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 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
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
135 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Solo travel friendly
Izela M,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I booked as a solo traveler and I was paired with a nice couple. Pick up from hongdae was smooth and lunch was delicious. Jun left a lasting impression and his story will stay with me forever. He was super funny and answered our questions. His resilience was inspiring and this was the most memorable part of my trip. Skip the big tours that are catered to tourists and book this educational tour. Despite having some prior knowledge about North Korea from school, Juns story was very insightful
This tour is the most...
Mark A,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is the most unique experience you will ever have in Korea. I have learned so much about North Korea vs. South Korea that are not taught in the history books, especially from the perspective of a defector. For all the foodies out there, it was also very enlightening learning about the food served in North Korea and learning the differences with South Korea. One of the best tours I have ever taken.
Highlight of our 2 week trip to Seoul
BBMLHB,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is outstanding - the highlight of our two week trip in Seoul. Jun runs the tour as a small private group as opposed to the big bus tours. He picked us up from our hotel and drove us to the first stop on the way to the DMZ - a restaurant which services North Korean food. I was worried what it would be and if I could eat it - but it was surprisingly delicious! He had everything arranged and were served five really great dishes. He ate with us and we were able to get to know him a bit more. His English is very good and we had no trouble communicating with him. After lunch we drove to the DMZ where he shared is unique perspective on the DMZ, North Korea - including what we saw through the binoculars - and then of course, his incredible story on how he got to South Korea. After that we went to another stop along the DMZ where he was able to continue his thoughts and reflections on the DMZ, history and current situation. It was intriguing. He is not only an amazing tour guide, but an amazing person. I was honored to have the chance to meet him. You will not regret booking this tour!!
Amazing!
Nathanael H,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is such a great experience - the guide is knowledgable and brings a unique perspective to the DMZ and its transformation over the past 50 years. He is friendly and easy to talk to. His story is harrowing and moving. Would recommend to anyone looking for a more personal look at the DMZ and what it means to someone who was and is heavily impacted by it.
10/10 - must do in Seoul!
Chelsea Q,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is absolutely incredible. Jun is so thoughtful when sharing his story, and you get to learn so much about North Korea from a North Korean born person. He’s so funny, charming, and interesting. The car is very nice and his driving was safe. I really enjoyed the north Korean food for lunch and always feel foos is a great way to understand a culture. This is a must-do experience if you’re in Seoul.
Once in a lifetime tour
suebV5286XF,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jun was great to communicate with right from our time of booking and shuffled his schedule to accommodate our availability. On the day we had to adjust our time schedule due to our ship docking later than scheduled and Jun was happy to accommodate this change. Jun picked us up in a comfortable vehicle. Right from the start he was warm and friendly. We were able to ask any questions we had about his journey and his life in Korea. We ate a lovely meal and continued up to the Odusan Observatory. This tour was informative and moving. It is very authentic and avoids the typical DMZ tourist trail. His story is something we’ll never forget and we feel so fortunate to spent the day with him. Thank you so much Jun.
The real way to learn about the DMZ
Kevin M,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the most engaging and rewarding tour we have ever taken, with no exceptions. The host is down-to-earth, friendly, and very open about the realities of the DMZ situation and the challenges that face defectors. This is not the glossy JSA tour; this is a visit to other DMZ locations, with genuine insight and emotion.
The only way to see the DMZ
Shane C,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jun runs an amazing tour. He speaks perfect English and has a fantastic manner of explaining the complex NK and SK situation that is personal and informative. As foreigners we hear so little about life in the DPRK and to meet somebody who grew up there who can tell us what life was like for a normal person was such a unique experience. This tour is personalised and shows some fascinating parts of the border region between the two countries and doesn't focus on the kitsch parts of the DMZ. Jun was a great communicator before the trip, it was easy and stress free for pickup. I truly hope many more people book this tour and support this young man in his unique tour!
A day we will never forget.
TerrenQuint11,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our DMZ tour with Jun was truly unforgettable. Jun is a North Korean defector who took us to a North Korean restaurant, the DMZ, and shared his remarkable story with us throughout the day. Hearing his firsthand experience and perspective on life in North Korea and his escape made this so much more than just a tour. Despite everything he has been through, Jun was so composed and engaging, bringing a deeply personal context to everything we saw. His story and insights will stay with us for a lifetime. An exceptional experience that we highly recommend.
An day we will never forget
Terren S,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our DMZ tour with Jun was truly unforgettable. Jun is a North Korean defector who took us to a North Korean restaurant, the DMZ, and shared his remarkable story with us throughout the day. Hearing his firsthand experience and perspective on life in North Korea and his escape, made this so much more than just a tour. Despite everything he has been through, Jun is composed, funny and engaging, bringing a deeply personal context to everything we saw. His story and insights will stay with us for a lifetime. An exceptional experience that we highly recommend.
From US$150.00
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