Add dates

Paju-siCulture & history

Our most recommended Paju-si Culture & history

Seoul: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

1. Seoul: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

Journey to one of the most meaningful tourist destinations in the world at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border of South and North Korea. Gain an understanding of Korean history and culture. First, visit Imjingak Park. See the Bridge of Freedom, used by prisoners of war who were repatriated from the North. Next, head to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, an incomplete passage built by North Korea that runs under the Demilitarized Zone. Discovered in 1978, the tunnel passes through bedrock 240 feet (73 m) below ground. Go inside the tunnel on foot. Once you're back on the surface, go up the slopes of Mount Dora for a look across the country from the Dora Observatory. In good weather, see all the way to North Korea without using the observatory's telescope. Look out at the 2.4-mile (4 km) stretch of the DMZ that has divided Korea since 1953. The last stop will be Unification Village, located near the DMZ in South Korea. Browse a variety of souvenirs and items that reflect the theme of peace and reconciliation. They often have goods from North Korea too. Pick the great souvenirs and snacks before you return to Seoul. Finally, conclude the tour with a drop-off at either Myeongdong or City hall station, depending on your preference. Enhance the experience with an optional shooting range add-on. After returning to Seoul, visit an indoor shooting range and practice your shooting skills. If a full day option is selected, you will have a lunch from authentic Korean restaurant, and have a tour of Gyeongbokgung palace and Insadong. You can learn more from your guide while you are walking the palace and enjoy the beauty of Josun. *Arrival time to Seoul can be different depending on the number of tourists and traffic on the day.

From Seoul: DMZ Half or Full-Day Guided Day Trip

2. From Seoul: DMZ Half or Full-Day Guided Day Trip

Join a day trip from Seoul for a guided tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the border of North Korea and South Korea. See the world's most heavily fortified border and gain insight into the Korean War. Visit landmarks including the 3rd Tunnel and the Dora Observatory. Begin the tour with a pickup in Central Seoul and travel to Imjingak Park. Upon arrival at Imjingak Park, see the Freedom Bridge and the old steam locomotive, which shows the tragedy of the Korean War. Pay your respects at a memorial for the soldiers who died in the Korean War. Enter the real DMZ to discover the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and DMZ Exhibition Hall to learn about South and North Korea's conflict. Visit the Dora observatory to see North Korea through telescopes and to get a peek at North Korea's propaganda village. At the end of the trip, relax as you travel back to Seoul, passing by Unification Village, and get dropped off at City Hall.  If you choose the full-day tour, you can enjoy the Gloucester Hill Memorial and Suspension Bridge (Gloucester Heroes Bridge) too.

From Seoul: DMZ Tour with Tickets and Optional Peace Gondola

3. From Seoul: DMZ Tour with Tickets and Optional Peace Gondola

Uncover the story of North and South Korea on a shared or private day trip to the Demilitarized Zone from Seoul. See highlights like the Peace Train, Bridge of Freedom, and Third Tunnel of Aggression. Add a gondola ride to your tour to see the DMZ from above. After meeting your guide at one of the meeting points at Seoul's downtown metro stations or following pickup (private options only), travel in comfort aboard a climate-controlled bus to Imjingak Park in Paju. Follow your guide to see DMZ and war-related monuments, including the famous Peace Train and the Bridge of Freedom which links the two Koreas. Continue to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel (Third Tunnel of Aggression), one of four known tunnels under the border between the Koreas.  Learn about how the tunnel was built for a surprise attack from the North to the South and was discovered by accident. Hear about the innovation of North Korea before making your way to the DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall to find out more about this tunnel and the stories of the two Koreas. Travel to the top of Mt. Dora for a visit to the Dora Observatory. Take in the scenic view across the Demilitarized Zone and see the North Korean propaganda village and Korea's ancient capital, Kaesong. Pass by the Unification Village (Tongil Chon), where civilians still live to this day. Select the Peace Gondola add-on for unparalleled views of North Korea and the U.S. Military Camp Greaves. Return to your meeting or pickup point at the end of your tour.

From Seoul: DMZ Tour with Optional North Korean Defector

4. From Seoul: DMZ Tour with Optional North Korean Defector

Itinerary : Meeting - Move to Paju - Korea Demilitarized Zone - Interview with North Korean Defector(optional) - 3rd infiltration tunnel - Dora observatory - Return to Seoul -Discover the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on a full-day guided tour for a comprehensive experience. Explore renowned highlights including Mangbaedan, Dora Observatory, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the DMZ Theater, Unification Bridge, and Imjingak Park. -Join in Interview program with North Korean defector and listen to the vivid stories of witnesses to history. - Select your meeting point in 4 main down down in seoul. East : Dongdaemun DDP / Center : Myeongdong (president hotel) / West : Hongdae station (exit 3) / South : Gangnam station (exit 13) - This tour provides insightful commentary from your guide and transportation from Seoul, ensuring you don't miss any key DMZ attractions.

Seoul: Half/Full-Day Private Car Charter Tour

5. Seoul: Half/Full-Day Private Car Charter Tour

Discover the Seoul or Gangwon-do areas with a full or half-day private charter tour. Plan your tour that caters to your interests and travel at your own pace. Book an optional guide to accompany you throughout the day. Book a private charter with an optional guide and see the best of Seoul or Gangwon-do. Create a more focused and personal tour experience tailored to your interests. Whether you're looking to learn more about K-pop, history, culture, or food, this experience can be designed to meet your needs. Possible locations to visit in each area: Seoul City Plan to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Cheonggyecheon, N Seoul Tower, Gangnam, Lotte World, Bukchon Hanok Village, Yeouido, Hangang Park, Hongdae, Ewha Woman's University, Sinchon, and other locations in Seoul city. Seoul Suburbs Incheon City, Woongjin Playdoci, Everland, Seoul Park, one mount, Swiss Village, Korean Folk Village, Paju Outlets, Panmunjom, The Garden of Morning Calm, Little French Village, Nami Island, Chuncheon City, Gangchon Rail Bike, Herb Garden, Heyri Art Village, and other locations around Seoul. Gangwon-do Alpaca World, Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho City, Nami Island, Chuncheon City, Gangchon Rail Bike, Daegwallyeong sheep ranch, Pyeong Chang, Yongpyong, Phoenix Park, Alpensia Resort, HIGH ONE Resort, Donghae City, and other places in Gangwon-do. ★ Additional special offer - The Painters Show: R seat ticket (Can be used on the same day or the other days) ★ Additional option - Airport pick up service (pickup duration included, service time in total 10hrs)

Private DMZSPY Full day tour

6. Private DMZSPY Full day tour

Meet your dedicated guide for your private tour, and enjoy a comfortable drive from Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that has separated North and South Korea since the Korean War. Visit the site where North Korean spy commandos fought with Korean and US combined special forces. Learn about the history of this site and the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas from your expert guide. Stop at Imjingak Peace Park to discover war artefacts, artillery and military bunkers, then follow your guide along the DMZ's barbed wire fence past soldiers patrolling the border. Pause for a delicious lunch of North Korean specialities, including barbecued duck and a range of vegetarian options.   Stop at Odusan observation point to see a real North Korean farming village just across 2km river border. At the end of the day, relax on a comfortable transfer back to Seoul.

Seoul: DMZ, Gyeongbokgung Palace & City Tour

7. Seoul: DMZ, Gyeongbokgung Palace & City Tour

Since 1950, Korea has been divided into the North and South. North Korea has become more closed off, while South Korea continues to develop as a democracy and leading economy, sharing its culture with the rest of the world. The DMZ area is the only place that you can see the reality of the most divided nation in the world. This tour includes a military tourist guide, shuttle vehicle, and entrance fees to a venue that helps to explain the history of war. Your tour guides are professional security specialists, allowing you to learn about North and South Korean relations. Visit the Third Tunnel Experience, which was designed to invade South Korea by tanks, the observatory where you can view North Korean residents, the War History Pavilion, and Imjingak. Experience every aspect of the DMZ area.    You will also visit Gyeongbok Palace, where the king, his family and 2000 others previously lived as they ruled the nation. Be fascinated as you hear how the palace was run more like a modern day business - with employees and advisers - rather than as the royal-only complex that you might expect. 

Seoul Suburb Private Charter Tour

8. Seoul Suburb Private Charter Tour

Recommended Seoul Suburbs area attractions: Incheon City, Woongjin Playdoci, Everland, Swiss Village, Korean Folk Village, Paju Outlets, Panmunjom, The Garden of Morning Calm, Little French Village, Nami Island, Chuncheon City, Gangchon Rail Bike, Herb Garden, Heyri Art Village, and other locations around Seoul.

Seoul: Guided DMZ Day Trip with 3rd Tunnel & Gondola Option

9. Seoul: Guided DMZ Day Trip with 3rd Tunnel & Gondola Option

Embark on a thrilling journey to the DMZ, the world's most heavily militarized border, a poignant symbol of division between North and South Korea. Stretching 248 km, this buffer zone offers a unique perspective on the Korean Peninsula's history and geopolitics. You have the flexibility to join an affordable join-in tour with convenient meeting points at Dongdaemun, Myeongdong or Hongdae. Or with dedicated Seoul hotel transfers for a private tour. Our DMZ tour takes you to key landmarks, each with its own story. At Dora Observatory, on a clear day, you can gaze across the border into North Korea. Feel the tension and hope intertwined in this place, where the two Koreas stand face-to-face.Next, delve into the 3rd Tunnel, a clandestine passage discovered in 1978. Marvel at its scale - 1,635m long, 2m wide, and 2m high, capable of moving 30,000 soldiers per hour. Located just 52km from Seoul, this tunnel is a stark reminder of the region's turbulent past. The tour culminates at Dorasan Station, the last stop in South Korea, with Pyeongyang Station a tantalizing 205km away. Although currently closed, Dorasan Station symbolizes the hope for reunification. For an even more immersive experience, opt for the Gondola add-on. Glide over the Imjingang River, getting a closer look at North Korea before going back to Seoul. This tour is more than just sightseeing; it's a journey through history, a testament to resilience, and a beacon of hope for a peaceful future. Join us and witness the DMZ's profound narrative unfold before your eyes.

From Seoul: Round-Trip Shuttle to DMZ

10. From Seoul: Round-Trip Shuttle to DMZ

Experience the popular DMZ with a convenient and comfortable air-conditioned round-trip shuttle service departing from the heart of Seoul City. Choose this shuttle service which allows you to visit the most popular DMZ spots at your own pace. Relax with a stress-free and reliable transfer from the center of Seoul and visit attractions such as the DMZ Peace Gondola, Dokgae Bridge, Beat 131 Bunker Exhibition Hall, and the Pyeonghwa Nuri Park. Decide to upgrade to a private shuttle to avoid the long lines and arrive earlier. After a day of sightseeing, conveniently return back to Seoul on the shuttle bus.

12 activities found
Sort by:

You might also like...

Unmissable attractions

Frequently asked questions about Paju-si Culture & history

What are other things to do than Culture & history that are worth visiting in Paju-si?

The other unmissable things to do in Paju-si are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Paju-si

Want to discover all there is to do in Paju-si? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Paju-si

The sightseeing and tour activities get five stars. The third tunnel, which also has a "museum" that I didn't even have time to see, was a touch short on time, so I only awarded the time allocated for the places 4 stars overall. I like listening to tales as a person. Our tour guide Belle gets a solid four stars. did, but not a lot, tell tales of the battle or the DMZ. I read accounts of a different vacation with Vcosmojin Eva, who shared stories the whole time. The tale of the founding of Hyundai is intriguing. But DMZ is a wonderful thing to partake in if you're in Seoul. I'm in a cloudy environment there. cannot see North Korea clearly " Definitely going to attend again when I go back to Korea! My tour guide, Jinny, was really nice and informative, and the pick-up and transportation were simple and comfortable (I even got a great sleep). Even though I went alone, it was still a wonderful experience. I'm already looking forward to my next trip! I'm grateful for the enjoyable tour.

It was very informative and excellent tour of the DMZ and our tour guide Ron is very knowledgeable. Even though the walk out of the tunnel was hard and it might not suit poeple who are tall, but exploring the 3rd tunnel was so interesting. Looking at North Korea from Dorasan Obervatory was amazing. I was surprised that the distance between two Koreas was so close than my expectation. It was a pity the tension continued and awkward to see the photos of the leaders of South Korea and the Unites States shaking hands with North Korean leader Kim Jeongen at the enterance of the observatory. Fortunately we could see some north Koreans and North Korean soldiers through the telescope. The ice crea made of beans, a local specialty in Tongilchon, is worth a taste. Overall though I enjoyed the tour and would say that it was very value for money.

We had such a fun trip, our tour guide was so entertaining and made learning about history that much for fun for me. It was a saddening history but the way she portrayed it was both respectful and comedic at the same time. All in all it was a wonderful experience and will definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the dmz tour.

Amazing tour! Our guide Jenny was sooo friendly and heartwarming. Everything was perfectly organized and we were picked up from our hotel. The DMZ is an unique place and everyone has to visit it while staying in Korea! I‘m definitely recommending this tour!

Excellent guide to all you need to know about the DMZ. Jung was affable, organized and great at laying out a history of the the two Koreas. Witty, charming and exceptionally reliable. I would go back again. It is money well spent -more than worth it! Go!