7 Best DMZ Tours from Seoul with English-Speaking Guide

Visiting the DMZ in South Korea is more than just about sightseeing. It is an immersive experience that lets travelers appreciate the history of the two Koreas (based on the South’s perspective). The tour that I joined with my friends (and one that I would strongly recommend) is this affordable DMZ tour from Seoul. For as low as $35-50, you can get to all the significant sites near the border and even get a glimpse of the South’s elusive neighbor.

In a nutshell

• Which is the best DMZ tour? With more than 100,000 bookings, this 8-hour DMZ tour is the most recommended tour. Expect to get a bird’s eye view of North Korea and make a stop at the Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and more!
• What can I see in the DMZ? Popular landmarks include the Freedom Bridge, Imjingak Park, and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. For the ultimate experience, book this tour from Myeongdong or Hongdae that includes all key attractions at the DMZ.
• What are other recommended DMZ tours from Seoul? For a more immersive experience, consider booking this option with an exclusive meet-up with a North Korean defector.
• Want to go on DIY tour and just book a DMZ shuttle? If you don’t want to join a DMZ tour from Seoul with a tour guide, you can book this shuttle bus instead!
• Complete your trip! Aside from booking a tour to the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea, also check out this popular Nami Island tour 🌳

Explore The Demilitarized Zone in Korea

The North and South are still at odds. With no peace treaty signed after the Korean War, the conflict between the two nations is only halted. There is always that possibility of attack, which is why the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is considered a very, very dangerous border. It’s for this reason — and so much more — that the DMZ is a popular destination for travelers.

If you are planning to visit the demarcation line between North Korea and South Korea, you can either hop on this DMZ shuttle for a DIY tour or join a guided tour like this one. Whatever you choose, try to go to most of the following landmarks that no visitors should miss:

DMZ Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

1

Imjingak Peace Park 

Housing war artifacts and a memorial, this attraction in the DMZ was built to console families who have been apart from their loved ones due to the Korean war.

2

Freedom Bridge

The Bridge of Freedom, once used to exchange war prisoners, holds great significance to those who were displaced by the war. As your DMZ tour guide takes you to this place, imagine how thousands of soldiers and prisoners were able to return to their families through this bridge.

3

Third Tunnel of Aggression

Believed to be built by North Korea for a surprise attack to the South, the third tunnel of aggression is one of the known 4 tunnels that connect Seoul to North Korea (they say there are 20 more tunnels that have yet to be discovered). If you are joining a DMZ tour from Seoul, make sure to book this one that has this in the itinerary.

VIEW TOUR

Other attractions worth visiting include the Dora Observatory and the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge (Red Suspension Bridge).

Best DMZ Tours from Seoul

For a more immersive and convenient experience, try to join any of the following DMZ tours from Seoul that are available on Tiqets, Klook, or GetYourGuide:

1. DMZ Day Tour from Seoul

This first option is a 7-hour excursion to 3 attractions in the DMZ including Imjingak Peace Park, the Third Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory.

• PRICE: Book here starting at $38!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip transfer from your accommodation, admission fees, & English tour guide
• NOTES: This half-day DMZ Tour from Seoul requires participants to bring their passport. No forced shopping. No dress code.
• ITINERARY:
  • Imjingak Park
  • The Bridge of Freedom
  • The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
  • DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall
  • Dora Observatory
  • Unification Village (drive-by only)
• HOURS: 07:30 AM & 10:30 AM with pick-up from Myeongdong or Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Station) areas
• BEST REVIEW:

“Our tour guide Crystal made the tour engaging and interesting, conveying information in a concise and clear manner. Despite being on a tight schedule for the tour, there was a good balance between the set itinerary and being given enough free time to see various aspects of the tour on your own accord without feeling rushed. All in all I highly recommend the tour, as a must see spot on their visit!”

2. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour from Seoul

As the most popular DMZ tour on Klook, you will definitely get the full experience of the DMZ when you book this option!

• PRICE: Book here starting at $46!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip air-conditioned transfer (with drop-off at City Hall), entrance fees, and English & Chinese-speaking guide
• NOTES: This DMZ Tour from Seoul requires participants to bring their passport. Korean passport holders must provide their citizen registration number. If certain landmarks are not available, the tour will be replaced with other places such as Odusan Unification Observatory or War Memorial of Korea.
• ITINERARY:
  • Imjingak Park
  • Freedom Bridge
  • The Third Tunnel
  • Dora Observatory
  • Dorasan Station
  • Unification Village
• HOURS: 08:00 AM & 10:00 AM
• BEST REVIEW: “Overall the trip was good,” wrote one user who booked this DMZ tour from Seoul on Klook. She added that she learned about the history and the tragic past shared by the 2 Koreas. She also noted that the “3rd tunnel felt so surreal” and that despite not being able to visit the JSA, it was a good experience.

3. DMZ Tour with 3rd Tunnel + Gondola + Suspension Bridge

Our third DMZ Korea tour recommendation gives a unique bird’s eye view of the zone via the DMZ Cable Car. If you want to visit the DMZ and have a little thrill, this is the tour to book.

• PRICE: Book here starting at $47 per person!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip transfer from Hongdae & Myeongdong, admission fees, English & Korean-speaking guide, and gondola (optional)
• NOTES: This DMZ Tour from Seoul requires participants to bring their passport. Kids below 2 years of age may join free of charge. A standard rate applies to all participants 3 years old and up.
• ITINERARY:
  • Freedom Bridge
  • Third Tunnel – Mono Rail
  • Dora Observatory
  • Dorasan Station
  • Unification Village
• HOURS: Departs Seoul before 7 AM
• BEST REVIEW: A Klook user described this DMZ tour from Seoul as was “heartwarming and [highly-recommended]”. She mentioned that thei tour guide “was very knowledgeable and very much willing to answer questions.”

4. DMZ Tour from Seoul: 3rd Invasion Tunnel + Suspension Bridge

• PRICE: Book here starting at $45!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip transfer from Hongdae & Myeongdong, admission fees, & English-speaking guide
• NOTES: This DMZ Tour from Seoul requires participants to bring their passport. Participants are encouraged to wear shoes comfortable for walking. DMZ is military area and can be closed suddenly without any notice. If it happens, alternative tour will be provided or be cancelled.
• ITINERARY:
  • Mangbaedan Altar
  • Bridge of Freedom
  • Steam Locomotive
  • Imjingak Peace Park (drive-by only)
  • 3rd Invasion Tunnel
  • Dora Observatory
  • Unification Village
  • Suspension Bridge in Mt. Gamak (Gamaksan)
• HOURS: 7 AM – 6 PM
• BEST REVIEW: This tour is a “compact tour… that covers the DMZ area and the suspension bridge”, according to one review.

5. Northern Limit Line Disputed Border Day Tour

One of the highlights of this tour is that you’ll get to see fake North Korean villages that were created for propaganda.

• PRICE: Book here starting at at $125!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip transfer, English & Chinese-speaking guide, admission fees, and lunch
• NOTES: This DMZ Tour from Seoul requires participants to bring their passport. At least 3 participants are needed to proceed with the tour.
• ITINERARY:
  • Iron Fence Zone (drive-by only)
  • Peace Observatory or Aegibong Peak Obeservatory
  • Daemyeong Harbour
  • Marine Park
  • Amethyst Factory or Ginseng Center
• HOURS: 7 AM – 5 PM
• BEST REVIEW: A customer said that “the guide was very friendly and patient.” They also noted that the “lunch was good” and that they “[liked] the trip a lot!”

6. South Korea Demilitarized Zone & Royal Palace Full-Day Tour on Tiqets

• PRICE: Book here starting at $120!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip transfer, English-speaking guide, admission fees, and lunch (bibimbap)
• ITINERARY:
  • Imjingak Park
  • Freedom Bridge
  • Unification Village (drive-by)
  • DMZ Theater
  • Exhibition Hall
  • The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
  • Dorasan Observatory
  • Dorasan Train Station (may be closed)
  • Imjingak Park
  • Lunch
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace
  • Insadong Antique Shop Alley
• HOURS: Pick-up time between 6:30 AM and 8 AM

7. South Korea DMZ Tour from Seoul on GetYourGuide

• PRICE: Book here starting at $69!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roundtrip transfer, admission fees, lunch, and KF94 mask
• ITINERARY:
  • Imjingak Park
  • Freedom Bridge
  • DMZ Theater/Exhibition Hall
  • 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
  • Dorasan Observatory
  • Unification Village
  • Imjingak Park (drive-by)
  • Indoor shooting range in Myeongdong (optional)
  • Gyeongbokgung (optional)
  • Insadong (optional)
• HOURS: Pick-up time between 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM depending on the selected option
• BEST REVIEW: “Our guide Jung was fantastic! She was funny, knowledgeable and super organised, giving us plenty of heads up of what we were going to see and lots of time to explore, while still following a schedule. The tour was very good value for money and we felt it went by really quick. Would 100% recommend. P.S. DON’T forget your passport!”

BONUS: DMZ Shuttle Bus from Seoul

Want to explore Korea’s demilitarized zone on your own? Book a DMZ shuttle bus ticket that departs from Seoul! Check out the details below:

• PRICE: Book here starting at $27 per person
• INCLUSIONS: Roundtrip transfer from Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Dongdaemun Culture & History Park
• ITINERARY: Enjoy a self-guided tour of the DMZ for 4.5 hours!
• TIME: Leaves Seoul between 7:20 AM and 8 AM

[foobar id=”2249″]