From Seoul: Defector Talk & DMZ Highlights – A Rare Human Story
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
[Explore the DMZ with North Korean defector& Suspension bridge Tour from Seoul]
Exclusive Insights: Dive into the mysterious world of North Korea through vivid tales delivered by defectors themselves, providing an exclusive and deeply personal glimpse into the realities of life across the border.
Key Locations: Visit significant DMZ sites including Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station, Imjingak Park, and the Third Tunnel, along with the often-missed Gamaksan Chulleong Suspension Bridge.
Expert Guidance: Our tour guides, who specialize in national security, offer engaging commentary and deep historical insights into the Korean War and the complex international dynamics.
Comfort and Safety: Enjoy the comfort of traveling in an air-conditioned bus and rest assured with our commitment to safety first, ensuring a secure and enlightening journey.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All participants must bring passport
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Comfortable shoes such as sneakers, are recomendable
The Mt. Suspension Bridge tour option requires a minimum number of participants to proceed. If the required minimum is not met, we will inform you of the need to revise, change the tour.
DMZ is military area and can be closed suddenly without any notice. If it happens, alternative tour will be provided and no refunds.
No changes or refunds will be given for those who fail to arrive on time for departure, regardless of the reason.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Interview with North Korean Defector
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Certified English Guide
Travel insurance
Lunch
Hotel Drop off (Dropped off at City Hall)
What To Expect
Seoul
Meet your guide at the designated meeting place. Once all guests have arrived, you'll be transferred directly to the DMZ.
Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park
Imjingak, a symbol of Korean reunification desire, is a unique theme park featuring rides alongside barbed wire fences. It houses historical relics like the Freedom Bridge, used by 13,000 POWs for freedom, and a steam locomotive smokestack from the Korean War, abandoned for 55 years.
Options
DMZ Tour with Defector Talk
Pick up Time & Location / : 07:30 AM : Subway Line No 1, 2 City Hall Station Exit No 7 ( Outside ) _92 Sejong-daero Joong Ku Seoul Korea.
/: Face-to-face conversation with a North Korean defector / DMZ tour with expert commentary /
Duration: 7 hours: Includes DMZ Exhibition Hall ,Dora Observatory, 3rd Tunnel, Imjingak Park /
DMZ+Defector Talk+ Bridge Tour
Pick up Time & Location / : 07:30 AM : Subway Line No 1, 2 City Hall Station Exit No 7 ( Outside ) _92 Sejong-daero Joong Ku Seoul Korea.
/ : Face-to-face talk with a North Korean defector / Mt. Gamak Suspension Bridge: scenic cliffside walkway near DMZ
Duration: 9 hours: Includes DMZ Exhibition Hall ,Dora Observatory, 3rd Tunnel, Imjingak Park /
/: Best for those wanting a full-day historical + nature combo
Essential DMZ Tour
Pick up Time & Location / : 07:30 AM : Subway Line No 1, 2 City Hall Station Exit No 7 ( Outside ) _92 Sejong-daero Joong Ku Seoul Korea.
/: Please note that the North Korean defector interview is not included in this option.
Duration: 7 hours: This tour covers all essential DMZ locations such as the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Imjingak Park.
Reviews
91 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun and Educational Day
James W,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00What an incredible tour! So worth the time and money. Our tour guide SP Hong was informative and kind throughout the tour.
Ask questions of Korean history and society from a Korean guide on a DMZ tour!
Mary W,
Jul 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Many asked if it was scary. I was surprised to hear that question . but it wasnt at all. It was fascinating, Informative, exciting and surprisingly fun. We had a great tour guide. SP Hong is a Korean history major and a retired businessman who was the perfect balance of information, positivity, seriousness and comedy. Highly recommended.
Super SP tour was amazing
Julie A,
Jun 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great q&a with a defector. Just be sure to have snacks as there is no time for lunch. A must see tour of you're visiting.
DMZ tour with fine print…
Natalie B,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
3.00This tour DOES NOT include the suspension bridge. The fine print states it’s an option but there was no offer of this option either during the booking process or during the tour. Instead we were taken to an Amethyst Jewellery house to buy at the end of the tour. The rest of the trip is good and went reasonably smoothly. The host, SP provides some background to Korean politics but it gets repetitive. There is little time to explore the sights on your own. If you have mobility issues or are taller than 165cm the tunnel will be a challenge for you. We are both tall so decided to opt out on it and were told by others it was reasonably disappointing. The DMZ is a place you can say you’ve been to. You can’t take photos in most of it due to military control. You can no longer take photos from the observatory into Nth Korea. The discussion with the defector was interesting although I suspect the answers we were getting were a ‘version’ of what she said. She was interesting during the Q&A. On the bus ride home we were told to provide a review. We were each personally instructed, row by row to open the various booking apps and write the reviews naming the host. We were provided with a verbal example of what to write. SP insisted we provide his name. After this we were taken on a side trip to the amethyst shop which is not on the tour agenda. This was a disappointing sales pitch especially after we missed out on the key location of the suspension bridge. It’s a good tour into the DMZ but it has limitations.
DMZ and North Korean
Katherine C,
Apr 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great visit to the DMZ. The highlight was the exchanges with the North Korean defector. She was very passionate, and the guide did an excellent job of translating. Lots of questions!
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