vip travel seoul dmz

DMZ Tours from Seoul

Our DMZ tour from Seoul offers a truly unique and unforgettable Korean experience. Glimpse into North Korea from across the most heavily fortified border in the world! But be sure to be on your best behaviour, as this is a politically sensitive and military-controlled area. This tour is not to be missed!

A Brief History and Introduction to the DMZ

Korea is a divided nation. Since 1953 a 4 km wide stretch of no man’s land, known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), has separated South and North Korea. This buffer zone has become the most heavily fortified and guarded border in the world.

Experts believe somewhere between 1.8 – 2.2 million landmines have been planted here, roughly 1 to 1.2 million by the US and South Korea, and another 800,000 to 1 million by North Korea.

The DMZ was established as a result of the Korean Armistice Agreement between North Korea, China and the United Nations Command (UNC). This “ceasefire” agreement has effectively put the Korean War on hold. The DMZ now reaches 250 km long by 4 km wide, roughly dividing the Korean Peninsula in half.

Inside the DMZ is an area where both nations can meet for negotiations. Today it’s known as the Joint Security Area (JSA), while the original village was called Panmunjom and was located 800 metres further North. However, regarding tours of the DMZ, the JSA and Panmunjom can be considered the same place.

The DMZ today is it safe?

Considering its history and that the DMZ (especially the JSA) has suffered various incidents with both military and civilian casualties, you might be wondering if it’s safe to take your family on a DMZ tour.

Well, you’ll be glad to know that it has become safe for travellers these days. In fact, our DMZ tours from Seoul are one of our most popular day tours.

In addition, since October 2018, both sides have removed all firearms from the Joint Security Area, cut personnel stationed there to 35 on each side, removed 11 guard posts along the demarcation line and removed some landmines.

NO forced shopping stops on our DMZ tours

Our tours are unique in that we offer high-quality DMZ tours from Seoul with No shopping stops along the way. VIP Travel is currently the only tour operator offering this. Therefore, book your DMZ tour with us to make the most of your time during this truly unique Korean experience.

Booking Restrictions for tours of the DMZ

Due to this being a military-controlled area run by the United Nations Command (UNC), there are some restrictions we have to abide by:

Our DMZ Half Day tour offers very few restrictions and can be booked the day before. All visitors are required to bring either their passport , military ID or Alien Registration Card (local residents). Soldiers will check your identification document at the Unification Bridge and before entering.

Children are also welcome when accompanied by an appropriate parent or guardian as there are no age restrictions in place for this tour.

• Can be booked on relatively short notice.
• Bring your passports (military ID and ARC card also accepted) on the day!
• No age restrictions! Children accompanied by parents are welcome.

JSA / Panmunjeom Tours

The JSA / Panmunjom, on the other hand, have very tight security restrictions for those who wish to visit. We, therefore, require all guests to book a minimum of 72 hours in advance of their preferred tour date, although we recommend booking as far in advance as possible!

We will also require a full-colour copy of your passport photo page. This is necessary, so we can send it to the UNC to register your visit. Note you will still be required to bring your passport on the day for further ID checks during the tour.

There is also a minimum age restriction for children; children should be at least 12 years old, with no exceptions to this rule.

Our final word of note is that there are limited spaces available. The UNC caps the number of visitors who can visit Panmunjeom per day. Once this limit is reached, booking will no longer be possible. Please feel free to reach out to us regarding your preferred dates to see if there is availability before booking.

• Need to book a minimum of 72 hours in advance.
• Recommended to book as far in advance as possible.
• Passport colour copy required during booking for UNC registration.
• Bring your passport on the day!
• Age restriction: Minimum 12 Years old (No exceptions).
• The UNC limits the number of visitors per day.

DMZ tour Schedule

Tours of the DMZ are possible every day except for Mondays, National Holidays and military training days. We run 2 Half Day DMZ tours daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

JSA / Panmunjeom tours run a similar schedule, except they are also unavailable on Sundays and are more affected by military training and political events. Both our Panmunjeom tour and DMZ JSA tour visit Panmunjom (Joint Security Area).

• DMZ tours: Unavailable on Mondays, National Holidays and some military training days.
• JSA / Panmunjeom tours: Unavailable on Sundays, Mondays, National Holidays, military training days and during some political events.

Panmunjom Dress Code

Tours that visit the Panmunjom / JSA have a strict dress code. This is partly because it has been known for North Korean soldiers to take photos of poorly dressed tourists to be used in propaganda efforts.

Visitors are therefore asked to be respectful and abide by the following rules as they will be enforced on the day:

• No sleeveless shirts.
• No t-shirts without a collar.
• No short pants or skirts.
• No sandals.
• No military-looking clothing.
• No clothing showing flags or name of nationality.

So what are you waiting for? Book your DMZ trip now to avoid disappointment!

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Best DMZ Tour From Seoul (No Forced Shopping)

DMZ JSA tour

DMZ 3rd Tunnel & Red Suspension Bridge tour

DMZ Gondola Tour

Panmunjom Tour (Without pick-up service)

The 5 Best DMZ Tours From Seoul [2024 Reviews]

It’s no secret that Seoul has become one of the hottest travel destinations in recent years, from the explosion of K-POP to the centuries-old temples and rich history. Of course, just like everywhere else in the world, South Korea also has its fair share of tourist traps.

One thing’s for sure, though, you won’t regret taking a DMZ tour! This journey into the heart of Asian history takes you to the edge of two very different worlds, with palpable tension and stories forever etched into the landscape.

Whether you’re a history buff or would simply like to explore the “path less traveled”, you’re going to be fascinated by these top tours of the DMZ from Seoul! Let’s jump right in!

Best DMZ Tours From Seoul

Quick answer: the 5 best rated dmz tours from seoul for 2024.

• Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Forced Shopping)
• DMZ Full day with Gloucester Memorial & Suspension Bridge Tour
• From Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour
• Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)
• Free Style Private Tour(Seoul/DMZ)

DMZ Tour Reviews

1. private dmz the 3rd tunnel tour from seoul (no forced shopping).

• Duration: 8 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 AM
• Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, transportation, all taxes & fees

Let’s start things off on the right foot with one of the most unique tours one can take in South Korea!

The Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul  will lead you through this incredibly important historical site with an expert guide who will provide you with cultural context throughout your time with them.

If you have a full day available and would like to see the country in a different perspective, look no further than this excursion. The Korean Demilitarized Zone, more commonly-known as “the DMZ”, is the most heavily-fortified border on the planet.

It’s definitely not all fun and games, but this “real deal” experience will get you as close as possible to experiencing the tension, mysteries, and stories that have unfolded between these two divided nations.

Around 4km wide, this modern-day “No Man’s Land” doesn’t allow any  military personnel, activities, and much less, civilians. The only exception to this rule is a place called the “Joint Security Area”, which is a neutral ground where soldiers from both sides come together for talks and negotiation.

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One of the highlights of the tour was climbing the heights of the Dora Observatory, complete with high-powered binoculars for you to see the North’s propaganda village.

When the weather is clear, you may even be able to see the bronze statue of Kim Il-sung, casting a watchful eye over the divide.

Then, you’ll get to see the Third Tunnel subterranean passage discovered in the 1970s and stretching nearly 2,000 meters long. This secret conduit screams espionage and conspiracy, with North Korea having built it then denying it.

Oh boy, there are a ton of interesting stories surrounding it and your guide will fill you in on some of the most captivating.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. dmz full day with gloucester memorial & suspension bridge tour.

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes: Full-day tour of the DMZ and suspension bridge, professional guide, all fees and taxes

Next up, we have a full-day tour that will take you for an immersive experience through some of the most iconic locations around South Korea.

The DMZ Full Day with Gloucester Memorial & Suspension Bridge Tour is full of thrills, intrigue, and incredible views to the unknown. With a guide to share historical accounts and plenty of personal stories with each location visit, you’re sure to view the country from a different viewpoint!

Starting off at 7:00 am, you’ll be picked up right from your hotel by your professional guide in a climate-controlled coach with plenty of legroom and big windows.

Upon arrival to Imjingak Park, you’ll get to see the Freedom Bridge and old steam trains, which was pretty cool by itself. The guide was there to teach us about the Korean War and the sacrifices that needed to be made, which only enriched the experience.

While I enjoyed the entire tour, the most memorable part for me was seeing the Gloucestershire Regiment “Gloster Hill”, which commemorates the actions of the regiment and C Troop, 17th Mortar Battery, Royal Artillery of the British Army during the Battle of the Imjin River.

Nearby is the incredible rope bridge known as the “Gloucester Heroes Bridge” which was a bloody battle field during the Korean War. Today, it stands as the longest suspension bridge in the country, sitting over 700 meters above sea level!

Finally, you’ll get to see the DMZ exhibition hall and learn about the old weapons, which was pretty cool! Next, make the walk over to the Third Tunnel which was made by North Korea, who actually claimed the South had constructed it with the intention of a guerilla attack!

The Dora Observatory was crazy to see, showing you a peek into North Korea’s propaganda village with the high-powered telescopes.

3. From Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour

• Departure:  65-6 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Departure Time:  7:00 AM
• Includes: Licensed professional guide, roundtrip transfer from Seoul, admission fees to DMZ, monotrail tour in 3rd tunnel or walking tour for shared tour option

This next tour is one of my favorites, seamlessly combining incredible nature views with the rich and varied history of South Korea. If you consider yourself an adventurous person who enjoys those “more unique” tourist sites, this one’s for you!

The DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour  is one of the only ways you can actually see a glimpse of North Korea in person, offering a deep dive into the history of the area.

First things first, though: you’ll have to pick either the private or the shared tour option. For the private tour, you’ll travel with only your party and go on a monorail tour in the Third Tunnel.

For the shared tour option, you’ll obviously be traveling with strangers and will instead go on a walking tour in the Third Tunnel – either way, they’re great options!

After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll arrive and get to see the Freedom Bridge, Mangbaedan Altar, as well as an old steam locomotive that was destroyed during the Korean War.

Your guide will be there to tell you all about how the Korean War affected the country and landscape – particularly on the border. You’ll then visit 4 different locations at the DMZ, starting with the Third Infiltration Tunnel.

Whether you’re walking or monorailing in, you’re sure to get a bit of a creepy vibe as you enter this “lair”. After, check out the Dorasan Observatory, which allows you to see into North Korea from their superpowered binoculars!

You can also choose to explore some Unification Villages located in a buffer zone and is civilian controlled by the government. Then take a hike around 15 to 20 minutes and appreciate the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, which has quite the intense history of its own.

If time allows, you’ll even get to see the Majang Suspension Bridge located right at a glass-like lake perfect for taking some photos.

4. Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Departure Time: Varies
• Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, all taxes and fees

You know what’s really annoying when you’re on a trip and trying to maximize your time by seeing as many interesting things as possible?

When your tour guide “forces” you and your group to go shopping at specific stores and markets. There’s none of that nonsense with this next tour – the Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul is all about learning in a fun and interesting way!

This is another one of my top recommendations if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul. You’ll get picked up in the morning by your guide and make the trip on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with plenty of unobstructed views along the way.

Right from the get-go, I did notice that our guide did a fantastic job at providing detail and easy-to-digest historical accounts and personal anecdotes which made it that much more fascinating.

Upon arrival, you’ll get to see the Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri park and learn about how it was constructed to house the refugees who left North Korea during the Korean War.

After that, check out the Bridge of Freedom which was also made to free almost 13,000 prisoners during the war. It’s not only incredibly moving to learn about, it’s set in one of the most beautiful natural settings ideal for photo ops!

After that, it’s time to head to the DMZ Theater where you’ll watch a short film about the war, and the South Korean perspective on it. You’ll learn how the DMZ came to be what it is today, as well as get time to walk through the creepy Third Infiltration Tunnel.

It definitely gives you a deeper understanding of just how serious this situation is, and the photos and artifacts only help.

5. Free Style Private Tour(Seoul/DMZ)

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, English-speaking guide

One thing that many people may be turned off about tours, is that you’re obligated to go on one set schedule. The great thing, is that many tours offer the option of creating a custom itinerary designed around your specific interests!

The Free Style Private Tour (Seoul/DMZ) is one of my favorites, catering to your tastes to ensure you’ll see the things you’re most captivated by!

If you’re a history buff, or really into Korean culture or food, you can tell your guide and they’ll create a personalized agenda just for that. While the tours will never be exactly the same, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Start off with your guide picking you right up from your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle made to transport only you and the rest of your party.

As you do get to choose, it’s quite possibly the best way to maximize your time in Korea – especially if it’s your first time there and/or you are there for only a couple of days.

While it’s not necessary, I definitely recommend going to the Gyungbokgung Palace, which is the most popular of the 5 in total in the city. You can then head up by car to the top of the mountain peak, whick offers some of the most breathtaking views of Seoul possible.

After that, head to a local eatery for a delicious, traditionally Korean lunch which has been reviewed by some of the top publications in the world. Follow it up with a trip up to the N-Seoul Tower by cable car, or head over to the DMZ, of course!

The DMZ, as you already know by now, is a must-see and is the one way to really gain insight into the tension between these two neighboring nations.

FAQs About the Korean DMZ

Q: what is the dmz in korea.

A: The DMZ or Demilitarized Zone, is a strip of land the is about 2.5 miles wide the runs across the Korean Peninsula near the 38th parallel north. It’s a buffer between North and South Korea, that are still technically at war because the war ended with an armistice and not a peace agreement.

Q: Do I have to take a tour to visit the DMZ?

A: Yes, you can only go to the DMZ on a guided tour. You can book them online or through travel agencies. You can take a half-day, full-day, or private tours, that show you different sites and activities in the DMZ. The most popular attraction is the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is where negotiations took place. The Third Tunnel of Aggression, was dug by North Korea to infiltrate South Korea and the Dora Observatory where you can see North Korea with a telescope.

Q: Is it safe to visit the DMZ?

A: You may be wondering if it’s safe to visit the DMZ. While the Korean DMZ is considered “the world’s most dangerous border”, there is no danger to visitors. Just make sure you follow the rules and instructions of the tour guides.

Tour Guides

The Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul is our Editors Choice for the best DMZ tour from Seoul.

Richard Remick

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews].

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Nancy was a great tour guide took her time to explain what we was seeming answered all questions and such a sweet lady would highly recommend team Nancy

Dear Customer. Hello, this is Sophie from VIP Travel. We are glad that you had amazing tour with one of our knowledgeable guides. We appreciate you taking the time to give us a 5-star review. Your comments will be very helpful to other customers and to us. Thank you for your review. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Enjoy the rest of your trip in Korea!

Despite the simple description of the tour, highly recommend anyone who wants to understand the history and see the DMZ for themselves to join this tour. The itinerary is packed and keeps the group engaged. Our tour guide Jenny is humorous, very knowledgeable and one who loves her culture and passionate about her job.

It was so amazing, telling stories while driving until arrived destination is so fun and not making us boring.

Dear Customer. Hello, this is Julie from VIP Travel. We are glad that you had amazing tour with one of our knowledgeable guides. Your comments will be very helpful to other customers and to us. Thank you for your review. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Enjoy the rest of your trip in Korea!

Very interesting tour, covered a lot of ground in a day, so it felt a bit rushed, but still a nice experience! Gogo the guide is great, kept many people in check w pleasant demeanor, never seems to be stressed. Great sense of humor too. A bit misleading on the ads for the tour is the pickup process. The ad sounds like we would be picked up from our hotel, but in reality, the pickup was from a hotel in town, not our hotel. So we had to walk a bit, no biggie, but it was a surprise as we thought we’d be picked up. This has nothing to do w the guide, to be clear, but rather the marketing team. despite that, it was a great tour!

Dear Customer. Hello, this is Andy from VIP Travel. We are glad that you had amazing tour with one of our knowledgeable guides. We appreciate you taking the time to give us a 5-star review. Your comments will be very helpful to other customers and to us. Thank you for your review. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Enjoy the rest of your trip in Korea!

Wonderfully informative experience We had a really great time with GOGO. He was so informative and taught us so much about the history of Korea and where we were going.

GOGO was amazing and very well spoken in english. We enjoyed the trip. Totally recommend this handsome GOGO.

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Best DMZ Tour Korea from Seoul (Red Suspension Bridge Optional)

DMZ Tour from Seoul (Optional Red Suspension Bridge, DMZ Gondola)

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Korea DMZ the 3rd tunnel Guided Tour from Seoul - No Shopping

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

VIP TRAVEL (Seoul) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

VIP Travel Co., Ltd. offers tours with, in our opinion, the most knowledgeable guides we've met so far. Every palace, temple and spot is brought alive with the stories and details given to you by their expert guides! We've been on one of their tours and we were immensely impressed with everything. We cannot recommend their tours enough. Everything from pick up to the actual sightseeing to lunch is flawless and you indeed feel like a VIP! Our recent ski trip to Jisan Forest Resort was alos a success and our guide was competent and taught all beginners basics and got them beginner skiing within a few hours!

The gallery is only a small snippet from one example tour, the downtown Jogye Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Duty Free Shopping, Lunch in Itaewon, Changdeokgung Palace and Namdaemun Tour. There are also pictures fromt the ski trip tour to Jisan Forest Resort.

VIP Travel Co., Ltd. is a Korean travel agency that provides our Korea travel customers with the best quality travel service.  Our main tour services are DMZ tour, Seoul city tour, Seoul palace tour, Korea traditional culture tours, etc. Our aim is to serve the best to international VIP guests to Korea. We provide exceptional service with reasonable fares and attentive customer care

1. Professional Team

VIP travel consists of a professional team. First of all, the best tour guide team conducts tour programs. Also the best operators understand the customers' needs and answer them. Lastly drivers with more than 10-year-old experience take in charge of relaxing and comfortable tour.

2. Attractive Program

VIP travel develops attractive tour programs. Various tour programs are ongoing including DMZ tour that shows the pain of the divided country, tours that give experience of Korean traditional culture, World cultural heritage tour and tours for Suburbs of Seoul or countryside. Also exclusive tours for VIP Travel are being developed and conducted and VIP Travel is at the center of Korean representative performance tour and Korean wave tour.

3. Opened Communication

VIP travel is always open for the communication with customers. Counselling is available under 24 hour reservation system, and it is always ready for customers' best tour. Vip travel serves you the best tour that you want as the Best Tour Planner.

4. Safety & Comfortable

VIP travel provides safe and comfortable tour. Safety training for employees is conducted twice a month and tour is conducted with the cars with the latest models which pass regular safety check. We conduct tour with exclusive guides and cars and we pay careful attention to the safety and comfortableness of tourists.

5. Respected Guest

VIP travel always respect customers. Customers' proposals and suggestions are always accepted and we put constant effort to provide the best service. Vip travel considers customers as kings and we promise the best hospitality.

Contact VIP Travel

Room 303, Shin-a Building, 1 Gil 50, Seosomunro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea , City-Hall

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