Going on a DMZ Half- or Full-Day Trip in Seoul: A Guide

As much as you’d like to take things easy and just explore the bustling city of Seoul, it’s only natural to want a little more out of your South Korea visit. Choosing to explore the Demilitarized Zone, between North Korea and Seoul, is a great way to learn more about the country’s often tumultuous and intense history. Whether you’re going on a DMZ half-day or full-day trip inside Seoul, there’s plenty of information you should know before making this exciting journey.

Understanding the DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone was established after the Korean War in 1953. This 160-mile long, 2.5-mile wide neutral zone was created in order to separate the two Koreas. Spanning over the 38th parallel, it serves as a buffer zone between the two countries, which are technically still at war since a peace treaty was never signed. The DMZ is an essential part of mutual understanding and a reminder of the turbulent relations between the North and South, which is why it has become a popular tourist spot, especially for those looking to get an in-depth history lesson.

What You Can Expect

When travelling to the DMZ, you can expect to go through several checkpoints as well as some strict security procedures. The trip will likely include visits to Imjingak Park, right on the border of North and South Korea, along with some other significant areas across the Demilitarized Zone, such as the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dora Train Station, and Dorasan Station.

Visiting these historical sites offers unparalleled insight into the chilling history that still lingers in this region. Along with getting an up-close look at numerous sites marked by the Cold War, you may also see a few wildlife species as well, such as mandarin ducks, mallard ducks, and Chinese geese.

Difference Between Half-Day and Full-Day Trips

If you’re deciding between going for a half-day or full-day trip to the DMZ, it’s important to understand how each one differs in terms of what you’ll get out of them.

DMZ Half-Day Trip

If you opt for the half-day trip, you’ll likely be able to visit one area for about an hour and a half before moving on to the next one. Tourists can usually pick from different packages and customize the experience according to their needs and interests. Just make sure that the package you choose includes Imjingak Park as a minimum requirement—it’s often referred to as the gateway of freedom. As it’s just one side of this big divide, a half-day trip offers an incomplete perspective of what life was back then and what people went through.

DMZ Full-Day Trip

If you’re willing to commit a full day to this experience, you’ll be able to explore more of the Demilitarized Zone in depth. These trips often include stops at Third Tunnel, where you can learn more about North Korea’s non-peaceful intentions in their attempts to launch an attack on South Korea; Dora Observatory, to witness the North Korean towns and locations close up; Dora Train Station, where you can see remnants from when this region was connected by rails; as well as Dorasan Station, designed for cross-border rail transportation. All in all, this comprehensive guided tour gives you a full circle perspective of what life was like at that time.

Choosing a DMZ Tour Operator

Naturally, picking the right tour operator is extremely important when it comes to gaining an authentic experience of visiting the Demilitarized Zone. For instance, GetYourGuide is an operator renowned for its affordable DMZ day tours that have been rated highly by previous travelers (https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t142011?partner_id=UWJ1LS2). In addition to offering comprehensive tours led by knowledgeable English speaking guides—coming with experiential storytelling—they also provide transportation and entry tickets so you’ll be all set by the time your trip rolls around.

Plan Ahead

To ensure that your DMZ experience is memorable, it’s advisable to plan ahead. Since only select passport holders are allowed to enter the neighbourhood, make sure that your passport qualifies for approval before booking a tour package. Also, for added security purposes, bring your passport with you throughout the day when you attend the tour. Last but not least, it’s best to wear formal attire unless otherwise specified—not wearing respectable clothing may result in being denied entry into certain locations in these sensitive military bases.

So if researching South Korea’s history and witnessing a heartbreaking divide is something that piques your interest, why not book a DMZ tour? As they say ‘seeing is believing’, and there’s no more informative way to understand the country’s past than through visiting these iconic landmarks firsthand. To book your DMZ day trip today check out GetYourGuide’s tour packages.