Private DMZ Tour with North Korean Defector + N Korean Lunch

Overview

Available languages

Korean

English

Mobile ticket

This tour is the only one led by an English-speaking North Korean defector. Through Jun, who arrived in South Korea in 2017, you'll experience contrasting historical perspectives of the Korean Peninsula and gain a deeper cultural and political understanding of North Korea than any other tour can offer.

Moreover, only on this tour can you experience North Korean food at a restaurant run by actual defectors and hear fascinating stories hidden behind the dishes.

Engage in conversations about life in North Korea while enjoying scenic views of real North Korean villages. Embark on a unique journey through Jun's life in North Korea and his remarkable defection story on this small-group private tour.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not allow filming or streaming of personal information

If there are 2 or fewer participants, up to 2 additional guests may join

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Goyang

North Korean Local Food Restaurant (Operated by North Korean defector) Experience lunch at a North Korean cuisine restaurant run by a real North Korean defector. This restaurant, one of the few in Korea, offers at least four N Korean dishes. You can enjoy fascinating stories about North Korean cuisine firsthand from our N Korean defector guide

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Odusan Unification Tower

Experience real North Korean villages just 2km away. Through binoculars, observe glimpses of real North Koreans' lives and see propaganda buildings erected by the North Korean government. This tour features a defector guide who will provide detailed insights into life there. Listen to guide Jun's stories of North Korea and his remarkable defection journey at the café on the 3rd floor of the observatory. You can ask him: How many approved hairstyles does a North Korean man have? What is university life like in North Korea? and hear Jun's challenging escaping journey in China and Vietnam

2 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

All admission fees

Hotel pick up

Lunch (North Korean Food)

Travel insurance

Hotel Drop off

No vegetarian option

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Private DMZ Tour + Lunch

Duration: 8 hours
North Korean Lunch
Basic tour: This tour includes the North Korean restaurant, Odusan Observatory and Freedom bridge
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

116 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

116

A memorable experience
Joseph S,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Interesting and informative as one would expect being led by someone who escaped NK. Listening to the story while looking over the border was one of the more memorable experiences. The food stop was also good. You don't get to see all the various sites but you see the last train out of NK.
Most informative DMZ tour
paigetW4255ZN,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Unique experience with a guide who has a truly brave story with an interesting perspective on the two worlds he has experienced. Highly recommended tour. The lunch was lovely too!
Inspirational Storyteller
Jeffrey H,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I’m not sure how to begin this review other than to say it was one of the most meaningful tours we’ve had the privilege to take. Unsure what to think prior to its start we were quickly engaged as Jun told one of the most difficult and inspiring stories we’ve ever heard. Jun’s knowledge of Korean history, both north and south, along with his deeply personal story of defection make this tour truly one of a kind. His bravery in defecting along with the challenges of making a new life are inspiring. The intimate setting and Jun’s openness created an environment that led to meaningful discussions and a day that we will not forget. Thank you Jun for sharing your story with us. You will be in our thoughts.
Wow
davidandemily20,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our trip with Jun was a fantastic experience. It was fascinating to hear about his life in North Korea and we felt so privileged to be able hear his story. We drove first to a cafe on the outskirts of Seoul and tasted some authentic North Korean food which was surprisingly tasty. We then drove to the observation tower where we had a perfect view across into North Korea where locals were harvesting crops. We also stopped at the freedom bridge but thankfully skipped a lot of the gimicky touristy areas as they were very busy with large tour groups. I would whole-heartedly recommend this experience. We definitely felt that had we chosen a larger tour group, we would not have been able to appreciate the importance of the DMZ and how the war still continues to impact so many people.
Simply the BEST!
Anonymous,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Hands down the best tour we have ever taken! This should not be missed when traveling through South Korea. This was a very special experience that we will never forget. If you can only choose one experience to participate in, this is it!
A must for anyone visiting Seoul
Laurie H,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a really personal and special day . To anyone who wants to hear from someone who has lived thru N. Korea, you must spend the day with Jun. It was incredibly moving and an important part of history. This is the only way to go to the border. A must and Jun is the perfect guide!!!
The highlight of my Seoul trip!
Pamie C,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I can't stress how much this tour was the highlight of my first trip to Seoul! Jun's stories were heroic, tragic and remarkable. This tour is also different from all the other DMZ "cookie cutter" tours. A very intimate, private tour and highly recommended! Thank you Jun!
An inspiring day
kathysH5639EY,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An enlightening day full of difficult but inspiring stories. Strongly recommend anyone to take this tour as it gives you full insights into the challenges within North Korea for the people who live there
Best tour I’ve ever done in my life
Tony D,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was the best tour I have ever done in my life. A truly unique life experience. Thank you so much Jun for sharing your story with us today. It is well worth the higher your cost.
An absolute must do
Ryan F,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was genuinely one of the best experiences I've ever had. Tour guided experiences are usually not for me. Jun is truly one one the most impressive people I've ever met. His story is incredible.