un dmz tour

DMZ Tour Review (+ How To Choose The Best One)

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: May 8, 2023

A typical DMZ tour includes Imjingak Park, the 3rd Tunnel and Dora Observatory . Most tours last 6-10 hours and you can choose additional options such as the gondola, suspension bridge or JSA. Our review will highlight the difference between each tour option so you don’t miss out.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about booking a tour of the DMZ including pros and cons from our experience.

Disclosure : We paid for our own DMZ tour and this is not a sponsored post.

Our DMZ Tour Experience

We spent 14 days exploring Seoul in March 2023 and during this trip, we personally went to the DMZ . Visiting the DMZ was at the top of our bucket list so we booked a tour for the first full day we were in Seoul. It was the best way to start our trip!

But we ran into a few problems during our tour . So our detailed and honest DMZ tour review will tell you everything you need to know including a step by step account of our experience. Depending on what you want to see, you might need to book a different tour and we want to help you make the most of your trip. Read more  about us .

What Is The DMZ?

The DMZ or Demilitarized Zone is one of the most notorious and heavily fortified strips of land in the world running between North and South Korea. Additionally, the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) is the official land border between the two countries. On either side of the MDL, you’ll find the official DMZ area.

After the Korean war, an Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27th, 1953 formally ending the war. This was one of the longest negotiated armistice in history spanning over two years and 158 meetings. As part of this agreement, North Korea and South Korea were to remain separate and each country kept similar territories they occupied before the war.

Both the DMZ and DML were created from the 1953 Armistice Agreement. This buffer zone spans 4km wide and 250km in length along the 38th parallel between the two Korean countries . Soldiers from each county patrol their respective sides.

While the DMZ is one of the most heavily guarded borders on the planet, there is no threat to visitors or civilians. The DMZ is still considered to be an active war zone, but it has now become a place of peace and is safe to visit making the DMZ one of the best day trips from Seoul .

It’s also interesting to note, travelers with American and South Korean passports are not allowed to enter North Korea . So for many, a tour of the DMZ is the closest they will ever come to this very secluded and secretive country.

The Joint Security Area

If you want to book a tour, you can visit both the DMZ and the Joint Security Area (JSA). Inside the Demilitarized Zone, you’ll find the former village of Panmunjom which is now known as Truce Village on the western coast of the peninsula along the Military Demarcation Line.

Located near this village, the JSA is the closest point to North Korea within the Civilian Controlled Zone . This is where North and South Korean soldiers stand face to face.

The JSA has several blue barracks that have historically been used for negotiations between the two nations. Supported by the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC), the JSA is now considered to be a neutral place. You can visit as part of a tour and visitors are allowed to enter one of the Military Armistice Commission conference rooms.

In 2019, Donald Trump was the first U.S. President to set foot on North Korean soil. He met with Kim Jong Un for about an hour and then both leaders stepped back into South Korean territory where they were greeted by South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-In . If you visit the JSA, you’ll be able to see where this historical meeting took place.

However, the JSA is heavily regulated by South Korea and the US military. Unfortunately, no visitors under the age of 12 can visit and there is a dress code in place. If you choose to visit the JSA, you’ll be given a 20-minute briefing by an American soldier outlining the possible dangers .

You’ll also be required to sign a waiver which absolves South Korea, the US and the UN if any incident arises. JSA tours were suspended last year in 2023 because a US soldier ran into North Korea during his tour and unfortunately, the JSA is no longer allowing tours.

Travel Tip : It might take at least 72 hours in advance to make a reservation if you plan to visit the JSA so if this is something you want to do, you will have to plan ahead.

Can You Visit The DMZ Without A Tour?

No, you can not go to the DMZ in South Korea without a tour and you must have a registered guide from an official tour company. However, you can visit Imjingak Park without a tour or a guide . This park is located just outside the DMZ and it also does not require any additional security screening to visit.

At Imjingak Park, you can ride a gondola over the DMZ line, see the Freedom Bridge, visit the National Memorial For Abductees, buy North Korean money and so much more. If you don’t want to take a tour of the DMZ, we’ll show you how to visit Imjingak Park on your own. However, we recommend you book a DMZ tour from Seoul to make the most of your South Korea experience.

READ : Best things to do at Imjingak Park

Should I Visit The DMZ Or JSA?

Because you can’t travel to the DMZ without a guide, many of the tours follow similar routes. However, the first decision you should make is whether you want to visit the DMZ, JSA or both.

If you choose the DMZ, you can expect to visit :

• Imjingak Park including Freedom Bridge
• The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
• Dora Observatory

If you choose to visit the JSA, you can expect to visit :

• Camp Bonifas
• Freedom House
• Military Armistice Commission Conference Room

Then depending on how much time you have in Seoul itinerary, you can choose a half day or full day option . We chose a full day tour to the DMZ with Klook and had a great experience. Later in this DMZ tour review, we’ll give you a full walk through of our tour so you know exactly what to expect.

When we visit in March 2023, the JSA was still closed for tours due to covid, but it opened a few months later. However, the JSA closed once again in July 2023 because the US soldier ran into North Korea.

Personally, we chose the DMZ over the JSA because we wanted the best chance of being able to go on a tour . While both the DMZ and the JSA can close to tours, the JSA is a much more restricted area with high political tension so it’s often the first to close over the DMZ. If you book a JSA tour and it closes last minute, all DMZ tours might be fully booked.

Things To Know Before Booking

As we mentioned earlier, the DMZ and the JSA are active military zones so you can’t always expect a perfect tour. For example, the week before we took our DMZ tour, North Korea was carrying out missile testing so all DMZ tours were cancelled for a few days while this took place.

When we visited in March 2023, there was also a surge in tourism and the tickets for DMZ were extremely limited on a first come, first serve basis with timed entry. We had to move our tour time a few hours ahead to ensure we arrived early enough in the day to secure our tickets.

Travel Tip : Book your DMZ trip at the beginning of your Seoul itinerary so if your tour is altered for any reason, you have a few days of buffer room to reschedule if needed.

Two important things to know when booking your DMZ / JSA tour:

• You must bring your passport (or ARC, local Alien Registration Card for South Koreans)
• Dress code is important when visiting the JSA

Dress code is enforced at the JSA because North Korea has previously used photos of carelessly dressed tourists as propaganda suggesting how poor the rest of the world is to their citizens. So if you choose to visit the JSA, you’re not allowed to wear revealing or suggestive clothing such as:

• Ripped or faded jeans
• Sleeveless shirts or tank tops including a revealing midriff
• Shorts and miniskirts
• Clothing with military print
• Anything that could suggest your nationality (like a national flag)
• Workout gear

Overall, we found it best to dress appropriate yet casual. Keep in mind this is a geopolitical area so taking the time think about your outfit shows respect. If you’re fully covered and casually dressed, you’ll be fine for your DMZ tour.

Most Popular DMZ Tour Options

We chose to book our DMZ tour through Klook because they offer some of the best deals. Each tour company varies in cost depending on time of year so always check prices before booking.

• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour from Seoul – Chinese, English or Japanese speaking guide with admission to attractions and optional suspension bridge (this was the tour we booked).
• DMZ Adventure Tour – 9 hour tour with English or Korean speaking guide with suspension bridge and boat voyage

Get Your Guide :

• South Korea DMZ Tour Option – Half or full day tour option with I LOVE SEOUL TOUR including an English speaking guide
• From Seoul: DMZ Guided Day Trip – Another half or full day tour option (6-9 hours) with Seoul N Tour and English speaking guide
• Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour – 6 hour tour with SEOUL CITY TOUR CO. including Tongilchon-gil, the unification village
• Private DMZ Tour Option – Experience a 9-10 hour private tour including Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge or Majang Lake

JSA Options :

• DMZ JSA with VIP Travel – Limited seats and may sell out quickly
• Paju JSA + DMZ One Day Bus Tour – A very popular option by Klook
• JSA Tour with Viator – Sometimes unavailable so check before your trip

Booking Tip : Make sure you carefully read the description for each tour option and it includes what you want to see.

Our DMZ Tour Walkthrough

Even if you choose to visit both the JSA and DMZ, you’ll visit most of the places we did during our tour. The main difference is you’ll have less time at each location . Here is what we experienced on our full day tour (8:00am – 6:00pm) of the DMZ:

1. Booking And Tour Departure Times

The tour we booked with Klook offered an 8:00am or 10:00am departure time. We chose the 10:00am time slot. But we learned to be flexible because we received a phone call and text from our tour guide the day before asking if we could start earlier in the day at 8:00am.

Unfortunately, when we visited Seoul, the DMZ was still working on a limited number of tickets per day on a first come first serve basis. So we potentially would not get tickets if we arrived later in the day . Our tour started around 8:00am and we were picked up by private car in front of our Seoul hotel. The driver was hilarious and he dropped us off at the bus where everyone else was waiting.

2. The Bus Ride

Our DMZ tour group met outside Hongik University Station . Once everyone was accounted for our tour guide, Spring , introduced herself and told us about the plan for the day. Because the DMZ was limiting tickets due to an influx of visitors, she had to secure the tickets and this was her first priority when getting to Imjingak Park.

The bus ride from Seoul to Imjingak Park was about 1 hour and 30 minutes with traffic. During the drive, Spring spoke about numerous things including the history of South Korea, what we could expect for the day and the current situation at the DMZ.

Travel Tip : Your passport is required to visit the Third Infiltration Tunnel and the Dora Observatory.

3. Imjingak Park

Once at Imjingak Park, Spring got in line for our DMZ tickets and we had a little bit of time to look around the area ourselves. If you’re hungry, there are many food options including a few local stalls, Dunkin Donuts and burgers.

Luckily, Spring secured our tickets and our entry time for the DMZ was 12:00pm . So we had an additional few hours to explore Imjingak Park which was not part of the original itinerary. This was actually a blessing in disguise because we now had a few hours to see as much as possible. Spring led us around to several of the important areas and explained their significance.

We then had more free time to visit the rest of the park on our own. Personally, we thought Imjingak Park was worth visiting and to see everything, you’ll need at least a few hours. We recommend you read our guide featuring the best things to do at Imjingak Park before your visit.

4. Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge is one of the most important symbols found at Imjingak Park. However, you won’t be able to cross it because you can only see it from a distance. This bridge was built in 1953 for the temporary purpose of exchanging 12,773 Prisoners of War (POW) from the Korean War between North and South Korea.

During this time, the POWs crossed the Freedom Bridge on foot after arriving to the bridge of the Gyeongui Line via motor vehicles. And today it represents the tragedies from the war.

5. The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel

The next stop on our DMZ Korea tour was the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and we thought this tunnel was the most interesting part of the entire tour . Sometimes also known as the Third Tunnel of Aggression , this is one of four known tunnels under the border between North and South Korea and it’s located about 50 km (~30 miles) from Seoul.

The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel was built by North Korea for a surprise attack on Seoul . This underpass could accommodate about 30,000 men per hour including weaponry. Discovered by South Korea in 1978, the 3rd Tunnel spans 1,635m in length, 2m in width and 2m in height.

During a DMZ tour, you’ll be able to walk a portion of the 3rd Tunnel . It’s a very steep incline down into the tunnel, but it has railings for support and it’s lit extremely well.

Travel Tip : There are no photos allowed in the 3rd Tunnel and you’ll be asked to leave your belongings in a locker including your phone. Please respect the rules and don’t take any photos.

6. Dora Observatory

After the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, we headed to Dora Observatory. Sitting on top of Dorasan (Mount Dora) in Paju and first opened in 1987, the observatory allows visitors to see the North Korean propaganda village as well as the city of Kaesong. This is where you’ll get to see panoramic views of the Demilitarized Zone using binoculars from the top of Dora Observatory.

We had fun playing with the tower viewers where we could easily see regions of North Korea including the flag flying high in the sky from a nearby village. This is also your chance to snap a selfie with North Korea in the background!

7. DMZ Souvenir Shop

The last stop on our DMZ tour was a souvenir shop and it lasted for about 15 minutes. However, this wasn’t a forced shopping experience and you could choose to stay on the bus. It was a good place to buy products such as wine, chocolate and ice cream which are produced only in the DMZ area. If you’re looking for a unique gift to take back home, this might just be it.

8. Bus Ride Back

On the bus ride home, our entire tour group was pretty tired from the long day. We were back on the road about 4:00 pm so it was almost 6:00pm by the time we arrived back in Seoul . The bus ride home was much more quieter compared to the morning. We also hit a little bit more traffic heading back into the city.

The Morgan Conclusion

The DMZ is one of the few places in the world where visitors can experience first hand what a Cold War era looks and feels like . It’s a great reminder that we need to continually build peace wherever we go. It’s also the only place on earth where you’ll get to see a glimpse of North Korea through binoculars.

So is a DMZ Tour worth it?

Yes, the DMZ tour near Seoul is absolutely worth it because it’s one of the most fascinating places we’ve ever visited . A tour gave us a great perspective about the current climate of South Korea as well as the opportunity to learn about the history between North and South Korea. Personally, we think taking a DMZ tour is something any first time visitor to Seoul must experience.

Here is what we liked and didn’t like to help sway your decision:

• We had a very knowledgable tour guide and learned so much
• Ability to see places we couldn’t visit ourselves
• Tour bus provided so we didn’t have to worry about our own transport
• Left alone to explore Imjingak Park
• Affordable day trip option
• Tours may be cancelled last minute
• Having to wait for a tour time (unknown amount)
• The JSA has age restrictions for children

We learned so much about South Korea from our DMZ tour, we couldn’t learn elsewhere. Sometimes you need to experience things to better understand them for yourself. Our tour showed us the walls which easily separate democracy from communism still exist today and this is more important than ever as we look to the future. This tour is a very eye opening experience.

Our DMZ Tour Photos

We took many photos during our DMZ tour and this review wouldn’t be complete without sharing some of our favorites!

Our Seoul Guides

• 46 cool things to see in Seoul
• Best things to do at Imjingak Park
• How to visit Seoul Sky Observatory
• Guide to visiting N Seoul Tower
• How to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Things to do inside Changdeokgung
• Unique things to see at Huwon Secret Garden
• Best palaces in Seoul to visit
• What to see at the Jongmyo Shrine
• How to visit the Seodaemun Prison
• 20 best hotels in Seoul South Korea

Want more Seoul content? Head over to our South Korea Travel Guides to explore the very best of Seoul and beyond.

We hope this detailed review about our DMZ tour helps you decide if this attraction should be included on your Seoul Itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions about the South Korea DMZ tour or traveling through Seoul in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy this DMZ tour review? Pin it for your trip!

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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How to Visit North Korea’s DMZ Border (Updated 2023)

A s controversial a place as North Korea is, it's swiftly gaining attention from the curious tourist eye. Our intrigue to see it was piqued during a visit to Seoul with friends. Having now taken the DMZ tour ourselves, this highly informative if not haunting experience is one we would highly recommend . So, if you've got guts and a desire to get a snippet into one of the most closed countries on earth, here's how to do it!

Getting there & where to stay

First, you need to get yourself to Seoul, which is the nearest major city to the DMZ border. South Korea is only reachable by flight, with most planes flying into Incheon International Airport. Use Skyscanner and search by entire month to see the cheapest dates to fly. Be sure to check our flight booking hacks here to get yourself the best price. And don't forget to book your airport transfer and a 4G Data SIM card before you land!

A fast way to get a big discount on your flight is to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This card offers a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 ) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. United and Singapore Airlines are both partner airlines of this card, and both offer flights to Seoul, meaning you can convert your points to these airline loyalty programs, or just book directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Seoul is a buzzing megacity with plenty of enticing accommodation options. There are plentiful  AirBNBs  and  hotel  selections, but be sure to reserve ahead in peak season. Some convenient neighbourhood options include Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Check  TripAdvisor  for more local tips and advice.

There is plenty to explore in Seoul itself, and a local guide can help ensure you catch the best of the best. Be sure to check out the Gyeongbok Palace & Temple , or grab the Seoul Pass , which grants free entry to 65 attractions and discounted entry to 101 more.

How to visit North Korea's DMZ Border:

Step 1. choose your points of interest.

There are several companies that operate DMZ tours. As much as I despise group tours, you can only visit the DMZ with a tour , as it has restricted civilian access and requires a mandatory military escort.

No two tours are the same, but you should choose one based on your budget, customer reviews, and points of interest that are included. Tours can be browsed with reviews, prices, and instant confirmation through Klook , GetYourGuide and Viator . The main highlights to select from are as follows:

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea . At this spot, you'll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and take a photo as proof (more on that below). This area is occupied by the South Korean and US military, and is complete with a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine (which in our experience tastes like nail polish remover and turpentine but hey, at least you can say you tried it).

NOTE: As of 2023, the JSA is still closed to visitors due to COVID, and is not included in any tours.

Odusan Unification Observatory

One can safely view day-to-day life in North Korea without setting foot in the country at Mt Odu Observatory. Binoculars (free of charge) provide ultra zoomed up views of North Korea opposite the Han river below. On our visit we were able to see civilians walking around on the other side.

Infiltration Tunnels

Scarily enough, around the time that the North and South were having peace talks, North Korea began digging underground tunnels to infiltrate the South. They were never completed, but were discovered in 1984. The longest tunnel is 1,082 metres. The 3rd tunnel is the closest to Seoul (only 44km away) and could move ~30,000 troops and artillery per hour.

Dora Observatory

This observatory offers binocular views of North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong. The town was first built in the 1950's to lure South Koreans to defect and move across the border. From visual observations from the South, it has been uninhabited with windowless, incomplete buildings since its construction.

Dora Observatory is so named after Dorasan the mountain on which it sits. The nearest train station has a fully completed train line that runs to Pyongyang. Though the North cooperated in its completion, it was never used. It is hoped that when re-unification is reached, the train line will be used to connect the two Koreas.

Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge connects North and South Korea, though a massive barricade blocks entry to the connecting point over the river. If the two sides are ever connected, this bridge could be used to enter and exit North Korea.

Step 2. Select a tour

Once you've decided on your must-see highlights (as listed above), you can select a tour.

There are traditional tour companies to choose from, which are listed at the end of this article along with prices and contact information, but it's much easier to book tours online with Klook , GetYourGuide  and Viator . You pay in advance and get fast confirmation, so all you need to do is bring your voucher to the tour. There are reviews, photos, and videos that make choosing the right tour simple. The traditional companies require back and forth e-mail or phone communication when booking direct, so Klook , GetYourGuide  and  Viator are convenient ways to avoid all that hassle.

One of the most popular tours is this day tour on Klook , with more than 50,000 bookings. This is the tour most of our readers have chosen, and is the tour we would select today. Our trip was now several years ago, and at the time we took the Special Panmunjom Tour by Panmunjeom Travel Center  which does not visit the tunnels but goes to Odu Observatory and the JSA. This tour offered the chance to speak with a North Korean refugee (defector). This allowed us to learn about how people escape the North, how they adapt to life afterwards, and what knowledge they have of the outside world living in North Korea.

Get $10 USD off your first Klook purchase with coupon code THRIFTY10 (minimum spend $120 USD, new users only)

Here are some of the top-rated tours that can be booked online:

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half-Day Tour (Bestseller)

From Seoul: Half-Day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

DMZ Past and Present: Korean Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul

Step 3. take ( lots of ) photos of north korea.

Much of the road towards the JSA border runs parallel to the Han River, which separates the two countries. It's nothing short of unique to be sitting in a bus with views of North Korea passing by out your window.

The binoculars at the Dora and Odu observatory provide ultra zoomed views of North Korea. One can even see North Korean civilians walking around on the other side, as we did during our visit at Odu . At Dora Observatory, North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong, is viewed.

Step 4. Cross the border into North Korea

On a tension-free day at the JSA, one can legally take a step into North Korea. But how and why ?

The blue buildings pictured below are UN Command neutral zones. Midway, the inside of these blue buildings cross the North/South Korea border. Inside the building on the right (UNCMAC) is where meetings between the two countries are housed.

If you want photo evidence that you physically stood in North Korea, this can be done . You can pose with a South Korean soldier within  North Korea at the back of the UNCMAC room. Be warned though (and you will be), if you cross through the door behind you, no one is responsible for your safety as you'll be alone and in North Korea.

Important Points About DMZ Tours

• Many tours require reservation 2-5 days in advance , so check ahead.
• If visiting the JSA, you must sign a waiver agreeing that no one is responsible for accident, injury, or even death . Take comfort in the fact that these tours are done every day and you are accompanied by military escorts at the border!
• You must bring your passport for most tours , and it is checked by army personnel on arrival at the JSA.
• You must adhere to the specified dress code (e.g. no ripped jeans, sandals, or unkempt hair). These rules are strictly enforced as North Korean soldiers take photos and produce false propaganda that other countries are too poor to afford proper clothing.
• Tours can end unexpectedly at any time if tensions rise at the border . That means you are not be guaranteed to step into the UNCMAC at the JSA, nor is it certain you'll get a photo across the border.

In Summary…

Partaking in the DMZ tour allows yourself to gain much more depth on a humanitarian crisis that the world does not know enough about. If you have the chance to do this trip, I'd highly recommend it.

Tour Companies & Pricing

Alternatively, you can contact one of the tour companies below directly and book with them.

Panmunjeom Travel Center Website : www.panmunjomtour.com Telephone : +82-2-771-5593 (Korean, English, Japanese) Price : 80,000-77,000 won (~$60-$77 USD). All tours include lunch. Note : Tours offered in Korean, English, and Japanese. This is the only company that allows you to meet a North Korean defector/refugee, ask them questions, and better understand the human rights issues of North Korea.

VIP Travel Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/eng/ Telephone: 02-739-3501 ext. 4 Price: 55,000-135,000 won ($48 – $120 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes: Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese. None of the tours include any forced shopping stops.

Koridoor Website :  www.koridoor.co.kr Telephone : 02-6383-2570 ext. 2 Price : 43-89,000 won (~$41-$80 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in English.

JSA Tour Website : www.jsatour.com Telephone : +82-2-2266-3350 Price : 85,000-120,000 won (~$85-$120 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ Spy Tour Website : www.dmzspytour.com Telephone : +82-10-3950-8350 Price: 88,000-114,000 won (~$88-$114 USD). Tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

International Culture Service Club Website : www.tourdmz.com Telephone : +82-2-755-0073 Price : 65,000-85,000 won (~$65-$85 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English and Japanese. This is the only company that does Saturday tours.

Seoul City Tour Website : www.seoulcitytour.net Telephone : +82-2-774-3345 Price: 40,000-125,000 won (~$40-$125 USD). Only some tours include lunch. Notes : Tours are offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

KTB Tour Website : www.go2korea.co.kr Telephone : +82-2-778-0150 Price : 65,000-130,000 won (~$65-$130 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ & JSA Tour (Professional Guide Service / Celebrity's choice Agency) Website : www.cosmojin.com Telephone : +82-2-318-0345 (Korean, English, Japanese), +82-2-318-0425 (Chinese) Price : 46,000 won (~$46 USD) for half-day tour, 87,000 won (~$87 USD) for full day tour. Lunch included on full day tour. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese.

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You guys are so brave! This makes me a bit nervous and I’m not sure I would be able to do it!

The link to the GetYourGuide tour you provided doesn’t work. Do you have an updated link by any chance? Thank you!

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How to choose the best DMZ Tour (2024 edition)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

Are you wondering what’s the best DMZ tour?

When we visited Korea for the first time, we absolutely wanted to visit the DMZ.

We did tremendous research about the best way to visit the DMZ and the best DMZ tour.

What we didn’t know at that time was that the inter-Korean summit would sabotage our plans.

Our DMZ tour was canceled because of the meeting between the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in.

Covid-19 threw a wrench in the works of our second trip to Korea, but in 2023, the moment finally arrived! We could again travel to Korea, and this time our visit to the DMZ, became a reality. Hooray!

The visit to the DMZ is slightly different after Covid than it used to be. We share all the latest details.

Here’s everything we learned from our extensive research and from our visit in 2023.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Here you will find the most important information about the DMZ

The DMZ is an interesting place to visit and a perfect way to learn more about Korean history and the current situation of separation between North and South Korea.

• The cheapest way to visit the DMZ is with the DMZ peace train . (The train has stopped running due to COVID-19 and service has not yet resumed at this time. )

DMZ half or full-day trip

• DMZ half or full-day trip ( is slightly cheaper than the one above, but at the moment only runs on Saturday or Sunday )
• DMZ Tour with Optional North Korean Defector
• If you are traveling with a larger family or a group, you could consider a private tour with a guide
• After 2 years of being closed, the JSA is finally reopening. Note that JSA Tours are very popular and are quickly booked up. If you want to visit the JSA you should book your tour as soon as your travel plans are fixed. Read on to learn the difference between the DMZ and the JSA .

Table of Contents

What’s the DMZ

In order to completely understand what the DMZ is all about we will start with some history.

The complete Korean peninsula on which both North and South Korea are currently located was annexed by Japan in 1910. The Japanese treated Korea as a colony. The interests of the Koreans were completely subordinate to the interests of Japan.

Japan was defeated by the Allies at the end of the second world war in 1945.  At that time the Soviet Union had occupied the Northern part of Korea and the United States took control of the Southern part of the Peninsula.  

7 days in Korea, the perfect itinerary. 

The intention of the two superpowers was to create a temporary separation between the 2 parts. Plans existed to create a united and  independent Korea in 5 years but things turned out differently. 

The Cold War ensured that there was no agreement to hold elections for the whole of Korea.

The differences in politics drove the 2 parts further apart instead of coming to each other.

In 1948 the independent Republic of Korea was established in the American zone.  In the same year, the Communist Democratic Korean People’s Republic (North Korea) was founded in the north.

Two years later the Northern army invaded the South with the aim of uniting the two Koreas into one communist state.  This was the start of a 3-year-long civil war that claimed more than 2 million victims.

Initially, the Northern army succeeded in overrunning 90% of the South but they were fought back by US-led reinforcements sent by the UN.

In their turn, they crossed the border and made plans to conquer the whole North, against the will of China that launched a counter-attack.

It took until July 27, 1953, before the Armistice Agreement was signed.

The two parties took long to negotiate where the new border should be but in the end, it was decided that the border remained more or less where it had been all the time. 

The new border diagonally crosses the  38th latitude and was widened with the creation of a four-kilometer-wide weapons-free buffer zone between the states, known as the DMZ.

The war left its traces and further perpetuated the division of Korea leading to a permanent alliance between South Korea and the United States and the establishment of a US base in South Korea.

There has been a truce since then but o fficially the 2 countries are still at war with each other.   We read about how you can literally feel the tension at the border where the armies of both countries are facing each other.

In other parts of South Korea, such as Busan , you do not notice much of the war except that foreign navigation systems, such as Google Maps, do not work because South Korea requires that all mapping data is stored locally. The government also enforces that military bases are removed from maps. Apparently, Google couldn’t promise to obey to all these rules.

In 2018 both countries have done a considerable effort to ease their relations.  At the Korean summit in May 2018, they vowed to officially end the war within a year.

Since then several other meetings have taken place between both parties as well as a historic meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong-un in June.  That was the first time that the sitting leaders of these countries spoke in person.

We are now well past this deadline and nothing has come of it. Relations between the two countries have even deteriorated again.

It would be great news if Korea would finally be reunited but at this point, it doesn’t seem like this will happen anytime soon.

Over time the DMZ will hopefully transition into a more amicable place but nothing has changed for the time being.

It may be one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders but it’s also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Korea.  The DMZ welcomes more than 1.2 million foreign travelers each year, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Why visit the DMZ

The guided tours are very educational and some tours have a North Korean defector as a tour guide who can give you more insight into how life is on the other side of the border. 

It is at this point one of the few still active remnants of the cold war and that makes it extra special.

Americans and South Koreans are not allowed to travel into North Korea, for them this will be the closest they can get to this isolated country.  And despite the fact that other nationalities are allowed to travel to the country, there are not many who do it.

The DMZ is described as one of the most volatile regions in the world and it is a border post that has torn thousands of families apart and still holds them hostage in their “new” country. 

It feels strange that at the same time it is one of the top tourist attractions in this country.

We wondered if we would not feel guilty that we as a tourist came to look at a place that is the source of so much misery for other people.

What convinced us is that we believe that, by showing this to people, hopefully, the following generations will learn from the mistakes of the past.

What is the difference between the DMZ and the JSA

With regard to the tours, there is a distinction between the DMZ and the JSA tours in Korea.

JSA refers to the Joint Security Area , this is as close as you can get to North Korea.

The JSA is what most people probably think about when they think about the Korean border.  This is the area with the blue barracks that are used for all the negotiations between the North and the South.

This is an iconic picture of the JSA but things may be different today.  One of the first things that North and South Korea agreed upon was to clear the JSA of all weapons and military.  This disarmament was completed in October 2018.

The good news is that they also decided to preserve the JSA in its current state.

Later on, in this article, we discuss in more depth the different points of interest that DMZ and JSA DMZ tours cover.

Who can visit the DMZ? 

Everybody can join the DMZ tours but at this point, certain restrictions are still in place regarding the JSA.

Since the JSA has been disarmed the expectation is that these restrictions will disappear in the near future.

Until that is a fact, these nationalities can visit the JSA but will need to provide a scan of their passport at the time of booking a tour. Albania – Afghanistan – Algeria – Azerbaijan – Bangladesh – Bahrain – Belarus – China – Cuba – Egypt – Estonia – Georgia – Hong Kong – Iran – Iraq – India – Indonesia – Jordan – Kazakhstan – Kuwait – Kyrgyzstan – Latvia – Lebanon – Libya – Lithuania – Malaysia – Morocco – Moldova – Nigeria – North Korea – Oman – Pakistan – Qatar – Russia – Saudi Arabia – Somalia – Sudan – Syria – Taiwan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan – Tunisia – Ukraine – United Arab Emirates – Uzbekistan – Vietnam – Yemen Visitors with European, American, or Australian nationality do not have any restrictions when visiting the JSA.

Children must be accompanied by their parents for both the JSA as well as the DMZ tours.

Some tour companies require that children are at least 10 years old before they can participate in a JSA tour.  If you’re planning on doing a DMZ or DMZ/JSA tour with small children we recommend that you check with the tour company.

Things to know when visiting the DMZ

Opening hours.

The DMZ tours don’t run on Mondays and Korean holidays ( except Korea’s New Year and Thanksgiving Day).

If the Korean holiday happens to be during a weekend, there is a chance that the DMZ tours will run anyway.

We cover an alternative DMZ tour that you can do if your only chance is to visit the DMZ would be a Monday. More about this tour later.

Things you should bring

A current valid passport is required for both the DMZ as well as JSA DMZ tour. 

You have to take your passport with you.

Without your passport, you won’t be allowed to join the tour.

A dress code applies when visiting the JSA.

The dress code is expected to disappear now that the disarmament of the JSA is a fact but for the time being, we would advise you to stick to the dress code or to check with your tour operator to confirm what you will be wearing is OK.

This is the dress code:

• Skirts/dresses need to be at least knee length
• No sandals, flip-flops,s or slippers
• No t-shirts: must be collared shirts
• Civilian clothes preferred
• Jeans accepted with no holes (no ripped jeans)
• No tank tops
• No exercise clothes
• No clothing with militarily styled prints
• No stretch pants/tights

The reason that the dress code is in place has nothing to do with security as most would think.

The dress code came after it appeared that North Korea used photos of “sloppy” dressed foreigners to use them in their propaganda.   The North Korean government used the photos to showcase the poor state of the other countries.

For this same reason, it is not allowed to wave to the North Korean guards.  Images of foreigners waving to North Korean guards have been used in propaganda and have been framed as people who wanted to defect to the communist state.

Codes of conduct 

There is still a strict code of conduct in place as we write this article. You mustn’t wave, point, or in any other way signal to the North Korean guards.

Photos are also not allowed everywhere.  The guides will tell you what you can and cannot take pictures of. (eg. it is not allowed to take pictures inside the 3rd infiltration tunnel)

When you tour the JSA you must at all times stay with your guide and the military escorts and comply with all the instructions given by your guide and the military.

The disarmament will result in a more relaxed code of conduct in the future.

Most interesting points of interest

The most interesting sights are the Joint Security Area, the Freedom Bridge, the Infiltration Tunnels, and the Mount Odu Observatory.

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea without getting arrested or shot.

Here you’ll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea. It is also the only spot  in the DMZ, where the South and North Korean soldiers face each other.

The JSA area is occupied by the South Korean and US military. 

Bill Clinton repeatedly called this border post the scariest place on earth but it is touristy at the same time.  There is even a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine.

A visit to the JSA zone usually starts in Camp Bonifas.  

This is a United Nations Command military post that houses the United Nations Command Security Battalion of the Joint Security Area whose primary mission is to monitor and enforce the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953.

Here you will normally also be given a 20-minute briefing by an American soldier explaining the rules and possible dangers. 

There are quite a few rules you should follow so listen carefully. You cannot  take any loose items with you, if you bring a coat you have to wear it all the time (you cannot hang it over your arm), you will also have to walk to the actual border in “formation” and have to set up in rows, etc. 

At this point, you’ll also be signing a waiver that absolves South Korea, the UN, and the USA in case any incidents will arise.  The waiver explicitly states that the visitor’s safety is not guaranteed in the event of unanticipated complications.

A standard formality because in recent years there have been no accidents and these tours are done on a regular basis.

This document also provides more information about photo privileges, specifically when and where you’re allowed to take pictures.

Once everybody has signed the waiver a tour bus brings you to the freedom house.

Here two South Korean soldiers of a special unit stand guard facing soldiers from North Korea.   Often there is only one soldier on the side of North Korea.

The JSA is the only part of the DMZ where North and South Korean soldiers are face-to-face. They stare at each other all day long and have been for several years.

A little later you can enter the conference room. This is the actual conference room where the armistice agreement was signed.  In this room, you will get the chance to cross the border.  The border cuts the conference room in 2 so when you cross the room to the opposite side you’re effectively in North Korean territory. 

This concludes your visit to the actual JSA zone, next you get a short tour along a lookout point towards North Korea from where you can see the Propaganda Village.

This is a well-tended village just along the North Korean border that is supposedly housing 200 families, several schools, and a hospital. 

Tourists seldom see any movement in the village and it is believed that North Korea only built the town for propaganda purposes.  Hence the name South Koreans gave to the town.

You will also visit the location of the Korean ax murder incident.  Two American soldiers were killed here by North Koreans while cutting a tree.  

Another highlight is the bridge of no return.

This is the bridge where prisoners between the two countries were exchanged after the Korean War. 

The name originates from the final ultimatum that was given to prisoners of war brought to the bridge for repatriation: they could either remain in the country of their captivity or cross the bridge to return to their homeland.

However, once they chose to cross the bridge, they would never be allowed to return, even if they later changed their minds.

After 2 years of being closed, the JSA is finally reopening.

Note that JSA Tours are very popular and book out quickly. We therefore recommend that you book as early as possible so that you can choose your desired date.

Check prices and availability: DMZ-JSA Tour

Imjingak Park and the Freedom Bridge

Imjingak Park has an important sentimental and symbolic meaning. This park commemorates families who are separated because of the split between North and South. 

The remnants of the Freedom Bridge can be seen from the park. This bridge was long 1 of only 2 bridges that crossed the Imjin River.

It had long served peaceful purposes but its position close to the Korean border made it of crucial importance during the Korean War.

The bridge was destroyed early in the war, making the Imjingang bridge alongside it the only connection to supply the Southern troops fighting in the Northern territory with supplies.

After the peace treaty was signed this bridge was also used to exchange the sick and wounded prisoners.

The Third Tunnel of Aggression

The Third Tunnel of Aggression is one of four known tunnels under the border between North and South Korea.

The tunnels have been dug to make a surprise attack from North Korea on South Korea.

North Korea denies this and claims the tunnels are part of a network of tunnels belonging to a coal mine.  This is highly unlikely as coal has never been found in the area.

The Third Tunnel of Aggression is located 44 kilometers from Seoul and was discovered in 1978.  It runs underneath the Demilitarized Zone. 

The incomplete tunnel is 1,635 meters long, with a height and width of 2 meters. It is estimated that the tunnel would be able to accommodate more than 30,000 soldiers with light weapons per hour.

Today the tunnel has become an all-inclusive tourist attraction, with a DMZ video hall, representative sculptures, gift shops, and more.

The tunnel is located 73 meters below the surface and is accessed through a steep tunnel. It makes for quite a tough climb. For a supplement, you can use the monorail pictured above to enter and exit the tunnel. Check in advance with the tour organizer if he can arrange this if you want to use the monorail.

You can walk a part of the tunnel until the MDL (military demarcation line). The tunnel may feel quite cramped and if you’re claustrophobic you want to skip it.

Pictures are not allowed in the tunnel.

The Dora Observatory

The Dora Observatory is the northernmost Observatory.  It is situated on top of Mount Dora.

Here you can catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state without setting foot in the country.

You will see the Kijong-dong Propaganda village and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the real city of Kaesong situated about 8km from the DMZ.

Kaesong is the only city that actually changed hands after the Armistice agreement was signed.  It used to be under the control of South Korea but is now ruled by the North. 

The Kaesong Industrial region that borders the city is because of its proximity to the border a special administrative region where both people from the North and the South are allowed to work.

You can also see the Dorasan train station , a station located only 650 meters from the Korean border. 

The railway line used to continue into North Korea all the way to the capital city of Pyongyang.

The tracks are still there and one hopes that in the near future the trains will again operate in between the two current capitals.

The Dorasan Train station 

In 2000 North and South Korea made plans for a rail line that connected both capitals.

The line was completed in 2003 but it took until 2007 before the first freight trains started to run across the border.  Not for long unfortunately because already in December 2008 North Korea decided unilaterally to again hermetically close the border.

The Dorasan Train station is currently hugely oversized.  The DMZ train is the only train that serves the station with exactly one arrival and one departure daily.

But, with a large customs & immigration area, the station is completely ready for the day that the trains will again continue further North.  The original intention was to enable passenger transport in the long term. Let’s hope that this will become a reality in the future.

At this point, Dorasan station is more a symbol of the hope for a reunion between South and North Korea than it is an actual functioning train station.

How to visit the DMZ 

The DMZ area is located 60 km from Seoul and can be visited with the DMZ train or a private guided or group tour.

The DMZ peace train

DMZ peace train service has not yet resumed post-COVID-19.

The cheapest way to visit the DMZ is with the DMZ peace train .

The DMZ peace train runs from  Seoul  to Dorasan station from Tuesdays to Sundays. Just before the train reaches Dorasan station it crosses the Imjingang bridge which gives you a good view of the remnants of the Freedom bridge. 

Once arriving at Dorasan station, you can hop on a bus to visit the DMZ. The bus will take you to the Dorasan peace park, the Dora observatory and you will visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression.

Pros and cons

• The cheapest way to visit the DMZ. You will have to take cash to pay separately for the bus tour (if you don’t join the bus tour the only other option is to hang around for 5 hours at the train station) as well as for your lunch.
• This tour might be for you if you don’t like group tours. It gives you slightly more freedom although you still will have to join the bus once you arrive at Dorasan station.

• No English is spoken on the bus tour.
• This tour takes a whole day. If you are short on time you better opt for an organized half-day DMZ tour allowing you to explore the rest of Seoul during the remaining afternoon
• You cannot visit the JSA.
• No hotel pick up, you will need to get to the train station on your own expense

Although we’re not fans of organized group tours ourselves we have opted for an organized tour to visit the DMZ and we were happy with our choice afterward.

The first reason is that you have to join a tour anyway if you want to see the sights such as the infiltration tunnel that are located inside the DMZ. Otherwise, you can only visit Imjingak park.

The second reason is that many of the sights, including in Imjingak park, don’t say that much unless you hear the story from the guide.

We haven’t been able to visit the JSA yet, that will be for our next trip. If you want to visit it you also need to book a tour with a guide.

Finally, there isn’t a huge price difference between what you would pay if you went to the DMZ on your own and took a tour there or booked an organized tour from the start.

That’s why our advice would be to have a look at the organized tours before you opt for the train.

“The scariest place on Earth” – Former US President, Bill Clinton, during his visit to the DMZ in 1993.

The best DMZ tours from Seoul

The most comfortable way to visit the DMZ is with an organized DMZ tour from Seoul.

We recommend using GetYourGuide to book your DMZ tour in Korea. One of the advantages of GetYourGuide is that most tours have a flexible cancellation policy. Normally you can cancel up to 24hours before the tour to get a full refund.

Here is an overview of all the tours on GetYourGuide.

You have a choice between half-day and full-day DMZ tours.

All DMZ tours will head to Imjingak Peace Park first where they will buy tickets to enter the DMZ area. Depending on how busy it is, your group will have to wait there until it’s your turn to visit the DMZ region.

Your guide will tell you some stories about the most important things at Imjingak when you arrive.

You can use your free time at Imjingak to see several monuments and other elements that tell stories about the Korean War. One of them is this steam locomotive riddled with bullets. This was the last train to cross the border. It was destroyed by US soldiers so that it could not be used by North Korean troops.

Once it is your turn to visit the sights inside the DMZ area, the Dora Observatory, and the Infiltration tunnel, you will board a bus and visit those things in groups.

Know that the end times of all tours are only indicative. Only a limited number of people are allowed in the DMZ area at a time. Therefore, there is a real chance that your group will have to wait and that your tour will be delayed. We recommend not booking any other activities on the day of your DMZ visit.

Make sure to book your DMZ tour from Seoul well in advance to avoid disappointments, especially JSA tours tend to sell out well in advance.

Which Dmz Korea tour is the best one? Here’s a list of the most recommended and popular tours. 

To create this list we looked at the itineraries and the reviews.

This tour visits the DMZ and JSA in 1 day. It is the most complete and popular DMZ tour.

Tours to the JSA zone have only just resumed and availability is currently difficult to find.

Check prices and availability: JSA tour on Viator

• Visit the freedom bridge near Imjingpark and the old steam train
• Learn more about the Korean war by visiting the 3rd infiltration tunnel and the DMZ Exhibition Hall
• See North Korea from the Dora observatory
• Visit the Dora station

They offer both half-day and full-day tours. You can join the half-day tour in the morning or in the afternoon. The morning tour starts at 8 am, the afternoon tour at 11 am.

If you opt for a full-day tour, you will also visit the War Memorial of Korea.

Pickup is included ( see the tour for the exact pickup locations)

• Those who are not interested in the JSA or who are short on time will find that the half-day DMZ tours offer a great alternative.  You will see all the highlights of the DMZ and still have a half-day to discover Seoul.
• If you want to visit the War Memorial of Korea, you should opt for the full day tour.

Check prices and availability: DMZ half or full day trip

DMZ half and full-day tour

• Explore the extraordinary Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea
• Get a rare glimpse of North Korea from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory
• Stop by at the Veterans Memorial Park and learn more about the Korean War
• Watch the statues and monuments at Imjingak Park
• See the Bridge of Freedom

There are both half and full-day tours. 

Both tours will take you to all the highlights of the DMZ. 

In addition, the full-day tour includes an authentic Korean-style lunch (Bibimbap) and a real shooting experience back in Seoul.

Due to COVID-19 measures, the places visited will be Imjingak Park, Bridge of Freedom, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station.

Note that at the moment this tour only runs on Saturday and Sunday.

• If you aren’t interested in the JSA or short on time will find that the half-day DMZ tours offer a great alternative.  
• The Ganghwa Peace Observatory is a great alternative for those that are looking to visit a less touristic area of the DMZ.
• If you add up all the costs of the train excursion, the difference between these half-day excursions is negligible.

Check prices and availability: DMZ half and full day

DMZ Tour with a North Korean Defector

• Listen to enlightening commentary from a professional guide and a real North Korean defector
• Ask questions about real North Korean life and hear about the past and present of North Korea
• Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone ( tour of DMZ) and learn about both South and North Korea’s history
• Explore all the must-see spots in the DMZ in one tour
• Catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean territory

Tours 

With this DMZ tour, you visit the must-see spots in the DMZ zone and you have the possibility to ask questions to a North Korean defector about life in North Korea.

You can opt for a tour with or without hotel pick-up.

This tour is similar to the half-day DMZ tour we listed above but you will be accompanied by a guide and a North Korean defector.  

This is our top recommended tour if you want to learn more about North Korea. 

There’s no better way to learn more about North Korea than to speak to somebody who lived there for several years.

Check prices and availability: Tour with Optional North Korean Defector

Private DMZ Peace Tour: 3rd Invasion Tunnel(Monorail) and Suspension Bridge

If you are traveling with a larger family or a group, consider a private tour with a guide.

This tour visits all the important stops such as the freedom bridge and the Mangbaedan altar, the third tunnel, Dora Observatory, and more.

You will also have the option to visit Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge or Majang Lake.

The Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge is with length of 150 meters one of the longest suspension bridges in Korea. This bridge was a fierce battlefield during the Korean War. 

Majang Lake is the lake where the Allied Forces fought a fierce battle during the Korean War.

Check prices and availability: Private DMZ Tour

A journey to South Korea is not complete without a visit to the DMZ.  It may feel strange to travel to a very controversial border post as a tourist but it is the best way to learn about the rich albeit sad history of the 2 Korean countries.

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The 5 Best DMZ Tours From Seoul [2024 Reviews]

It’s no secret that Seoul has become one of the hottest travel destinations in recent years, from the explosion of K-POP to the centuries-old temples and rich history. Of course, just like everywhere else in the world, South Korea also has its fair share of tourist traps.

One thing’s for sure, though, you won’t regret taking a DMZ tour! This journey into the heart of Asian history takes you to the edge of two very different worlds, with palpable tension and stories forever etched into the landscape.

Whether you’re a history buff or would simply like to explore the “path less traveled”, you’re going to be fascinated by these top tours of the DMZ from Seoul! Let’s jump right in!

Best DMZ Tours From Seoul

Quick answer: the 5 best rated dmz tours from seoul for 2024.

• Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Forced Shopping)
• DMZ Full day with Gloucester Memorial & Suspension Bridge Tour
• From Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour
• Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)
• Free Style Private Tour(Seoul/DMZ)

DMZ Tour Reviews

1. private dmz the 3rd tunnel tour from seoul (no forced shopping).

• Duration: 8 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 AM
• Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, transportation, all taxes & fees

Let’s start things off on the right foot with one of the most unique tours one can take in South Korea!

The Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul  will lead you through this incredibly important historical site with an expert guide who will provide you with cultural context throughout your time with them.

If you have a full day available and would like to see the country in a different perspective, look no further than this excursion. The Korean Demilitarized Zone, more commonly-known as “the DMZ”, is the most heavily-fortified border on the planet.

It’s definitely not all fun and games, but this “real deal” experience will get you as close as possible to experiencing the tension, mysteries, and stories that have unfolded between these two divided nations.

Around 4km wide, this modern-day “No Man’s Land” doesn’t allow any  military personnel, activities, and much less, civilians. The only exception to this rule is a place called the “Joint Security Area”, which is a neutral ground where soldiers from both sides come together for talks and negotiation.

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One of the highlights of the tour was climbing the heights of the Dora Observatory, complete with high-powered binoculars for you to see the North’s propaganda village.

When the weather is clear, you may even be able to see the bronze statue of Kim Il-sung, casting a watchful eye over the divide.

Then, you’ll get to see the Third Tunnel subterranean passage discovered in the 1970s and stretching nearly 2,000 meters long. This secret conduit screams espionage and conspiracy, with North Korea having built it then denying it.

Oh boy, there are a ton of interesting stories surrounding it and your guide will fill you in on some of the most captivating.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. dmz full day with gloucester memorial & suspension bridge tour.

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes: Full-day tour of the DMZ and suspension bridge, professional guide, all fees and taxes

Next up, we have a full-day tour that will take you for an immersive experience through some of the most iconic locations around South Korea.

The DMZ Full Day with Gloucester Memorial & Suspension Bridge Tour is full of thrills, intrigue, and incredible views to the unknown. With a guide to share historical accounts and plenty of personal stories with each location visit, you’re sure to view the country from a different viewpoint!

Starting off at 7:00 am, you’ll be picked up right from your hotel by your professional guide in a climate-controlled coach with plenty of legroom and big windows.

Upon arrival to Imjingak Park, you’ll get to see the Freedom Bridge and old steam trains, which was pretty cool by itself. The guide was there to teach us about the Korean War and the sacrifices that needed to be made, which only enriched the experience.

While I enjoyed the entire tour, the most memorable part for me was seeing the Gloucestershire Regiment “Gloster Hill”, which commemorates the actions of the regiment and C Troop, 17th Mortar Battery, Royal Artillery of the British Army during the Battle of the Imjin River.

Nearby is the incredible rope bridge known as the “Gloucester Heroes Bridge” which was a bloody battle field during the Korean War. Today, it stands as the longest suspension bridge in the country, sitting over 700 meters above sea level!

Finally, you’ll get to see the DMZ exhibition hall and learn about the old weapons, which was pretty cool! Next, make the walk over to the Third Tunnel which was made by North Korea, who actually claimed the South had constructed it with the intention of a guerilla attack!

The Dora Observatory was crazy to see, showing you a peek into North Korea’s propaganda village with the high-powered telescopes.

3. From Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour

• Departure:  65-6 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Departure Time:  7:00 AM
• Includes: Licensed professional guide, roundtrip transfer from Seoul, admission fees to DMZ, monotrail tour in 3rd tunnel or walking tour for shared tour option

This next tour is one of my favorites, seamlessly combining incredible nature views with the rich and varied history of South Korea. If you consider yourself an adventurous person who enjoys those “more unique” tourist sites, this one’s for you!

The DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour  is one of the only ways you can actually see a glimpse of North Korea in person, offering a deep dive into the history of the area.

First things first, though: you’ll have to pick either the private or the shared tour option. For the private tour, you’ll travel with only your party and go on a monorail tour in the Third Tunnel.

For the shared tour option, you’ll obviously be traveling with strangers and will instead go on a walking tour in the Third Tunnel – either way, they’re great options!

After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll arrive and get to see the Freedom Bridge, Mangbaedan Altar, as well as an old steam locomotive that was destroyed during the Korean War.

Your guide will be there to tell you all about how the Korean War affected the country and landscape – particularly on the border. You’ll then visit 4 different locations at the DMZ, starting with the Third Infiltration Tunnel.

Whether you’re walking or monorailing in, you’re sure to get a bit of a creepy vibe as you enter this “lair”. After, check out the Dorasan Observatory, which allows you to see into North Korea from their superpowered binoculars!

You can also choose to explore some Unification Villages located in a buffer zone and is civilian controlled by the government. Then take a hike around 15 to 20 minutes and appreciate the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, which has quite the intense history of its own.

If time allows, you’ll even get to see the Majang Suspension Bridge located right at a glass-like lake perfect for taking some photos.

4. Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul (No Shopping)

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Departure Time: Varies
• Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, all taxes and fees

You know what’s really annoying when you’re on a trip and trying to maximize your time by seeing as many interesting things as possible?

When your tour guide “forces” you and your group to go shopping at specific stores and markets. There’s none of that nonsense with this next tour – the Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul is all about learning in a fun and interesting way!

This is another one of my top recommendations if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul. You’ll get picked up in the morning by your guide and make the trip on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with plenty of unobstructed views along the way.

Right from the get-go, I did notice that our guide did a fantastic job at providing detail and easy-to-digest historical accounts and personal anecdotes which made it that much more fascinating.

Upon arrival, you’ll get to see the Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri park and learn about how it was constructed to house the refugees who left North Korea during the Korean War.

After that, check out the Bridge of Freedom which was also made to free almost 13,000 prisoners during the war. It’s not only incredibly moving to learn about, it’s set in one of the most beautiful natural settings ideal for photo ops!

After that, it’s time to head to the DMZ Theater where you’ll watch a short film about the war, and the South Korean perspective on it. You’ll learn how the DMZ came to be what it is today, as well as get time to walk through the creepy Third Infiltration Tunnel.

It definitely gives you a deeper understanding of just how serious this situation is, and the photos and artifacts only help.

5. Free Style Private Tour(Seoul/DMZ)

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, English-speaking guide

One thing that many people may be turned off about tours, is that you’re obligated to go on one set schedule. The great thing, is that many tours offer the option of creating a custom itinerary designed around your specific interests!

The Free Style Private Tour (Seoul/DMZ) is one of my favorites, catering to your tastes to ensure you’ll see the things you’re most captivated by!

If you’re a history buff, or really into Korean culture or food, you can tell your guide and they’ll create a personalized agenda just for that. While the tours will never be exactly the same, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Start off with your guide picking you right up from your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle made to transport only you and the rest of your party.

As you do get to choose, it’s quite possibly the best way to maximize your time in Korea – especially if it’s your first time there and/or you are there for only a couple of days.

While it’s not necessary, I definitely recommend going to the Gyungbokgung Palace, which is the most popular of the 5 in total in the city. You can then head up by car to the top of the mountain peak, whick offers some of the most breathtaking views of Seoul possible.

After that, head to a local eatery for a delicious, traditionally Korean lunch which has been reviewed by some of the top publications in the world. Follow it up with a trip up to the N-Seoul Tower by cable car, or head over to the DMZ, of course!

The DMZ, as you already know by now, is a must-see and is the one way to really gain insight into the tension between these two neighboring nations.

FAQs About the Korean DMZ

Q: what is the dmz in korea.

A: The DMZ or Demilitarized Zone, is a strip of land the is about 2.5 miles wide the runs across the Korean Peninsula near the 38th parallel north. It’s a buffer between North and South Korea, that are still technically at war because the war ended with an armistice and not a peace agreement.

Q: Do I have to take a tour to visit the DMZ?

A: Yes, you can only go to the DMZ on a guided tour. You can book them online or through travel agencies. You can take a half-day, full-day, or private tours, that show you different sites and activities in the DMZ. The most popular attraction is the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is where negotiations took place. The Third Tunnel of Aggression, was dug by North Korea to infiltrate South Korea and the Dora Observatory where you can see North Korea with a telescope.

Q: Is it safe to visit the DMZ?

A: You may be wondering if it’s safe to visit the DMZ. While the Korean DMZ is considered “the world’s most dangerous border”, there is no danger to visitors. Just make sure you follow the rules and instructions of the tour guides.

Tour Guides

The Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul is our Editors Choice for the best DMZ tour from Seoul.

Richard Remick

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews].

A Memorable, Powerful & Unique Experience

This is the one must-see tour  for anyone who wants a  memorable and powerful experience . there's nothing else like it in the world. only here can you:.

• ✓ Step safely into North Korea and back
• ✓ Explore secret North Korean attack tunnels
• ✓ Watch North Korean soldiers with your own eyes
• ✓ Peer into actual North Korean cities

You'll stand at the edge of a warless war zone and experience the tension you see on the news in a safe and controlled environment. It's guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip.

There are two tours:

the JSA Tour & DMZ Tour

You can go on them individually or together as a package.

The JOINT SECURITY AREA (JSA) TOUR will give you the unique opportunity to step into North Korea and see the reclusive nation with your own eyes.

The DEMILITARIZED ZONE (DMZ) TOUR will allow you to walk down a secret North Korean attack tunnel and give you the best view of North Korea from the northern most point of the DMZ.

JSA Tour Itinerary

If you have little knowledge or need a bit of a refresher, you'll get a overview of the history and current state of the Korean War here. This park was built in hopes of reunification. North Koreans living in the south come here to pay respects to ancestors across the border.

#2 Camp Bonifas

Named after the U.S. Army captain killed by North Korean soldiers in the "Axe Murder Incident," Camp Bonifas is the entry point into the JSA. Here, you'll get instructions on the safety rules.

"Your visit to Seoul is INCOMPLETE if you don't go here"

“The absolute coolest thing we did when we visited Korea. Certainly the most memorable!"

#3 Joint Security Area

This is the main attraction of the tour. First you'll see the Freedom House , part of the propaganda war between the two Koreas. Then you'll enter the Conference Room , which is the only place you can enter North Korea and step back safely. Last is the Bridge of No Return , where prisoners of war crossed and were never allowed back.

• Advanced booking is highly recommended. This tour has limited seating and is extremely popular.
• Reservations must be made at least two days before tour date for security clearance.
• Children 11 and below are not allowed on the JSA tour.

DMZ Tour Itinerary

#1 imjingak park (see left), #2 bridge of freedom.

Here you’ll walk across the same bridge that 13,000 soldiers did when they were repatriated back to South Korea.

This is the highlight of the tour. Here you can explore a secret war tunnel North Korea dug for a surprise attack on South Korea.

“Chills Down my Spine!”

"To actually be inside the unbelievably long and deep tunnels makes all the stories you heard in the news... an undeniable reality. Do not miss it!"

#4 DMZ Theater / Exhibition Hall

This museum and theater will give you the necessary background to fully understand and appreciate the past and current state of the DMZ.

#5 Dora Observatory

This oberservation station allows you to peer into North Korea and see the North Korean city of Gaesong, a North Korean cooperation farm and Kim Il-Sung statue.

At the last South Korean station of a rail line that connects the two Koreas, you’ll feel both the hope and frustration of reunification efforts.

• Tunnel (#3) may be strenuous. Sneakers are highly recommended.

Yes! Thousands of people visit every year without incident.

You'll be given clear instructions by military personnel. As long as you follow the instructions, everything will be ok.

It's possible, but it's difficult to give a definite answer without a specific date.

We recommend you book now as that will reserve seats if they're available. If they're unavailable, we guarantee a 100% refund.

*NOTE: Tours to the JSA (Tours 1 & 2) require 48 hours advance booking due to security clearance protocol.

Pick ups are directly at your hotel (Seoul only). Drop offs are at either Itaewon or City Hall.

If you're not staying at a hotel, please e-mail us after booking your tour to arrange a pick-up location.

*JSA Only Tour (Tour 2) does not include direct pickup at hotel but option may be added in check out.

Yes! Customer who wish to cancel their tours will receive a 100% refund until two days before the date of the tour and 50% one day before the tour.

"Must Do in Korea" "...By far the number one thing you should do when visiting Korea... a truly unique, memorable and worthwhile experience. Book early as some tours get filled fast."

- MalianinKorea

Tour Itinerary

Any JSA Tour package gives you special access to restricted areas, off-limits to the general public. Here you can step safely into North Korea and back.

The JSA Tour the most popular tour, and all seats sell out (usually one month in advance). See below for availability.

#1 Imjingak Park (also part of the DMZ tour)

Special notes about this tour:.

The DMZ Tour allows you to walk down a secret North Korean attack tunnel and gives you the best view of North Korea from the northern most point of the DMZ.

All DMZ Tours (including combination JSA Tour) includes hotel pickup service and multi-lingual guides.

#3rd Infiltration Tunnel

The highlight of the DMZ tour, here you can enter and explore a secret war tunnel North Korea dug for a surprise attack on South Korea.

This museum and theater will give you the background to fully understand and appreciate the past and current state of the DMZ.

#6 Dorasan Station

At the last South Korean station of a rail line that connects the two Koreas, you’ll feel both the frustration at the last bastion of hope.

Personal Transportation

All DMZ Tours include: pickup service directly at your hotel lobby.

Drop off locations are in downtown Seoul: City Hall or Itaewon.

(JSA Only Tours can add pickup service at check out).

Change your mind? No problem!

Book now to guarantee your spot and if you change your mind, you'll get a 100% refund. No questions asked.

Safety is Our #1 Priority

You'll be guided by military personnel and seasoned guides to stay safe.

All tours are 100% licensed & insured for your peace of mind and safety.

We take every precaution seriously and cancel tours if there are any possible dangers.

You'll be guided every step of the way with clear instructions by military personnel on how to stay safe.

Yes! Customers who wish to cancel their tours will receive a 100% refund until two days before the date of the tour and 50% one day before the tour.

Tour Booking Form

JSA & DMZ Tour

Lunch Included

*Must book 48hr in advance

Select Tour

JSA Only Tour

Pickup Optional ($10)

DMZ Morning Tour

8AM to 2:30PM

Lunch Not Included

*No Minimum to book

DMZ Afternoon Tour

11AM to 6PM

*Minimum 3 to book

• Name * First Last
• Email * Enter Email Confirm Email
• Pick up service is unavailable on Saturdays for all JSA Tours. All tour participants will be picked up at the President Hotel Seoul's Service club (3rd floor) , near City Hall Station.
• Hotel (for pickup) *
• JSA & DMZ Combined Tour (Adults) * Price: $135.00
• JSA Only Tour (Adult) * Price: $85.00
• DMZ Morning Tour (Adult) * Price: $50.00
• DMZ Morning Tour (Children) * Price: $38.00

Minimum 3 to Book

• DMZ Afternoon Tour (Children) * Price: $45.00
• Total $0.00
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The 4km-wide, 240km-long buffer known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) slashes across the peninsula, separating North and South Korea. Lined on both sides by tank traps, electric fences, landmines and armies in full battle readiness, it's a sinister place where the tension is palpable. Surreally, it's also a major tourist attraction, with several observation points allowing you to peek into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea). For history buffs and collectors of weird and unsettling experiences, a visit here is not to be missed.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Joint Security Area

Unquestionably the highlight of any trip to the DMZ is the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjeom. An improbable tourist destination, it's here where the…

Third Infiltration Tunnel

Since 1974, four tunnels have been found running under the DMZ, dug by the North Koreans so that their army could launch a surprise attack. Walking along…

Dora Observatory

Peer through binoculars for a voyeuristic glimpse into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea). On a clear day you can make out…

Dorasan Train Station

Awaiting the next departure to Pyongyang (and onward trans-Eurasian intercontinental travel), Dorasan train station stands as a symbol of hope for the…

This park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans separated from their families when the peninsula was divided postwar. Also here is the Freedom…

Dorasan Peace Park

This mildly diverting park has a couple of modern Korean tanks, some deer, an outdoor photo display and a few saplings called, groovily, the Paul…

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of The DMZ with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

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Taking A Korea DMZ Tour From Seoul – What To Expect + Tips

Table of Contents

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Taking a DMZ tour from Seoul was high on my South Korea bucket list . I’d wanted to visit for years, ever since I’d first learnt about the unique and tragic situation in North Korea. I was happy to learn that tourists can visit the DMZ… So that’s what I did! There was so much I still didn’t know: how had North and South Korea split? How had the DMZ buffer come to exist? Was there any chance of unity between the countries? In this blog, I’ll answer these questions and share my Korea tips for taking a Seoul to the DMZ day tour.

SEOUL ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com /  Hostelworld Activities:  Viator / GetYourGuide Getting there: air ( Skyscanner )  / Train ( Trip.com ) / bus Getting around: Subway, bus, taxi Pre-book private airport to hotel transfer

Related read: ultimate 2 week South Korea itinerary

How to take a DMZ tour from Seoul

During my time in Seoul, I visited the DMZ as a half-day tour ($68). Taking a tour is necessary: in fact, you cannot visit the DMZ without a tour. Sadly there are no Korea budget hacks to see it cheaply. Tourists have to go with an official tour company and a registered guide. Don’t forget your passport! This is my best tip for a DMZ day trip. On the way there, our guide explained that if even one guest had forgotten their passport, no one on the coach would be allowed in. Then she asked anyone who might have forgotten to put their hand up and make themselves known. Can you imagine anything more awkward than having to confess? Thankfully no one did. I really valued the opportunity to visit the DMZ with a South Korea n tour guide. Ours had seen the effects of the DMZ first hand: her grandmother’s family had been split up by the divide and they’d never seen members of the family again. It’s hard to even imagine.

What is the DMZ?

The DMZ stands for the demilitarized zone : an area of no man’s land that acts as a buffer between North and South Korea. Other such buffers exist and have existed to separate countries or areas with a troubled history. It makes sense: two regions at loggerheads are more likely to fight and invade one another if they are at a close locality. The DMZ measures four kilometres in size. It’s not an entirely empty area because there are three villages inside: a fake propaganda village erected by the North Korean government, a real farmers village and an abandoned factory workers village that was inhabited until the 2016 threats of nuclear weapons from Kim Jung Un. I’ll talk more about these later when I discuss the observatory viewing platform.

A quick history of the DMZ

The DMZ was put in place at the end of the Korean War. This era was a tragic one that saw the loss of almost 10 million Korean lives. Yet it wasn’t fought just by Koreans: this war from 1950 to 1953 was a product of the Cold War, fuelled by America and Russia. If you know much about the Vietnamese war, it’s the same, right down to the fact that the Soviets occupied the North and the Americans occupied the South, fighting to stop the country slipping to the other’s school of thought. This ideological war was happening in many countries around the world at this time. The Korean War ended in 1953, although it was technically won by neither side. An Armistice agreement was signed but no peace treaty was. The North stayed communist and was annexed by Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of the leader today, Kim Jong Un. With no peace restored between the countries, a buffer zone seemed the only way to keep the countries at bay. The DMZ was born.

The two types of DMZ tour from Seoul 

Depending on how much you want to see, there are two different DMZ tours from Seoul.

• The DMZ tour from Seoul (half day) including Dora Observatory, Imjingak Park, Tunnel 3 and the last train station. It runs every day.
• The DMZ tour from Seoul ( full-day) including the stops previously mentioned and the JSA (Joint Security Area). This is the only place you can see North and South Korea soldiers standing face-to-face. However, this tour is more costly and often cancelled last minute due to political tensions. 2022 update – these tours are not currently taking place. I’ll update this if things change.

In my opinion, the best DMZ tours are with GetYourGuide because they’re easy to book and have flexible cancellation policies.

What can you expect when visiting the DMZ from Seoul?

If you take a half-day DMZ tour like I did, it will last around 5 hours and stop at the following points of interest:

Imjingak Park

The first stop of our DMZ tour included seeing some statues and memorials relating to the Korean War and the DMZ that’s cut off so many families. You can also see war tanks and aircraft dating back to the War, as well as The Bridge of Freedom which many South Koreans crossed to come home after having been displaced by the fighting. While it was an interesting stop, I was excited to get to…

Third Tunnel 

Despite the DMZ being put in place, North Korea have still tried to invade South Korea several times. In fact, four sizeable underground tunnels have been discovered in the DMZ. When The Third Tunnel of Aggression (what a name!) was discovered in the 1970s measuring 435 metres in length, North Korea said it wasn’t theirs. Later they changed their story and claimed they had been searching for natural resources. The whole situation is scary but at least all of these attempts to invade South Korea have been unsuccessful.  The Third Tunnel is the only one visitors can go inside during DMZ Korea tours. It was very cold, dark and eerie (although less so because it was so busy) and we had to wear helmets in case of falling rocks. The journey back up was up a very steep slope so make sure you’re in good health to do this! Honestly, the tunnel was unremarkable and could have been any in the world. Yet knowing its history made it a very interesting stop indeed. How often can you say you’ve walked inside a living piece of history like this?

Dora Observatory

For me, the most interesting stop of our DMZ day tour from Seoul was Dora Observatory looking over the DMZ. From here you can see the fake Peace Village erected by North Korea, something I found bizarre and fascinating.  According to North Korea, the Peace Village is inhabited by a community of farming families who have access to childcare, a hospital and school. Indeed, these buildings do exist and, from afar, it’s a colourful and attractive village.

The one problem? It’s totally empty. Nobody lives there and its only purpose is propaganda: to give the impression all is well in North Korea. Apparently, they think it may encourage South Koreans to defect to North Korea, although I’m not sure why anyone would! When you visit Dora Observatory, you’ll see two other villages located in the DMZ. One acted as a village for factory workers but has been abandoned since the nuclear weapon threats of 2016.

The other is a real farmers village , home to a small population of North Koreans. Straining my eyes through the binoculars, I was fascinated to spy an elderly man riding a bicycle. Trying to picture his life blew my mind. He’d have little to no understanding of the outside world and no access to foreign media. He’d be part of a communist system that prevents him from becoming wealthy and prohibits democratic procedures like voting to elect a new leader. To see him with my own eyes made everything feel real and sad.

Dorasan Station

The final destination on the DMZ Seoul tour was Dorasan Station , the last train station before the border. A journey arrives and departs Seoul daily but the line can’t continue any further as the next stop would be in North Korea. Many South Koreans have donated money so that, if and when unity is restored, a line can be built connecting the divided nations. Ultimately, this is what South Koreans want: unity and to see their long-lost family members again. Will it happen? Our guide said she hopes it will one day but it’s not on the cards for the immediate future. King Jong Un is still young and showing no signs of cooperation.

At Dorason Station, visitors can purchase a pretend ticket to Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. I bought one for 1,000 won (£1) and stamped it myself. This hopeful act made me feel sad again, for the North Koreans living under a dictatorship and for the South Koreans who have lost their loved ones. What a mad world we live in, but I’m so grateful for my ability to explore it.

Tips for the Korea DMZ tour from Seoul

• Dress relatively smart – word has it that North Korean soldiers sometimes photograph tourists in casual clothes like ripped jeans to use as propaganda to convince North Koreans that the outside world is poor and dangerous. Best not to let them.
• Bring your passport! Just double-reminding you so your whole tour doesn’t get denied entry 😉
• Pack any necessary medication like asthma inhalers etc – the walk up from the Third Tunnel is steep and a little cold. You’re meant to leave all your belongings and bags in a locker but you could bring something small like this in your pocket.

Overall, my experience visiting the DMZ from Seoul wasn’t happy or upbeat but it was truly worthwhile. Visiting is so important in order to understand the country and what the people have been through. I feel much better educated now about the situation in North and South Korea. If you’re planning a trip, I hope my tips for the Korea DMZ tour help you out 🙂 Browse and book DMZ tours from Seoul:

Thanks for reading!

Check out my other South Korea blogs:

• The ultimate South Korea bucket list
• 30 South Korea travel tips
• Solo female travel in Korea
• South Korea travel budget
• The best Busan day trips
• How to spend 2 weeks in South Korea
• The perfect 5 days in Seoul
• A guide to visiting Jeju Island without a car
• The ultimate Busan itinerary
• South Korea food guide
• Jeonju travel guide

See you next time for more adventures,

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VISITING SOUTH KOREA? These are my trusted resources: Flights – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Buses – buses are comfy and efficient. It’s tricky for foreigners to book online so it’s best to turn up on the day. Trains – use Trip.com , partner of Korail (the official railway network of Korea) to book your tickets in advance. The website accepts international payment options, unlike Korean rail websites. Click the three stripes in the top right corner then the flag to change it to English. Driving in Korea – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals. Hiring a car will be especially useful on Jeju Island. For hotels in Korea, I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . Browse South Korea tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ Taking A Korea DMZ Tour From Seoul – What To Expect + Tips ”

I read on this article that you had a really great south korean tour guide for the DMZ. I was wondering if you remembered her name, or the specific tour you took. I ask because I would also like to book a DMZ tour and found her story quite interesting and moving. Would love to get a chance to do the tour with her!

Do let me know – thanks!

Hello, I don’t recall her name now or have a contact. Sorry!

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A Complete Guide to DMZ Tour: Learn Everything About This Military Divider

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Have you ever desired to know what it’s like living in North Korea? You may get a sneak peek into North Korea with the DMZ Tour. With 7.9 million visitors each year, the DMZ area is one of the world’s most heavily militarized regions yet serves as a valuable insight into North Korea and Korean War history.

Table of Contents

What is the DMZ Tour?

The DMZ Tour is a tour of the Demilitarized Zone that separated North and South Korea after the Korean War in 1953. The DMZ is a four-kilometer-wide strip of land that runs across the Korean Peninsula. It is located about 60 kilometers north of Seoul, South Korea.

The DMZ Tour is a great way to learn about Korean history and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. It’s also worth noting that this region protects precious natural and historical sites due to its isolation and lack of people.

Things to See on the DMZ Tour

Imjingak park.

The Imjingak Park memorial complex serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by those who died in defense of South Korea. The park, which honours families separated by the division of North and South Korea, is significant both emotionally and symbolically. The park symbolizes the hope for one day unity. More than 400 exhibits about North Korea are on display in the park. Furthermore, families from North Korea migrate to the Mangbaedan Alter at the park’s Nonsan Park to perform rituals on vacation.

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The Third Tunnel

In 1978, the Third Tunnel was discovered, one of four tunnels that link North Korea and South Korea beneath the DMZ. It is also known as the Third Aggression Tunnel, could transport 30,000 soldiers per hour. The tunnel was used to invade the South. This tunnel reflects the struggle between North and South going on for years.

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Nuri Peace Park

The Nuri Peace Park is a beautiful, serene park located in the DMZ. The park commemorates the Korean War and has a statue of two doves symbolizing peace. It is also notable for its lush greenery, which is unusual for the area.

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Mangdaebbang Alter

The Mangdaebbang is located in the front yard of Imjingak. This altar has a special significance for defected North Koreans. The Mangdeok Garden Altar is a place of great cultural significance for the homeless, who may mourn their relatives, friends, and loved ones who were killed during the war or by separation. Every year or Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving or Mid-Autumn Festival), North Koreans come and bow their heads to their nation in homage to their deceased relatives.

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The Bridge of Freedom

The Bridge of Freedom is prominently displayed in front of the Mangdaebbang Altar. This little bridge should not be confused with its more famous counterpart, which spans the Imjin River and is one of Korea’s major bridges. The popular Bridge of Freedom, which is a smaller replica of the larger one, is an excellent spot to visit. South Koreans attach brightly colored ribbons to this bridge in memory and remembrance of the deceased. The Bridge of Freedom, which connects North and South Korea, is a stirring destination for both people from the north and south. The Bridge of Freedom is a moving location for both North Koreans and South Koreans because returning to one’s birthplace is important in Korean culture.

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Dora Observatory

The Dora Observatory is a stop on the DMZ tour for visitors who want to get a closer look at North Korea. The observatory, which offers great views of the country, was built to give South Koreans an idea about what their northern neighbours were up to. The observatory also has binoculars that allow tourists to see into the North Korean town of Dorasan.

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What to Know Before Visiting the DMZ?

The DMZ is an eerie, yet fascinating place to visit. If you’re interested in learning more about the Korean War, a trip to the DMZ is highly recommended. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before embarking on this adventure:

What should you bring with you?

You must always carry your passport with you. Because most DMZ sites demand formal identification before admittance, if your passport is needed, you must be able to show it. Other forms of identification, such as an identity card or an ARC – Application Registration Card, are strongly encouraged to go with you during your trip to the DMZ.

What to watch out for?

Since the Korean War, there have been numerous landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) cases in the DMZ. For your safety, it is important to be aware of where you are walking at all times and to heed all warning signs. In addition, please do not touch any objects that look suspicious – they may very well be UXO.

What to wear?

Appropriate attire is also important for a DMZ tour. Although there are no strict dress code requirements, you should avoid wearing anything that could be construed as offensive or provocative. In addition, because the weather in Korea can be quite hot and humid, it is advisable to dress comfortably and in layers.

Photography

Taking pictures is allowed in most areas of the DMZ, except the Joint Security Area (JSA). However, it is important to remember that photography is not allowed inside any military installation.

Food and Drinks

Outside food and drinks are not permitted in any of the DMZ’s tourist sites. There are restaurants located near each of the DMZ’s tourist sites, so you will not go hungry. In addition, there are also a few souvenir shops where you can buy snacks and drinks.

The DMZ is a unique and interesting place to visit. It is full of history and offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of North Koreans. However, it is important to remember that the DMZ is still a military zone and some certain rules and regulations must be followed. By following these guidelines, you will have a safe and enjoyable visit to the DMZ.

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Dmz tour review | everything you need to know.

A DMZ tour from Seoul is an experience you should not miss whilst you’re in South Korea. With this tour, you can take a glimpse into life in North Korea, whilst soaking up the tragic history of how a nation became divided. Read on to find our DMZ tour review. Find out how to book a tour, the different costs, and the day’s itinerary.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

Preparing for the DMZ tour from Seoul

The day had arrived, and we were very excited about our trip to the North Korean border. Stupidly, the first time we visited Seoul we didn’t realise that we needed to book the DMZ tour a few days in advance. So, when we called a tour agency 2-days before we were due to leave for Japan, we were more than gutted to be told that we can’t book a tour at such short notice. As the tour was something we really wanted to do, we decided to head back to Seoul after backpacking Japan.

DMZ tour types

There are two types of tours; the demilitarized zone tour (DMZ), and the demilitarized zone tour with joint security area (JSA). The difference? Not much, other than that the JSA is where you actually step foot into North Korean territory and get up close to North Korean soldiers.

DMZ tour from Seoul costs

Costs can vary massively, depending on which company you choose to take your tour with. We chose to do our tour with Koridoor Tours. MASSIVE MISTAKE! We will tell you more about that later in this DMZ tour review! At the time we took the tour, the prices were as follows:

DMZ tour only: $42

Tour of the DMZ with Joint security area: $92

DMZ day tour itinerary

Departure and tunnels.

The DMZ tour from Seoul started with a gathering at the Koridoor Tour office. At the office, guides checked our IDs and clothing, as visitors must be dressed well. After everyone had arrived and signed in, a coach and a guide took us to the third tunnel (DMZ). Here we could walk through the tunnel and learn the history of the war between South and North Korea. The tunnel itself is not much to write home about, but it’s worth checking out.

After the third tunnel, we made a quick stop for a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. We opted to munch on the sandwiches that we had bought before the tour began. However, the restaurant has plenty of local Korean food to choose from, but this is not included in the cost of the tour.

Dora Observatory

At the observatory, we could peek through the binoculars into a creepy fake North Korean town. Yes, FAKE! No one actually lives there. Our guide told us that North Koreans had built this colourful town and played loud music daily to show South Koreans, and visitors, that they are prosperous and doing well. This was a pretty cool part of the tour and the guide provided us with some very interesting information.

Dorasan Train Station

This part of the tour was very sad and emotional. We could really sense the desperation of South Korea to reunite with their Northern counterparts; so much so, a train station heading to Pyongyang has already been built and the train is sitting waiting to go. Another interesting item at the train station is the small piece of the Berlin Wall that had been donated to South Korea to show hopes of reunification.

Joint security area

Next up was supposed to be the most exciting part of the trip that everyone had been waiting for; the part where we would step foot into North Korea. As we approached the JSA, our bus pulled over and an American soldier boarded the bus to give us what was supposed to be a briefing. Instead, he told us that the border was now closed to tourists due to an incident that had happened earlier in the day. At this point, we weren’t quite sure if this was a joke or not. But NOPE, unluckily for us, it was not a joke at all.

JSA section cancelled

Instead of going to the JSA, our guide opted to take us all to a nearby park. This was just to waste time, so we fulfilled the tour length. In all honesty, though, I don’t think anyone wanted to do this. At this point, everyone was quite pissed off. When we arrived back at Koridoor’s tour office, surprisingly everyone had already left the office! So, there was no one there to talk to about getting a refund for the JSA section part of the tour.

Trying to get a refund

The next day, we went back to the office to speak to the manager about receiving a refund for the part of the tour that was cancelled. Unfortunately, the staff were rude and no longer showed the same enthusiasm as they did when we were making a booking. After asking where $50 per person had been spent, and how it was justifiable for them to keep it, we got nowhere and sadly left feeling robbed.

DMZ tour review conclusion

To conclude this DMZ tour review, the first half of the DMZ tour from Seoul was great. We enjoyed learning the history of the war and how the nation became divided. However, if the JSA section of this tour is high a priority for you, avoid going with cheapskate companies like Koridoor. We completely understand that at such a high-tension border zone, incidents can occur; resulting in border closures at short notice. But to not receive a refund for this was totally unacceptable, particularly after hearing from other travellers that other companies were happy to give refunds. On top of that, the customer service after the tour was totally disappointing and the manager refused to answer some of our questions. All in all, we do recommend taking a tour to the border of North Korea, just make sure to research the tour companies thoroughly beforehand.

Where to stay in Seoul

Feeling luxurious:   Royal Hotel Seoul – Has excellent reviews and boats spa and wellness services for you to end your trip in style.

Budget private room:   Coups Hotel – Has great modern rooms. The hotel is located just a 10-minute walk away from Changgyeonggung Palace and has excellent metro links

Dorm life:   Itaewon Inn – Basic, but super cheap and has good links to the metro system.

For more prices and deals on properties in Seoul,  CLICK HERE.

Essential resources for travelling in South Korea

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

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13 thoughts on “ DMZ Tour Review | Everything You Need to Know ”

Hey great pos guys… But mean spirited with the review for Koridoor. I guess having access to JSA revoked at the last minute is beyond anyone’s control and managing your expectations better when undertaking global travel might be required at times. Peace and love x

Hey, thanks for the comment 🙂 yeah we totally understand that with it being such a sensitive area, things like this could happen. The frustrating part was the handling of it afterwards. Especially when other companies that day were issuing. All the best, K & J

Great article! Would love to visit the DMZ since it is such a historically relevant place, thanks for sharing!

Thanks for your comment. The DMZ is definitely interesting and worth the visit.

Hm… very i teresting read. I had no idea about this tours. It was quite an experience for you two.

Thanks for the comment, yes it was a very interesting trip and if you ever go to Seoul, it’s something you should definitely look into doing if you ate interested in the divide between North and South Korea.

i’ve done dmz tour in vietnam, but i’m sure it would be a totally different experience doing it in korea with the north korea situation and all that. i’m so sorry that your tour ended up disappointed by the end of the day, but i could tell you had a great experience beforehand. 🙂

anyway, i’ve also got north korea on my bucket list but i heard to join the tour there is quite expensive. i’m so obsessed to see what’s up with north korean that i am volunteering for asian games in jakarta next year just to see whether i could meet anyone from north korea. 😀

btw, since you mentioned that to do this tour you must dress well, can you tell me what kind of outfit that is recommended or what to avoid if i want to join this tour one day? thank you! 🙂

Yes it was very interesting and even without the JSA part of the tour, it is still totally worth doing.

That’s so cool that you are going to an event in Jakarta, I hope you have the opportunity to speak to someone from North Korea. Apart from actually being there and emmersing yourself into another country, there is no better way to learn about culture and life in another country than to speak to someone who is from there first hand.

As for the dress code, they require you to dress smart/ casual. For example, shoes and not flip-flops. No short shorts/ skirts and no strappy t-shirts and no tracksuits. A nice pair of jeans or a knee length skirt with shoes and you are good to go.

North Korea!!! Oh wow!! Looks amazing. So much culture to experience

Love how you go into detail about each stop…makes me feel like I was there with you! 🙂

Glad you enjoyed the post and felt as though you were apart of the experience:)

Wow, this is so interesting! Of course I have heard of the North Korean government setting up fake businesses and things like that, but I had no idea they built whole fake towns! That is so interesting! And so cool that you got to see that! That is crazy that they didn’t give you a refund for the second half being cut short though! But atleast you still had fun. Now I know we will definitely visit the dmz when we go to South Korea!

Glad we have inspired you to take a trip here. It is certainly very educational and an eye opener to the divide of the two countries. Would love to hear your thoughts on it when you go 🙂

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Welcome Guest

Full day korea dmz and jsa (joint security area) tour from seoul.

Great tour!

Angelmylife, it was a nice look around., available tue, wed, thu, fri, sat, pick-up not available, what to expect, travelers interested in this activity also viewed, traveler's photos.

Overall rating

The tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable and interesting. He loves his job. I had a great time. Some rude people kept talking over him...RUDE. The only complaint I have is that there were not any North Korean sol ... diers in the blue house. I would have liked to have seen one. We got exactly what was promised out of this tour. The bimbimbap was delish. We were warned that we may not get to go to visit the JSA, but we did get to. thank goodness. Loved it. It was an ALL day tour. Left in the morning and arrived home in the evening. Long ride home. :)

I've booked a DMZ and JSA tour but half a day before the tour should start, they cancelled the JSA part. It was okay. We saw various things like the tunnel to the boarder to North Korea, an observation platform where w ... e could see North Korea... but also a manufacturer for jewellery. I don't know why this should be a part of a tour concerning North Korea.

JSA and DMZ Canceled

After preparing fr months, making two expensive hotel bookings and stopping in Korea just for the tour then being canceled due to the African Swine Flu so very expensive and disappointing but not Veltra's fault. They han ... dled alternative tour and refund difference perfectly and Han our guide was wonderful. But sad I did not see what I traveled 8 thousands of miles to see.

Activity Provider Cosmojin Travel Agency

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日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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• Children 11 years old and above can participate in this activity.
• The JSA area is under strict military jurisdiction and is subject to sudden closures. Scheduled tours may be changed or cancelled without prior notice at any moment. Guests will be offered alternatives or refund for affected tours.
• Guests with serious fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), heart and cardiovascular issues, asthma or other respiratory problems are not permitted to enter the Third Tunnel. Walking through the Third Tunnel is not required. Guests may opt out and choose to stay in the bus, exhibition room or souvenir store.
• Korean passport holders or citizens residing in Korea will not be able to join this tour due to local laws. Citizens who live outside Korea will need to send a "Certification of Residence Overseas" to participate in this tour.
• Walking shoes
• The JSA has a strict dress code. Please dress appropriately in smart casual attire. Avoid revealing clothes such as sleeveless tops, short pants and skirts, ripped jeans, tight garments like leggings and open-toed shoes. Please refrain from wearing military-style outfits, biker gear, sports wear with logos and over-sized clothes.
• Following UNC rules, citizens of the following countries will be requested to submit a scanned copy of their passport (first page with photo) after booking to [email protected]:
• Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Burma, 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, Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Russia,Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen
• Names, nationalities and passport numbers (and copies of passport if needed) must be sent at least 72 hours before the tour. Without this information, the activity provider cannot confirm your seat.
• Every visitor has to use the authorized bus and follow time and photo regulations. The operator cannot be held responsible for any personal incidents or losses during the tour.
• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• When in the MAC conference rooms, please refrain from touching any equipment, microphone and flags that belong to the North Korean side.
• Please do not approach or engage with any personnel of North Korea. Do not speak to them or make any gestures.
• The following items are prohibited within the JSA premises: cameras with lens larger than 90mm, wheelchairs, walking sticks, umbrellas, luggage and big bags.

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Not your usual guided tour of Korea’s heavily fortified DMZ

• Jason Strother

Each year, thousands of tourists visit the demilitarized zone that separates North and South Korea. They get a view through a southern lens. Now a North Korean defector is guiding tourists in the DMZ and offering his view of what it is actually like to grow up on the other side. Reporter Jason Stother tagged along with a tour that promises to offer a different perspective of what ordinary life is like in North Korea. 

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today , and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!

All you need to know about a DMZ tour from Seoul

Things to do in Seoul Day Trips from Seoul DMZ Tours In Seoul

Of all the places in the world which have become accessible over time due to better transport and cordial relations between nations, one country which has remained somewhat of a mystery is North Korea. The unusually secretive country has a tightly controlled tourist influx with just about 3000-4000 people visiting the city annually. One of the only ways to get a glimpse of the mysterious North Korea is via the DMZ tour .

Despite the heavy militarisation, the DMZ attracts over 1.2 million travelers each year, but that might change soon. North Korea and South Korea have entered into an agreement to start dismantling certain sections of the DMZ. In November 2018, the North Korean government demolished several guard posts along the border and shut off the Joint Security Area during the time as well. Given the current political climate, it's unclear what's in store for the DMZ in the future or just how much it will change in the years to come. If you're keen on visiting this special border barrier, we would recommend visiting South Korea as soon as you can and visiting the DMZ on the first day of your trip to avoid facing the closure of the JSA or the DMZ.

Our DMZ Tour blog aims to help you plan your visit from Seoul, with tips and hacks for a enjoyable day trip.

Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide

Korean demilitarized zone (dmz), dmz vs jsa - what is the difference, why you must go on a dmz tour, what to expect on a half day dmz tour, dmz tour highlights, know before your dmz tour, going from seoul to dmz - your transport options, handy tips for your dmz tour, more seoul guides.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a border barrier that divides the Korean Peninsula in half and serves as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea. The 250 km long and 4 km wide strip of land was established as a result of the 1953 Korean War Armistice Agreement and presently serves as a common meeting ground for the two nations to negotiate. These meetings and negotiations happen in the small Joint Security Area (JSA), near the western end of the zone. The security is much tighter around the JSA and there are restrictions for dress code and photography in this area as well. The no-man's-land is just 30 miles north of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, making the DMZ easily accessible for tourists in Seoul.

There's some amount of confusion between the DMZ and the JSA. Let us clear the air.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) represents the area 2 km north and south of the Military Demarcation Line. The area is uninhabited by people and is home to historical attractions and rare ecology. The Joint Security Area (JSA) is a specific area within the DMZ which functions as a place of dialogue between the two countries and was also the place where the truce between North Korea and South Korea was officially signed. Also known as Panmunjom, the JSA is located on the Western border of the DMZ. Another important distinction is that unless your tour package specifically mentions both DMZ and JSA, you'll only be visiting one of these places since there are separate tours available for both places.

• The DMZ is a very interesting place for many reasons. Primarily, the fact that the DMZ is often described as one of the most volatile regions in the world and yet attracts millions of tourists speaks of its strange allure. The heavily guarded strip of land has many interesting sections that shed ample light on the area's creation and its controversial past.
• A trip to the DMZ is a great way to learn about Korean history and how the war between the two sides of the Korean Peninsula has affected the people in both countries. The guided tours are extremely educational and if you're lucky, you might even get a tour guide who is a North Korea detector and can provide you with unheard of insights about life on the other side of the border.
• The DMZ is one of the few active remnants of the cold war, which makes it extra special and serves as a reminder of the grim realities of war.
• With iconic places like the Imjingak Park, the Dorasan Observatory, the Freedom Bridge, the Dorasan Train Station, and the Third Infiltration Tunnel all open to public inside the DMZ, a visit to this border zone even more special.

DMZ Half Day Tour - Best DMZ Tour On The Internet!

Korean demilitarized zone day tour.

Take a tour of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) along the border between North and South Korea and check out Korean War era tanks at the Imjingak Park, walk through the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and get a glimpse of North Korea from the Dorasan Observatory.

• Have a surreal experience at the Demilitarized Zone, a heavily guarded borderline scarring the Korean peninsula with its separation into North and South Korea.
• Visit the Imjingak Park built as a tribute to those who suffered the brunt of the Korean War and the Freedom Bridge where many hostages and prisoners were exchanged.
• Peep through binoculars into North Korea at the Dorasan Observatory and visit South Korea’s symbolic yet barely used getaway station to the North - the Dorasan Train Station.
• Walk through the Third Infiltration Tunnel built by the North Koreans in an attempt to launch a surprise attack on South Korea in the 1970s.

There's quite a lot to see in a DMZ tour and in our opinion, half a day is ample time to explore the special border area without skipping anything important. A half day DMZ tour will begin with a trip to Imjingak Park, which is located 7 km from the Demarcation Line. The park holds a lot of symbolic and sentimental value for residents of both nations since it serves to commemorate the families which were separated due to the division of North and South Korea. With over 400 exhibitions about North Korea, the Imjingak Park is one of the few places in the world where you can learn about the elusive nation. Located in the park is the Freedom Bridge which connects the two nations and was once used by South Koreans who returned to their nation post the signing of the armistice.

Post the Imjingak Park, you'll pass through the Unification Village and make your way to the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall which is where you'll learn about the history of the war and division of Korea. Next up is a tour of the fascinating Third Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel was dug up by North Koreans in an attempt to infiltrate South Korea and launch a surprise attack. After the tunnel, you'll make your way to the Dorasan Observatory. This is where you can use binoculars to catch a rare glimpse of the mostly hidden North Korea. Also located next to the observatory is the Dorasan Train Station, where trains are ready to run, with hopes to reunification of Korea. These are the basic areas most half day DMZ tours will include but there are optional landmarks and attractions you can head to by paying a little extra. These include the Pistol Shooting Experience, the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Insadong Antique Alley.

Joint Security Area or Panmunjom, as it is more commonly referred to as, is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea and features gift shops that sell original items from North Korea. The JSA is also the place where the original peace treaty between North Korea and South Korea was signed.

Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge connects North and South Korea and was used by South Koreans to return home after the armistice was signed. The bridge is currently barricaded to prevent unauthorized access.

Imjingak Park

A park which was built to commemorate all the families which were separated as a result of the partition of Korea, the Imjingak Park now signifies hope that the two warring nations would reunite once again.

Third Tunnel of Aggression

Despite talks of peace, North Korea began digging tunnels to South Korea with the intent of launching a surprise attack in the 1970s. The longest of these tunnels was discovered in 1978 and was just 44 km from Seoul! Not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia, these narrow tunnels are a grim reminder of the plight of the military personnel who participated in the war between the two nations.

Dora Observatory

Get a glimpse of the mostly hidden North Korean landscape by peering through binoculars at the Dora Observatory . If the day is clear, you might get a glimpse of the Kaesong City and Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Dorasan Train station

Serving as a symbol of hope for the reunification of North and South Korea, the Dorasan Train Station is a brand new, international station with trains ready to depart! If you take the peace train from Seoul, this is the station where you'll get off.

DMZ Opening Hours

The DMZ tours don't operate on Monday and Korean Holidays. Although, if the Korean Holiday falls on a weekend, chances are that the tour will run anyway.

Good To Know

Bring Your Passport : Remember to bring your passport along for both the DMZ and JSA tour. You'll not be allowed to join the tour if you don't have your passport.

Dress Appropriately : While the DMZ tour doesn't have a strict dress code, the JSA tour does. The following items of clothing will NOT be accepted at the JSA tour: Shorts, skirts and dresses that aren't knee length, sandals, flip-flops, T-shirts, ripped jeans, tank tops, exercise clothes, clothing with military style print, stretch pants or tights. To be safe, wear a collared shirt with regular jeans as civilian clothing is preferred.

Code of conduct : Given the military presence in the DMZ, you are expected to follow a strict code of conduct to avoid any trouble:

• Don't wave at the North Korean guards or signal them in any other way
• Don't click any pictures unless the guards give their consent of what you can take a picture of
• Stay with your tour guide and military escort at all times and comply with all their instructions. For your own safety, avoid wandering off on your own.

The DMZ is located just 60 km from Seoul and can be reached through the following two options:

• Peace Trains : The DMZ peace train is the cheapest way to the DMZ. The train runs from Seoul to the Dorasan Train Station from Tuesday to Sunday. Once you reach the Dorasan Train Station, you can take a bus to visit the DMZ. Opting for the train is preferable is you aren't a fan of group tours since this gives you a little more leeway, although you still have to join the group tour once you reach the Dorasan Train Station. The peace train tour of the DMZ takes up the whole day and you won't have time to explore Seoul, which is possible with a half day DMZ tour.
• Organized tours : Organized tours are a great way to experience the DMZ since you'll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who knows everything about the border land. An organized tour is also great since you'll be picked up from your hotel in Seoul and dropped back after the tour is over. You can also visit the iconic JSA through an organized tour. Depending on how much time you have at hand, you can opt for a half day or a full day DMZ tour. While the cost will be more than the peace train option, an organized tour is easily the more convenient choice of the two.
• The first thing to know about booking a DMZ tour is that the demand for it is always sky high and you shouldn't wait till the last moment to book your tour. To avoid facing disappointment, book your DMZ well in advance. The security clearance process takes around three days so ensure that you have enough time to reapply in case your request falls through for some reason.
• There have been a fair bit of political changes in both North Korea and South Korea and the DMZ and its future have been at stake as a result. If you're visiting Seoul, make it a point to visit the DMZ on the first day of your trip because there's no way to tell when the tour might be cancelled due to reasons beyond the tour operators' control.
• Another important consideration when booking a DMZ tour online is picking the one that best suits your needs and plan. There are half day tours, full day tours, DMZ only tours and tours where you'll be visiting both the DMZ and the JSA. The JSA is one of the most fascinating parts of the DMZ and a regular DMZ tour won't stop at the JSA. While booking your tour, check the itinerary to confirm all the stops.
• The DMZ and JSA are testaments to the complicated history of the two Korean nations and your time at these places will be more insightful if you opt for a guided tour. If you're lucky, your tour guide will be a North Korean defector who can shed some light on the elusive nation and tell you about life on the other side of the border.
• The DMZ is a place of national importance to both South and North Korea and visitors are expected to behave a certain way to maintain the sombierty of the place. The biggest way to do that is by following the dress code prescribed by the organizers. Refer to our 'know before you go' section to learn about the dress code you should abide by. Also, limit your interaction with the North Korean guards to nada, if possible.
• Due to the security concerns pertaining to the DMZ region, you'll have to leave your bags at the bus before starting the tour. Pack lightly and avoid bringing anything to the tour that you won't be comfortable leaving at the bus. You can take your camera and wallet to the tour and nothing else.
• It's better to be aware of where you are going during the DMZ tour, so we would recommend bringing a map along. Also, ensure that you don't consume alcohol before or during the tour since any untoward incident at the DMZ will be labelled an "international incident" and you don't want to be a part of that!

Looking for more tours and tickets in Seoul? Here are a few you should consider to make your Seoul vacation soulful!

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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DMZ JSA tour

Experience the mystery of the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the unique Joint Security Area! These sights should be at the top of every adventurous traveller’s bucket list. No other country in the world has such a remarkable historical division and simultaneous desire for peace. Create unforgettable moments and get insider cultural knowledge on our DMZ JSA tour!

* JSA tour bookings need to be made at least 7 days before your tour. * Children under 12 years old are not permitted to join this tour.

• Description
• Reviews (6)

What is the DMZ – Demilitarized Zone

The DMZ is the area surrounding the Demarcation Line (DML), which separates North and South Korea. About a half-century ago, the DML was drawn to keep the two countries physically separated.

This border came about from the need for peace between the two countries after the prolonged military and political tension. The DMZ is 250 kilometres long with a four-kilometre diameter.

North Korea is famous for being mysterious and very hard to visit. Our DMZ tours will allow you to get as close to the infamous country as possible and even look across the border!

What is the JSA – Joint Security Area

The JSA (Joint Security Area) is a shared space between North and South Korea. Here the two countries can coexist with the help of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC). This is the only place where South and North Korean forces stand face to face – a sight not to be missed!

The former village (Panmunjeom) sits just 60 kilometres northwest of Seoul and was initially called “Neolmun-ri.” The area is rectangular, with a size of 400×800 meters and is set up on the Military Demarcation Line, essentially making it neutral ground.

Here, you will find various buildings that accommodate negotiation talks and a few bridges of great historical importance.

Don’t miss this chance to see one of the unique corners of the world! Our DMZ JSA tour from Seoul is one of Korea’s most popular and loved tours, and we make sure that you see all these incredible landmarks in comfort.

JSA tour Regulations and Restrictions

The JSA is a unique area due to its purpose – to preserve peace, and therefore the United Nations Command (UNC) have some strict regulations to bear in mind.

Everyone wishing to visit must supply their passport and register at least 7 days in advance. We, therefore, request a full-colour copy of your passport page when booking. All members of your group should be at least 12 years old, and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In addition, the UNC limits the number of people that can visit daily. This limit means it can get booked up very quickly.

If you wish to avoid the restrictions and ensure there is enough space, we suggest you book our DMZ Half Day Tour . This way, you will still see everything there is to see at the DMZ but will not have to deal with pre-registration and limitations.

What to expect on our DMZ JSA tour – key features

Our tour has a very well-organized itinerary that makes sure you don’t miss a beat and are as comfortable as possible. Our pickup and drop-off location is City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6), a central and easily accessible location in Seoul to start and end the day.

We provide professional, licensed tour guides who will be there from start to finish to answer all of your questions. All transportation is included and we take care of all the entrance fees for you, so you don’t have to worry about the details!

One of the key features not to be missed on our DMZ JSA tour is looking into North Korea. You can get a very clear view across the border when the weather is good!

In addition, we will walk through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel dug by North Koreans in an attempt to attack the South. Don’t miss this chance to walk in the steps of the soldiers! The tunnel has a steep slope and is two meters tall and two meters wide. If you don’t feel comfortable in confined spaces, we invite you to wait for us by the exit.

Lastly, we will visit the infamous border between North and South Korea! This is an experience you cannot get anywhere else in the world!

Charge your camera – these are our tour highlights not to miss

Since this area is so rich in history, there are a few buildings and landmarks that you can not miss! We will make sure to cover them all on our tour. Here are all the details you need to know about these spots in advance.

Imjingak – a spiritual place for mourning

Sitting 53 kilometres northwest of Seoul, Imjingak is where South Koreans come to mourn their lost ancestors who have fallen in the Korean War.

This ritual happens on every Lunar New Year’s Day. It aims to comfort about ten million people who pay respects to their families lost in the North.

The Bridge of Freedom – crying “Hurrah!”

Until 1998, the Bridge of Freedom was the only direct link to Camp Greaves, Liberty Bell, and Panmunjeom.

According to the history books from the war period, about 13,000 captives crossed the bridge yelling “Hurrah!” for freedom, which gave this structure its name.

Feel the spirit of exaltation as the war has come to an end at this historic place on our DMZ JSA tour.

The Third Tunnel of Aggression – crawling through time

This hidden tunnel was discovered in October of 1978. Resembling Tunnel II, which both the North and South knew about, this one was secret! The tunnel’s location lies just 4 kilometres away from Truce Village (Panmunjeom).

The measurements of the tunnel are 1,635 kilometres long, 1.95 meters high, and 2.1 meters wide. It was made big enough to move an entire division per hour and was clearly built for a surprise attack on Seoul! So on our DMZ and JSA tour, we will have the chance to go inside and see the secret tunnel for ourselves!

DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall – an organised look into past events

If you’d like to track the events of the Korean War and see a significant amount of evidence, you would love the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall. Here, you can expect to see leaflets, bayonets, military letters, pottery, and empty cartridges.

These objects will give you an idea of what life was like during this challenging period and will transport you back in time.

Dora Observatory – see across the border inside North Korea

Due to stringent regulations, we aren’t allowed to go into North Korea, so instead, we make sure to get you as close as possible so you can have a look at the mysterious country! Dora Observatory is the closest point to North Korea.

Dorasan Station – the railway connecting North and South

Unification Bridge – the idea of peace is manifested

The Unification Bridge (Tongildaegyo) started as an idea of unification. It was built symbolically in 1998 by the Hyundai Business Group of South Korea and towers over the Imjingang River, which flows from North Korea.

The bridge got a peculiar nickname – “Cow Bridge.” This is because of the founder of Hyundai, Mr Jung Juyoung, who crossed the bridge going to North Korea in 1998, bringing 1001 cows.

Camp Bonifas – remembering a hero

Camp Bonifas is a military post that belongs to the United Nations. The site was previously known as “Kitty Hawk”, but on August 18, 1986, the name was changed to honour Captain Arthur G. Bonifas. The American captain was killed in the “axe murder incident”, so the camp was dedicated to him posthumously.

We will visit this camp during our DMZ and JSA tour. Here you will receive a briefing and watch a slide show from UN military personnel before visiting Joint Security Area.

Freedom House – a safe space for peace talks

The Freedom House is located on the south side of the JSA and was finished in July of 1998. The building has a modern design and four floors. It serves as the home to the “South and North Liaison Office” and “South and North Red Cross Liaison Office.”

This space aims to provide a safe zone for discussion, inter-Korean dialogues, and cultural exchanges aimed at peace.

Military Armistice Commission Conference Room – enforcing the historic agreement

The United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) was assembled in July 1953 at the end of the Korean War. Its goal is to ensure that peace is maintained and that the Korean Armistice Agreement is strictly enforced.

The conference room is where it meets. The North and South take turns using the conference rooms in the JSA, which have doors on both ends to ensure privacy and equal access.

Inter-Korean Peace House – leaving military matters aside

The Peace House was completed on December 19, 1969. It is used for talks that have nothing to do with the government or the military and is located 130 metres south of Freedom House.

This building was first constructed in 1980 when the two countries’ prime ministers needed a neutral place to meet and have a dialogue. It was later rebuilt in 1989 and is still used to this day.

Tongilgak (Unification Pavilion) – the hidden office

Tongilgak is a conference hall on the northern side of the JSA that has a similar function to the Peace House. It has mainly been used to house North Korea’s “South and North Liaison Office”, which has been the case since May 1992.

This is where various inter-Korean talks have taken place. Similar to the mysterious image of North Korea, this building is not easily visible. It’s located 100 meters northwest of Panmungak, and you need to actively look for it to see it!

Panmungak (Phanmun Pavilion) – a place for propaganda

Panmungak’s role in the Joint Security Area is to represent North Korea. The building was first constructed on September 2, 1969, and is where North Korean officials have their offices. The building also serves as the waiting room for UN officials who want to have a dialogue with North Korea.

The curious fact about Panmungak is that propaganda efforts take place here. The North is famous for its efforts to promote propaganda information against South Korea. One such example is the “Pan-Korean Convention” that happens every 5th of August. Moreover, this building was completely closed off to the North Korean public until 1964.

The Bridge of No Return – a place marked by a shocking event

You may recognise this bridge from the popular James Bond movie “Die Another Day”. This is also the bridge where the famous “axe murder incident” happened on August 18, 1976. The bridge became infamous as the spot where General Arthur Bonifas and First Lieutenant Mark Bennett were killed.

However, the original purpose of this bridge, which gave it its name, was to be a place where POWs (prisoners of war) were exchanged. Once a prisoner chose the country he wanted to go to, there was no coming back, hence the bridge of “no return”. Don’t miss the chance to see this tense and historically rich place on our DMZ JSA tour!

The Bridge of 72 Hours – a desperate need for access by North Korea

After the “axe murder incident” happened, the Bridge of No Return was shut down and was no longer in use. That meant that North Korea lost its access to the JSA. Shocked and desperate, the government decided to build a new one.

This is how the Bridge of 72 Hours appeared. It only took 72 hours for its completion, which was a massive effort on behalf of the North. This bridge connects Panmunjeom and the city of Kaesong to the north.

As you can see, the DMZ and JSA are two places extremely rich in history and unique in their cultural aspects. Be sure not to miss the chance to discover their mysteries with our DMZ JSA tour!

DMZ + JSA tour Itinerary

• Meet at City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6)
• Bridge of Freedom
• Third Tunnel of Aggression
• DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall
• Dora Observatory
• Pass by Unification Village
• Lunchtime at Imjingak Park
• Unification Bridge (Passport Check Point)
• Camp Bonifas (Slide Show and Briefing)
• JSA (Freedom House, Conference Room etc)
• Drop Off at City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6)

Our DMZ and JSA tour includes

• Fully licensed tour guide
• Transportation to and from the DMZ and JSA
• Entrance fees and tickets
• NO forced shopping stops

Additional Notes

• Please  bring your passport on the day for UNC military checkpoints.
• A full-colour scan of your passport picture page including the bar code at the bottom should be sent to us by email at least 7 days in advance.
• Payment has to be fully arranged at least 7 days before the tour date (by credit card).
• A 100% cancellation charge will be applied when cancelling within 7 days of the tour date.
• The above itinerary, time and price can be changed depending on the current situation.
• JSA tour bookings need to be made at least 7 days before your tour .
• Korean nationals cannot join this tour.
• The following dress code applies: Normal blue jeans are OK to wear, but no sleeveless shirts, t-shirts without the collar, short pants, skirts, sandals, military-looking clothes, or clothing with a country flag or name of the nationality on it.
• Children under 12 years old are not permitted to join this tour.
• The JSA is controlled by the United Nations Command (UNC), so there are limited seats due to restrictions.

6 reviews for DMZ JSA tour

Chris (verified owner) – May 5, 2023

Wow, all I can say is do this JSA tour if you possibly can. I did the normal DMZ tour which was great, but then did this JSA tour – it was fantastic and takes you even closer to the frontline and actually inside the DMZ itself to the JSA. Our guide Nancy was quite amazing and brilliant. I have done many great tours around the world – this is up there amongst the very best.

Wiola kawasaki – January 11, 2023

We had the most remarkable family tour.

Marsha – October 14, 2022

JSA DMZ Tour Option? Hello, is this tour still available?

Gareth Singh – September 25, 2019

So glad I booked this tour. Knew I wanted to do it after doing some research before arriving in Korea. I booked early after reading that this tour is difficult to get on dude to all the restrictions and military / political events. Found myself on a bus full of people from all different places. Some people on the bus could only do the first part of the tour because they didn’t book early enough, so be sure to book as early as you can!

Holly VIP Travel – November 5, 2019

Dear , Gareth Above all thank you for review of the DMZ + JSA tour .

Yes , as the JSA is managed by UN community , the tour is only available on certain days with limited seats … So most of time the tour is fully booked in advanced .

You were very lucky to join the DMZ + JSA tour with VIP : )) Haha Hope you can join the tour next time with us if you ever come back to Korea .

Thank you Holly

Tony – September 20, 2019

When we asked our hotel to recommend a tour that visited both dmz and jsa they told us VIP Travel. They said they are well known for having the best dmz and city tours. The hotel staff gave us VIP’s brochure and left us to it, so we decided to give them a try. They quickly managed to get us a spot on the DMZ JSA tour 6 days later. Sophie from the booking staff was super helpful and informative and took care of everything for us. The tour was incredible. You can feel the emotion as you walk around, through tunnels and visiting the camp. So glad we booked it and had such a good time that we are booked on a city tour for tomorrow aswell.

Dear , Tony Above all thank you for the review of DMZ and JSA tour.

Yes Sophie is one of our fast staff that always trying to help our customer . Really great that you got spot for the DMZ and JSA tour as the seats are very limited for tour and always fully booked .

Hope you have enjoyed the city tour as well with us : ) Please come back to VIP if you every comeback to Korea.

We always treat our customer as VIP Holly

Dave and Michele – August 27, 2019

Can now say we have visited both sides of the DMZ JSA border, having previously visited North Korea. Really enjoyed VIP’s take on this tour. Guides were top class and everything went smoothly. Managed to get some great pics and wife enjoyed herself too even though she was originally not that keen to visit again just 2 weeks later.

Dear, Dave Above all thank you for the review of DMZ and JSA tour .

I will pass to the tour guide that you have enjoyed the tour with us : ) Hope you can join some other tours with us if you every comeback to Korea!

We always treat our customer as VIP Thank you Holly

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Best DMZ Tour From Seoul (No Forced Shopping)

In-Person Guided Tours

• Virtual Tours
• About the Guides
• Request a Speaker
• About the UN
• Teach The UN
• Explore UN Headquarters
• Visitors Services

Standard Guided Tour

• Visit the United Nations in the heart of New York City! A one-hour guided tour offers an exciting opportunity to discover UN Headquarters. One of our multilingual Tour Guides will take you on a brief journey through the corridors of international diplomacy. You will learn about the history and work of the United Nations and visit the famous General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber (meetings permitting).
• Tours are offered in all six official languages of the United Nations ( Arabic , Chinese , English , French , Russian , Spanish ), as well as in additional languages in high demand. Tours in languages other than English may be available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for availability.
• Children ages 5 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult . Unfortunately, children under 5 are not permitted on tour .
• The United Nations Headquarters is accessible for persons with disabilities or with a mobility impairment. Visitors may request the use of a wheelchair when checking in.
• Guided Tours are also offered at other United Nations Offices around the world, including   Geneva ,   Nairobi   and   Vienna .

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Garden Tour

• Special tours of the UN's North Lawn are offered from May through August .
• Take a stroll around the gardens with their exceptional rose collection and iconic cherry trees: learn about the story behind the “George and the Dragon” statue, see an actual segment of the Berlin Wall, and discover a “hidden gem” honouring one of the most important women in the history of the United Nations: Eleanor Roosevelt.

BOOK THE GARDEN TOUR HERE

Please note that the Garden Tour is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. 

Art Tour

• Visit the unique art collection of the United Nations Headquarters! The UN gifts collection is a combination of artworks, historic objects, and architectural components donated by member states, foundations, and individual donors since 1950. Many of the most prominent figures in the art world, such as Marc Chagall, Candido Portinari, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, are represented in the UN collection. In this tour, you will see a selection of the artworks located in the building, and will access the Security Council, the General Assembly Hall, as well as the Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council Chambers, meetings permitting.
• The Art Tour is available every other Thursday at 1:15 pm and  upon request , please contact [email protected]

BOOK THE ART TOUR HERE

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Architecture Tour

• The UN architecture tour is dedicated to a marvel of modernist design and international style - the UN headquarters building in New York. Our tour will explore the fascinating history behind the “Workshop for Peace”, a collaborative effort of 11 renowned architects from around the world to build a home for the United Nations, and explore how this ‘workshop’ reinforces and accommodates peacebuilding and multilateralism until this day.
• The Architecture Tour is available every other Tuesday at 1:00 pm and  upon request , please contact [email protected]

BOOK THE ARCHITECTURE TOUR HERE

Children's Tour

• Children aged 5 to 10 are invited to learn more about the UN and how to be global citizens on a special UN Children’s Tour . A special child-friendly “Kids  Corridor” features wall-sized world maps, mounted flags of the Security Council’s members,  an actual refugee tent and more!  Interactive games with the Tour Guides , quizzes and role-playing help young visitors understand the work of the UN and how it relates to their daily lives. Please note: the Children's Tour does not access the Conference Building. Participants will visit the Kids Corridor and the General Assembly Hall (meetings permitting). 
• The Children's Tour is available on   Fridays at 1:30 pm and  upon request , please contact [email protected]

BOOK THE CHILDREN'S TOUR HERE

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Black History Tour

• Come celebrate Black History at the United Nations by taking our special Black History Tour!
• The Black History-themed Tour of the United Nations will grant you a unique look at the Ark of Return, a permanent memorial in honor of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, located on the United Nations Visitors Plaza. The special tour will also include access to the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber and the General Assembly Hall (meetings permitting). You will learn about the contribution of people of African descent to the work of the United Nations in fields such as peace and security and human rights, with a special emphasis on decolonization.
• The Black History Tour is available every other Tuesday at 1:30 pm and  upon request , please contact [email protected]

BOOK THE BLACK HISTORY TOUR HERE

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Focus on Women Tour

• The Focus on Women Tour introduces significant contributions of women to the United Nations (UN) work on Peace & Security, Human Rights and Development. Women make up more than half of the world’s population, and although their voices have often been silenced, their resilience and insight have made them agents of change! This Tour will cover women who have influenced the history of the UN as an organisation, as well as topics such as Security Council resolution 1325 on the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts; the unique and growing contribution of women in Peace Operations; Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment; and other General Assembly milestones helping advance the status of women around the world. In addition, the tour will showcase the gift of Panama in the General Assembly Lobby, a traditional Mola style tapestry that was made by indigenous Kuna women.
• The Focus on Women Tour will also include access to the Security Council Chamber, the Economic and Social Council Chamber, and the General Assembly Hall, meetings permitting.
• The Focus on Women Tour is available every other Wednesday at 1:30 pm and  upon request , please contact [email protected]

BOOK THE FOCUS ON WOMEN TOUR HERE

   The United Nations Headquarters is accessible to persons with disabilities.

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• A maximum of 20 people are allowed per tour.

Price and Payment

Individual Tickets:

Rates for individual tickets to join our In-Person Guided Tours at the UN Headquarters are:

• Adult:  $26.00
• Student (Ages 13+ with student ID):  $18.00
• Senior (Ages 60+):  $18.00
• Child (Ages 5-12*):  $15.00

A 6% booking fee will apply. 

Group Tickets:

Rates for group tickets to join our In-Person Guided Tours at the UN Headquarters are:

1 Private Group Tour Block = up to 20 People

• Adult Block:  $520.00
• Student Block (Ages 13+ with student ID):  $376.00
• Senior Block (Ages 60+):  $360.00
• Child Block (Ages 5-12*):  $344.00

A 3% booking fee will apply. 

Before purchasing your tickets, please note that:

• For security reasons, children  under 5 years of age are not permitted  on tour.
• For groups which combine different age categories, the pricing will reflect the majority of participants.
• We accept only credit card payments.
• All sales are final - no exchanges or refunds are offered.
• To purchase Tickets for In-Person Guided Tours , please CLICK HERE .
• Guided tour tickets may also be purchased onsite based on availability. 
• Tours in languages other than English may be available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for availability.

Kristi Noem’s increasingly bizarre Kim Jong Un story

The South Dakota governor’s book tour is a testament to the GOP’s Trump-era push to never back down and focus instead on planting seeds of doubt.

“This is really a book that talks about how we’re not going back,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi L. Noem (R) told CBS News on Sunday. “We’re not going back to the days before Donald Trump. Donald Trump broke politics. And I think that’s a good thing.”

Noem, a potential Trump VP pick, is certainly right about his breaking politics, but perhaps not in the way she meant.

Her game attempt to proceed with a media tour promoting her book despite alleged inaccuracies and a story about killing her dog is a testament to the thoroughly Trumpian impulse to just push on through — while avoiding facts.

To recap: Not only has Noem faced bipartisan backlash for her story about her young dog Cricket, but other anecdotes in the book have also been called into question in recent days . There’s the meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un that seems unlikely to have happened. And there is the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron she says she canceled, and the threatening conversation with former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley she says she recalled. (Representatives for Macron and Haley have rejected her accounts.)

Through it all, Noem and her office have offered shifting accounts and, especially on the Kim story, proven bizarrely evasive.

After the South Dakota Scout last week questioned the Kim meeting — there is no record of it; Noem was a backbencher in Congress at the time; and relations between the countries were especially frosty, leading some experts to conclude there’s no way it took place — Noem and her office set about cleaning up.

Her spokesman initially cited “ conflated world leaders’ names in the book ” and said they would be addressed — a clear suggestion that Kim was mixed up with someone else.

But since then, Noem has declined repeated attempts to explain the situation. She won’t even say that she didn’t meet Kim.

CBS anchors asked her twice Sunday and twice more Monday whether she met with Kim, and Noem punted each time.

“I’m saying that I’m not talking about that meeting — I’m not talking about my meetings with world leaders,” Noem said Monday morning.

Pressed one more time on whether she met with Kim, Noem responded: “That’s the answer that I have for you, is that it will be adjusted” in the book.

Part of the problem with Noem’s saying she met Kim is that his first known foreign trip after taking power in 2011 was in 2018 . Her book claims she met him before then.

CBS’s Margaret Brennan posited that Noem had never been to North Korea. Noem responded, “I have been there.” But she proceeded to talk about visiting the demilitarized zone, or DMZ, between North and South Korea.

“There are details in this book that talk about going to the DMZ and specifics that I’m willing to share,” Noem said. “There’s some specifics I’m not willing to share with you.”

Does Noem want people to believe the meeting might have actually happened but she just can’t talk about it? That’s difficult to square with the initial comment about conflating world leaders’ names. And even if the newer implication is correct, it would mean she put a meeting she wasn’t supposed to talk about in her book, which could certainly lead to questions about her judgment.

Noem was also evasive Sunday when Brennan noted that Noem recorded the audio edition of her book.

“You didn’t catch these errors when you were recording it?” Brennan asked. (Noem’s office has admitted to using an incorrect date for the phone call with Haley.)

Noem avoided the question, saying merely: “Well, Margaret, as soon as it was brought to my attention, I took action to make sure that it was reflected.”

Noem has set about claiming persecution by the media, noting the number of times Brennan interrupted her, for instance.

“What I talk about in the book extensively, when people are able to get it on Tuesday, is to see the whole story and the truth, not the spin that the media has put on this story,” Noem said.

She added later: “I hope that they will buy it. They’ll find a lot of truthful stories.”

As for one of the book’s most publicized stories, though, it appears the truth just can’t — or won’t — be told.

Full transcript of "Face the Nation," May 5, 2024

On this "Face the Nation" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan: 

• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem , a Republican
• Sen. John Fetterman , Democrat of Pennsylvania
• Rep. Ro Khanna , Democrat of California
• Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan

Click  here to browse full transcripts of "Face the Nation."   

MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan.

And this week on Face the Nation: Campus chaos continues from coast to coast.

Plus, South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem kicks off her book tour today, and we have got the first interview.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Campus protests tied to the war between Israel and Hamas spilled into the weekend.

And with no breakthrough yet in Mideast negotiations for a short-term cease-fire and hostage release, the political pressure on President Biden builds. He tries to calm the domestic furor.

JOE BIDEN (President of the United States): Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder. There's the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We will talk with two key Democrats as those protests continue, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and California Congressman Ro Khanna.

Plus: Have South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's chances to become former President Trump's running mate been helped or hurt by some controversial revelations she makes about herself in her new book? She's just back from a Republican gathering with Trump in Palm Beach.

Finally, our conversation with Jordan's Queen Rania. She's of Palestinian descent and shares her views about the war in Gaza and her hopes for peace in the region.

It's all just ahead on Face the Nation.

Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.

We begin this morning with the Republican governor of the state of South Dakota, Kristi Noem. Her upcoming memoir, "No Going Back," is out this Tuesday.

And she joins us from Watertown, South Dakota.

Welcome back to Face the Nation.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM (R-South Dakota): Thank you, Margaret. Thank you for inviting me to be on with you today.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Governor, I have your book right here.

The very first blurb in it is an endorsement from Donald Trump. He says: "This book, it's a winner, lays out a fantastic plan to make America great again."

I know you're back from a gathering with Mr. Trump and other Republicans in Florida. Did he mention any of the response to your book at all?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Oh, he certainly knows about the book, and I appreciate his endorsement of it.

You know, this is really a book that talks about how we're not going back. It's – we're not going back to the days before Donald Trump. Donald Trump broke politics. And I think that's a good thing. We're not going back to the days of Mitt Romney or the Bushes, that now there's a new way to do and talk to the American people, and they appreciate it.

It's an honest, genuine conversation about what these citizens can do to take back their government and to have more input. So this book is really a how-to guide for how to make your voice heard and how – for people in this country, what they can do to really make sure that they are getting genuine elected officials that really want to give them more freedom and liberty.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you write about lessons learned in leadership, and you bring up some specific incidents I want to ask you about.

You talk about meeting some world leaders and one specific one – quote – "I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. I'm sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants. I have been a children's pastor after all."

Did you meet Kim Jong-un?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, you know, as soon as this was brought to my attention, I certainly made some changes and looked at this – this passage.

And I have met with many, many world leaders. I have traveled around the world. As soon as it was brought to my attention, we went forward and have made some edits. So I'm glad that this book is being released in a couple of days, and that those edits will be in place, and that people will – will have the updated version.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you did not meet with Kim Jong-un? That's what you're saying.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: No, I have met with many, many world leaders, many world leaders. I have traveled around the world, I think I have talked extensively in this book about my time serving in Congress, my time as governor, before governor, some of the travels that I have had.

I'm not going to talk about my specific meetings with world leaders, I'm just not going to do that. This anecdote shouldn't have been in the book. And as soon as it was brought to my attention, I made sure that that was adjusted.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: So, the book is not released until Tuesday.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And so we're doing all that we can to make sure that those changes are made. And I'm going to continue to focus on what this book is, and the blueprint that it lays out for the American citizen on all of the things in the background and stories of my life, but also what I think that needs to be identified in politics and was broken today.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I talk about how broken the money game is, how broken it is that – that we've got consultants that are getting rich off of elected officials, and then how fake some elected politicians are.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Every single person in this country wants someone in elected office that's – that's a human being, that doesn't say they're perfect.

I take responsibility for that being in the book. And as soon as it was brought to my attention, I asked for it to be changed. So I'm glad that the release date is in a couple of days. And we're excited to talk to America about my new book, "No Going Back."

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you talk about your time in the Armed Services Committee from 2013 to 2015. In that period of time, the leader of South Korea was a female president.

I'm wondering, who is it that you confused Kim Jong-un with?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, I think you need to remember, Margaret, and everybody needs to remember that I have worked on ag policy and federal policy for over 30 years.

My time in serving and making policies in this country has been extensive and covered decades.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right, but you never went to North Korea.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: So, I make no specifics in this book. I talk about the fact that – yes, I have. I have been there.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You went – you went to North Korea?

(CROSSTALK)

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I went to the DMZ. And there are details – there details in this book that talk about going to the DMZ and specifics that I'm willing to share.

There's some specifics I'm not willing to share with you. I have traveled the world, and I visited with world leaders. And some of that is referenced in the book. And this anecdote is something that, when it was brought to my attention…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … we made some changes. And when the book is released, we'll do all that we can to see that – that that is reflected.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.

Well, I'm asking you about that specifically, because you – you made the point to bring him up twice, and that he was a little tyrant.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Do you have a question for me, Margaret?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes, I do.

South Korea is a treaty ally. North Korea is a nuclear-armed adversary, so that's a…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Hello?

MARGARET BRENNAN: … pretty big thing to confuse.

I know you read this book before it was published…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm sorry. I…

MARGARET BRENNAN: … because you released video of your recording of the audiobook.

You didn't catch these errors when you were recording it?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, Margaret, as soon as it was brought to my attention, I took action to make sure that it was reflected.

And, listen, this is what is so discouraging about politics and the media today, is that we have the White House that just recently came out and confirmed that President Joe Biden has misspoken, has made mistakes, has even outright lied over close to 150 times just this year.

And you've done nothing to question him on any of that. And you're – you're talking about a book that hasn't been released yet, that's been corrected before it's been released. And you haven't said one thing about Joe Biden saying that he was in prison with Nelson Mandela, that he started the civil rights movement, that he drove an 18-wheeler, that his uncle was eaten by cannibals.

MARGARET BRENNAN: If I had an interview with Joe Biden, who I have asked for multiple times, I will definitely ask him about his record.

But I'm asking you about your book here, which we have. So…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, I'm just asking – I'm just asking for why – why am I being treated differently than every other person that you've interviewed? I have looked at your last several weeks of your interviews.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm quoting you.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: You don't – you don't interrupt other people. You let them talk.

Thank you for inviting me to have this conversation about this book. This book is extremely important to the people of this country. It is important, because it's a how-to guide of what they can do to have input into their government, how we need breakers and builders in this world.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Mm-hmm.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And I'm taking responsibility for the change that we've made. And the buck stops with me.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, and for the mistake in the book?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And I have told you that, and I'm – no, it's not. What I have said is that I have decided that this anecdote should…

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're not taking responsibility for the mistakes in the book?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I have decided this – I – I am saying that this book is very, very good. And I have met with many world leaders, and that I – there are world leaders that I have met with that are in this book.

There are many that I met with that are not in this book.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And this is an anecdote that – that I asked to have removed, because I think it's appropriate at this point in time.

But I'm not going to talk to you about those personal meetings that I have had with world leaders.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm just not going to have that conversation, because I think it's important.

You do mention Benjamin Netanyahu as well, though, in it among world leaders. In an interview with "TIME" magazine this week, former President Donald Trump was asked about Israel and Hamas, and he said – quote – "Bibi Netanyahu rightfully has been criticized for what took place on October 7."

Do you agree with Mr. Trump?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I think that Bibi Netanyahu is a strong leader who's leading Israel through extremely difficult times.

October 7 was horrific, and the crimes that Hamas committed against the Jewish people were absolutely awful, and that the United States of America should stand strong with our allies in the Middle East. I'm proud to – to know the Jewish people and their leaders over many, many years.

And I think that what Hamas is doing and the atrocities that were committed are horrific, and that we should never stand for the antisemitism that we see going on in the United States of America. And what's – happens on our college campuses is absolutely devastating. It should be shut down immediately.

I'm disappointed that President Joe Biden didn't take action immediately to stop these violent crimes against the Jewish people that have happened on our own college campuses right here in the United States of America. It should have never been allowed and it should be stopped today.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, so you don't agree with Mr. Trump's statement there.

I want to ask you again about the book. I – I know you know this question is coming, because there's been such an enormous backlash about your revelation that you shot and killed a wirehaired pointer named Cricket who was 14 months old.

You say in the book she came from another family that struggled with her aggression. You'd been training her to hunt. She got too excited, ruined the hunt, and then attacked and killed some chickens.

I wonder if you have regrets about sharing this story.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: You know, Margaret, this book is filled with vulnerable, painful moments in my life, filled with times where I have made very difficult decisions.

The reason that this story is in the book because people need to understand who I am and some of those difficult decisions. This was a dangerous animal that was killing livestock and attacking people. And – and I had little children at the time. Our operation had many kids running around and people and interaction with the public.

And I made a difficult choice. I think you're a mother too. And you have little kiddos. Would you make a choice between your children or a dangerous animal? And I think I would ask everybody in the country to put themselves in that situation.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Because that's what I faced. And I talk about it because what I'm tired of in this country is politicians who pretend to be something that they're not, that they aren't willing to have the hard conversations and look at the past and the tough decisions that they've made.

I'm – what I talk about in the book extensively when people are able to get it on Tuesday is to see the whole story and the truth, not the spin that the media has put on this story. The media has put some or removed – removed most of the facts and – and what – the reason this is in there…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … is because I want people to know that I don't ask anybody else to take on my responsibilities.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But you…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I understood my responsibility. And, as a mom, I made a choice between protecting my children, and protecting them from a dangerous animal that was killing livestock and attacking people.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And that's the decision that I made. I…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, I – I described – I described, I think accurately, how you wrote it up in the book.

You didn't say the dog attacked people. You said it had tried to bite you. And I just wonder why you concluded that a young dog…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: … was untrainable and not just take it to a shelter?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: This dog was a – well, this dog was a working dog. And it had come from a family that already had issues with this dog.

And I had put months and months of training into this dog. This dog had gone to other trainers as well. So – so, all of that is the facts of the story. And all of that shows that, when you put someone in a position where they have to make a – a decision, and they want to protect their family, and protect children and other people from getting attacked…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … from an animal that has attacked others and killed livestock, that's the choice I made over 20 years ago.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … and that I didn't ask somebody else to take – take that responsibility for me, that I had to make that decision myself.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Because you put it in a part of a chapter called "Bad Day to Be a Goat."

And then, after you shot the dog, you – quote – "realized another unpleasant job needed to be done. Walking back up to the yard, I spotted our billy goat." You said he smelled and would chase kids, so you took him to the gravel pit and shot him twice.

How – how do you justify that? How was the goat a threat? And I'm asking you this because it seems like you're celebrating the killing of the animals.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Not at all.

This has been a story that my political opponents have tried to use against me for years. It's well known in South Dakota, and it has been to other people. And I want the truth to be out there and to understand that – that these animals were attacking my children, that – that we live on a farm and ranch, and the tough decisions are made many times.

And it is – it is to protect people. And I will tell you, the – the extremism of other people and how they have attacked me politically, I understand it. They're doing the same thing to me that they do to Donald Trump every day…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … every day, the constant attacks and coming after me.

I – during COVID, I was attacked night after night for months after month for the decisions that I made. In fact, you and many other journalists attacked me every single day on TV for months for the decisions that I made in South Dakota, for my people to protect their freedoms and their liberties.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I think we had a very – I think we had a very fair interview.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: So – so, I'm – I'm used to being attacked.

MARGARET BRENNAN: … when you joined us, ma'am, at that time.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, I was…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Yes, I was…

MARGARET BRENNAN: And I thanked you for answering questions on it.

But on the – on this point, though, because you have been rumored to be a potential vice presidential candidate, as you know. And former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said: "Killing the dog and then writing about it ended any possibility of her being picked as V.P."

You talk multiple times about it. In fact, at the end of the book, you say the very first thing you would do if you got to the White House that was different from Joe Biden, is you'd make sure Joe Biden's dog was nowhere on the grounds. "Commander, say hello to Cricket."

Are you doing this to try to look tough? Do you still think that you have a shot at being a V.P.?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, number one, Joe Biden's dog has attacked 24 Secret Service people. So, how many people is enough people to be attacked and dangerously hurt before you make a decision on a dog and what to do with it?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, he's not living at the White House anymore.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: That's – that's a question that the president should be held accountable to.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're saying he should be shot?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: That what's the president should be accountable to, is, what is – what is the number?

And I would say, about Republicans criticizing me, these are the same Republicans have criticized me during COVID. They've criticized me when I have made other decisions in South Dakota to protect my state. And my state today is extremely happy and thriving. We're doing well.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: We've got thousands of people moving to our state because they love the opportunities that are here and the businesses that have come and how we've gotten to be…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … a state that has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.

Everybody has an opportunity for higher wages. We've got revenues and reserves. We paid off our debt. We've got a AAA credit rating.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: We've got a fully funded pension system. We were the first state in the nation to…

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you're not going to retract the book?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … to really go after and to prevent China…

MARGARET BRENNAN: And, Governor…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I – this book is a powerful book. It's an honest book. It's an honest book of a blueprint for America of what citizens can do here to take their country back.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And I'm so proud of this book and – and what it will bring to people. I hope that they will buy it. They'll find a lot of truthful stories.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And we talk a lot about what we can use as an example from Donald Trump on how he has continued to be a real person, been genuine, and been honest to people, and that what bothers me the most about politicians is when they're fake.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But if you have to retract it or parts of it…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm not – I'm not retracting anything.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm not retracting anything.

MARGARET BRENNAN: All right. All right, Governor…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: No, absolutely. This book…

MARGARET BRENNAN: … thank you for taking the questions and joining us today.

Face the Nation will be back in a minute. Stay with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: There were more crackdowns this weekend on anti-war protests and encampments.

Early this morning, police moved in on the campus of USC in Los Angeles and quickly dispersed protesters. It's just the latest in a series of sweeps by law enforcement and schools losing patience.

Our Mark Strassmann has the latest.

MARK STRASSMANN (voice-over): At the University of Virginia on Saturday, police at times sprayed a chemical irritant to help arrest roughly 25 protesters and take down a tent city.

At the Art Institute of Chicago, a new encampment lasted only hours on Saturday. Police moved in. They made at least 68 arrests.

And a new disruption at the University of Michigan's commencement. Dozens of protesters chanted and waved Palestinian flags. But the event went on. For many schools, this month's new challenge, graduation, doing it well in the face of all this protest. Here in L.A., USC's plan? Canceling its main commencement exercise this Friday.

Student journalist Liv Kelleher has covered it all here, the protests, police raids, the ongoing show of force.

LIV KELLEHER (Student Journalist): My view is, administration should have handled this differently. I think the calling in of LAPD was excessive.

MARK STRASSMANN: But the administrators' message to protesters: Enough.

At UCLA last week, counterprotesters started brawling with people inside the encampment. Later in the week, police moved in, arresting more than 200 people.

In a couple hours at Columbia, the NYPD retook a campus building seized by demonstrators. One officer accidentally fired his gun. No one was hit, more than 100 people arrested. Several schools, like Vassar and Brown, negotiated with demonstrators. In some cases, administrators agreed to talk about protesters' demands to divest from funding, investments and partnerships with the state of Israel. The protesters went back to their dorms.

But at roughly 80 schools, unrest still fractures campus, with clashing claims of free speech and hate speech.

MARGARET BRENNAN: That was our Mark Strassmann.

And we turn now to Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. He joins us from Orlando, Florida, this morning, where he spent the weekend campaigning on behalf of President Biden's reelection.

Welcome to the show, Senator.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN (D-Pennsylvania): Hi.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Hi.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: Good to be here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Great to have you here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're cracking up. Do you want to tell us what you're responding to there?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: Oh, that – that interview, that was – that was magnificent. No, I – I…

Well, let me ask you about Democrats and your own party. I know you've been spending a lot of time on that this past weekend. You've been outspoken about these protesters we were just talking about with our reporter there. The director of national intelligence testified this week that there is no U.S. intelligence that Hamas is influencing the protests in the U.S. or directing it in any way.

But I know you have said: "While it's a great American value to protest, I don't believe living in a pup tent for Hamas is really helpful.

Do you consider the flying of the Palestinian flag to be antisemitic, or have you actually seen the Hamas flag in some of these protests?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: No. No, I – I don't think that, but – but I will – I will say that these kinds of protests haven't been helpful.

And, ironically, they are actually working against peace in the Middle East as – as well. And it's also very strange to me that now they're not actually protesting for a cease-fire now. And there's been a very valid cease-fire that's been on the table now, and Hamas has been – refused to take that on.

And I don't know why we're not – if we're going to – protesting, why aren't we protesting that, demanding Hamas to take that kind of a – a cease-fire? And then that would – that would end all of the – the trauma and the chaotic going on there in Gaza.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, many of these young protesters are protesting against President Biden's Israel policy, Israel being a recipient of U.S. taxpayer dollars and U.S.-provided weapons. Hamas is not. Hamas is a designated terror group.

So do you have any problem with the attempt to influence the president's policy through protest?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: Well, like I said, I don't – I don't – I will never support any kind of conditions on Israel during this.

And, again, I would – I am going to continue to center Hamas as responsible for all of that again, then.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: And, now, if you're going to protest on these campuses, or now what – they're going all across America as well too.

I really want to – can't forget that the situation right now could end right now if Hamas just surrendered, and they just sent all of those hostages home again. And that's also a thing that I have been frustrated too, is now that those hostages should be really in front of the conversations about the situation in Gaza. Sending them home would really, you know, end, again, all of this immediately.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Mm-hmm. Well, understood, but these protesters – are you saying that, by protesting the president's policy, you just see any opposition to the president's policy as Pro-Hamas? Or is it something specific that you have an issue with?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: I mean, it's perfectly – it's perfectly normal, if you don't agree with the president on this issue or many other issues.

But it's very strange that, when we have this incredible, important election right in front of us – we're about six months to go – and it's really two stark choices.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: You have Joe Biden, an outstanding president, and then you have Donald Trump, who's actually now in a trial talking about bribing a former adult film star.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: And it's really kind of a stark, stark contrast here.

And – and if you're willing to walk away from Joe Biden…

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: … it's inevitable you're actually supporting Trump.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, I need to talk to you about other issues affecting this election on the other side of this break.

So, please stay with us, Senator. We'll be back.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We will be right back.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to FACE THE NATION.

We return to our conversation with Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman.

Senator, you said the other day that you'd vote for a Senate version of that House anti-Semitism bill. The ACLU said federal law already prohibits anti-Semitic discrimination and that this bill would chill free speech. Do these concerns resonate with you?

SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN (D-PA): I don't - I don't disagree with that. I was one of the co-leader sponsors of that bill. So, I'm - of course I'm going to vote yes on that. And I think it's a very valid concern that really allowed that – that - I mean that's an overwhelming vote, a bipartisan vote in the House as well, I think. It's - it's - it's a great bill, and I look forward to voting for it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But, sorry, just to clarify, you agree with the ACLU saying that it's wrong to equate criticism of the Israeli government with anti-Semitism?

JOHN FETTERMAN: No. Well, I - I - I'm not really sure what's really the - I don't - I don't agree - I mean I do think that a lot of the criticism right now during this - the Gaza war, I think at its root does have some anti- Semitism there as well too.

Now, it's - you know, you don't have to agree with the Israeli government, but - but a lot of the protesting and a lot of the words that are - that are being thrown around on a lot of these campuses, you know, are actually very anti-Semitism.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes. OK, yes, I was just - the ACLU comment was on that House bill, that's why I wanted to clarify that.

So, you, as we mentioned, have been in Florida for this Democratic fundraiser. Our CBS polling shows that President Biden is in a really tight race in your home state of Pennsylvania with Mr. Trump. Sixty-one percent of registered voters say the economy in Pennsylvania was better during the Trump era, 55 percent said Mr. Biden makes them feel worried, versus 48 percent who say Trump. How tight is this race going to be?

JOHN FETTERMAN: Sorry, we're having a technical issue.

I was asking you about CBS polling showing a very tight race in the state of Pennsylvania. Are you able to hear me, sir?

JOHN FETTERMAN: The - it's not - it's not working.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK. All right, I'll ask one more time, sir, if you can hear me -

JOHN FETTERMAN: Now it's working. Now it's working. Now I can, yes. OK.

JOHN FETTERMAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: In the state of Pennsylvania, our CBS polling shows it's going to be a very tight presidential race for Joe Biden to be re-elected.

JOHN FETTERMAN: Correct.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The issue of the economy is of paramount importance. And in your state, our polling shows there's more confidence in Trump's leadership on the economy than in Biden's. And this is very acute around the issue of oil and gas. How worried are you?

JOHN FETTERMAN: I'm not - I'm not worried about that. And I want to be very clear, Joe Biden beat - he beat Trump in Pennsylvania and he's going to do that again. But it's going to be very close. Absolutely. I've been calling that - I've been having that same conversation since 2016, that it's going to be very competitive. And now oil and gas, of course, that's an issue, but it's not going to be – it's going to define the race. And that's - for sure. Again, it - we have that two very stark choice between those two. And it's - it's very clear that - it's - it's not going to be a defining factor for sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, we're going to have a lot of focus on your state in the coming months.

Senator, thank you for your time today.

We'll be right back.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We're joined now by California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna.

Good to have you here.

And you've been, I know, visiting college campuses across the country, in Michigan, Nevada, and the Biden campaign recently sent you to Wisconsin. Are we at the point now where the protesters are becoming a story onto themselves and a distraction from the issues that they're protesting?

REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): No, I don't think so. I mean in Wisconsin the issues that came up first were abortion right, second the cost of living and what the president was going to do on student loans and for housing and rent. Gaza came up. But, you know, one of the conversations in Madison with Jewish Americans and Arab Americans was extraordinary civil, thoughtful and constructive. So, I think in a lot of campuses, there are 4,000 of them in the United States, there is actually constructive dialog taking place.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But the president isn't doing those kind of listening sessions. Why?

RO KHANNA: Well, I think the president should and will get out there on campuses. I think –

MARGARET BRENNAN: He gets shouted down "genocide Joe" when he goes to events.

RO KHANNA: And look, that's part of protests. I condemn any protest that incites violence or that is anti-Semitic. As someone's whose grandfather spent four years in jail with Ghandi, I mean the whole point of satyagraha (ph) was non-violent protests.

But we have to understand that this is a defining moment for this generation, similar to anti-Vietnam protests, anti-apartheid protests, anti-Iraq War protests. And they're telling us that over 30,000 people have died. It's time for this war to end. It's time for the hostages to be released that Hamas has, and they want to see leadership in America and around the world. This is not the world that they want.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the president, though, has said the protests aren't making him change his policy. He is unequivocally pro-Israel. It was a month ago he said something had to change or U.S. policy would. Do you expect any change in U.S. policy as a result?

RO KHANNA: I do. And I slightly disagree. I think the protests and the larger movement have had the president change. I mean you look at the president now talking about some of the consequences that could have on Netanyahu, the Aras Canal - the Aras opening opened. The United States didn't veto the cease-fire resolution in the United Nations after three attempts.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Admits (ph) that it was non-binding.

RO KHANNA: Said not binding, but at least, look, everyone from the president on down is aware that young people are upset at what's going on in the Middle East. And I do think it's had an awakening in Washinton that this war has to end, that too many people are dying. And if you look at the president's language, it's certainly shifted over the last six months. Now, some of us want there to be consequences.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right. And this week we know there's this May 8th deadline for the administration to provide a report about whether Israel and other recipients of U.S. military aid are using those weapons in accordance with law and whether or not they are blocking humanitarian aid. Is this going to be an honest accounting?

RO KHANNA: I hope so. There's an independent task force that has issued the report as well. And - all ready.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They're trying to pre-butt -

RO KHANNA: To pre-butt -

MARGARET BRENNAN: What the administration may put out because they are pretty clear in that non-government report that they do think there are violations.

RO KHANNA: Yes. And let's be nuanced about what the report says, because it's actually very thoughtful. They say, look, the Hamas attacks on October 7th were brutal, unjustified. Then they say there are tunnels underground in Gaza, but they say you can't go destroying residential buildings just because there's a tunnel because under international law you can't have disproportionate civilian harm. And they detail cases where that happens. They detail cases where residential buildings were destroyed without any military target. So, my expectation is that the State Department report needs to have that kind of nuance and detail. And if it doesn't, you're going to have people asking why in Congress.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, while you were talking about very specific policy changes for very specific allegations, you also see at some of these protests things that are mixed in there, either outside agitators or extreme rhetoric. Your Democratic colleague, Elissa Slotkin, was just tweeting about this protest at GW University. She said there were individuals shouting guillotine, guillotine and having a mock trial of school administrators. She says that's that creates a climate of fear for Jewish students.

What's being lost here in the conversation?

RO KHANNA: Well, she's right, I mean you can't shout guillotine, guillotine. You can't be shouting globalize the intifada or Zionists don't deserve to live. What's being lost is that those few protesters who are inciting violence or engaging in that kind of anti-Semitism are diminishing the thousands of young people who simply want the war to end.

And I guess I would say look to John Lewis or Dr. King. They, in their protests, were above reproach. If some individual engaged in bigotry, they called them out first and loudly. So, I'm proud of a lot of the young people who want to end the war, but they need to show the discipline.

And some universities have. Look at Cornell. Look at University of Minnesota. Look at what's happening at Northwestern. There have been efforts not to have the police in, to have dialog with the student protesters, to have much more peace and calm. And there are models for what can work in this country.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Congressman, it's always interesting to hear from you.

RO KHANNA: Thank you, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for telling us what you're seeing out there on college campuses.

We'll be back in a moment.

MARGARET BRENNAN: This week the king of Jordan will meet with President Biden at the White House. Jordan is a key ally of the U.S., and for the past 30 years has had a peace treaty with Israel. We spoke with his partner, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan on Thursday. She's of Palestinian descent and an advocate for children.

We began our conversation on the impact of the war between Israel and Hamas, and America's role in the region.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

QUEEN RANIA AL ABDULLAH, JORDAN: People view the U.S. as being party to this war because, you know, Israeli officials say that without U.S. support they couldn't launch this war. You know, you turn off the tap and the weapons dry out.

So - and so there's been anger in our part of the world, not at just what's happening, but at the world's reaction. When we see these violations - humanitarian rights violations and international law violations and we're watching the world letting it happen. When October 7th, the world rightfully condemned it and took strong actions, strong positions.

We are outraged that the same is not happening when - when Palestinians are getting killed. And so there is a sense of the selective application of humanitarian law and a sense of unfairness, a sense of, our lives don't matter as much.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You said people back home see the United States as complicit in what's happening?

QUEEN RANIA: They see it as an enabler, you know. So clearly the U.S. is the country that has most leverage over the U.S. - over Israel. And like I said, you know, it is the biggest ally and biggest supporter. And the Arab world is getting – the rest of the world, actually, is getting mixed messages. So, on the one hand, the U.S. is demanding that more aid rightfully go back into Gaza. At the same time they're - they're denying that the starvation is intentional. On the one hand they are outraged by the attacks on the aid convoys, but at the same time they're denying that Israel is violating international humanitarian law. There's an expression of concern over civilian deaths, but at the same time there's a provision of offensive weapons to Israel that are used against Palestinians.

When you try so hard to thread the needle, you can risk dropping the ball. You can risk letting your values and principles unravel. And that has a deep impact. Either everyone is accountable or no one is.

So, the next time a country breaks rules, you know, and the U.S. comes and tries to apply moral authority, those countries are going to say, well, you made an exception here. So why apply to us?

I think Gaza now is like a microcosm of our new world disorder, of the breakdown of international norms, of the return of might is right. And I think that's very dangerous, not just for our region, but for the entire world.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Recently President Biden, just about a month ago, warned Prime Minister Netanyahu that U.S. policy would change if Israel's behavior and conduct in this war didn't change. Do you believe the U.S. is starting to use the leverage you say it has?

QUEEN RANIA: Well, look, there's definitely been a change in tone and language. And, you're right, the president has been warning and has been trying very hard to persuade Netanyahu, for example, to not enter Rafah. But we've seen time and again Israeli officials not heading the warnings or counsel or advice of allies. So, I think it's time that the international community, including the U.S., really used its political leverage to compel Israel to end the war and to let aid in.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How?

QUEEN RANIA: And it's - it's by standing up for international law. Say, for example, the building of illegal settlements is - is wrong and it has to stop. It's by saying that, you know, we are not going to provide you with offensive weapons. It's by saying we're not going to continue to use our veto to not hold Israel accountable when it breaks the law.

Diplomatic pressure is also very, very important. So, there are many tools that the U.S. has in order to compel Israel to do the right thing. And I think for the sake of our world, the U.S. may be Israel's most closest ally, but a good friend holds a friend accountable.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You argue, people need to understand that Palestinian mothers love their children just as much as Israeli mothers. Why do you feel like that needed to be said?

QUEEN RANIA: Well, because, you know, for decades the dehumanization of Palestinians has been an intentional approach that Israel adopted in order to numb people to Palestinian suffering. It's actually quite surprising to see just how deep the undercurrents of dehumanizations run. Arabs are generally accused of teaching hate and Palestinians as well, but it's - Israeli have actually walled Palestinians out of sight and out of mind. It kind of reduced them to nameless, faceless security threats that you have to defend yourself against.

MARGARET BRENNAN: To see Hamas as representing Palestinian people, you're saying, is wrong?

QUEEN RANIA: Absolutely wrong. And also just to - just to point out that most of the people alive in Gaza today were not alive when Hamas was elected. They were either children - they were not born or they were children at the time. So, absolutely Hamas does not represent the majority of Palestinians. And if Palestinians hate Israelis, it is not because of their religion or their identity, it's because of the fact that they've only interacted with them as enforcers of a military state. They have only known them through their checkpoints and bullets and gun. It's not something that's inherently in them against Jewish people. In fact, I always try to remind people that, you know, we have coexisted, Christians, Muslims and Jewish people, for the longest time.

Well, you know historians will argue anti-Semitism has been present throughout history, right?

QUEEN RANIA: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And it is hard for people to hear some of what you are saying and not react in that way where they hear a characterization of criticism of the Israeli government or the Israeli military and see where you're separating from Jewish people.

QUEEN RANIA: Right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: A lot of people don't hear a difference.

QUEEN RANIA: Anti-Semitism is absolutely present. And it's - and it's been on the rise. It's been on the surge. And it is the worst kind of bigotry. It is pure hatred. And I always say that Muslims had to be - have to be at the forefront of fighting anti-Semitism because islamophobia is the other side of the same disease, and it's also on the rise.

Judaism is a religion of peace. And the issue is, when you try to conflate anti-Israeli policy with anti-Semitism, right? Anti-Semitism is when you persecute somebody or you discriminate against somebody based on their Jewish identity. Israel is a state. It has political policy, political parties. So, in - you can criticize the state of Israel, but that's not necessarily anti-Semitism.

So, when people stand up and speak against the war in Gaza, when they're talking about the - you know, speak against the collective punishment, when you deprive people of food as a weapon of war, when an entire population is displaced, when there's indiscriminate bombing, that is not anti-Semitism. That is speaking against Israeli policy. And I think it would be wrong to hold the Jewish community responsible for the actions of the - or the policies of Israel.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How are young people in Jordan thinking about this right now? I mean what is the sentiment in terms of the American unconditional support for the government of Israel?

QUEEN RANIA: I have to say, in one word, there's outrage. You know, there is outrage because, you know, for most young people, even those who maybe were against American foreign policy or whatever, disagreed with it, we always looked up to the U.S., you know, as a country of - a democratic country with democratic values, with application of law, with freedom of speech, with, you know, human rights, et cetera. And as I said, you know, the young people are now feeling extremely disillusioned, how can this be happening while the U.S. is allowing it to happen, while the rest of the world is allowing it to happen?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the director of national intelligence in this country, Avril Haines, testified saying there will be a generational impact from the war in Gaza. And that was also a gesture to terror recruitment. How concerned are you that that is what may happen to some of these young people who you say are just inundated with images of what's happening?

QUEEN RANIA: It's not just the people who are on the extreme that are being enraged by this. It's people who are in the middle as well, people who are westernized, people who studied here, people who - who are suddenly just looking at the world and saying, you know, they are so disillusioned. They're saying, you know, clearly there are different standards that humanitarian law is applied selectively and that our lives don't matter, and that it's OK for, you know, almost 15,000 children to be killed, 19,000 to be orphaned. It's OK for – for, you know, the infrastructure to be obliterated. It's OK to use - to stop the delivery of aid and food to an entire population. That is collective punishment. It's a war crime. And it's happening. And so the young people are saying, you know, I guess the west doesn't like us. So, in my opinion, this is probably one of the largest recruitment events that we've seen in recent history.

MARGARET BRENNAN: What you are describing is what Defense Secretary Austin warned Israel about, that you could have a tactical win and a strategic loss in the long term. That's what I hear you saying, that you - this will lead to more terror recruitment.

QUEEN RANIA: Absolutely. Is this war making Israel safer? Is it making our world safer? You know, I would argue, after 35,000 people dead, after the obliteration of the civilian infrastructure in Gaza, after the violations of so much, after the rhetoric that we are hearing, you know, of - from Israeli officials, calling Palestinians humans animals or saying when the prime minister says that Palestinians are children of darkness, that they only understand the rules of the jungle, you know, when officials say we need to find a more effective way than death to afflict suffering on Palestinians, how is that making Israel safer? I mean, you know, how? Peace is not about politics only. It's about people. Israelis are surprised when the word genocide is used because they cannot see Palestinians as anything but a security threat. That they deserve what's happening to them. You know, in a poll asking –

MARGARET BRENNAN: They're traumatized after October 7th. Many say this.

QUEEN RANIA: Absolutely, traumatized, I understand that. And I understand that because of my own background, that I would identify with the Palestinian side more. And I - because of that, I challenge myself every single day to put myself in the shoes of an Israeli mother who is - who has a child that's been taken as hostage, or any young Israeli who has been taught and who's heard of the horrible persecution that the Jewish people have had to endure in Europe. And I try to empathize and see where they're coming from.

And absolutely, you know, we need the hostages to go home as soon as possible. And we need the war to end as soon as possible so the Palestinians can go back to their homes if they have homes left. So, I understand that what happened on October 7th was traumatic and devastating for Israeli society, but the reaction to it has not helped the situation. You cannot just rely on your - this visitor reaction of retribution and revenge. Israel could have retaliated through surgical strikes against Hamas, but that's not what we're seeing today.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARGARET BRENNAN: The Biden administration is also expected to report to Congress by Wednesday whether or not Israel's complying with international law in its U.S. of U.S. provided weapons and whether it is blocking U.S. aid.

You can see our full interview with Queen Rania on our website, facethenation.com, and our YouTube page.

MARGARET BRENNAN: That's it for us today. Thank you all for watching. Until next week, for FACE THE NATION, I'm Margaret Brennan.