Imjingak and the cranes
Ask about itImjingak is the park at the edge of the zone, with the Freedom Bridge and ribbons on the fence, open to everyone. In winter, red-crowned cranes feed in the fields inside the border area near Cheorwon.
Guided only · a day from Seoul
The border, with a historian
The DMZ 비무장지대 · The border · guided only
The Demilitarised Zone is a strip about four kilometres wide along the border with North Korea. Parts of the civilian-controlled area next to it can be visited, but only on authorised tours and with a passport.
We go with a historian rather than a coach group, and we keep the day honest: the rules change, sites close at short notice, and we never promise access to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom.
37° 57′ N, 126° 40′ E
Inside the civilian zone
Ask about itWith an authorised tour, sites can include an observatory over the border and an infiltration tunnel.
Guided only
These are the rules as we understand them today. Every one of them can change, and does. We confirm with the tour operator in the week before your visit.
- 01
Visits inside the civilian-controlled zone are by authorised tour only. You cannot drive in yourself.
- 02
Bring your passport; it is checked at military checkpoints.
- 03
Photography is restricted at some points. Your guide will say where.
- 04
Dress codes and age limits may apply, especially for the JSA.
- 05
Tours can be cancelled the same day for military or political reasons. We plan a Seoul back-up for that day.
- 06
Panmunjom (the JSA) is never guaranteed. Its tours have been suspended and resumed several times.
What we’d do
Private, with a guide where it helps. Times are a guide.
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Imjingak and the Freedom Bridge
History
1.5h
-
Authorised civilian-zone tour with a historian
History
Full day
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War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, as preparation
Museum
2.5h
-
Paju Book City on the way back
Design
1.5h
Fourkilometresofquiet
Looking north from an observatory
37° 57′ N, 126° 40′ E
At the table
Food calendar- 01Jangdan beans from Paju
- 02A late lunch of naengmyeon back in Seoul
Get in touch
Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00 UK time
The Executive Centre, Level 43, Three IFC, 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Youngdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07326, South Korea