‘Demilitarized Zone’, commonly known as ‘DMZ’, acts as a border between North Korea and South Korea. It is known as the most heavily fortified border in the world, dividing the Korean Peninsula into two, rather hostile neighbors; South Korea and North Korea. After an agreement between China, North Korea, and the United Nations, this 4 kilometers wide and 250 kilometers long border was established.
The only place on this lengthy border where the armies of the two nations come face to face is the 'Joint Security Area' (JSA). As its name suggests, this is not a place where hostility is fueled. Conversely, it is a place of mutual diplomatic understandings and engagements. The JSA was established in 1953, which was the end of the Korean War, and served as a place for the exchange of Prisoners of War (POW). The two neighbors have agreed upon keeping this place free of armaments, military posts, and landmines. It was further established upon mutual agreement that the JSA would be considered as a tourist attraction. The JSA is also home to the famous 'Bridge of No Return'. The Bridge of No Return, often referred to as 'The Bridge of Freedom', was called the former as North Korea gave the Southern prisoners two options; either to stay there, or go to South Korea. However, they would not be allowed to come back if they somehow changed their mind later, after crossing the border.
Although the DMZ is a militarized zone, it has managed to attract tourists from all over the world. Tourists visiting the DMZ tend to have the urge of knowing more and more about this historic border. Therefore, bearing this in mind, the South Korean government has been able to arrange particular sites and facilities for tourists to explore the border. Important places to see and experience on tours to the DMZ include: 'Imjingak Park', 'Third Infiltration Tunnel', 'Exhibition Hall', 'Dorasan Observatory', and 'Dorasan Station'. There is also a cable ride waiting for those who wish to take a "look from a bird's perspective".
There are a few ways by which you can get from 'Seoul' to 'DMZ'
You could take a 1 hour 10 minutes Subway from 'Seoul Station' to 'Soyosan Station'. You then must take a 40-minute taxi to 'DMZ tours'. The cost of this route is 32 to 42 USD, which estimates to about 38,500 to 50,500 KRW
You could take a 1-hour 15-minute taxi costing 70 to 85 USD. This estimates to about 84,200 to 102,200 KRW
The bus route requires you to catch multiple buses from 'Seoul Station' to 'Dongjak Station' to 'Express Bus Terminal Station' for a transfer to 'Seoul Bus Express Terminal' from where you will reach 'Cheorwon'. After reaching ‘Cheorwon’, you will have to take a taxi to 'DMZ Tours'. The cost of this route is 20 to 24 USD, which estimates to about 24,000 to 29,000 KRW.
These depend on the permission granted to tour companies, as this is a very sensitive area
Visits may be a full day or half-day
Tourists are not allowed to visit independently
According to some sources, tours do not operate on Sundays and Mondays
Waiting Time
No, since you are led by a tour guide, unless there are some unforeseen circumstances
Entrance Fee
Tours to DMZ, arranged by only a few permitted travel agencies, cost approximately 55,000 to 135,000 KRW (Korean Republic Won). This estimates to 40 to 128 USD
Time you can spend
6 to 10 hours
Weather
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