Korean Demilitarized Zone Day Trip + Boat Ride
Description
Discover the modern history of South Korea through this day excursion to the Demilitarised Zone, an impactful experience along the border of the two Koreas. The journey will commence with a boat ride on the Imjin River.
Details of the Day Trip
At the scheduled time, we will convene at the designated meeting point in Seoul and then proceed north to one of the most emblematic areas of the Korean Demilitarised Zone.
After a one-hour journey, we will reach the boarding area for a traditional boat excursion along the Imjin River, which traverses the demilitarised zone and connects North Korea to the south. For 50 minutes, you will glide through this scenic landscape, offering a glimpse into a region rich in historical context.
Upon disembarking, we will board a bus sanctioned by the South Korean military to enter the demilitarised zone. Our first visit will be to Imjingak Park, where the Mangbaedan Altar stands as a site of remembrance for millions of Koreans who honor their relatives residing in the north during holidays like Chuseok.
An extraordinary opportunity awaits at the North Korea Experience Center, where you will have the chance to meet a North Korean defector. You will hear her compelling escape narrative firsthand, gain insight into life across the border, and participate in a live Q&A session with her. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view and acquire rare North Korean artifacts.
Our exploration will continue at the Third Tunnel of Aggression, an underground passage constructed by North Korea for military use. We will descend into this tunnel, exploring a portion of its impressive 1,635 meters (5,364 feet) length. It promises to be a remarkable experience!
Next, we will visit the Dora Observatory, from where you can catch a glimpse of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea as well as Mount Songhaksan. On clear days, the vistas are truly stunning.
During the adventure, you will have about 1 hour to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with vegetarian options available. You'll also find shops and stalls for snacks.
As our excursion concludes, we will make our way back to Seoul, where we will bid farewell at our meeting point after approximately 8 to 9 hours in total.
Itinerary Modifications
- If the weather poses challenges, the boat ride will be substituted with a visit to the suspension bridge at Mount Gamaksan or Lake Majang.
- The sequence of the visits, including the stop at the North Korea Experience Center, may be adjusted and could occur before or after our entry to the DMZ. Your guide will provide details on the day based on military checks and timing.
Points of Pickup
When reserving your spot, you will need to select one of the following pickup locations:
- Myeongdong Subway Station at 7 am
- Hongik University Station at 7:30 am
Children Aged 3 and Under
Children under the age of 3 can join free of charge, though they must remain seated on an adult's lap in both the bus and the boat, as individual seating will not be provided.
What's included
- Transport by minibus or bus
- English–speaking guide
- 50–minute boat ride
- Admission tickets
- Meeting with North Korean deserter
- Visit to the North Korea Experience Center
What's not included
- Food and drinks
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
On the day of the activity, the guide wil be waiting for you at the point you selected when booking:
- Outside of the Myeongdong Subway Station (exit 5) at 7 am (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pWLFU5bpAva4tffG8)
- Outside of the Hongik University Station (exit 3) at 7:30 am (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ddrSpWXZHoe22WQb6)
Please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand.
Important Info
- You must carry a valid passport to enter the Korean Demilitarised Zone.
- Please note that, as this is a border area, the itinerary may be subject to change without prior notice.
- Furthermore, in the event of adverse weather conditions or maintenance, the boat trip will be replaced by a visit to the suspension bridge at Mount Gamaksan or Lake Majang.
- In certain areas, some older adults, those with back problems, or those with limited mobility may have difficulty.
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