Private DMZ Tour with North Korean Defector + N Korean Lunch
Overview
Available languages
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‘s Included
All admission fees
Hotel pick up
Lunch (North Korean Food)
Travel insurance
Hotel Drop off
No vegetarian option
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
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
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
101 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An intimate tour and emotional story
Ellen M,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Jun delivers a personal perspective of the struggles that North Koreans face, and gives an honest take on his time defecting and living in South Korea. If you are considering a DMZ visit with a larger tour company, this is without a doubt the better option. It was the highlight of my trip to South Korea and I’m so thankful that Jun was willing to tell his story to us. It was so lovely to meet him and I wish him all the best with his tour business.
I HIGHLY recommend this...
Osvaldo B,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00I HIGHLY recommend this tour for anyone interested in the DMZ & learning about some unique history. Jun was incredibly kind and open with his experience. The unique perspective of the story he shared truly grounded me into reality and allowed me to truly understand what life in N. Korea is like.
Once in a lifetime
Jeff L,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00We went to the DMZ and heard an incredible story about defection from North Korea. The story will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I will forever remember and think about how Jun is doing. I'm so grateful he took the mental energy to relive his traumatic past and really put into perspective the situation.
Must book tour
Jacob W,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Jun was super nice and even helped me take some pictures of North Korea. This tour is a must book!!!
Highly recommend
Iris P,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time with Jun, who was extremely friendly and informative the whole day. His resilience is inspiring. We had the feeling that we got some real, honest information and it was so interesting being able to talk to Jun and get a different kind of perspective that you would from the big bus tours. I saw one of those leave with tons of people and screaming tour guides the next day near our hotel and I was so happy we had booked with Jun instead. Lunch was also excellent (actually our favourite meal in Korea). We got to share and try a few different things. We were dropped off at a subway station at the end of the day, and it was very easy to get back downtown from there. Thank you, Jun, for a very interesting and educational day!
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