If You're New to DMZ Tours

Paju DMZ Tour is recommended!

• Closest to Seoul and easily accessible
• Can be done as a day trip without much burden
• Accessible by public transportation
• Various attractions and experience programs

📚 If You Want In-depth Historical Study

Gangwon-do Goseong Tour is recommended!

• A special experience of directly seeing North Korea
• Systematic historical learning at the DMZ Museum
• Feel the reality of division most vividly
• Great for family trips

🚶‍♀️ If You Want a Special and In-depth Experience

Gimpo Peace Trail is recommended!

• The only walking experience inside the civilian control line in Korea
• Leisurely and in-depth experience over 2 days and 1 night
• Feel both nature and peace
• Recommended for those seeking healing and meaning

🎯 Common Preparations for DMZ Tours

✅ Essential Items

• ID: Only physical IDs are accepted (No mobile IDs)
• Comfortable Shoes: Sneakers are essential as there are many walking sections
• Outerwear: Bring it as the wind is strong
• Camera: There are many special photo spots
• Sunscreen/Hat: There are many outdoor activities

📝 Reservation Precautions

• Reservations fill up quickly during peak seasons (summer vacation, autumn)
• Schedules may change depending on the weather
• Arrive with enough time for security checks as it's a civilian control area
• Check for group discount benefits

🚫 Prohibitions

• No photography in prohibited areas
• No loud noises or disturbances
• No leaving designated areas
• Food and drink restrictions (Water is allowed)

🌟 Why You Should Definitely Visit the DMZ Tour

Especially recommended for:

• Those interested in history: A living education on modern Korean history
• Family travelers: Teaching children the importance of peace
• Foreign friends: Great for explaining Korea's unique situation
• Those seeking meaningful travel: A deep experience beyond simple sightseeing
• Those looking for life shots: Special photos you can't take elsewhere

Each region has its own charm and meaning, so choose according to your time and interests. No matter which place you choose, it will surely be an unforgettable special experience!

Through the DMZ tour, I hope it becomes a time to realize how precious the peace we live in is and to share hope for reunification. 🕊️