There is the most special tour, which can be taken only in Korea; this is ‘Security Tour’ of DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). DMZ, the most special land in the world, has various stories and histories and peculiar cultures we didn’t know ever.
The summit meeting between two Koreans, which are the only divided nations in the world, was held on April 27th, 2018. Both heads of state declared the end of war and the establishment of peace structure. We can witness the scar of division, which has not been cured for over sixty years, will be solved; namely, spring comes in the Korean peninsula.
DMZ is a ten-minute of Seoul; however, it itself represents the long division between both Koreans. As it is 2 km south and 4 km north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), DMZ is considered a military buffer zone between both Koreans; ‘DMZ Tour’ offers the experience of facing North Korean land, thus becoming a special experience to everyone. Also, it will have a shuttle on June, which helps tourists to visit more easily and rapidly.
1. Dora Observatory
If you get on the Peace Train, DMZ(DMZ-train), you can go into DMZ, one of the most special areas across the world. The train runs from Yongsan Station and Seoul Station into the last Southern station, Dorasan Station. From there, our tour starts by tourist bus. Dora Observatory is located in the northernmost of Military Demarcation Line (MDL). You should go through the Unification Bridge to go here from Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri, which President Moon Jae-in visited during the recent South-North Korean summit.
Dora Observatory commands a view of Gaeseong Industrial Complex and Kijong-dong Town, a propagandistic viliage for North Korea. If seen with its installed telescope, you can see more closely North Korea out of view before; you’re able to look at North Korean armies in their guards and North Koreans farming.
Contact) 031-954-0303, Everyday 10:00 – 17:00 (Except Monday)
2. The 3rd Tunnel
The North Korea digged from the underground DMZ to the South Korea in order to conduct raid operations. The number of underground tunnels ever found is four. Among them, the 3rd Tunnel revealed near Dorasan in 1978 is 1,635x2x2 in length, width and height, respectively, which enables thirty thousand armies to move only for one hour. Also, it is just 10 km of Seoul and a fourty five-minute by car, which gave the world a great shock when it was found.
The 3rd Tunnel is a ten-minute walk from Dora Observatory. If going to the 3rd Tunnel, you can watch related images in the DMZ multiplex and, with a safety helmet, walk down its inside, which North Korean armies digged hard; however, you should submit your smartphone for the photography prohibition.
3. Closer to Us by Weekend Bus, Camp Greaves
The US armed forces were stationed in the Camp Greaves for 50 years after the Korean War. After they left, it has worked as an experience program facility for peacetime security since 2013. It had the first youth hostel in Korean restricted areas; it was redesigned from one block of US officer’s quarters and thus can accommodate up to 240. It will run sightseeing bus during the weekends in June, which helps individual tourists to go out on a day trip; however, it is required to take your ID card.
Also, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ heating up China as well as Korea in 2016 was shot here. Camp Greaves preserved various military facilites (including the gym, the living hall and the officer’s quarter) in their original state, thus offering a daily soldier experience program and holding many exhibitions and cultural events.
-Shuttle Bus from Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri to Camp Greaves / Jun to Oct, 2018 / Weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
Webpage) www.dmzcamo131.or.kr
Contact) 031-953-6970
4. The Symbol of Peace, Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri
Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri is a complex cultural space devoted to the peace. It was designed to change Imjingak, a symbol of division and cold war, into the symbol of peace and reunification. Having the outdoor stage and the grass hill capable of seating thirty thousands, it provides sculptures symbolizing peace, and various pinwheels in a beautiful way, which is considered a nice place to take a picture.
Also, a steam locomotive, which is Imjingak’s main attraction for stopping running during the Korean war, and many ribbons praying for the reunification of North and South on one side show symbolically what DMZ is. In addition, it opens cultural art programs and events (including performances, exhibitions and movies) the whole year.
5. The Healing itself, Jusangjeolli Cliff
Designated as National Geopark, Jusangjeolli Cliff located in Imjingang River, Yeoncheon-gun was estimated to be from 500 thousand years old to 350 million years old.
Jusangjeolli Cliff spreads along the river widely, which has beautiful views. If you want any special healing, there isn’t any option but Jusangjeolli Cliff, Imjingak.
6. Soy Sauce Marinated King Crab and Grilled Freshwater Eel in Imjingang River
You’ll regret the fresh food cultivated in its pollution-free and clean areas, if you miss. It includes soy sauce marinated king crab, grilled freshwater eel and spicy freshwater fish stew in Imjingang River.
Above all, soy sauce marinated king crab has been considered a great dish which represents Imjingang River. You cannot help admire its flavor and delicacy, immediately when you taste crab meat with soy sauce; for a gourmet, it is an essential course to mix rice on crab shell and eat them. Moreover, grilled freshwater eel is considered one of Korean representative foods, as it is melt in your mouth with chewy texture.; it has mainly been used as health food for those in poor health. Spicy freshwater fish stew, which is Korea’s characterstic stew, is just icing on the cake.
7. Joint Security Area (JSA)
JSA is located on Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in DMZ, and thus considered one of the most special areas in DMZ. Known as ‘Panmunjeom’, JSA has served as a venue for meeting as well as coming-and-going between North and South Korea. If visiting here, you should take a picture like a scene from a movie.
DMZ Tourist Information : http://english.gg.go.kr/dmz-imjingak/
Contact : 1330
DMZ train : 1544-7788
