08 Feb 2010, Posted by Matt in Gyeonggi,Historic Korea,Transportation, 1 Comments

Touring the DMZ, Part 2: The Tours

I had lived here the better part of three years before I went on one of the very popular DMZ tours. Although I was non-plussed by the price and not terribly excited to go, I was glad I did. The tragic division of the Korean Peninsula has created a unique glimpse into one of the most chilling reminders of the Cold War. Far more than a hokey tourist trap, the DMZ is an exciting and frightening place.

In Part 1, we took a look at some of the most popular DMZ sights located in Gyeonggi Province. For Part 2, let’s see some of the organized tours that will take you there.

(Please note, this list is provided for informational purposes only. I’m not endorsing any of them… and I’ve only been on one of them!)

Korail Tours

Korea National Railroad, better known as Korail, has launched its own set of DMZ tours. Given Dorasan Station’s proximity to the Dora Observatory and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, it’s fitting that the rail company is promoting package deals connecting travelers in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Iksan and Seoul to the DMZ via its high-speed KTX passenger trains. The tour includes roundtrip transportation and access to Dorasan Station, the Dora Observatory, the 3rd Tunnel (tram tour) and Imjingak. Trains arrive at Seoul Station or Yongsan Station before arriving at Dorasan Station at 11:30. Trains depart Seoul at 17:35 and 18:00.

Cost: 53,000-79,400 (depending on station of origin)
Offered: Saturdays only.
More Info: www.korailtours.com (Korean only)

Korea Wetland Project’s DMZ Eco-Tour

If there’s any bright side to the fratricidal conflict that has divided the two Koreas, it’s that nearly 1,000 square kilometers of land has become a defacto nature preserve. The mountains, forests, marshlands and prairies located within the DMZ form one of the Korean Peninsula’s most pristine wild environments. In 2009, two DMZ eco-tours were organized by the Korea Wetland Project. It’s estimated that over 3,000 plant and animal species live in the no-man’s land, including Chinese water deer and the red-crowned crane, the world’s second most-endangered crane specie. Short-term plans are to continue the tour’s unique glimpse into the DMZ’s ecosystems, while one long-term idea is to designate the DMZ a UNESCO nature sanctuary.

Cost: Please check the organization’s website for 2010 tour information.
Offered: On a limited basis.
More Info: www.koreawetland.org

Incheon International Airport DMZ Transit Tour

One way that Incheon International Airport keeps being named the world’s best is through its convenient and affordable transit tour packages. Its “7-hours Tour” shuttles transit passengers from the airport to Imjingak Station, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and Freedom Bridge before returning to the airport. Tours must be booked ahead and a minimum of two guests is required.

Cost: 116,000 ea. (for 2 people); 70,000 ea. (for 4 people); Rates change based on currency exchange rates.
Offered: Tues-Fridays (except holidays). Departs Incheon International Airport at 08:30 and returns to the airport at approx. 15:30.
More Info: www.freedomtour.co.kr

Panmunjom Travel Center Tour

The Panmunjom Travel Center offers three DMZ tours, with its West Front Line Tour providing access to the Odusan Unification Observatory, Imjingak, Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Dorasan Station. A special Panmunjeom/Joint Security Area (JSA) Tour also includes the Odusan Observatory and Freedom Bridge, and is available for non-Korean citizens with three-days advance notice.

Cost: DMZ Tour: 60,000; Panmunjeom Tour: 77,000;
Offered: The regular DMZ tour is offered daily and departs from the Donghwa Duty Free Shop at 08:00. The Panmunjeom/JSA tour for non-Korean citizens departs Tues-Friday at 10:30, except during holidays and military training days.
Note: A dress code for the Panmunjeom Tour is strictly enforced (Please see below).
More Info: www.koreadmztour.com

USO Tour

The U.S. military’s USO (United Service Organizations) Tour is regarded by many as the best DMZ tour. In addition to visits to the Dora Observatory, the DMZ Theater and 3rd Infiltration Tunnel (walking tour), participants are also allowed entrance into the UN Command Security Force – Joint Security Area (JSA). After an informative video at Camp Bonifas and a presentation by a member of the U.S. military, the tour culminates with a photo-op inside a Military Armistice Commission (MAC) building, half of which is technically inside North Korea. Located just meters away are armed North Korean guards with binoculars peering inside.

Cost: USD$70 per person ($35 for active military personnel). Please call for the current exchange rate.
Offered: Tues., Thursdays and Saturdays. Departs Camp Kim at 07:00, returns at approx. 16:00.
Note: A dress code is strictly enforced (Please see below).
More Info: USO website

(A version of this text appeared on the Seoul Tourism Organization website on December 9, 2009.)