EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS INTO DMZ TOUR

Have you ever pondered about North Korea and what it truly holds? Uncover the secrets of North Korea with this exclusive Klook DMZ tour. Drawing in 7.9 million visitors, the DMZ area stands as one of the most heavily militarized zones globally, offering a profound perspective on the history of South Korea and the Korean War.

DMZ stands for the Demilitarized Zone, established in 1953 during the Korean War ceasefire. Representing a 2 km stretch across the northern and southern borders, DMZ ensures the safety of tourists. More importantly, as it remains uninhabited, the area preserves valuable ecological and historical attractions.

Before delving deeper into the attractions, let's clarify a key difference. Some interchange DMZ and JSA, but they carry distinct meanings. JSA stands for Joint Security Area, commonly known as Panmunjom. Located west of DMZ, Panmunjom is where the official armistice agreement was signed, making it the only place outside the border area of North and South Korea. Today, it remains a dialogue zone between the two nations. When the term DMZ is used in a tourism context, it often refers to exclusive DMZ tours, while JSA tours also encompass both destinations.

As the epicenter of the Korean War, DMZ offers a rich historical perspective. Imjingak Park, Third Tunnel, Freedom House, and Bridge of No Return have become popular attractions.

Symbolic and emotionally significant, this park commemorates families separated by the North-South divide. It serves as a beacon of hope for reunification. The park exhibits over 400 artifacts from North Korea. Additionally, families of North Korean origin come to Mangbaedan Alter to perform rituals during holidays.

Discovered in 1978, the Third Tunnel is one of four tunnels found beneath the DMZ, connecting North Korea and South Korea. Also known as the Invasion Tunnel, it could move 30,000 soldiers through it in just one hour. Considered an invasion route into the South, it vividly portrays the conflicts between the North and the South.

Situated within the JSA, Freedom House serves as a meeting point between North and South Korea. Functioning as a negotiation and information venue, it houses offices for major organizations like the Red Cross Liaison Office North-South. Often the starting point for JSA tours, it fosters interactions between North Korea and South Korea.

The Bridge of No Return serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of war. Witness to numerous Prisoner of War (POW) exchanges, the bridge is so named because once a war prisoner crosses it to leave South Korea and return to North Korea, they cannot come back. For these soldiers, the bridge seals their fate.

The first thing to note is that the requirements for a JSA tour are stricter than for a DMZ tour. For a DMZ tour, you only need to present passport information when booking. However, for JSA, state officials will request travelers from restricted countries to submit a color photocopy of their passport photo page. These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Myanmar, China, Cuba, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen. Make sure to bring your passport on the day of the tour for both DMZ and JSA.

JSA only allows children aged 11 and above to visit. This type of tour is not suitable for young children as tourists should avoid interacting or approaching from the North Korean side. Furthermore, visitors should refrain from touching equipment in meeting areas. If you're traveling with children under 11, consider joining a DMZ sightseeing tour, as these tours welcome people of all ages.

While the DMZ tour has lenient dress code requirements, the JSA tour tends to be more stringent. Travelers should avoid wearing casual clothing. Essentially, when going on a JSA tour, choose the type of clothing you would wear to meet your girlfriend's or boyfriend's grandparents for the first time. Avoid wearing ripped jeans, revealing attire (such as sleeveless shirts, mini skirts, shorts, workout clothes, round-neck T-shirts), and military attire. As a general rule, steer clear of open-toe shoes and unruly hairstyles.

Photography seems to be deeply ingrained in our travel habits, doesn't it? If you're participating in a JSA tour, you might need to curb your instinct for wild photography a bit. The camera's zoom lens should not extend beyond 90mm. Listen to the tour guide explain in detail where you are allowed to take pictures and where photography is prohibited.

The only place accessible without prior booking is Imjingak Park. To enter the Third Tunnel and JSA, visa applications must be submitted in advance. Moreover, JSA only accepts group tours, not individual tourists. So, if you plan to visit JSA, book your tour early! Many tours hire Korean-speaking guides, so if you don't speak Korean, read carefully to book a tour with an English-speaking guide. Most tours also offer convenient hotel pickups.

To reach Imjingak Park on your own, you can take the train or bus. If taking the train, head to Musan Station on the Gyeongui Line. From there, find a tourist train heading towards Dorasan Station and get off at Imjingang Station. If taking the bus, board the red bus number 9710, starting from Seoul Station or Gwanghwamun Station. After reaching Munsan Bus Terminal, take city bus number 58, and you'll find the park at the Imjingak Bus Stop.

A DMZ tour can evoke excitement or fear. Depending on your preference, you can tailor whether you should join a DMZ tour, JSA tour, or a combined tour. Requirements and attractions will vary, so pay attention before booking! But if you follow the guide and their instructions, there's no reason to be afraid; you'll enjoy a unique educational opportunity to learn about one of the most talked-about places in the world.