When I planned my trip to South Korea, the DMZ was an adventure I knew I couldn’t miss. It’s a place where the past, present, and future collide in fascinating ways, offering an eye-opening glimpse into the ongoing tension and hopes for peace on the Korean Peninsula. In this guide, I’ll take you through my unforgettable journey to the DMZ and share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to one of the world’s most compelling divisions between two countries.
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The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 250-km-long, 4-km-wide buffer zone, near the parallel 38th north that divides the Korean Peninsula in two: North Korea and South Korea. It serves as a neutral area, monitored by the United Nations, and was established as a result of the Korean War and the subsequent armistice signed by both parties in dispute in 1953.
While the DMZ itself is demilitarized, the borders on both sides are among the most heavily militarized in the world. Although hostilities between the two countries ceased with the armistice and a ceasefire was established, no official peace treaty has ever been signed to formally end the conflict. As a result, the war technically remains unresolved, and the peace is fragile, with occasional clashes still taking place from time to time.
Tourism in the DMZ
For anyone interested in history, the DMZ is truly the ultimate tourist destination. Tours of this iconic area began in the 1990s when the South Korean government, in collaboration with various tour operators, started offering guided visits to educate the public about the division of the Korean Peninsula.
It’s important to note that when people refer to the DMZ as a tourist destination, they are actually talking about just a small part of the 250 km buffer zone. The main attractions, such as the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Joint Security Area, are located here. Technically, however, the DMZ stretches across the entire 250 km buffer zone, not just the small portion visited by tourists.
Historical perspective
Before the war, the two Koreas were one unified country, which is why Koreans on both sides of the border share the same history, language, culture, and food. However, when the border was drawn, families were torn apart. Due to North Korea’s hermetic and isolationist policies, many lost contact with their relatives, leading to deep sorrow and heartache.
Every year on August 15th, Korean Liberation Day, it’s common to see families visiting the DMZ to mourn those they have lost and those still separated by the war. While the day marks the end of Japanese rule in 1945, it also serves as a poignant reminder of both grief and the enduring hope for reunification, as countless families remain divided by the ongoing division of the peninsula.
A wildlife haven
Due to its low population density and limited development on both sides of the border, the DMZ has become a surprising sanctuary for endangered species and unique ecosystems. It’s now home to animals like the Korean tiger, Asiatic black bear, wild boar, red fox, and many migratory birds, making it an unlikely yet valuable haven for wildlife.
How to Get There
The easiest and most hassle-free way to visit the DMZ is by joining a guided tour from Seoul. While you can visit Imjingak Park, a historical site located just outside the DMZ, on your own, entry to the military restricted area requires you to join an organised tour.
Most tours are either full-day or half-day (typically 5-8 hours), depending on the inclusions. Popular stops like the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Bridge of Freedom, and Dora Observatory are typically included in most tours. The Suspension Bridge, however, is generally only included in the full-day tour. We booked this tour through GetYourGuide and had a fantastic experience. We were fortunate to be guided by Joey, an incredibly knowledgeable guide who has visited the DMZ countless times and shared fascinating facts and stories with us.
It takes just over an hour to reach Imjingak Park, the first stop on most tours from Seoul. Common pick-up and drop-off locations for DMZ tours in Seoul include Myeongdong Station and Hongik University Station.
IMPORTANT TIP: Do not forget to bring your passport as it is an essential requirement to be granted entry to the DMZ.
DMZ Highlights
Now that you’ve made your way to the DMZ, it’s time to explore its most iconic sites. Each location tells a story, providing insight into the region’s unique and complicated history.
Imjingak Park
Your first stop on the tour will likely be Imjingak Park, located just across the Imjingang River. Technically, it’s not inside the DMZ itself, so there’s no need to show your passport just yet. This makes it the closest you can get to the DMZ without booking a guided tour.
The park is home to several significant memorials, honouring those who lost their lives in the Korean War and the families who were torn apart by its tragic division.
At the heart of the park stands the Bridge of Freedom, a powerful symbol of Korea’s divided past. The bridge earned its name in 1953 after 12,773 Korean and UN soldiers, who had been prisoners of war, returned home by crossing it following the signing of the Armistice. Over the years, the bridge has come to symbolise not just freedom, but also hope for reunification and peace, standing as a silent witness to the enduring struggles of those separated by the peninsula’s division.
Beside the bridge, you’ll find numerous colourful prayer ribbons, each inscribed with messages of peace and hope. These ribbons symbolise the heartfelt wish for family reunification and the eventual end of the division between North and South Korea.
Bridge of Freedom and colourful prayer ribbons.
Your guide will likely also take you to the Comfort Woman Memorial, which commemorates the historic suffering of women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during Korea’s occupation. Unlike other statues dedicated to comfort women, this one features two teenage girls, each representing one half of the Korean Peninsula—South and North.
Another point of interest worth checking out is the Old Locomotive, which bears more than 1,200 bullet holes, a stark reminder of the devastation of war. Nearby is the Mangbardan Altar, which was used to comfort the 10 million South Korean people separated from their families in North Korea.
Before you move on to your next stop, make sure to pop by the little white shop within the park, where you can buy some North Korean money as a unique souvenir.
Left: Comfort Women Memorial. Right: North Korean money shop
Dora Observatory
Situated on top of Mount Dora, the Dora Observatory offers one of the best views of North Korea from South Korea. There is also a nice café inside where you can rest and enjoy the views of the North Korean rural landscape. Bear in mind that due to tensions between the two countries from time to time taking pictures into North Korea and access to the third floor can be restricted. On a clear day, the binoculars here will show you some fascinating sights across the border, including:
- Kaesong and its industrial complex: The city of Kaesong, which was the capital of the Koryo Dynasty (918–1392) and the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC), which used to be a joint manufacture venture between South and North Korea are visible from the observatory. The industrial complex once housed South Korean manufacturers inside North Korea, employing North Korean workers. However, the complex was shut down in 2016 due to deteriorating relations between the two countries.
- Kijong-dong, or “Propaganda Village”: This is a North Korean village that can be seen from the observatory. Established in the 1950s after the Korean War, it was designed as part of North Korea’s psychological warfare campaign. The village features tall buildings, wide streets, and lush gardens meant to give the impression of a thriving socialist utopia. However, careful examination using modern telescopic lenses has revealed that the buildings are hollow, with no windows or interiors—just uninhabited concrete shells.
- Flagpoles: From the observatory, you get a front-row seat to the epic flagpole rivalry between North and South Korea. On opposite sides of the DMZ, you’ll see two towering flagpoles—one flying the South Korean flag and the other displaying the North Korean flag. The competition between the two countries over flagpole height began back in the 1980s, when South Korea raised a massive 98-metre pole with a 130-kilogram flag. Not to be outdone, North Korea responded by going even bigger with a towering 160-metre pole and a whopping 270-kilogram flag. To put that into perspective, North Korea’s flag is so big it’s about the size of a two-storey building! Due to its size and weight, it’s often battered by the wind and has to be replaced frequently.
Flagpoles of North & South Korea on both sides of the border!
Third Infiltration Tunnel
One of the most fascinating stops on our tour was the Third Infiltration Tunnel, a hidden passageway that stretches deep beneath the earth connecting North Korea with South Korea. Discovered in October 1978 thanks to the tip-off from a North Korean defector, this tunnel is one of the four tunnels discovered by South Korean authorities over the years.
It is widely understood that the purpose of these tunnels was allowing North Korean troops infiltrate South Korea if an invasion ever occurred. The Third Infiltration Tunnel stretches 1.6 kilometres in length, 2 metres in width and sits a staggering 73 metres underground. It’s believed that, in theory, up to 30,000 soldiers could move through this tunnel every hour.
Our guide has told us that when the tunnel was first discovered, North Korea flat-out denied it, claiming it was simply an old coal mine, statement that was quickly debunked by experts, pointing out that there was no trace of coal, only granite, in the tunnel. And here’s the kicker—many believe there are still more tunnels hidden beneath the DMZ, waiting to be uncovered.
As you begin your descent into the tunnel, you’ll quickly realise this isn’t for the claustrophobic or the tall. The tunnel is incredibly narrow, forcing you to hunch over. It’s no wonder why they give you a hard plastic hat before you go in!
Inside the tunnel, photography is strictly forbidden, so you’ll have to leave your phone and camera in lockers at the entrance. It’s a bit of a shame, but it does give you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Inside the tunnel, the Military Demarcation Line, the actual geographical division between the two countries is blocked by three concrete barricades; and you can venture as far as the third one—just two blocks away from North Korea itself.
When you come back up to the surface, take a moment to grab a photo with the famous three-coloured DMZ sign—it’s a great snapshot to remember your visit to this incredible place.
Joint Security Area (JSA)
Nestled along the 250 km stretch of the DMZ that divides North and South Korea, the Joint Security Area (JSA) is where the Military Demarcation Line runs—essentially the physical and symbolic boundary between the two nations, where soldiers from both countries stand face to face. The JSA is the place where, on 27 July 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, putting an end to the intense fighting of the Korean War.
The JSA has also been the backdrop for numerous significant moments in history, including meetings between leaders of both countries and U.S. President Donald Trump’s crossing into North Korea in 2019.
However, in terms of tourism, things took a dramatic turn in 2023. An incident involving an American soldier who defected to North Korea during a DMZ tour led to strict new restrictions on access to the area. For this reason, the JSA remains a restricted zone for tourists as of 2025.
Gamaksan Suspension Bridge
The red Suspension Bridge, Gamaksan, also known as “Gloucester” is a celebrated landmark on DMZ tours, although it lies outside the DMZ. Spanning over 220 meters in length and standing 10 meters high, it is currently the longest suspension bridge in South Korea.
Its name honors the 1st Battalion, Gloucester Regiment of the British Army, renowned for their service during the Korean War. Before booking your tour, be sure to check if this attraction is included, as it is typically not part of half-day tours and may be offered as an optional, separately charged experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I bring?
- Passport – Required to enter the military restricted zone.
- Comfortable shoes– You’ll be walking and exploring.
- Camera– Capture the moment, but follow the rules.
- Warm layers– Winter can be very cold.
Is it safe?
While tensions can arise, visiting the DMZ is very safe. Just follow your guide’s instructions.
Are independent visits inside the DMZ allowed?
No, access to the DMZ is restricted to organised tours only. Solo exploration is not permitted, but the tours provide a fantastic and insightful experience.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, photos are allowed, except in restricted areas. Always follow your guide’s instructions. Breaking the rules could lead to unwanted consequences for you and the guide.
Are visitors allowed to visit the JSA (Joint Security Area)?
No, tourists can no longer visit the JSA due to a 2023 incident where a US soldier defected to North Korea.
How long does it take?
DMZ tours typically last half a day or a full day, ranging from 6 to 9 hours.
How do I book a tour from Seoul to the DMZ in 2025?
I recommend booking through GetYourGuide, which offers a great selection of tours. Check reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your schedule and budget.
Can you see North Koreans from the DMZ?
Yes, it’s possible! Weather permitting, you can sometimes spot North Koreans through binoculars at the Dora Observatory.
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