DMZ Tour with Lunch, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insa-dong Visit – from Seoul

This exciting tour begins with a comfortable pick up from your hotel in Seoul. Enjoy the company of a professional guide who will have valuable information to share as you tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), located just a few miles away from the North Korean Territory. Your first destination of the day is Imjingak Park, also known as the Nuri Peace Park, which was built in 1972 after the joint South-North armistice. Witness intriguing exhibits associated with the Korean War and South-North conflicts. With several sculpted artworks, notice the symbols of the Korean War tragedy in almost every corner of this place.

Check out the Freedom Bridge that was once crossed over by South Koreans when they came back home from North Korea. Next, pass by the Unification Villageto reach the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall. As you travel through the DMZ area, learn how the Korean Armistice Agreements led to the creation of a 155-mile long military demarcation line (MLD) with this 2-km wide demilitarized zone on each side of it.

Go further to visit the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel that was secretly dug by the Northern army to spy on the Republic of Korea. Your next stop is the Dorasan Observatory, located on the top of Mt. Dora. This is followed by a visit to Dorastan Station, one of the northernmost railway stations on the Gyeongui Line, connecting Seoul to Sinuiju. Situated in the zone that strictly restricts general civilian access, visitors can view Dorasan Mountain and the barbed wire fences of the Southern Limit Line.

Take a break in between this extensive tour schedule and enjoy lunch containing the delicious Bibimbap, one of the most popular and beloved Korean dishes. Then, move ahead to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in northern Seoul. Built in 1394by the Joseon Dynasty(1392-1910), it’s the oldest and largest palace of that period. Feel free to visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, situated within the grounds of this palace, and experience the fascinating culture and history of Korea. If you happen to take this tour on a Tuesday, prepare to see the Changdeokgung Palace instead, another one of the five grand palaces built during the same time.

Finally, visit the cheerful streets of Insa-dong, filled with art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art dealers, traditional tea houses and restaurants. Located in the heart of Seoul, these alleys represent the traditional culture of Korea.

This tour ends with a transfer back to your city hotel.