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
140 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This was a day we will...
emanuela t,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a day we will not easily forget. Jun’s story is amazing and moving, and I am grateful he decided to share it with us. I wish him all the best and would definitely recommend his tour!
Once in a lifetime experience
ruthu369,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely incredible experience with our tour guide today. He shared deeply personal insights into life in North Korea and his own escape, something you simply cannot get from any standard tour. His story was incredibly touching and emotional; at times, it genuinely brought us to tears. The way he explained everything was so open, honest, and real. You could feel how much it meant, and it made the entire experience unforgettable. He speaks excellent English, is very approachable, and answered all of our questions with patience and openness. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget. Highly, highly recommended. Thank you very much Jun! We look forward to seeing you again!
More than a tour, an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life!!!
Aitor S,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We expected a DMZ tour. What we got was something much more powerful. Jun is not only an excellent guide—clear, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable—but also someone with a life story that completely changes how you understand Korea. As a North Korean defector, he shared his personal journey with us, and it was one of the most moving experiences we’ve ever had as a family. Our kids (16 and 13) were completely engaged the whole time, we were asking questions and absorbing everything. There were moments where we were all silent, just taking it in, and others where we were laughing together. That balance is something very special. Starting the tour at a North Korean-style restaurant was a brilliant idea. The food was great, and having that relaxed time with Jun, chatting openly, made the experience feel personal, not just a tour. Seeing the DMZ through Jun’s eyes gives you a perspective you simply cannot get from books or standard tours. If you’re coming to Seoul, don’t think twice. This is something you’ll carry with you long after the trip ends.
Fantastic tour with a unique story to be heard
daniellel482,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour where we had the honour to speak candidly with a North Korea defector. He shared his story with us and really made us understand and appreciate the seriousness of the DMZ. The lunch was delicious as well. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
We had such a good time...
Eliza E,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a good time with Jun! He was very informative, helpful, and generous in sharing his story. Plus the food was great!
Jun’s story was...
Sarah B,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jun’s story was incredibly moving, he gave insightful information about North Korean history and culture, provided thoughtful answers to our questions, and was a very safe driver.
A very personal and...
aapjones,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very personal and informative tour. Our guide was very friendly and we enjoyed his company. Recommend him and his tour to everyone.
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!!
From US$170.00
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