Korea's Divide: DMZ & Defector Experience
4.5
76 Ratings
Eulji-ro
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Korea's DMZ with Cosmojin. Explore the mysterious world of North Korea, hear stories from defectors, and gain historical insights. Safety is our top priority.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park - Imjingak, a symbol of Korean reunification desire, is a unique theme park featuring rides alongside barbed wire fences. It houses historical relics like the Freedom Bridge, used by 13,000 POWs for freedom, and a steam locomotive smokestack from the Korean War, abandoned for 55 years.
  • Bridge of Freedom - Mangbaedan Bridge on Imjingang River, crossed by 13,000 POWs in 1953 during the Korean War, symbolizes their “return to freedom.”
  • DMZ - Korea’s DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a military demarcation zone between North and South Korea, where military activities are prohibited. It remains a significant symbol of division on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War.
  • The Third Tunnel - The DMZ tour’s highlight includes exploring a North Korean tunnel, possibly for military purposes, with the 3rd tunnel extending 435 meters into South Korea. Visitors can also watch a documentary, view Korean War relics, and learn about the tunnel’s discovery.
  • Dora Observatory - Dora Observatory provides a close-up view of North Korea, including Gaeseong City and the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. Visitors can also see a fake North Korean border village called “Propaganda Village,” where lights are manipulated to create the illusion of activity.
  • Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park - Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park (Pass By)
  • Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge - [OPTION]
    The Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge, once Korea’s longest suspension bridge at 220 meters, offers stunning views over Silmari Valley. Opened in 2016, it’s a popular spot for its scenic beauty and thrilling experience, enhancing the hiking journey to Gamaksan Mountain.
What's Included
  • Optional interview with a North Korean defector
  • Convenient pickup and drop-off service
  • Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and taxes included
  • Tour concludes with drop-off in Myeongdong
  • Expertise of a certified English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch
  • Anything not mentioned in details
Additional Information

While the DMZ may be a top spot for tourists, the experience should be nothing short of extraordinary. At Cosmojin, we pledge an unparalleled journey through the DMZ like no other.

The World’s Sole DMZ Tour: Dive into the mysterious world of North Korean residents. Immerse yourself in vivid tales of North Korea, delivered by North Korean defectors themselves, offering an exclusive DMZ experience.

Historical Insights: Discover the profound history of the Korean War and gain an understanding of the complex international landscape, narrated by our expert tour guides whom specialized in the field of national security.

Safety First: With our extensive expertise in navigating the DMZ, we ensure a secure and comfortable tour.

  • All participants must bring passport
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Comfortable shoes such as sneakers, are recomendable
  • The Mt. Suspension Bridge tour option requires a minimum number of participants to proceed. If the required minimum is not met, we will inform you of the need to revise, change the tour.
  • DMZ is military area and can be closed suddenly without any notice. If it happens, alternative tour will be provided and no refunds.
  • No changes or refunds will be given for those who fail to arrive on time for departure, regardless of the reason.
Location
President Hotel
Drop off in Myeongdong
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(76 Ratings)
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Stephen_p
May 22, 2024
Great day out - The best part was seeing the border and seeing and hearing the defector stories .Mr S.p Hong the tour guide absolutely brilliant and spoke perfect English
Review provided by Viator
938noorv
Apr 24, 2024
Learned a lot! - Very interesting tour. The talk with the defector was very special. Ms. Cho was very kind and gave elaborate answers to all our questions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_h
Apr 23, 2024
Amazing experience with a defector - The primary reason to take this tour over others is being able to learn of North Korea from a former citizen. It was eye opening to hear her story, her struggles, and her hopes. Other tours will show you the same places, but this is a difference maker in my book.
Review provided by Viator
Brishanna_s
Apr 19, 2024
The tunnel was amazing - The highlight of this trip for me was the tunnel. It was challenging a very rewarding to complete this tour is what you make it, scheduling is challenging due to security. It’s a lot of walking and not particularly accessible for everyone. If you don’t have any Mobility issues I say give it a try!
Review provided by Viator
Joshuajun_c
Aug 17, 2023
Very informative - I personally liked the monuments and background of each introduced at Imjingak most, as well as the museum at the 3rd Tunnel. Dora Observatory was quite nice as well, especially being able to view the different sites talked about through the binoculars
Review provided by Viator
Christa
Aug 15, 2023
Interesting and impressive - Very interesting tour. You can also enter the 3rd tunnel and that is also very worthwhile. Make sure you wear good running shoes. The tour guide had beautiful and interesting stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Noor_v
Apr 25, 2024
Talk with defector - The talk with the defector, ms Cho, was very interessting. Gave the tour more depth. She was polite and very elaborate
Review provided by Viator
Saharalive
Jul 13, 2023
Good tour to DMZ - Our guide was great. Bus was comfortable. Wish we had more time to explore the Imingjak (first stop) tour and could skip the Ginseng seller stop at the end. Otherwise it was only the fog and rain that killed the views!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ron_r
May 1, 2023
Walking down tunnel 3 is... - Walking down tunnel 3 is quite the workout!! It also helps if you’re not tall! Very interesting experience.
Review provided by Viator
U7814wajohnt
Apr 15, 2023
Average tour - We did not get to see the blue houses, our main aim was to see that area and it was not possible. The long wait in a bus to get access to the tunnels is unbeareable, incosiderate to have people sitting in a bus for 5 to 6 hours to get the access. There are many things that could be improve on the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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