visit north korea from seoul

• Disclosures

How to Visit North Korea’s DMZ Border (Updated 2023)

A s controversial a place as North Korea is, it's swiftly gaining attention from the curious tourist eye. Our intrigue to see it was piqued during a visit to Seoul with friends. Having now taken the DMZ tour ourselves, this highly informative if not haunting experience is one we would highly recommend . So, if you've got guts and a desire to get a snippet into one of the most closed countries on earth, here's how to do it!

Getting there & where to stay

First, you need to get yourself to Seoul, which is the nearest major city to the DMZ border. South Korea is only reachable by flight, with most planes flying into Incheon International Airport. Use Skyscanner and search by entire month to see the cheapest dates to fly. Be sure to check our flight booking hacks here to get yourself the best price. And don't forget to book your airport transfer and a 4G Data SIM card before you land!

A fast way to get a big discount on your flight is to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This card offers a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 ) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. United and Singapore Airlines are both partner airlines of this card, and both offer flights to Seoul, meaning you can convert your points to these airline loyalty programs, or just book directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Seoul is a buzzing megacity with plenty of enticing accommodation options. There are plentiful  AirBNBs  and  hotel  selections, but be sure to reserve ahead in peak season. Some convenient neighbourhood options include Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Check  TripAdvisor  for more local tips and advice.

There is plenty to explore in Seoul itself, and a local guide can help ensure you catch the best of the best. Be sure to check out the Gyeongbok Palace & Temple , or grab the Seoul Pass , which grants free entry to 65 attractions and discounted entry to 101 more.

How to visit North Korea's DMZ Border:

Step 1. choose your points of interest.

There are several companies that operate DMZ tours. As much as I despise group tours, you can only visit the DMZ with a tour , as it has restricted civilian access and requires a mandatory military escort.

No two tours are the same, but you should choose one based on your budget, customer reviews, and points of interest that are included. Tours can be browsed with reviews, prices, and instant confirmation through Klook , GetYourGuide and Viator . The main highlights to select from are as follows:

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea . At this spot, you'll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and take a photo as proof (more on that below). This area is occupied by the South Korean and US military, and is complete with a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine (which in our experience tastes like nail polish remover and turpentine but hey, at least you can say you tried it).

NOTE: As of 2023, the JSA is still closed to visitors due to COVID, and is not included in any tours.

Odusan Unification Observatory

One can safely view day-to-day life in North Korea without setting foot in the country at Mt Odu Observatory. Binoculars (free of charge) provide ultra zoomed up views of North Korea opposite the Han river below. On our visit we were able to see civilians walking around on the other side.

Infiltration Tunnels

Scarily enough, around the time that the North and South were having peace talks, North Korea began digging underground tunnels to infiltrate the South. They were never completed, but were discovered in 1984. The longest tunnel is 1,082 metres. The 3rd tunnel is the closest to Seoul (only 44km away) and could move ~30,000 troops and artillery per hour.

Dora Observatory

This observatory offers binocular views of North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong. The town was first built in the 1950's to lure South Koreans to defect and move across the border. From visual observations from the South, it has been uninhabited with windowless, incomplete buildings since its construction.

Dora Observatory is so named after Dorasan the mountain on which it sits. The nearest train station has a fully completed train line that runs to Pyongyang. Though the North cooperated in its completion, it was never used. It is hoped that when re-unification is reached, the train line will be used to connect the two Koreas.

Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge connects North and South Korea, though a massive barricade blocks entry to the connecting point over the river. If the two sides are ever connected, this bridge could be used to enter and exit North Korea.

Step 2. Select a tour

Once you've decided on your must-see highlights (as listed above), you can select a tour.

There are traditional tour companies to choose from, which are listed at the end of this article along with prices and contact information, but it's much easier to book tours online with Klook , GetYourGuide  and Viator . You pay in advance and get fast confirmation, so all you need to do is bring your voucher to the tour. There are reviews, photos, and videos that make choosing the right tour simple. The traditional companies require back and forth e-mail or phone communication when booking direct, so Klook , GetYourGuide  and  Viator are convenient ways to avoid all that hassle.

One of the most popular tours is this day tour on Klook , with more than 50,000 bookings. This is the tour most of our readers have chosen, and is the tour we would select today. Our trip was now several years ago, and at the time we took the Special Panmunjom Tour by Panmunjeom Travel Center  which does not visit the tunnels but goes to Odu Observatory and the JSA. This tour offered the chance to speak with a North Korean refugee (defector). This allowed us to learn about how people escape the North, how they adapt to life afterwards, and what knowledge they have of the outside world living in North Korea.

Get $10 USD off your first Klook purchase with coupon code THRIFTY10 (minimum spend $120 USD, new users only)

Here are some of the top-rated tours that can be booked online:

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half-Day Tour (Bestseller)

From Seoul: Half-Day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

DMZ Past and Present: Korean Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul

Step 3. take ( lots of ) photos of north korea.

Much of the road towards the JSA border runs parallel to the Han River, which separates the two countries. It's nothing short of unique to be sitting in a bus with views of North Korea passing by out your window.

The binoculars at the Dora and Odu observatory provide ultra zoomed views of North Korea. One can even see North Korean civilians walking around on the other side, as we did during our visit at Odu . At Dora Observatory, North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong, is viewed.

Step 4. Cross the border into North Korea

On a tension-free day at the JSA, one can legally take a step into North Korea. But how and why ?

The blue buildings pictured below are UN Command neutral zones. Midway, the inside of these blue buildings cross the North/South Korea border. Inside the building on the right (UNCMAC) is where meetings between the two countries are housed.

If you want photo evidence that you physically stood in North Korea, this can be done . You can pose with a South Korean soldier within  North Korea at the back of the UNCMAC room. Be warned though (and you will be), if you cross through the door behind you, no one is responsible for your safety as you'll be alone and in North Korea.

Important Points About DMZ Tours

• Many tours require reservation 2-5 days in advance , so check ahead.
• If visiting the JSA, you must sign a waiver agreeing that no one is responsible for accident, injury, or even death . Take comfort in the fact that these tours are done every day and you are accompanied by military escorts at the border!
• You must bring your passport for most tours , and it is checked by army personnel on arrival at the JSA.
• You must adhere to the specified dress code (e.g. no ripped jeans, sandals, or unkempt hair). These rules are strictly enforced as North Korean soldiers take photos and produce false propaganda that other countries are too poor to afford proper clothing.
• Tours can end unexpectedly at any time if tensions rise at the border . That means you are not be guaranteed to step into the UNCMAC at the JSA, nor is it certain you'll get a photo across the border.

In Summary…

Partaking in the DMZ tour allows yourself to gain much more depth on a humanitarian crisis that the world does not know enough about. If you have the chance to do this trip, I'd highly recommend it.

Tour Companies & Pricing

Alternatively, you can contact one of the tour companies below directly and book with them.

Panmunjeom Travel Center Website : www.panmunjomtour.com Telephone : +82-2-771-5593 (Korean, English, Japanese) Price : 80,000-77,000 won (~$60-$77 USD). All tours include lunch. Note : Tours offered in Korean, English, and Japanese. This is the only company that allows you to meet a North Korean defector/refugee, ask them questions, and better understand the human rights issues of North Korea.

VIP Travel Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/eng/ Telephone: 02-739-3501 ext. 4 Price: 55,000-135,000 won ($48 – $120 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes: Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese. None of the tours include any forced shopping stops.

Koridoor Website :  www.koridoor.co.kr Telephone : 02-6383-2570 ext. 2 Price : 43-89,000 won (~$41-$80 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in English.

JSA Tour Website : www.jsatour.com Telephone : +82-2-2266-3350 Price : 85,000-120,000 won (~$85-$120 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ Spy Tour Website : www.dmzspytour.com Telephone : +82-10-3950-8350 Price: 88,000-114,000 won (~$88-$114 USD). Tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

International Culture Service Club Website : www.tourdmz.com Telephone : +82-2-755-0073 Price : 65,000-85,000 won (~$65-$85 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English and Japanese. This is the only company that does Saturday tours.

Seoul City Tour Website : www.seoulcitytour.net Telephone : +82-2-774-3345 Price: 40,000-125,000 won (~$40-$125 USD). Only some tours include lunch. Notes : Tours are offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

KTB Tour Website : www.go2korea.co.kr Telephone : +82-2-778-0150 Price : 65,000-130,000 won (~$65-$130 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ & JSA Tour (Professional Guide Service / Celebrity's choice Agency) Website : www.cosmojin.com Telephone : +82-2-318-0345 (Korean, English, Japanese), +82-2-318-0425 (Chinese) Price : 46,000 won (~$46 USD) for half-day tour, 87,000 won (~$87 USD) for full day tour. Lunch included on full day tour. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese.

Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions expressed here are author's alone. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

You guys are so brave! This makes me a bit nervous and I’m not sure I would be able to do it!

The link to the GetYourGuide tour you provided doesn’t work. Do you have an updated link by any chance? Thank you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Disclosures Many of the listings that appear on this website are from companies which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

• North Korea
• Travel Guide
• Premium Hotels
• China-DPRK Train
• Premium Tours
• Group Tours
• Private Tours
• Signature Series
• Sport & Adventure
• Why Uri Tours?

Experience North Korea

Over 15 years of Safe and Premium Tours to North Korea

The North Korea Experience

“Seeing is believing” they say in North Korea. We invite you to gain a different perspective of the country by experiencing its people, touching its landscapes and learning about its rich culture and 4,000 years of history. Our tours show you the complexity and hidden beauty of this undiscovered country.

Featured Tours

The dprk classic – new years eve special – 5 nights.

Join us in Pyongyang for the 2024/25 countdown on this extended tour of North Korea for New Year’s Eve and beyond! This special tour will see you on Kim Il Sung Square alongside thousands of locals for New Year festivities, which [...]

The DPRK Highlights – Party Foundation Day Special – 4 Nights

In this special 4-night tour of North Korea, join the festivities of Party Foundation Day on October 10 including a mass dance, and discover the highlights of this fascinating country! We’ll tour the major political sites in Pyongyang and take a [...]

Ski and Snowboard North Korea – Kim Jong Il Birthday Special – 7 Nights

This is your chance to ski the fresh-power slopes of North Korea! See the grand monuments of Pyongyang, visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), spend time at the Masikryong Ski Resort, and be in the capital for the major festivities [...]

Why Book With Us?

15 years of experience.

Our tours are authentic and cultural with a sense of adventure. We promote education and understanding, providing a platform for people-to-people engagement. We have brought thousands of people to experience the uncharted territory of North Korea with us.

Premium Accommodations

A tour to North Korea is certain to be packed with activities and the importance of a good nights rest and reliable facilities and amenities cannot be overstated. Our packages include prestigious accommodations at standard tour rates, not second-class lodging and basic guest houses in remote areas.

All-Inclusive Packages

There is no add-on pricing. Our published package price is what you pay. Our tours are an all-inclusive experience of return flights between Pyongyang, DPRK visa, premium accommodations, vetted meals, air-conditioned transport and driver, English-speaking Korean guides, entrance fees and unparalleled service!

Small Group Size

Our group size cap is smaller than our competitors to maximize your engagement with our local guides. Unless otherwise stated, our group tours are capped at a maximum of just 12 while maintaining standard tour rates.

Expert Local Guides

Our tours are led by some of the best local guides in the country. They are native North Koreans with a passion for showing visitors the beauty of their nation. All guides speak fluent English. We can even arrange local guides that speak Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and German!

Unprecedented Access

We offer some of the most unique tours available. We offer family visits, cycling, skiing, marathons, surfing, and golf, all designed to maximize interactions with locals. We want you to experience the culture, the people, the landscapes and the history of North Korea.

Pyongyang is North Korea’s capital and largest city. An ideological stronghold of imposing architecture and grand monuments, Pyongyang is the beating heart of politics, economy, culture, and tourism in North Korea.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone separating the Korean Peninsula, acting as the de-facto border between North Korea and South Korea.

Mt. Myohyang

Mt. Myohyang is one of North Korea’s most beautiful nature reserves, weaved with rewarding hikes and dotted with ancient relics.

Kaesong, the ancient capital of the Koryo dynasty, is abundant with well-preserved UNESCO sites and cultural treasures. Situated near the South Korean border, Kaesong has played a crucial role in inter-Korean relations.

Wonsan is a charming seaside town on North Korea’s east coast famous for its immaculate yellow-sand beaches and fresh seafood.

Nampo is an industrial port city and key trade gateway to Pyongyang located at the estuary of the Taedong River on the west coast.

Pyongsong is a satellite city of Pyongyang and a developing hub of science and technology often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of North Korea.

Hayden Peters from Australia

One of the best customer experiences of my life, superb, safe and easy.

Coen Scott from Australia

To put it simply, my experience with Uri Tours was the best money I’ve ever spent on recreation. The larger part of every day was spent seeing new and unique locations, my personal favorite was the ‘Palace of the Sun’. (I mean, how many people outside of the DPRK can say they’ve seen Kim Jong Il’s mummy.. right!?) The hotel where we stayed was great! Friendly staff, clean facilities, good food and it also featured a multitude of shops and services, including but not limited to; a tailor, a bookstore, an art shop, a pool, a bar, a bowling alley and a masseuse!

Conner Brenner

My trip to North Korea was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to visit the country with my grandfather who was 78 at the time. Due to his age and his physical disabilities, there were a lot of potential issues that needed to be discussed prior to the trip taking place. The team at Uri Tours were incredibly helpful and courteous during this process. Every concern was addressed, and nearly every email I sent the company was responded to on the same day. I felt like I was being treated with the utmost professionalism.

Tara Mina Bayati

The trip was amazing and far exceeded my greatest expectations. I am sure all of the local guides are great, but I truly cannot imagine anyone better than the ones assigned to us. They could not have been more phenomenal and I felt genuinely sad saying goodbye to them at the airport. This was truly an experience of a lifetime which was made possible by Uri Tours. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the DPRK!

New From the Blog

Day of the sun in north korea – 110th birthday anniversary of president kim il sung.

Today, April 15, 2022, is a massive day in North Korea, marking the 110th birthday anniversary of President Kim [...]

Party Foundation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary

October 10 is an important date in North Korea, marking the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party [...]

National Day in North Korea – 74th Anniversary

National Day on September 9 is North Korea’s birthday and formally known as the Day of the Foundation of [...]

Can You Travel to North Korea From South Korea?

You’re on holiday in Seoul, South Korea and the idea of visiting North Korea has crossed your mind. Being [...]

Liberation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary

Today marks the 75th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. This is the [...]

North Korea Myths: Are All North Korea Tours the Same?

The gist of this myth, appearing often in online discussions about [...]

Victory Day in North Korea – 67th Anniversary of the Korean War

July 27th is known as Victory Day in North Korea, and this year marks the 67th anniversary of the Korean [...]

Is Air Koryo a One-Star Airline?

Air Koryo is the flag carrier of North Korea and its only airline. Over the years, Air Koryo has [...]

What Year Is It in North Korea? – the Juche Calendar

If you thought it was 2024, think again! In North Korea, the year system is different from what you [...]

Ryugyong Hotel – North Korea’s Tallest Building

The 105-story Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang is North Korea’s tallest building (330m/1080ft), and a marvel of the capital’s progressively [...]

Can You Travel Independently to North Korea?

You’ve got time to travel around Asia and a trip to North Korea has taken your fancy. Can you [...]

Pyongyang Marathon 2021 Announced – April 11, 2021

Great news! We’ve been notified that the annual Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon ( Pyongyang Marathon ) is expected to be [...]

Can You Take Photos in North Korea?

Contrary to popular belief, taking photos in North Korea is allowed and you’ll have plenty of opportunities during your [...]

8 Reasons to Visit North Korea From Shanghai

The most well-known hub facilitating travel to North Korea may be Beijing, however, in recent years Shanghai has become [...]

What Does DPRK Stand For?

Search anything about North Korea and you’ll quickly find references to the acronym ‘DPRK’, seemingly used interchangeably with ‘North [...]

North Korea Flag – What Does It Mean?

The North Korea flag was introduced on September 9, Juche 37 (1948) which is the day North Korea was [...]

How to Book a North Korea Tour

So you’ve finally decided to take that trip to North Korea (DPRK) you’ve been thinking about for a while. [...]

The Mass Games Are Back for 2020!

We’ve received word that North Korea’s incredible Mass Games is scheduled to return in 2020!

The dates are not [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): North Korea Temporarily Closes Borders

UPDATE: February 9, 2024:

The first tour group since 2020 has entered the DPRK. This Russian tour group departed [...]

When Is the Best Time to Visit North Korea?

While it’s possible to visit North Korea all year-round, the country experiences four distinct seasons with each offering its [...]

Banknotes of North Korea – the North Korean Won

Currency is the perfect canvas to widely circulate imagery. All over the world, banknotes illustrate national heritage and culture [...]

What Currency Does North Korea Use?

During your visit to North Korea, you’ll need to pay for incidentals such as souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, [...]

Should I Take a Flight or the Train to North Korea?

You’ve decided on a North Korea tour but aren’t quite sure which transport method suits you best. We’ve got [...]

Can You Visit North Korea?

Yes, it’s possible to visit North Korea as a tourist and it’s easier than you may expect! We’ve been [...]

Can Americans Visit North Korea?

Currently, it is not permitted to visit North Korea on a U.S passport for tourism.

Effective September 1, [...]

Is There Internet in North Korea?

For most of the world, the internet has taken hold as an irreplaceable learning tool and social obsession that [...]

Air Koryo Flight Update – Shanghai Pudong

Air Koryo operates a regular service between Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Pyongyang (FNJ) which we take advantage of to [...]

Update to United States Visa Waiver Program for travelers to the DPRK

On August 5, 2019, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which uses the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) [...]

The Mass Games to Return in 2019!

** UPDATE (May 24, 2019): Our partners have advised us that the 2019 Mass Games (‘People’s Country’) is scheduled to [...]

North Korea’s Ultimate Cycling Tour

Twice a year in May and September we offer the most extensive way to experience North Korea by bicycle. [...]

Arirang Mass Games 2018 – It May Be Back!

Exciting news! The word from our partners in Pyongyang is that the Arirang Mass Games, one of the most [...]

North Korea’s Best Hotels

Many hotels of varying quality are available in North Korea. You won’t find any backpackers hostels or Airbnb listings, [...]

How to Get a North Korean visa

Although North Korea (DPRK) may be the most closed nation on earth, getting your North Korean visa through Uri Tours [...]

Top 5 Must Try Food in Pyongyang

North Korea has a rich culinary heritage shared with the South. Dishes originating during ancient Korea remain heavily influential [...]

20 Must-See Sights in Pyongyang

Pyongyang, translated into English, means flat land. Once the ancient capital of the Choson, Koguryo and Koryo kingdoms, Pyongyang [...]

Postcards and Stamps of North Korea

Colorful, fiercely militant and overwhelmingly ideological. Locally produced postcards and stamps are truly the definitive souvenirs of North [...]

The Five Most Celebrated Mountains of North Korea

The Korean people consider themselves mountain people. This is not much of a stretch considering that a mountain system [...]

Official Statement Regarding North Korea Travel Ban for U.S Citizens

Today the U.S Department of State has  officially announced  that all U.S. passports are declared invalid for travel to the [...]

Official Statement Regarding Recent News of Mr. Otto Warmbier

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Otto Warmbier’s family and friends. This was a heart-wrenching tragedy that should [...]

Is It Safe to Visit North Korea?

The general perception surrounding North Korean tourism is that it is unsafe. However, approximately 6-8,000 Western tourists a year [...]

Full Spread: North Korea’s Tourism Calendar

The interwebs are ablaze with talk of a “sexy” new tourism calendar coming out of North Korea. Not only [...]

North Koreans Celebrate New Years 3 times in a year, and so can you!

Every year, thousands of North Koreans come to the streets to celebrate the New Year, not only once, but [...]

U.S. Sanctions on Air Koryo: Impact on North Korea Travelers

Today, the U.S. expanded sanctions on North Korea to include Air Koryo, the national carrier of DPRK. Under [...]

Microbrewing in North Korea – It’s Actually a Thing!

Beer is quite possibly the oldest beverage in the world, other than water of course. Some studies show that [...]

What is North Korea’s Party Congress?

Want to know what all the hype is about for North Korea’s party congress? We’ll explain it here: North [...]

Should I get a Chinese visa or use the visa-free transit?

A tourist (Type L) visa will allow you to travel throughout most of [...]

American UVA Student Detained in North Korea

We just received news of an American student who is currently detained in North Korea for “perpetrating hostile acts” [...]

Professional snowboarders withdraw from North Korea trip amid news of DPRK nuclear test

In light of the recent news of the alleged test of a nuclear bomb by the DPRK government, Snowboarder [...]

Soon to Observe Pyongyang Standard Time

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of its liberation from Japanese occupation, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced that [...]

5 Reasons Why You Should Play Golf In North Korea

The Pyongyang Golf Course is an 18-hole course that spans 45 hectares (111 acres) and is located on Lake [...]

THE URI STORY

A pioneering Korean-American family set out to explore the other side of their roots. What they found were people similar to them with a unique culture, rich history and distinct way of living. We have been offering safe and premium tours and travel to North Korea for over 15 years for international travelers.

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

The DMZ Train: How To Travel from Seoul to North Korea Border

September 22, 2018 By John Widmer 60 Comments

It may sound like a crazy proposition to venture into what is a buffer zone to a lingering war. Yet while roaming around South Korea, we were intrigued by the possibility to visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea.

DMZ tours are actually somewhat of a popular pursuit for curious travelers in South Korea. Yet instead of taking one of the many DMZ-bound tours directly from Seoul, we wondered if it was possible to travel from Seoul to the DMZ without a tour.

That’s when we learned about the DMZ train .

Turns out, you can take a trip out to the DMZ on your own by catching a train from Seoul.

There is an official DMZ Peace Train that runs directly from Seoul to DMZ, Wednesdays through Sundays. This special train to the DMZ began operating in 2014 and continues making trips out to the North Korea border today. Once arriving by train into the DMZ, you must then transfer onto a planned bus course to fully experience and explore the many sites within this heavily restricted area.

So that’s exactly what we did!

This post now recounts this DIY day trip on the DMZ train and reviews the details of exactly how to get from Seoul to the DMZ with public transportation. We’re always looking for the best values in travel and we found this DMZ train to be the cheapest way possible to reach the notorious demilitarized zone from Seoul.

So what’s it like to ride into the DMZ by rail?

The DMZ train turned out to not only be a very interesting trip, but also the most bizarre rail journey we’ve ever taken !

Even as we stepped foot onto the train, we realized this would be a strange journey ahead . Adorning the DMZ train walls are an odd mix of symbols, showing peace along with harsh signs of war. For example, an empty military helmet is surrounded by words like “harmony.” It’s all quite a contrast that sets the tone for the journey ahead.

The entire day in the DMZ was filled with this odd mix of war and peace. There were laughable oddities intermixed where horrible tragedies have played out. The DMZ is part war zone, but also part tourist attraction .

These perplexing contradictions were themes that ran on throughout the entire day. The DMZ is a weird place in the world and taking the DMZ Train from Seoul to the North Korea border perhaps made it all the more odd of an experience.

DMZ Train from Seoul to North Korea Border

To prepare for this rail adventure to the DMZ, we made sure to dress accordingly for the day straddling the North Korea border. There’s a strict dress code at the DMZ . Attire such as ripped jeans or skimpy outfits is not permitted here.

The reason for this goes beyond a simple show of respect. It’s been reported that North Korea films DMZ tourists on the other side of the border. The purpose of this is to use such footage of people in poor apparel as propaganda to show how inferior the world is outside of North Korea. So that’s why it’s important to dress up a bit while at the DMZ.

We made sure to dress the part. Our journey on the DMZ train was during a cold early-January day in Seoul, so it was an effortless task to ensure we were covered up. With winter jackets on and our passports in hand, we set off to Yongsan Station for this DMZ train day trip!

When we arrived at the station to take the DMZ train, we were literally the only people who boarded . The empty train car made us a little nervous and uneasy, as we chugged toward the North Korea border.

What the heck were we getting ourselves into? Where was everyone?

Perhaps the empty train car was due to people not knowing about the DMZ train, as most DMZ-bound visitors opt for tours directly from Seoul.

We also suspect the lack of passengers may have partly been due to heightened tensions during the time of our visit. It was around this time of escalations in early 2018 when a North Korea soldier had recently defected, while Trump and Kim Jong-Un were trading insults about who has a bigger button.

It sure was an interesting time to take the DMZ train!

But as we write this post now, tensions have eased significantly to a point that peace negotiations are even resuming between the two Koreas. It’s all encouraging positive signals of peace between North and South Korea. Who knows, maybe one day in the not-so-distant future the train line will continue all the way through the DMZ, from Seoul to Pyongyang by rail. That is what the Gyeongui Line was intended for after all.

As our northbound rail journey continued, we were relieved to see a few more passengers board the DMZ train at the next stop. When arriving at Seoul Station, it was an almost entirely local Korean crowd joining us on the DMZ train.

This trip to the DMZ by rail was an intriguing travel curiosity for us to explore. Yet for the other Korean passengers venturing North, the journey to their country’s border holds much more weight.

After leaving Seoul Station, it was a nearly direct route on the DMZ train without stops. The highrises of Seoul soon faded, as the Gyeongui Line tracks wound through the Korean countryside.

Taking the DMZ train was a pleasant yet uneventful rail journey that lasted a bit more than an hour. But once we neared North Korea, that all changed.

We arrived at Imjingang Station. This is the final train station before entering the DMZ. The Imjingang Station was formerly the final stop on the Gyeongui Line before the DMZ train began allowing visitors to go beyond it, once it began operating in 2014.

Before arriving at Imjingang Station, we were required to complete an application to gain entry. But given our inability to read Korean, we had no idea what we were agreeing to .

We signed anyways and stepped off the train with our passports in hand.

We waited in a short queue at this military checkpoint and were processed in as if we were entering another country. But this DMZ train to North Korea stops just short of the border with North Korea. So there are no immigration procedures or passport stamps issued.

This is when the train actually enters the civilian-restricted area known as the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea.

The train crosses the Imjin River and the train’s big windows allow passengers to watch this transition unfold, as it slowly travels on a bridge over the river. It’s eerie to see remnants of the former bridge that had been destroyed during the Korean War .

The prevalence of barbed wire fencing and minefields is a clear indication that we just entered a war zone .

Dorasan Station: A Train Station To Nowhere

The final destination aboard the DMZ train is Dorasan Station.

So we disembarked the DMZ train to explore Dorasan Station, which is an oddity on its own merits. Many of the DMZ bus tours even stop at Dorasan Station because it is a point of interest on their tours. Yet for us, it was our departure point arriving on the one and only train that currently pulls into Dorasan Station nearly every day. This little-used train station sits a bit more than a mile from the actual border of North Korea. We were close!

Given this is the only arrival each day, Dorasan Station sure is a large and grand station.

Dorasan Station was constructed in the early 2000s and the rail lines actually do connect North Korea and South Korea . But, of course, the border remains closed today. There have been some freight trains between the two Koreas that have been permitted to pass on occasion. But there are absolutely no passenger trains in South Korea that can continue on to North Korea.

Dorasan Station is the final stop. As a result, this big and immaculate station remains largely symbolic rather than a functional transit point between North Korea and South Korea.

Yet there are visions of Dorasan Station to one day link North and South Korea by rail. With Seoul located 56 kilometers to the South and Pyongyang 205 kilometers to the North, perhaps one day a train between the two Koreas’ capitals may be a reality. Upon peace between the two feuding nations, unification by rail and otherwise is the dream.

Having North Korea and South Korea connected again by trains may not be so far off. Dorasan Station actually appears completely ready for the next departure to Pyongyang .

The station is part propaganda, which makes a bold statement. Yet it shows South Korea’s clear vision and readiness for unification.

There’s an empty arrivals hall, a full customs & immigration area, and even an Inter-Korean transit office.

South Korea appears all set to resume passenger service to North Korea. It looks as if it could begin operation for train service to North Korea tomorrow if needed. Dorasan Station proudly flaunts that this infrastructure is in place.

While it may be the last station from South Korea, many signs throughout Dorasan Station acknowledge it’s “ the first station towards the North. ”

Exploring the Demilitarized Zone: from Train to Bus

From Dorasan Station, passengers are not permitted to tour the various sites throughout the DMZ on their own. So we transferred onto a bus that is timed perfectly to connect with the DMZ train.

This special bus for DMZ train passengers goes on to visit many curious sites scattered throughout this buffer to war. The alternative is to hang around Dorasan for five hours, when the DMZ train returns back to Seoul. Therefore, everyone from the DMZ train takes the bus.

This bus is timed to connect with the train and the bus tickets are easily purchased while on the DMZ train. From Dorasan Station, the bus includes four stops throughout the DMZ:

• Dorasan Peace Park
• lunch stop at a military cafeteria
• Dora Observatory, and
• 3rd Tunnel of Aggression + the DMZ Pavillion Museum.

Dorasan Peace Park: A Curious Park Full of Hope and Oddities

Our first stop was the Dorasan Peace Park. This park, completed in 2008, was developed to help youths better understand the history of the DMZ. Funded by donations from people living in the local area, the park is chock full of a strange assortment of curiosities!

There are sculptures, history plaques, a small ecology museum showing the DMZ’s wildlife, decommissioned army tanks, an enclosure with deer, a tall looming cone tower, a frisbee golf course, a look-out point, and even something called the Paul McCartney Forest to commemorate the former Beatles singer’s first concert in South Korea.

Who knew you could play a round of frisbee golf amongst killing machines in the middle of a “peace park” inside this war zone?

We were given about a half-hour to wander all around the Dorasan Peace Park, unescorted and on our own, to explore these many novelties.

It was uplifting to step through the colorful pinwheels, a bright symbol of peace within the DMZ.

Yet perhaps most notable are the portions of the Berlin Wall that have been reassembled in the park as a sign of encouragement by Germany’s reunification.

Lunch at a Korean Military Cafeteria in DMZ

The next stop was for lunch at a military cafeteria.

It’s a bare-bones dining hall with a buffet of Korean staples.

Of course, there would be rice and kimchi on the buffet line in addition to some stewed meat, veggies, beans, and soup. Overall the meal wasn’t great. But it wasn’t bad either.

Rather than focusing on the food itself, this lunch stop provided a unique and interesting experience to dine in a military mess hall within the DMZ .

Dora Observatory: Spying Into North Korea

The Dora Observatory is located about a mile from the border of North Korea. Our GPS confirmed just how close we were getting to North Korean.

The Dora Observatory is so close to North Korea that it allows visitors to gaze down into North Korea . The Observatory is perched up atop a mountain and you can clearly see into North Korea down below.

Binoculars are provided to further assist visitors to spy on the northern neighbor.

So what is there to see on the other side of the Korean border?

Take a look! 👇

We gazed right down into the industrial North Korean town of Kaesong . The factories appeared active with the industrial plants producing exhaust from the rooftops and perhaps adding to the heavy haze in the air. Yet there wasn’t much life visible in the empty streets.

Also of interest in North Korea is the gigantic flag poll that almost resembles a skinny Eiffel Tower. This is the result of what is known as the “Flagpole War.” In the 1980’s South Korea had erected a 98-meter tall pole waving the South Korean flag. So North Korea retaliated by building what became the tallest flagpole in the world at the time, soaring 160 meters (525 feet) high.

This towering flagpole is still flying high today in Kaesong, although it’s now the fourth tallest flagpole, as taller flagpoles have since been erected.

While gazing across the border, we could clearly hear South Korean audio recordings blasting over loudspeakers. These recordings are aimed at anyone within earshot on the other side. The audio propaganda is said to have since ceased at the time of writing amidst current peace talks.

The 3rd Tunnel of Aggression: An Underground Passage to North Korea

The final point of interest on the bus circuit from the DMZ train is what’s known as the 3rd Tunnel of Aggression. This secret passageway was built by North Korea as a potential entryway into South Korea. Although North Korea will tell you that they were simply digging a coal mine, in this contested area that holds no known coal. This was the third such tunnel along the DMZ to be discovered by South Korea, hence the name.

Yet a few decades after the tunnel’s discovery, South Korea has transformed this sign of aggression from the North into yet another bizarre touristic site to now explore within the DMZ.

We were armed with hard hats and then allowed to venture on our own, over a quarter-kilometer down into the deep and dark tunnel in the DMZ on our own. There are strictly no cameras allowed , hence we could not take any photos from within the third tunnel. Although we were unescorted inside the tunnel, inching closer to North Korea, there was closed-circuit surveillance monitoring us each step of the way.

It’s a claustrophobic space of only about 2 meters (~6 feet) wide and high. We soon learned why hard hats were required to enter as we bumped our heads many times along lower-lying sections of the tunnel until we reached an armed blockade which we could proceed no further.

This would be the closest point to North Korea during our day in the DMZ. It was here deep in the 3rd tunnel that we were a mere few hundred meters from the border of North Korea .

Back up into the daylight, we found that the grounds surrounding the once-secret tunnel between warring countries is now strewn with strange photo ops.

It’s here where you can show your friends how you crossed the border from South Korea into North Korea!

Except, in reality, this all still is entirely within South Korea. We were extremely close to North Korea. But this is not the actual borderline.

Nor were we actually behind the DMZ fence in North Korea.

It’s just for fun. And it felt a little strange to be goofing around with these funny props in this otherwise extremely serious place in the world.

The onsite DMZ Pavillion museum gives a stark contrast by reminding visitors of the somber realities of the divided nations.

The bus ultimately brought us back to Dorasan Station for the return DMZ train journey back to Seoul on the same Gyeongui Line we had rolled in on. The hour and a half train ride gave us time to try and reflect on this strange day that we just spent within one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world.

Travel Tips & Info If You Take the DMZ Train

🆔 Don’t forget to bring your passport. Very important!

🕙 Plan to arrive at the train station early to ensure time to deal with any Seoul traffic, buy tickets, locate the train’s departure platform, and catch the DMZ train. We suggest planning to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time to be on the safe side.

👖 Dress nicely. No ripped jeans. No revealing clothing.

💵 Be sure to have cash for the DMZ train tickets, bus, lunch, drinks, souvenirs, snacks, and any other incidentals. (More on DMZ train prices below.)

ℹ️ While on the bus, touring the DMZ, everything was explained in Korean during our visit. Therefore it can be worthwhile to research some of the sights you’re visiting in advance. We also suggest a visit to the expansive War Memorial of Korea , which houses a plethora of exhibits related to the Korean War and the DMZ. It can prove to be a good idea to go to this War Memorial museum before a trip to the DMZ, to gain a deeper understanding of this area and the ongoing conflict.

DMZ Train Schedule

DMZ train departs from only two stations in Seoul:

• Yongsan Station and
• Seoul Station.

Days of operation of the DMZ train are:

• Wednesdays,
• Saturdays, and

The DMZ train does not operate on holidays, Mondays, or Tuesdays.

The DMZ train runs on a strict time schedule, so don’t be late. The times below are when the train departs the station. Arrive early.

DMZ Train Timetable from Seoul to DMZ (Outbound) :

🕙 Departure from Yongsan Station: 10:08 am 🕙 Departure from Seoul Station: 10:15 am 🕚 Arrival to Imjingang Station: 11:24 am 🕛 Arrival to Dorasan Station: 11:43 am

DMZ Train Timetable from DMZ to Seoul (Return) :

🕓 Departure from Dorasan Station: 4:27 pm 🕕 Arrival to Seoul Station: 5:47 pm 🕕 Arrival to Yongsan Station: 5:54 pm

DMZ Train Ticket Prices, Costs, and Entrance Fees

To get from Seoul to the DMZ you must purchase two one way tickets to form the roundtrip journey. DMZ train prices differ slightly depending on which of the two stations are the departure point.

DMZ Train Ticket Price from Seoul Station: ₩17,800 roundtrip (₩8,900 each way) DMZ Train Ticket Price from Yongsan Station: ₩18,400 roundtrip (₩9,200 each way)

+ DMZ bus trip from Dorasan Station, visiting Peace Park, Observatory & Third Tunnel: ₩13,000 (update: As of Oct 2019, a reader has commented the price is now ₩18,000)

+ Buffet lunch : ₩7,000

How to Buy DMZ Train Tickets

It is possible to purchase DMZ train tickets directly on the Korail website . However, it’s a bit of a clunky interface in which you must make two separate purchases of one-way tickets in order to secure the roundtrip passage that’s needed. But the site does work and you can secure your tickets in advance using the site. Just be absolutely certain you have purchased both your outbound and return DMZ train tickets.

To avoid any complications, consider booking your DMZ train tickets at the ticket counter at either Seoul Station or Yongsang station. Note: there are automated machines to purchase DMZ train tickets at these stations, but we found they did not accept foreign credit cards . Therefore we suggest it’s best to secure your DMZ train tickets at a counter with a ticket agent.

The bus tickets to tour the DMZ sites from Dorasan Station are sold separately. Those bus tour tickets can be purchased while on the DMZ train as an usher comes by to sell them. Both cash and credit card are accepted for this separate ticket purchase while on the DMZ train.

DMZ Train vs Taking DMZ Tour from Seoul

We enjoyed our experience of taking the DMZ train. It was unique to arrive into the DMZ by train and overall our DMZ train review is definitely a positive one! The trip was somehow both fun yet sobering, and extremely interesting every step of the way. The DMZ train is also among the cheapest ways to reach the DMZ.

Despite this positive DMZ train review, we’d be doing a disservice by not pointing out a few advantages in joining a proper tour from Seoul instead of taking the DMZ train. The DMZ train does have a few shortcomings when compared to a tour from Seoul.

Below are some considerations to keep in mind to help decide between the DMZ train and a DMZ tour from Seoul. Whichever way you arrive to the DMZ is largely based on personal preference.

English May Not Be Spoken : During the bus portion of touring around the DMZ, all narration, guide service, and even simple announcements were entirely in Korean. During our tour, there was no English spoken at all. As a result, we had no clue about the significance of the many sites we were touring around. Some friendly bilingual Korean passengers politely whispered to clue us in on critical information, such as how much time we were allocated at a stop. But we largely missed out on learning about this unique place in the world while we were there.  Update : Readers have reported that their bus tour did provide some limited English commentary.

Meanwhile, most all DMZ bus tours from Seoul guarantee bilingual tours and are geared towards English speakers.

No JSA : Visits to the JSA (Joint Security Area) are not possible when taking the DMZ train. The Joint Security Area, also known as Panmunjom, is the actual border between North and South Korea where soldiers between both countries face each other. It’s also where visitors can actually be permitted to slightly cross the border and briefly step foot into North Korea while within the buildings of a special neutral zone. This famous Panmunjom truce village in the JSA can only be visited as part of a tour from Seoul, like this one . Those who visit the JSA tend to vouch that it’s an immense highlight of their DMZ experience. Read reviews and book JSA tour here .

Timing : There are DMZ tours that depart 8:00 am and return to Seoul around 2:30 pm, allowing the remainder of the afternoon to explore the capital. Meanwhile, the DMZ train tour returns to Seoul just before 6:00 pm.

Hotel Pick-Up : Most all DMZ tours from Seoul offer free hotel pick-up, making for a more seamless experience and saving on transit expense on getting to the train station.

What’s the Cheapest Way to DMZ? The DMZ train is the cheapest way to tour the DMZ from Seoul. Yet once all the costs of the DMZ Train are tallied, the DMZ Train roughly costs the same as the DMZ tours from Seoul. English-speaking DMZ tours from Seoul run as low as only ₩44,000 , like this inexpensive tour from Seoul that receives excellent reviews , includes hotel pick-up and a nearly identical DMZ itinerary to the one we went on from Dorasan Station. Book this DMZ bus tour from Seoul here .

For the DMZ train, once you factor in the costs of getting to the train station (taxi, subway), the bus tour, and lunch, the price of the DMZ train becomes roughly the same as a tour from Seoul. So we advise choosing between the DMZ train and a tour from Seoul based upon the other factors mentioned above, rather than price.

Taking the DMZ Train To North Korea

The DMZ train from Seoul to the North Korea border was certainly the most bizarre rail journey of our travels. It was such a unique experience that made for a memorable day.

This rail journey left us sharing South Korea’s vision of unification. We can only dream of one day potentially taking an epic rail trip from South Korea through North Korea and beyond to China and even connecting to Europe! Maybe one day.

Yet for now, it remains an interesting novelty to take the DMZ train to its final stop of Dorasan Station. Next stop, Pyongyang!

Related Posts

November 11, 2021 at 1:57 PM

It was such an interesting experience to read about your trip to the DMZ. I think that’s the closest one can get to N.Korea, though it might be opening up to tourists off late, for those who would give a positive note on N. Korea. I missed this visit to DMZ when I was on a brief visit to Seoul, couple of years back. I had about only half a day left before my return flight, and now after reading your article, feel convinced that it could’nt have been possible in half a day. Maybe sometime again.

July 14, 2021 at 4:24 PM

Thank you for this detailed report! I love doing things on my own instead of going on a tour but I read everywhere that it’s not possible for the DMZ, so I’m really glad I found this blog. I’m hoping to go to SK next year if the situation allows it, for now it’s just dreaming and planning. The only thing I wondered though was, what if there are more people on the train than seats on the bus? Even though it doesn’t seem like a very known thing to do, you never know, right? Especially when things will open up again and everyone will want to travel again at the same time. Anyway, I’ll do it this way definitely, so we’ll see! 🙂

October 29, 2019 at 10:37 PM

I contacted the Viator tour company asking if they can go to DMZ, and they told me this:

“Due to African Swine Fever, all the DMZ tour has been cancelled from Oct 2. DMZ Tour Zone is officially closed by government. We don’t get any notice when the DMZ Twill be open again.”

So unfortunatly, right now it is imposible to visit DMZ, with or without a tour company.

January 9, 2020 at 5:06 AM

Same here, we tried to visit on 11th of January 2020.

October 29, 2019 at 8:31 PM

Im right now at Yongsan Station. Sorry for write this, (and sorry specially for me since Im here now), but I have to inform that the DMZ train doesnt work anymore (until some change in the future) due to some kind of crisis. The guy at the ticket office didnt know how to explain me that “crisis” with his English, but I think is some epidemic issue.

Lets see if the tour operators can make the trip or they are affected too.

September 30, 2019 at 11:14 AM

Hola from Spain. God, I´m so happy I have found this post… I was checking all the possible tours to visit the DMZ, and I was like “Hell, isn´t there a way to go on your own way?”. And then I found this. I will be in Seoul in less than a month, and of course, I will do exactly what you did, thank you very much for all the detail information.

October 3, 2019 at 11:58 PM

So glad it was helpful and thanks for dropping a comment! Hope you have a great trip. ¡Buen viaje!

October 27, 2019 at 10:24 AM

I’d just like to boldly endorse that comment: I’ll be in Seoul next week-end and will definetly try out the train option. Many thanks for the comprehensive report. I’ve been living in West-Berlin (Germany) at the time the wall existed and witnessed its disappearance – allmost exactly 30 years ago. So, I will be particularly thrilling to see this kind of a wall and I do hope holes can be drilled in it (politically) so that more trains wuill pass Dorsan station in the future

September 29, 2019 at 3:27 AM

We did this trip on Friday and it was exactly like you said. The bus trip ticket is now 18000 won. We paid for this on the train. The guide in the bus read out the basics in English like our stops, what we were doing and what time we needed to be back. Clearly she gave a good commentary in Korean because everyone was laughing and clapping. Thanks again for your information. It was a really bizarre and fun day

October 4, 2019 at 12:05 AM

Thanks so much for the update on the bus ticket pricing. I’ve just edited the post to reflect this change and help other travelers to be prepared for the increased rate. We really appreciate when people take the time to come back and comment with changes in this information so we can do our best to keep this up-to-date. 🙂 And so glad the info proved helpful for a fun and bizarre day that the DMZ train certainly is!

August 15, 2019 at 1:30 PM

Hi, does the bus has a circle route? you can down in a different stop and spend some time there and take the bus again to go to another stop?

August 15, 2019 at 1:58 PM

Yes, the bus goes in a loop. It has the 4 designated stops mentioned in this guide, in which everyone gets off to spend time at each stop. Then everyone gets back on again for the next stop. After leaving Dorasan Station, the stops are (1) Dorasan Peace Park, (2) lunch stop at the cafeteria, (3) Dora Observatory, and (4) 3rd Tunnel of Aggression + the adjacent DMZ Pavillion museum.

July 9, 2019 at 8:45 PM

Thanks so much for inspiring us to take the Train and Bus tour to the DMZ – it was well organized with everything exactly as you posted. We booked our DMZ train tickets before we left Aus using the Korail website – no problems. We purchased the bus tour tickets on the train using MasterCard – a lady came around with the forms etc. As you said the lunch in the ex military canteen was nothing spectacular and not much choice but overall better than expected. We paid for this in cash to avoid the queue for those paying by card. We had to wait for a long time at the Dorosan observatory as one guy on the tour got lost somehow and the bus was not allowed to leave unless all passengers were accounted for as it’s in a restricted area. He eventually turned up but that left time at the tunnel a bit short – Actually we didn’t go all the way in – just a few feet into to rock hewn bit at the bottom of the slope – and yes it is a climb to get back up if you are ancient like us!. Overall a good and informative day trip. Your post was most valuable so thank you – Now we must look at where else your travels have taken you and see if we can follow in your footsteps – or at least some of them. Thanks again – Dave and Anita

July 11, 2019 at 8:28 PM

So glad to hear it helped! Thanks so much for stopping back by with feedback and an update on your experience. Nice to hear you were able to purchase train tickets using the website too. That’s so strange/funny/weird to hear someone got lost at the observatory. That is definitely not a place to wander off. Yikes! Too bad his actions led to everyone else being delayed. But glad you were able to still duck a bit into the 3rd tunnel. Happy travels ahead! 🙂

July 8, 2019 at 11:52 PM

This is a very helpful post! We are planning to take DMZ peace train along with the 2 days flexi Korail train pass, can I check if the bus ticket is readily for sale in the train ride so long we are on board the train? I am worried to end up waiting for return train if we didnt manage to get any bus ticket in advance. Appreciate if there is any advise?

July 11, 2019 at 8:22 PM

Yes, the bus ticket is readily available by an usher on the train. Everyone on the train buys the bus tour ticket. There is no way to do so in advance. But rest assured that you’ll be able to buy that bus tour ticket. They’re synced up, just separate purchases. Have a great trip!

June 7, 2019 at 10:34 PM

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this. We are going to SK in September and your article has been so helpful. I think we (2 adults and 12 year old) will definitely take the train trip. It seems that visiting the JSA of late with an organised tour is hit and miss as to whether it’s even open to visit. So I don’t mind missing it. The train and bus tour sounds like lots of interesting fun and so much cheaper for the 3 of us. Looks like we still get a binocular look into NK that will be interesting.

June 11, 2019 at 2:42 PM

Glad to hear this proved helpful! Yeah, the tours including the JSA can be a bit of a gamble, particularly if booking months in advance. Never know if tensions could flair or ease entirely. The DMZ train with the bus can certainly be an economical alternative and really quite fascinating. You do indeed get to gaze down into North Korea with binoculars, which is interesting to see in person. Hope you have a great trip to Seoul!

May 23, 2019 at 9:04 AM

John – I absolutely LOVED this blog post on using Korail to get to DMZ! We (husband, 10-year old daughter and I) currently have a Koridoor tour booked for early June 2019, but were considering this method instead based on what I read in the “Lonely Planet Seoul” guide book; this way seems like quite an experience! As we can’t do a full DMZ tour these days, this appears to be a great alternative. After reading your post, we have decided to take the DMZ train instead of the Koridoor tour – starting/ending at Seoul Station.

Thank you so much for your incredibly informative post with all the fantastic photos! What a treasure for those looking to go to the DMZ!

Adventure awaits – we can’t wait!

May 23, 2019 at 5:43 PM

Thanks so much! It always puts big smiles on our faces to learn people are finding our posts and making use of the info! 🙂 Hope you have a great trip to Seoul and a positive experience of taking the DMZ train next month. Let us know how it goes. Adventure awaits!

May 10, 2019 at 11:21 AM

Hi there, we would like to go to Paju outlet after DMZ. What is the easiest way to go there and to go back to Seoul? Thanks!

May 14, 2019 at 4:58 PM

This DMZ tour includes a few hours of shopping at the Paju Outlets and sounds exactly like what you’re looking for. Check it out here: https://www.getyourguide.com/seoul-l197/dmz-korean-war-paju-outlet-shopping-full-day-tour-t187710/?partner_id=03EQULS

April 18, 2019 at 1:49 PM

I enjoyed reading this article so much! Gave me an idea of what else I should do in my SK trip this year. I understand that DMZ bus tours from Seoul already include going to the DMZ and back to Seoul transportations, however, I’d like to experience the DMZ train too. Do you have any idea if it’s possible to go to the DMZ on a tour bus and experience the JSA and come back to Seoul using the DMZ train?

April 18, 2019 at 4:34 PM

You can inquire with the tour companies to be certain, but I really don’t believe that would be possible. Those JSA tours are very highly regulated, given the restricted area that is visited. It’s doubtful they’d drop you off unaccompanied to take the train back. Most JSA tours do include a visit to Dorasan Station, so that would still give you some idea of train travel in the DMZ. The Dorasan Station itself is pretty interesting. You simply wouldn’t have the experience of actually riding on the train. Doing both experiences on two different days wouldn’t be practical either, as most all the same places would be visited on both tours, with the exception of the JSA itself. It would be a great idea to be able to do the train and the JSA together, but it’s currently not a tour/route that is offered. I’d suggest trying to decide what’s more important to you, the train ride or a visiting the actual border at the JSA. Either one is a good option, really.

March 14, 2019 at 6:47 PM

Thanks for this! I did the same trip yesterday (March 2019) with the help of this page. Happy to share that things have got even easier since – the bus tour is now in dual Korean/English, and the time in each location is shown clearly on an LED screen held by the guide as you exit each stop. Also at Dora Observatory all binoculars are now completely free to use, and I think I only paid 7,000 for the buffet which would be a decrease in price.

The attractions remain the same but the peace park and Dorasan station now have many photos of the historic meetings between the North and South leaders last year, giving the day a lot of recent optimism for the future. On a Thursday in March there were about 15-20 of us on the train, only three of which non-Korean (me & two others) – so it’s still something that remains a little-known secret way of seeing the DMZ!

March 18, 2019 at 3:06 PM

Thanks so much for this update! It’s really helpful to help keep this post up-to-date and help other travelers partake in this interesting experience. Gamsahamnida! In fact, I’m going to update some of this in the body of the post right now. It’s so great to hear they now do the bus tour in English. And free binoculars too – fantastic! I’ve been wondering how the DMZ area may have changed since the inter-Korean summit occurred, so it’s quite interesting to hear about the added features documenting this bit of recent history and further spreading that hopeful and optimistic outlook. Am still surprised that so few people embark on the DMZ train. It was about the same when we went too. Perhaps this post may help others to embark on this unique adventure without totally letting the secret out. 🙂 Thanks again for the update!

March 26, 2019 at 12:14 PM

Any tips to eating in Seoul, like best places/worst places? Traveling in the summer with my wife and kids.

April 3, 2019 at 9:26 PM

We loved absolutely loved the samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at Tosokchon Samgyetang. It’s our favorite meal we ate in Seoul. You can find a small write-up we did about it on an FB post here => https://www.facebook.com/roamingaroundtheworld/photos/a.402455959898551/1261853433958795/

Korean BBQ is a must, of course. Bibimbap is one of our favorite Korean foods. Bindae-tteok (mung bean pancakes) washed down with makgeolli was another favorite of ours in Seoul. Lots of great food in the city and we only scratched the surface!

April 18, 2019 at 7:52 AM

Endore Billy’s remarks, the buffet is 7000 won and the tour 16000 if you are an ‘elder’ or 18 000 if you are younger and 17200 for children. Train pretty full yesterday, our carriage containing Indonesians, Thais, Swedes, Germans and English as well as a good few Koreans, in a way, our own little United Nations on our way to see the disunity of Korea. Now a little snack bar on the train so an 11 o’clock beer before Imjingang Station was very welcome. Overall feeling of great sadness, I think there is no hope of reunification and the short movie of the madmens continued and relatively recent aggression before the tunnel visit showed, despite all the hope that the peace park and the aspirations on the giant tapestry in the Dora observatory floor showed – a tapestry that one is free to sign and as far as I could see had been endorsed by folks from virtually every country in the world. How a madman can single handedly deny the aspirations of the entire world as well as the Korean people is beyond me. John – many thanks for your brilliant blog, it must have taken a lot of time and effort and was an inspiration for the wife and I to go take a look. Good luck man.

April 18, 2019 at 4:42 PM

Thanks so much for the update and kind remarks! So glad to hear this proved helpful in pursuing the DMZ Train. Also love hearing you had your own little UN plying the rails into the DMZ. That is in of itself is a nice little message of peace and unity. 🙂 Oh, and beer too, hehe!

February 28, 2019 at 8:35 PM

Hi. Where and when did you pay for the bus tour. Was it before you got on the train or when you got to dorasan station. Thanks

March 3, 2019 at 12:42 PM

“The bus tickets to tour the DMZ sites from Dorasan Station are sold separately. Those bus tickets can be purchased while on the DMZ train as an usher comes by to sell them. Both cash and credit card are accepted for this separate ticket purchase on the DMZ train.”

January 13, 2019 at 6:45 PM

Thanks very much for putting all this information together! Great breakdown of costs, timings and pros/cons of the train vs. tour options. Really, really thorough!

I’m returning to SK next month; I lived there ~25 years ago — LOOONG before the DMZ Peace Train was a thing.

Safe, happy travels to you from Sam in YYJ.

January 15, 2019 at 9:07 AM

Glad it helped and we hope you have an excellent return to South Korea!

December 27, 2018 at 3:30 PM

Great review! I’m brazilian and very interested in DMZ visiting. You have explained a lot about this half-day trip. Next time in Korea I’ll do it. Thanks and congratulations.

January 5, 2019 at 2:53 PM

Thanks and hope you have a great trip next time in Korea. Really such an interesting experience! 🙂

December 7, 2018 at 2:40 AM

Hi, may I know about the bus tour for DMZ train passengers? How much is it? When you mentioned that the bus tour is time perfectly with the DMZ train, does that mean once we arrived at Dorason station we can immediately hop on the bus? And the bus knows when to drop us off to catch train back to Seoul? Thanks. P,anning to visit next Tuesday .

December 7, 2018 at 8:54 AM

Hi Sharon, Be sure to review the costs section of this post which has all the details. The bus tour is ₩13,000 per person. The buffet lunch adds another ₩8,000. Yes, the train is timed to connect with the bus. Once you arrive at Dorasan Station, you’ll be ushered onto the bus. This bus is specifically for train passengers, so it does drop passengers off back at Dorasan Station to catch the train back to Seoul. During our trip, the bus dropped us off back at Dorasan before 4:00, so we had more than a half hour to explore Dorasan Station a bit before taking the DMZ Train back to Seoul. Hope that helps and you have good trip!

December 7, 2018 at 11:36 AM

Dear John, thank you for the valuable information.

January 29, 2019 at 12:00 PM

Hi John, do you have any information of which tour you took that was ₩13,000 per person?? Thanks!

January 29, 2019 at 12:05 PM

Yes, it is a tour offered whilst on the train. It’s a bus tour from Dorasan Station, visiting Peace Park, Observatory & Third Tunnel, as documented all throughout this post. Just let me know what else you’d like to know about it.

October 31, 2018 at 10:09 AM

Great guide, thank you for taking the time to write such a comprehensive guide to an unique place. Hope to be able to visit, or maybe to see the place when the normality returns… always hopeful!

October 3, 2018 at 12:02 AM

I have a lot of friends that served in Korea and I always kick myself for not going to visit them while they were there lol! I definitely would like to visit and see the DMZ for myself. I’m glad you guys were able to find a cheaper way to get there.

October 8, 2018 at 8:30 PM

It’s never too late to plan a trip to Korea! 🙂 There was still a decent US military presence stationed in and around Seoul when we were there. Met many at the bars, lol. If you ever do make it out that way, would definitely recommend taking a poke around the DMZ. We thought it was really interesting!

October 2, 2018 at 4:14 AM

What a bizarre trip! I really enjoyed living vicariously through this one as I doubt I’ll ever make it to Korea let along the DMZ. Even the train looks bizarre! I love your goofy shots with the props and the tunnel sounds fascinating.

The nearest I get is that I visited the USSR in the days back and enjoyed a tour of Yalta with a Soviet guide. We were in our early teens and being a little provocative. The minute we asked a political question, our guide just started her speech from the start again!

October 1, 2018 at 9:27 AM

Loved this post. I love trains, especially long train rides on the window seat. I did not know such a journey was possible, that too to the border of N Korea! And the train itself looks pretty sleek and futuristic. Someday I’ll do it too.

October 8, 2018 at 8:33 PM

Right, who knew you could roll up on a train right to the N Korea border? The train itself is quite interesting and colorful! And the windows are rather broad too. They also put cameras in the front and the back of the train, with closed-circuit TV so you can see where you’re heading through a TV monitor. It’s an interesting trip – hope you get a chance to go! 🙂

October 1, 2018 at 5:15 AM

Holy guacamole! I had no idea that is was even on the radar for tourists to visit the DMZ! I love the interior decorations of the DMZ train. And the fact that South Korea has a fully stocked station ready to go as soon as peace breaks out. I’ve seen North Korea from the Chinese side many years ago, it did not look anything like that! The barbed wire and fences are scary but it looks like you guys had a great time. I was wondering where all of those pieces from the Berlin Wall went! What an interesting part of the world to visit! Thanks for sharing!

October 8, 2018 at 8:37 PM

Right, we had no idea either! Kinda crazy to chug up in a train to what is possibly one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. That Dorasan Station seems fully ready for northbound service. I think it’s partly just trying to make a statement, but it truly does have all the facilities and it’s a nice station! It’s quite interesting and symbolic to have found that those large pieces of the Berlin Wall made their way to the DMZ. Gave me chills to see that there.

September 30, 2018 at 9:52 PM

I’m still floored that the most heavily guarded border in the world can be visited as a tourist. It must have been surreal with the remnants of war mixed in with cutesy kitsch and even the frisbee golf park! When you guys were looking down from the observatory did you see anyone looking back?

September 30, 2018 at 4:31 AM

This is really interesting! I didn’t know you could do the DMZ tour on your own. I always thought you had to go with an organised tour company. it looks like not many other people realise this either, judging by the empty seats!

October 8, 2018 at 8:39 PM

Yeah, we were also kinda surprised to find we could take a train into the DMZ. Then we were shocked when we found we were nearly the only ones on the train. But it all made for one of our most interesting days while roaming around South Korea.

September 29, 2018 at 6:23 PM

What an incredibly bizarre experience. Who knew there was a DMZ peace train and you could have the carriage all to yourself, what luck! But seriously, this is why travel is so important these days. You often never get a fair picture from the mass media of destinations. I think having a first-hand experience like this, documenting it and sharing it with others so they can also learn is so very important for today’s society.

September 29, 2018 at 4:15 PM

I never even considered the possibility that one could visit the border without a tour. How much cheaper is it? The tunnel between the two countries is very interesting – I supposed there’s a dead-end because North Korea blocked it up once South Korea found out?

September 29, 2018 at 4:39 PM

It’s definitely an interesting novelty! 🙂 Taking the train plus the DMZ bus circuit we did comes out to nearly the same price as the cheapest tours from Seoul, but ultimately the DMZ train proves to be a few thousand won (a couple dollars) cheaper than the absolute cheapest DMZ tours we saw from Seoul. Regarding the tunnel, from the furthest point we got to, it’s fortified with fencing, barbed wire, artillery, etc. Somewhere beyond that there is a series of three blockades that have been installed.

September 27, 2018 at 8:11 AM

More bizzare trip to the DMZ-had a friend who served a tour in Korea,on one alert he drove his Palladin(self propelled artillery,he was crew chief) to within a few Km of the DMZ and actually sighted in on targets across the border! He really liked Korea and was semi fluent before he rotated back. FYI, the “tank” in your photos is actually a “Amtrak” or amphibious assault vehicle that most fears apricots as the pit is perfectly sized to block the pumps that keep them from sinking,also the train was scheduled to start service in 2001 but derailed by pres bush in his axis of evil speech(falsely accusing Iraq,Afghanistan and North Korea of the US demolition of world trade center and missle strike on the Pentagon to war profiteer)

Wow! I’m sure that anyone who served a tour along the DMZ has some interesting tales to tell. I can understand how your friend liked Korea – we also really enjoyed it. Regarding the delayed 2001 start to the DMZ Train, it’s funny you mention that, as there are signs depicting this at Dorasan Station, with pics of Pres W Bush at the station doing ribbon cutting and everything.

September 26, 2018 at 11:58 PM

Now that’s interesting, Didn’t know DMZs can be open for tours. Got lots of questions swimming in my head that I don’t even know where to begin. Ah!

September 23, 2018 at 8:23 PM

Wow, what an adventure! Your post is super informative and now I want to visit Korea, just not sure about taking the train all the way to the DMZ!

September 25, 2018 at 1:57 PM

Overall found South Korea to be a great place to travel with lots to offer. The DMZ train was definitely an interesting adventure to consider if you ever do make it out this way. 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

wareontheglobe

Europe is always a good idea., visiting the north korean border from seoul..

Dan and I visited South Korea in November 2019 and, like many tourists, we had a few discussions about whether to visit the North/South Korean border, referred to as the Demilitarized Zone or the “DMZ.” I very much wanted to and quite frankly, could not imagine going all the way to South Korea without at least trying to catch a glimpse of the infamous country. Dan, on the other hand, had zero interest and preferred to spend his time on more “positive” things. We compromised by doing a half-day guided tour from Seoul to the DMZ with I Love Seoul Tour, which tour got totally restructured due to an “African Swine Flu outbreak.” Reflecting back on our half-day tour, Dan enjoyed it more than he thought he would, and I was underwhelmed. Interesting and historical for sure, but not a “must see” in my opinion. This post is about our personal experience in November 2019. Information and safety at the Korean border changes daily, as do what things tourists can access, and travelers should always review the most up-to-date information before engaging in such a trip.

Looking out to North Korea.

Our trip to the North Korean border began at 7:45 AM at the Koreana Hotel near Seoul’s City Hall, where many people boarded a large tour bus and set out north to the border. The border between North and South Korea is quite close to Seoul, only about 60 kilometers away by car, and is largely formed by the Imjin River. Despite being so close to Seoul, I found the drive to be very bumpy (I got motion sickness, which never happens to me) and the border area was noticeably colder than Seoul.

Where we started our tour.

We arrived at our first and most exciting stop after about a hour after departure – the Ganghwa Peace Observatory (which technically falls outside the DMZ). Ganghwa is an observatory that was used strictly for military purposes until 2008, when parts of the Observatory opened to the public. The lowest and highest levels are still military-only, and you can see armed military personnel working at the Observatory. The most exciting part of Ganghwa, however, is that visitors are permitted to use  intense binoculars to peer into North Korea for a small fee.

Ganghwa Peace Observatory.

Before using the binoculars, we watched a short historical video on the formation of North Korea and the border, which was quite depressing (no surprise there), but pointed out what we could see using the binoculars (farm land, a school, a totally fake town – it was wild). At this point, I was realizing just how little I knew about the North and South Korean conflict.

The cost to use the binoculars is approximately 50 US cents for two minutes. I recommend bringing 500 won coins to use in the binoculars, but there is a money changing machine on site (no credit cards) to break down larger bills. There are a number of binoculars at the observatory, both inside and outside. Dan and I both used the binoculars for several minutes. While expecting to just see buildings, we actually saw people working in fields and a few people riding bicycles. It was fantastically interesting and for me at least, made me really feel for the people we were watching. Did they have enough food? Do they like living where they live? What do they know about the rest of the world just across the river? Or were they just actors directed by the North Korean government? I will never know, but it was eye-opening. I still think about an elderly man I saw riding a bicycle. We stayed at Ganghwa for about 30 minutes. 

Said video.

View across the river to North Korea.

Dan at the Ganghwa Peace Observatory. North Korea in the background.

Said crazy binoculars.

The next stop on our tour was a few minutes away at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, at least that was the name according to our guide (I have not been able to successfully confirm this and there was a bit of a language barrier). This small park on the side of the road is a memorial to those from all countries who died fighting in the Korean War. There was a little monument to each country who participated and a few life size soldier statutes (really bizarre). Many people took pictures with these…. Interesting to visit, but I could have skipped this park. More interesting to me were views of the town below which was heavily surrounded by prison-style fencing to protect against North Korean military efforts. After about 20 minutes, we boarded the bus and drove to Imjinjak Park, the final stop on our tour. 

Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Note the crazy fence.

Imjinjak Park, which is located just 7 kilometers from the Military Demarcation Line (i.e., the DMZ) was a real surprise to me. I expected a somber memorial, but found an odd Disney-esq tourist park with several historical sites right alongside restaurants and shops for tourists. It was sort of a bizarre dark tourism park. After visiting, I was not surprised to later find out that Imjinjak Park is actually named Imjinjak Resort. Built in 1972, Imjinjak Resort was built with the hope that someday the unification of Korea would be possible. That hope certainly came through during our visit, but Imjinjak also seemed a lot like a money-making tourist attraction. It was an odd mix for sure.

Imjinjak – 22 km from Gaeseong, North Korea.

Our first stop at Imjinjak was an art installation in an old underground military bunker called Art Space Beat 131. This only took about 10 minutes but was interesting to see. Our visit to the underground bunker was followed by a walk on the old Freedom Bridge, the location of the last bridge connecting North and South Korea that was blown up in early 1951. An old train remains on the bridge with many bullet holes left over from the war. It was certainly odd seeing this somber train set in the middle of the Imjinjak “resort.”

Old locomotive.

Old Freedom Bridge.

We also visited the Mangbaedan Alter at Imjinjak, which is famous as the place where Korean’s separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing toward their hometowns every New Year’s Day and Chuseok (Korean Fall holiday). Lots of beautifully placed ribbons make up the Mangbaedan Alter. Both beautiful and sad, viewing the Mangnaedan Alter was one of my favorite memories of the tour. It definitely inspired hope for the future.

Mangbaedan Alter.

Imjinjak Resort.

We looked around Imjinjak Resort for a bit longer prior to leaving and hit the shops for snacks and souvenirs to take home. Interestingly, the shops offered everything from a Popeye’s Fried Chicken chain to DMZ craft beer. Yes, DMZ craft beer by South Korea’s Playground Brewery. I can’t hate them for capitalizing on this. We obviously made that purchase (beer was not great, but Playground had some other good ones). I also purchased stamps from North Korean pre-split and a very cool magnet.

Popeye’s at Imjinjak.

Leaving Imjinjak, I was sad for the people whose families remain split up and confused by the “resort” concept of Imjinjak. Imjinjak provided a really interesting look into many Korean’s opinions on reunification. I have always thought of North Korea as being a terrible actor on the world stage, but a visit to this part of the world exposed how many people living in South Korea are closely tied to the North and desperate to reunite with their families and traditions that remain across the border. Certainly a different narrative than I hear back in the US. We drove back to Seoul after our visit at Imjinjak, arriving around 2 PM.

Driving back along the heavily fenced border.

I could not write this post without mentioning that arguably the biggest “bucket list” check regarding the DMZ was missing from our tour – a visit to the JSA. The JSA, or the Joint Security Area, is the infamous spot where North and South Korean forces stand face to face, and this was supposed to be the highlight of our day trip.  However, the JSA frequently closes for a variety of reasons, and it was closed on our trip due to a Swine Flu outbreak amongst pigs along the border. Knowing what I know now about COVID-19, I have to wonder if it could have been related to that… Who knows, it seems a bit early, but I am here for a good conspiracy theory! In any case, we told several Koreans that we went to the border and that the JSA was closed and their response was always the same: the JSA is hardly ever open to tourists. So there you go, don’t count on visiting the JSA. We also missed visiting the infiltration tunnels (where the North attempted to infiltrate the South) along the border for the same reason. Despite missing what I thought I was most wanting to see, I left our half-day trip totally satisfied and with a new perspective on the Korean conflict.

I would also note that while you can do exactly what we did on your own, you cannot visit the JSA on your own. And with rules constantly changing, I think a tour is the easiest way to visit the border. Many, many companies run these types of tours daily. I would further note that these tours are your standard “big box” tour, with strict time limits, assigned seats on the bus, and a requirement that all tour participants wear a large pendant indicating that one is a tour member. This is not at all the way I like to travel, but it was what we had to do for this tour. I would also point out that if you go to the JSA, you must have your passport. We brought ours on tour, but did not have to show them to anyone.

On the freezing border with that ugly tour pendant.

STEAL OUR TRIP

Ganghwa Peace Observatory : 산6-1 Cheolsan-ri, Yangsa-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea. Open 9:00 – 18:00. Closed Wednesday. Subject to safety concerns, you can visit on your own. Plenty of parking on site. There is a large hill that must be walked to reach the observatory from the parking lot. Ganghwa claims to have restaurants and shops on site, but during our visit on a toilet was open…

Another observatory, the Dorasan Observatory, is also along the border and frequently visited on these types of tours.

Imjinjak Resort : 148-53, Imjingak-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Claims to be open year round. The linked website has a lot of information in English. Toilets, shops, restaurants, and petrol on site.

I Love Seoul Tours : We did the Morning Tour at a cost of $45 US per person. If you really want to visit the JSA, confirm with your tour guide whether this will be possible as close as possible to your day tour. For example, our tour was totally different than what we booked due to the “swine flu.”

FYI – Many, many tour companies offer tours to the border with various add ons, from lunch to pistol shooting. Google around and find what’s best for your trip

. Also, bring your passport. Passports are required if you are lucky enough to visit the JSA.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply, privacy overview, discover more from wareontheglobe.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

The Budget Savvy Travelers

BREAKING FREE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BUDGET

Home » Experience the Best DMZ Tour to Visit North Korea From Seoul

Experience the Best DMZ Tour to Visit North Korea From Seoul

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, an unmissable experience is taking a DMZ tour to North Korea. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the border offers a unique opportunity to step foot into the reclusive nation, learn about the Korean War, and witness the tensions between the two Koreas firsthand.

When traveling to Korea, so much of the history, current events, museums, politics, etc., are related to the sights and locations that are visited on a DMZ tour. Some may say that it would be completely insane not to visit this unique area of the world.

Can we really say we visited North Korea? – The American soldier confidently replied, “Yes.

Best DMZ Tour to Visit North Korea

As an American, visiting the Joint Security Area (JSA) located in Panmunjom is the easiest and safest way to officially say you went to North Korea. We reached out to a popular tour guide in Seoul to help us organize our DMZ tour.

Based on their guidance and our research, this Panmunjom DMZ Tour easily stood out from the competition. Their reviews online are 5 stars and it’s ranked number one on TripAdvisor for things to do.

⚔️ 👨🏻‍✈️ Panmunjom DMZ Tour > Check Availability

If you’re looking for a private guided tour of the DMZ then you may be interested in the Private DMZ Peace Tour: Korea 3rd Invasion Tunnel and Suspension Bridge tour. Moreover, below are a few other fantastic tours to consider while in Seoul include:

• Full-Day Essential Seoul Tour
• Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour
• Drinking and Eating through the Alleys of Seoul
• Pocheon Private Day Tour from Seoul Including Lunch

Visiting North Korea has long been a far-fetched travel idea for many. However, when you’re in South Korea, taking a DMZ tour is an amazing opportunity you don’t want to miss. Here’s why:

• Officially cross the border into North Korean territory at the Joint Security Area (JSA).
• Gain insights into the complex history and current events surrounding the Korean peninsula.
• Witness the stark contrast between the two Koreas up close.
• Learn about daily life in North Korea from a defector’s first-hand account.
• Explore key sites and museums related to the Korean War.

To get an idea of what a tour to the DMZ and JSA is like, we invite you to watch our VLOG below, “We went to North Korea and this is what about happened….” The video will help guide you to the sights and activities that seem the most interesting to you. It’s located at the end of the article.

What Are the DMZ Tour Options?

Depending on the goal of your visit, there are a few different options for tours available. You can check out the VIP Travel website to see what works best for you. Some visitors may want to say they crossed over the border into North Korea, so they sign up for the Best Half Day DMZ Tour from Seoul which includes a visit to the JSA.

Another option is to learn more about the history of the Korean War and visit key sites. In this case, the MDL[Military Demarcation Line] Special Tour may be the best option.

Which Tour Do You Recommend?

We participated in two tours on two different days. After our experience, we agreed that each experience had its highlights and together made up two great days of exploring. If you are short on time, then the Half Day DMZ Tour from Seoul may be a good option as it has all of the main locations in one half-day experience.

Are You Really Technically Visiting North Korea?

When we first shared the news of our visit, a few people on social media claimed that we didn’t actually visit North Korea. We had a feeling someone would try to dispute our claim and try to bring down our bragging rights!

So while on the JSA (Joint Security Area) Tour, we made a point to ask our American military escort, “Can we really say we visited North Korea?” The American soldier confidently replied, “Yes.” (He probably was thinking in his head, “What does she think we’re doing over here? Playing dress-up?!)

Again, you are crossing over the border from the DMZ into North Korean territory. If anyone tries to dispute the claim, tell them that they can take it up with the American military.

Tour With North Korean Defector

There are currently four companies that offer tours out to the JSA and DMZ. However, Cosmojin Tour Consulting  is the only company that has a North Korean Defector as part of their tours. One of the unique highlights of our experience was the opportunity to learn, first-hand, about daily life in North Korea and hear about the defector’s actual escape.

Throughout the day, guests are free to ask the defector questions. This will allow you to gain a personal perspective from someone who still has family separated between the two Koreas. To be in the presence of an actual North Korean defector was an enlightening, yet humbling experience.

Another positive aspect of our tour with the Panmunjom Travel Center was our guide was phenomenal. She was high-energy, very informative, and had a great sense of humor. Also, while at the JSA, she had a great way of making our group feel relaxed. Her enthusiasm and insight provided many directions in the demilitarized zones.

Important Things to Know

• There is a dress code for the day. The following are not allowed: sleeveless shirts, tank tops, jeans with holes, any leather or military patterned clothing, shorts, revealing or skanky clothing, flip flops, or sandals. The T-shirts must be collared.
• There may be times when photo and video opportunities are prohibited as this is a military zone.
• Your tour may be canceled or modified in the event of an unexpected or unsafe condition.
• Contact Panmunjom Travel Center as soon as possible. You need at least 3 days advance notice to be sure to secure your tour.
• You must bring your passport to participate in the tour.
• Bring snacks and water. Lunch comes with the tour but drinks are an extra charge. Water is available at the restaurant for free.

We now have the ultimate bragging rights for our 56th country visited. The Budget Savvy Travelers have officially visited NORTH KOREA! Thank you to Panmunjom Travel Center for getting us there.

Have you taken a DMZ tour to visit North Korea? If so, please share your experience or questions in the comments section below. Feel free to contact us or reach out to Panmunjom Travel Center at [email protected] if you have any questions about taking a tour.

We Need Your Help

Did you find this article helpful? If so, bookmark it and when you’re planning your next vacation click on any of the links below before finalizing reservations. You’ll get the best price, we’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll help support future articles.

BEST TRAVEL SEARCH ENGINES

🏘️ Book Your Accommodation

We use Tripadvisor and Priceline’s Express Deals to compare prices and reviews in advance and check availability

✈️ Book Your Flight in Advance

To find the cheapest flight options, you can use WayAway and Skyscanner to find the most suitable choice for you

🚗 Reserve Your Rental Car

Use DiscoverCars and Skyscanner to compare prices and view the largest selection of vehicles

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• ← Bohol and Panglao Islands – Chocolate Hills, Beautiful Beaches, and More!
• 6 Free and Fascinating Day Trips From Split, Croatia →

Similar Posts

7 Must-Do Things to Do at Chaco Canyon

A time for acknowledgements. Special thanks to…

7 Easy Ways To Save Money on Your Next Vacation Accommodation

7 thoughts on “ experience the best dmz tour to visit north korea from seoul ”.

Very interesting blog. I thought that people do not travel in North Korea. Thanks for sharing! I’m glad I read your story.

Nice entry – I have not visited from the South side but rather from the North …. lots on NK in my own blog (with a few more locations to add yet). Just completed Panmunjom and the DMZ. Actually visiting NK via Pyongyang is not difficult, the biggest issue for most being that it is not cheap.

Thanks for stopping by. For us, money wasn’t the biggest issue…..it was our American passport. We had learned that American and Korean passports are not allowed into North Korea (very easily). I’d like to read more about your deeper travels into North Korea. Can you supply us a link?

Hi – Having an American passport has not been a problem for many years now. About 1/3 of our group of 20 were US citizens and that is about average. There are a small number of restrictions the most notable of which is that US citizens must fly into and out of Pyongyang. You are not permitted to take the train in or out of the country. Off course things are a bit tense at present between US and NK and you might want to consider that. Once you are accepted onto a tour you see and hear the exact same as anyone else on the tour. I make various references to US visitors in my blog. While the anti American rhetoric is relentless all the US citizens on our tour thoroughly enjoyed it. If you enter my blog using this link and go down to North Korea … and follow links from there you can read reviews in a logical order …

https://ramblingwombat.wordpress.com/travel-loops/

Be warned there are a lot of them .. I should add that they are based on what I saw and heard there so, yes, they are totally one sided …I have tried to add a bit of levity here and there …. Any questions you have, just ask .. I keep up to date with NK news..

Above all, enjoy my take on NK and GO!!!!!!!

Thank you for this information! It is helpful to get a first hand account from someone who actually made it in and observed what a typical tour was like. Great information for anyone coming across this tread. I’m sure travelers would seek you out for more Information if considering a tour. After traveling for so long, we’re used to the anti-American rhetoric. It just rolls off our “typical American fat rolls!” Ha ha! Too much? I’ll definitely flag those articles to read. Thanks for sending them. Are you from Australia? Kind regards. -A

I am originally from Northern Ireland which I left in 1989. Apart from just over two years in PNG and three in Fiji I have lived in Australia (now home) since then.

The anti US rhetoric in NK is beyond the imaginable and we all (including those from the US) couldn’t wait to hear what would come next.

Lets hope things always stay calm!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• TRAVEL ARTICLES
• BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
• GREAT BRITAIN
• MASSACHUSETTS
• NORTH CAROLINA
• PENNSYLVANIA
• SOUTH CAROLINA
• PHILIPPINES
• SAUDI ARABIA
• UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
• REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
• SOUTH AFRICA
• AMERICAN SAMOA
• COOK ISLANDS
• NEW ZEALAND
• DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
• PUERTO RICO
• TIPS, TRICKS, AND BUDGET-SAVVINESS
• FIRST 6 MONTHS
• MONTHS 7-10
• MONTHS 11-15
• MONTHS 16-18
• MONTHS 19-24
• PROJECTED ROUTE
• LATEST VLOGS
• EPISODE 1-5: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
• EPISODE 6: URUGUAY
• EPISODE 7: ANTARCTICA
• EPISODE 8: PATAGONIA
• EPISODE 9: SOUTH AMERICAN WINE COUNTRY
• EPISODE 10: THE COOK ISLANDS
• EPISODE 11: NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA
• EPISODE 12: INDIA
• EPISODE 13: BORNEO
• EPISODE 14: THAILAND
• SPONSORED CONTENT
• WHY DID WE QUIT OUR JOBS TO TRAVEL?
• OUR PAST TRAVELS

North Korea (DPRK)

Why should you choose Koryo Tours?

Choosing to travel to unusual destinations such as North Korea is a big decision, and choosing the right people to take you is an incredibly important part of that. Learn about how we facilitate tourism responsibly in some of the most interesting and unique destinations on our planet, and at the same time ensure you get the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime experience .

I also want to see:

• Group Tours
• Private Tours
• Specialist Tours
• Special Events

A tour to North Korea (DPRK) is the ultimate in adventure travel. Join Koryo Tours as we explore Pyongyang and some of North Korea's most remote locations for an experience you'll never forget, all in the safe hands of North Korea tour experts.

Our North Korea tours are designed with the purpose of making sure you see and do as much as possible on tour in North Korea (DPRK). Touring this country is the opportunity of a lifetime for many, and we use our 28 years of North Korea experience to ensure you get the most out of your time there. We have classic , speciality , and budget North Korea tours scheduled throughout the year. Get in touch for help on deciding which North Korea tour is best for you. Our experts are happy to answer all your questions. Unsure if a North Korea group tour is for you? Read Why Choose a Koryo Tours Group Tour or contact us. Alternatively, head to our North Korea Private Tours and get in touch for a bespoke North Korea tour itinerary. North Korea Country Profile North Korea FAQs North Korea Map Note: We require all travellers on international and North Korea tours to have valid travel insurance . NOTICE: The North Korean border is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Please check COVID-19 & North Korea for updated information. NO Tours to North Korea (DPRK) will be taking place until the border is open again. The tours below are planned departure dates but until the country is open to tourists again all tours will remain suspended.

Use the search function below to find tours. Please note that our tours for May Day start in April and tours for China National Day (1 October) start in September.

• Pyongyang Marathon

Budget Tours

June 2024 — 2 tours, june 11 - june 15/16 2024.

Koryo North Korea Budget Tour Summer

4 nights in the DPRK + North Korea-China travel time. Flight entry included!

Beat the summer rush in the DPRK and join this North Korea budget tour! The best way to see highlights incl. city tour of Pyongyang, historic Kaesong, and Nampo on the West Coast. From 999 EUR per person

Please apply by 31st May, 2024 .

This tour is managed by...

Gergo Vaczi

Greg is the Koryo Tours DPRK Tour Manager.

He grew up in post-socialist Hungary and first travelled to North Korea as a tourist in 2016 following in the footsteps of his grandparents, who visited in 1988. He has since lived in the Netherlands, Israel, China, Korea and Iceland and holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. He has taken 26 groups to North Korea and lived in Seoul studying the Korean language full-time for two years. He also completed a long study course in Korean at a university in Pyongyang.

Read more about Greg's journey to become a North Korean Tour Leader  here.

Our North Korea Summer Budget Tour falls after the Tano Festival ('Dragon Boat Festival' in China), which marks the end of the planting season and the start of summer in North Korea. The pleasant scenery and warm weather of June traditionally made this the time for outdoor activities and festivals since ancient times.

This is an introductory trip to Korea for the frugal traveller in search of adventure, offering a no-frills alternative to our more advanced tours offers a great way to see a tightly edited package of the country’s most interesting sights, including a city tour of Pyongyang and a visit to  Kaesong south of the 38th Parallel on the North-South border.

You’ll also visit the port town of Nampo and the West Sea Barrage , an engineering megaproject at the mouth of the Taedong River.

Scroll down for an overview of the North Korea Budget Tour highlights, tour itinerary, DPRK tourist visa information, and extra add-ons.

Koryo Tours International Tours

Mongolia | Turkmenistan | Kazakhstan | Bhutan | Russia | Tajikistan  

• See Pyongyang highlights, including the Mansudae Grand Monument, the Pyongyang Metro, the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, and USS Pueblo
• Historic Kaesong south of the 38th Parallel
• Get out of the capital, to the port city of Nampo, a centre of trade and industry

Briefing Day

June 10 | monday.

*Pre-Tour Briefing | We require all travellers to attend a pre-tour briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session. Please be punctual for the briefing. You can come early, meet your fellow travellers, and pay any outstanding tour fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of travel to North Korea.

• Recommended latest arrival in Beijing.
• 16:00   |   Briefing in Beijing.

Overnight   |   Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour. Contact us for recommendations near our office!

June 11 | Tuesday

Arrival day in Pyongyang

• 10:00 | Meet your Tour Leader and the group at  Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 .
• Flight departure from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 on Air Koryo flight JS152 at 13:05. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch ( vegetarian option is subject to availability). Check-in starts 3 hours prior to departure.  
• Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 16:05. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.  
• Pyongyang Metro Tour  | One of the deepest metro systems in the world with stunning artwork reflecting the name of each station. Ride six stations on the Chollima Line.  
• Arch of Triumph  | A 60-m archway commemorating the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule and larger than its counterpart in Paris.

Overnight:   Ryanggang Hotel , Pyongyang | The Two Rivers Hotel (so named as it sits on a hill overlooking the point where the Potong river and Taedong Rivers meet). The hotel offers great views over different parts of the city (depending on which side of the building you stay on) from the open balconies, and also from the ‘swivelling’ restaurant. The underground karaoke room here is excellent and the bar in the lobby is also great.

June 12 | Wednesday

Pyongyang City Tour

• Optional morning run for the early risers on Sports Street past stadiums and halls whose architecture reflects the sports played within.  
• Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient and modern architecture from different eras.  
• Mansudae Grand Monument  | Enormous bronze statues of the DPRK leadership overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and bow by the group is customary here. Visitations are by special request only and decent dress is required. No shorts or flip-flop sandals allowed here.  
• Grand People’s Study House   | Huge national library and public university housed in a large neo-traditional Korean building overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and the downtown Pyongyang.  
• Foreign Languages Bookshop  | Store selling Korean publications translated into English, German, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. Also pick up DVDs, postcards, and small works of art.  
• Kim Il Sung Square  | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museum and The Grand People’s Study House, Korea’s national library. See the centre of it all!  
• Okryugwan | A meal at Pyongyang’s most famous restaurant. Housed in a huge traditional building on the banks of the Taedong River. Okryugwan specialises in Pyongyang Cold Noodles.
• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and USS Pueblo  | We’ll tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 and its exhibits of Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing artifacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captures equipment from the US military, including the spyship USS Pueblo . Central to the understanding of the country today and a highlight of the trip.  
• Drive south on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (formerly known as Reunification) Motorway  to Kaesong , historic capital of the medieval Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). Once located in South Korea, the city changed hands during the Korean War. It is now located just north of the DMZ.  
• Dinner with a live Kayagum performance - a traditional Korean instrument in a unique setting!

Overnight:  Minsok Folk Hotel , Kaesong   |   Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city, structures date back to the Ri Dynasty. Basic bathroom facilities. Hot water not guaranteed and erratic electricity supply – please bring a torch.

June 13 | Thursday

Historic Kaesong and the Joint Security Area (*Please note that due to the current political situation and recent chenges, it is our understanding that visits to Panmunjom and the JSA as well as to the Concrete Wall is not possible at least until further notice. If that is the case at the time of our vist we will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kaesong as well a ginseng factory .)

• Old City Walk and South Gate | A stroll from the hotel through Kaesong’s historic district lined with homes dating back to the Ri Dynasty from the city’s historic South Gate.  
• Panmunjom Armistice Village and DMZ  ( *Currently suspended ) | The site of the signing of the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War and demarcation line between north and south. On some days it is possible to visit the hut straddling the line, where negotiations between both sides once took place. Here we will be accompanied by military guides from the Korean People's Army.  
• Kaesong Koryo Museum  | Once the Songgyung Academy, a Confucian school, and now a museum on the Koryo Dynasty exhibiting historical objects, statues, pagodas, and porcelain from that era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
• Kaesong Korean Stamp Exhibition Hall   | Store selling stamps, postcards, local ginseng , souvenirs, art, and more! One of the best postcard collections in the country and friendly staff.  
• Traditional Royal Korean Lunch ( pangsanggi )  | A meal made of 12 dishes served in brass bowls fit for the kings of old. The more dishes, the more distinguished the guest! Traditional Korean 'sweet meat soup' is an option here ( 5 EUR ).
• Janam Hill  | Statues of the DPRK leadership on a hill overlooking Kaesong city and historic pavilion used for archery demonstrations in days of yore.  
• Concrete Wall and view of DMZ   ( *Currently suspended ) | View of a complex fortification system erected on the southern boundary of the DMZ accompanied by a military guide. The wall is seen as evidence of intent to permanently divide the nation. A 45 minute drive each way from Kaesong through scenic countryside.  
• Drive back to Pyongyang .  A 3-hour drive.  
• Kwangbok Department Store  | Exchange for Korean currency and shop with the citizens of Pyongyang! Try the snack stands for some of Pyongyang’s best local eats.

Overnight:  Ryanggang Hotel, Pyongyang

June 14 | Friday

Nampo and Pyongyang City Tour

• Mangyongdae Native House  | Birthplace and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a beautiful natural surrounding.  
• Drive west along the ‘Youth Hero Highway’ to Nampo (45 minutes to 1-hour drive), the port city of Pyongyang at the mouth of the Taedong River on the West Sea.  
• Chongsan-ri Co-Operative Farm | The DPRK’s most famous and iconic model farm. Visited hundreds of times by Kim Il Sung (there is a bronze statue of him and various farm workers here), the place where the ‘Chongsan-ri Method’ was developed (they will explain on-site). See how the farming system works, visit a farmhouse and the local shop,and kindergarten, see the fields and greenhouses.  
• West Sea Barrage | An 8 km concrete, steel, and earthen barrage constructed between the Taedong River estuary and the West Sea for land reclamation, irrigation, flood prevention, and power generation. It also acts as a ship lock and fish ladder. One of the DPRK’s greatest engineering feats.  
• Pi Island | A local beach next to West Sea Barrage. Go for a swim or join the locals for a karaoke ( weather permitting ).
• Tae’an Glass Factory | Factory producing glass and glass products for the domestic market. Watch the glass-making process from smelting to sheet-cutting and even try to break a sheet of strengthened glass.  
• Drive back to Pyongyang .  
• Party Foundation Monument   | Iconic Monument made up of stone depictions of hands gripping the hammer, sickle, and writing brush – symbols of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Built in 1995 for the 40th anniversary of the Party.  
• Tower of the Juche Idea  | Iconic tower dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy on the Taedong River. Take the elevator to the top for great views of the city ( elevator ticket is 5 EUR).  
• Taedonggang Bar No. 3 | Upscale bar across the street from the Tower of the Juche Idea. There are a variety of beers on tap produced at Pyongyang’s Taedonggang Brewery outside of town ( 2-2.5 EUR per glass ).  
• Farewell dinner at Duck BBQ Restaurant  | Famous restaurant in south Pyongyang specializing in duck meat barbecue on a grill. Southcentral does it like nobody does!

June 15 | Saturday

Departure Day from Pyongyang and Return to Beijing by flight or train. Please confirm your preferred transport method upon booking.

• Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS151  at 08:30 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 09:50.
• Train departure by train to Beijing  at 10:25 with transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is to Beijing Station  on Sunday, June 16 at 08:40. For this tour the default option is hard sleeper (six beds per berth).

End of Tour

Upgrade to your own room

All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 40 EUR per night.

Return by plane not train

This tour enters the DPRK by plane. But the default setting upon your return is the 24-hour international train from Pyongyang to Beijing. For an extra 265 EUR you can opt for the plane back instead. The flight takes around 90 minutes.

Visit Dandong — the Chinese gateway to the DPRK

Instead of immediately returning to Beijing when your tour ends you can take some extra time to visit this fascinating border city, which directly faces the DPRK town of Sinuiju, but lies on the Chinese side of the Yalu River. We offer both one-night and two-night fully guided extensions that take in all the sights of Dandong, with a special North Korea theme.

Insurance for up to six nights

We're unable to take you on one of our tours if you do not have medical insurance that covers the destination in question. Issues of isolation and infrastructure where we go mean it would be irresponsible of us to do so. We can provide this if you do not have it — or you can use your own.

What is / is not included?

• Air Koryo flight Beijing – Pyongyang
• Train travel Pyongyang – Beijing by hard sleeper class with transfer in Dandong
• All meals on the tour apart from meals on the train
• Hotel accommodation in North Korea
• Two local English-speaking Korean guides and a driver per group
• A Koryo Tours tour leader
• All transportation in North Korea

NOT INCLUDED

• DPRK visa fee 60 EUR
• Optional Air Koryo flight Pyongyang – Beijing (265 EUR)
• Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
• Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx 10-15 EUR per day)
• Optional activities such as the lift up the Juche Tower (5 EUR) or a visit to the funfair (approx. 2 EUR entrance fee per person)
• Entry tickets for special events if applicable – for example Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person) or film screening (approx. 10 EUR)
• Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
• Spending money for souvenirs

Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and a Koryo Tours tour leader. Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ to what is advertised above. Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed. We will also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park).

We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there to guarantee the experience of a lifetime. After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.

June 29 - July 6/7 2024

The Summer Holiday Tour in North Korea

7 nights in North Korea + Beijing-Pyongyang travel time

Discover North Korea’s rarely visited East coast from the industrial centre of Hamhung to the hiking trails of Mt. Kumgang From 1495 EUR per person

Please apply by 17th June, 2024 .

Sun, sea, and sand… Yes, that’s right!

North Korea may not be known as a summer get-away, or indeed known for its beaches, but we think a summer package holiday in North Korea is far too underrated, and one of the best holiday destinations to give you one of the most unforgettable trips of a lifetime. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tourists crowding the beaches!

Our Summer Holiday Tour is an annual favourite which gives you the highlights of North Korea – and more. This includes exploring the capital Pyongyang and historic Kaesong on the Korean Demilitarised Zone on the North-South Korea border, while also taking time to see the country's rarely visited east coast.

On the east coast, you will see the port city of Wonsan and the industrial centre of Hamhung , while having the chance to explore the hiking trails in Mt Kumgang . The weather is beautiful at this time of year – warm during the day but not too hot, making it one of the best holiday destinations this summer!

Scroll down for an overview of our Summer Holiday tour package highlights, tour itinerary, transport options , DPRK tourist visa information, and extra add-ons.

• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum: World-class museum of the Korean War and site of the captured USS Pueblo
• Hamhung Fertiliser Plant: Giant chemical-industrial complex vital to DPRK agriculture
• Mt. Kumgang: The 'Diamond Mountain'. Breathtaking views and the best hiking in the DPRK

28 June | Friday

*Pre-Tour Briefing | We require all travellers to attend a pre-tour briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session. Please be punctual for the briefing. You can come early, meet your fellow travellers, and pay any outstanding tour fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of travel to North Korea. For this tour, we will hold two briefings. One in the morning for those departing by train this afternoon and the other in the afternoon for those departing by flight the next day.

• 10:00   | Briefing for those departing by train.
• 16:00   |   Briefing for those departing by flight.  
• 17:26   |   Train travellers depart Beijing Station by Chinese domestic sleeper train to Dandong , the Chinese city on the border with North Korea. Please arrange independent travel to the train station and arrive at least an hour and a half early for the train departure.

Overnight   |   Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour for those taking the flight the next day. Contact us for recommendations near our office! Those travelling by train will spend the night on the train.

29 June | Saturday

• Train transfer at Dandong Station from overnight sleeper train to Dandong-Pyongyang local. Our local representative in Dandong will assist with the transfer. Train crosses the China-North Korea border followed by North Korean customs and immigration.
• Flight departure from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 on Air Koryo flight JS152 at 13:05. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch ( vegetarian option is subject to availability). Check-in starts 3 hours prior to departure.
• Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 16:05. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.
• Kim Il Sung Square   | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House.  
• Train arrival to Pyongyang Railway Station at 18:45.  
• Walk on Future Scientists' Street | An evening stroll through one of Pyongyang's newest neighbourhoods.

Overnight:   Yanggakdo International Hotel , Pyongyang  | Home away from home for most (but not all!) foreign visitors to Pyongyang, this 47-story hotel is located on an island in the middle of the Taedong River and offers great views of the city. Comfortable rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities: swimming pool, spa, billiards, bowling, gift shops, tea houses, beer brewed on-site, and a Chinese-run casino.

30 June | Sunday

Sunday in Pyongyang and drive to Kaesong

• Moranbong Park | We’ll take a stroll in Pyongyang’s central park popular with locals for picnics, dances, and sports. The park is filled with historic pavilions, walls, and monuments – modern and ancient, a few of which are among the traditional ‘Eight Great Sights of Pyongyang’.
• Kwangbok Department Store  | Exchange for Korean currency and shop with the citizens of Pyongyang! Try the snack stands for some of Pyongyang’s best local eats.  
• Mangyongdae Native House  | Birthplace and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a beautiful natural surrounding.

Tower of the Juche Idea  | Iconic tower is dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy on the Taedong River. Take the elevator to the top for 5 EUR for great views of the city.

Overnight:  Minsok Folk Hotel , Kaesong | Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city, structures date back to the Ri Dynasty. Basic bathroom facilities. Hot water not guaranteed and erratic electricity supply – please bring a torch.

1 July | Monday

Historic Kaesong and the Joint Security Area  (*Please note that due to the current political situation and recent chenges, it is our understanding that visits to Panmunjom and the JSA as well as to the Concrete Wall is not possible at least until further notice. If that is the case at the time of our vist we will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kaesong as well a ginseng factory .)

• Kaesong Korean Stamp Exhibition Hall  | Store selling stamps, postcards, local ginseng , souvenirs, art, and more! One of the best postcard collections in the country and friendly staff.  
• Traditional Royal Korean Lunch ( pangsanggi )   | A meal made of 12 dishes served in brass bowls fit for the kings of old. The more dishes, the more distinguished the guest! Traditional Korean 'sweet meat soup' is an option here ( 5 EUR ).
• Sonjuk Bridge | Small stone bridge built in 1290, which in 1392 was the site of the assassination of the last loyal Koryo Dynasty minister Jong Mong Ju by a son of Ri Song Gye (founder of the next, and final, dynasty). This bloody act extinguished the Koryo which had ruled over Korea for 474 years and is said to have left a permanent mark on the bridge that can be seen to this day.  
• Drive back to Pyongyang . A 3-hour drive.  
• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and USS Pueblo  | We’ll tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 and its exhibits of Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing artifacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captures equipment from the US military, including the spyship USS Pueblo . Central to the understanding of the country today and highlight of the trip.  
• Mansugyo Beer Bar | A beer bar serving seven types of beer. Popular with locals after work and on weekends. Best place to drink pints with local people.

Evening walk on Ryomyong Street  | Pyongyang's newest futuristic neighbourhood.

Overnight:  Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

2 July | Tuesday

Drive to Hamhung

• Drive east across the width of the peninsula before heading north to   Hamhung , the second largest city of the DPRK and major centre of industry. A 7 to 8-hour drive.

Stop by Sinpyong Lake Guesthouse to stretch your legs at this lakeside teahouse beneath rocky crags.

• Ulim Waterfall for a picnic lunch  | Hidden amongst the mountains on the road to Wonsan, ‘Echo’ Waterfall is a scenic stopover to enjoy lunch, stretch your legs, or go for a dip in the pool beneath.
• Tongbong Co-operative Farm  | Local farm in the outskirts of Hamhung. View the machinery barn, a local home, and the farm shop to buy some locally made products.

Home of Ri Song Gye  | Home of the first king of the Ri Dynasty (1392-1910) who extinguished the Koryo Dynasty, only to be then ousted by his own son. A traditional hall and pavilion and associated naughty stories of the former king’s retirement years – some not appropriate for the youth!

Overnight:  Majon Beach Guesthouse , Hamhung  |   A beachside holiday compound with basic but comfortable chalets. Rooms have heated floors but no running water. Bring a torch! There is a main building with restaurant, bar, billiards, table-tennis, bookshop, and Korean karaoke.

3 July | Wednesday

Hamhung and Wonsan AM

• Hungnam Fertiliser Factory  | Massive chemical-industrial plant producing various kinds of fertilisers. Tour of the plant control room, production facilities, and packing plant – just don’t light up next to the Ammonium Nitrate!

Hamhung Grand Theatre and Central Square  | Exterior view of the DPRK’s largest theatre on the city’s central square.

Tonghung Revolutionary Site | Hillside park with statues of the DPRK leadership overlooking Hamhung city centre and Songchon River. A presentation of flowers is customary.

• Drive south to  Wonsan , a major port city on the East Sea of Korea.  A 2.5 - 3-hour drive .  
• Wonsan Agricultural University  | The DPRK’s premier agricultural university set among beautiful hillside scenery. Tour the grounds and the neo-Romanesque teaching hall, originally built by Germans living in the area in the early 20th century.
• Songdowon International Schoolchildren’s   Camp   |   A classic socialist summer camp where Korean and international children can spend two weeks learning socialist values and teamwork. Tour the recently renovated dormitories, aquarium, birdhouse, gymnasium, and more!  
• Wonsan City Centre and Docks | Central square and ship terminal in downtown Wonsan. The Mangyongbong-92 ferry/cargo ship which one shuttled Koreans living in Japan back and forth across the East Sea of Korea is moored here.  
• Jangdok Island and Lighthouse  | Take a stroll on the breakwater to a small island in the middle of Wonsan harbour ( 1 EUR/USD entry fee ).

Overnight:  Dongmyong Hotel , Wonsan  | Waterfront hotel with stunning seaside views of Wonsan Harbor. Limited hours of hot water, bar, billiards, ping-pong, barber shop, beauty salon, dry sauna, and indoor seawater swimming pool.

4 July | Thursday

Mt. Kumgang, the 'Diamond Mountain'

• Kangwon Province Art Gallery | Small art exhibition selling artwork by local artists, where you can purchase paintings.  
• Drive south along the East Sea coast to the scenic  Mt. Kumgang , the ‘Diamond Mountain’ noted in East Asian history and famous in Korean legends. Home of some of Korea’s most spectacular natural landscapes and best hiking.  A 2.5 - 3-hour drive .  
• Sokwang Temple | Remains of a Buddhist temple established dating back to the late-14th century and associated with the dream that predicted the fall of the Koryo Dynasty. A historic and haunting place set in a serene mountain valley with stream. 
• Samil Lagoon  | A charming green-water coastal lagoon lined by pine forests. Named for the ‘three-day’ stay (sam-il) of a king in days-gone-by to take in the full beauty of the area. 

Overnight:  Kumgangsan Hotel , Mt. Kumgang  |   A very comfortable, clean and well equipped hotel. Bar, billiards, massage and a great terrace with barbecue options.

5 July |  Friday

Mt. Kumgang hiking and drive back to Pyongyang with stops along the way. AM

• Hiking in the Mt Kumgang area | ‘The Diamond Mountain’ – a series of peaks and canyons rising above Korea’s eastern seaboard and regarded since time immemorial as one of the most scenic regions in East Asia. An 8 km (round-trip) hike to a scenic ‘Nine-Dragons’ waterfall will take us through forests, along mountain streams and by emerald pools.
• Drive back up the coast to Wonsan  with a rest stop at Lake Sinjung.  
• Continue driving to  Pyongyang   (approx 4 hours drive)  with a stop at   Masik Pass Ski Resort , the DPRK’s largest ski resort. Opened in 2013, Masik Pass features nine main runs, two beginner slopes, and a lodge with full amenities.  
• Monument to the Party Foundation | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, writing brush which make up the emblem of the Worker’s Party of Korea and represent workers, farmers, and intellectuals.  
• Delicious farewell dinner.

Overnight |   Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

6 July  | Saturday

• Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS 151 at 08:30 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 09:50.
• Train departure by train to Beijing at 10:25 with transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is to Beijing Station on Sunday, 7 July at 08:40. For this tour the default option is hard sleeper (six beds per berth).

Transport | Train and Flights to North Korea (Standard)

This tour travels between Beijing-Pyongyang by train each way in a hard-sleeper carriage (6 bunks per compartment). The train journey takes 24 hours with a transfer at the city of Dandong. One-way or round-trip flights are also available. The flight takes around 90 minutes. For an extra 199 EUR you can upgrade to a one-way flight. A round-trip ticket costs an additional 299 EUR.

Visit the DPRK border town of Sinuiju

If you're heading back to Beijing by train this option lets you get off for an overnight in Dongrim before the next day's tour of Sinuiju — the border city with China. Spend an extra 24 hours in the DPRK seeing the sites of North Pyongan province. You will then continue on through to Beijing.

Insurance (7 to 9 nights)

• Return train Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing with transfers at Dandong
• All meals on the tour apart from the meals on the train
• Hotel accommodation
• Koryo Tours tour leader
• Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
• North Korean visa fee 60 EUR
• Optional Air Koryo flights (one-way: 199 EUR; round-trip: 299EUR)
• Optional single room supplement (40 EUR per night)
• Entry tickets for special events if applicable – for example Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person)
• Sinuiju Extension: RMB 50 for the bus across the bridge to Dandong to be paid on the spot to the local guides

Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced Koryo Tours tour leader . Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ slightly to what is advertised above. Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed. We will also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park).

We visit North Korea regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there to guarantee the experience of a lifetime. After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.

July 2024 — 2 tours

August 2024 — 3 tours, september 2024 — 6 tours, october 2024 — 2 tours, november 2024 — 1 tour, december 2024 — 2 tours, january 2025 — 2 tours, february 2025 — 2 tours, march 2025 — 1 tour, april 2025 — 5 tours, next tour departure dates, east pyongyang.

As seen from the top of the Juche Tower - this is a mainly residential district

Mass Dance - Pyongyang

Mass Dances are held on all major holidays. particpants number from 3000 to 50,000. Tourists can even join in!

Ryugyong Hotel - Pyongyang

Iconic 105-storey building towering over the capital. Koryo Tours have even been to the top of this!

Farming - East Coast

Korea is mainly mountains but has farmland too - a trip to the countryside gives a sense of what rural life is like

Youth Funfair - Pyongyang

A great place to visit in the evening, popular with locals and with all Italian-made rides

Fishing Village - East Coast

Bounded by seas to east and west the villages along the coasts are mainly populated by fishermen catching all manner of seafood

Kwangbok Street - Pyongyang

One of Pyongyang's famous mega-highways. with a dozen lanes accommodating far more cars than ever need to use it

Reunification Monument

On the road from the capital heading south - this monument symbolises ongoing hopes for peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula

People's Theatre - Pyongyang

Home of the famous Moranbong Band - the DPRK's iconic rock/pop/ensemble

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

• Turkmenistan
• Cultural Engagement
• Country profile
• Terms & conditions
• Why choose Koryo

[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544 Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong. Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China

中国北京市东城区草园胡同76号聚才大厦A 座409 室, 邮编：100027 Download contact card

Not registered yet? Register now

Trouble logging in? Reset password

* All fields are mandatory

Got an account already? Let me log in

Our   Story

Rocky road travel, rocky road   blog, all destinations, afghanistan, afghanistan tours, mauritania tours, south sudan, south sudan tours, socotra tours, syria tours, pakistan tours.

Can You Visit North Korea From Seoul?

North of the dmz.

One of the most asked questions on the internet related to Korean tourism searches. Can you visit North Korea from Seoul is a fairly straightforward one to answer. 

The Korean Peninsula has been divided in two since the end of the Second World War when the Soviets backed the North and the Americans the South. Since then the two sides have only grown further and further apart. Sadly, at no time has free travel been allowed between the two. The “border”or demarcation line is a 4km buffer zone that stretches for 250km coast to coast. It’s the world’s most impenetrable border.

Travelling to North Korea via China

While others would have you velieve that visiing the DMZ and putting one foot in North Korea counts. We’re going to classify that as a hard no. You can easily arrange a day tour of the DMZ from Seoul but this is meerly allowing you a sneak peak into North Korea.  On most day tours you do get to go inside one of the blue huts that straddle the border so technically you can say you have visited. If you really want to see North Korea though you will have to join a group tour via China.

This is easily doable from Seoul. Many flights depart Seoul daily for North East China. You could fly to Dalian, Shenyang, Yanji close to the North Korean border, or start your tour in Beijing. From any of those places simple jump on a fast train to the border city of Dandong to meet up with your tour group. From there it’s a wonderful train ride to Pyongyang and the beginning of an unforgettable experience.

Travel to   North Korea!

A reunified future.

While real travel between the Korea’s remains impossible today, there has been steps in the past to prepare for a slight opening of border. During the Sunshine Policy period of inter Korean relations plans were set up to reopen the Gyeongui railway Line. The line once connected Pyongyang with Seoul prior to 1945. Fresh tracks were laid across the DMZ and a station at Dorasan was renovated on the southern side. 

The line has since gone quiet again and no regular passenger trains were ever announced.

So can you visit North Korea from Seoul? Technically yes but you are much better off travelling to China and jumping on one of our North Korea Tours!

About Post   Author

Shane Horan

When Shane is not endlessly writing content for Rocky Road, he’s usually kayaking to and from work along Berlin’s River Spree. 

You Might Also Like

The Giant Leap – Booking a trip to North Korea

Are There Any Flights To North Korea?

Can North Koreans Travel?

The North Korean Language

How to visit North Korea

First Impressions of North Korea

📞 +491635158517 ✉️ [email protected]

Destinations

• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• South Sudan
• Agents & Partners
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Sustainability
• Travel Insurance

Subscribe To Our   Newsletter

Keep in touch with the latest news and info on our unique destinations.

Get in touch

Request more info or book a tour.

Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you in no time!

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Destinations
• Asia Travel

How to Travel to North Korea

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Stef Katz . Stef Katz is a Travel Agent and the Founder of The Travel Superhero. She has helped clients enjoy convenience, access, personal attention, and ease in their travel planning for 6 years. Stef specializes in elevated social travel and finds ways to bring peace of mind to her travelers with open communication, genuine care, and professional support. She holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Miami Dade College and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Florida, as well as numerous certifications with destinations, tour companies, and cruise lines in the travel industry. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 30,865 times.

Known as the “hermit kingdom,” trips to North Korea are extremely limited, but can spark curiosity in foreign travellers. Many countries have active travel bans advising their citizens not to travel to North Korea. Tightened travel restrictions followed the death of Otto Warmbier in 2017, an American student who was arrested during his trip in North Korea. After his release, he returned to the U.S. in a coma and then passed away. [1] X Research source Travelers can usually visit North Korea only in very special cases. If you are allowed to travel to North Korea, research its laws and culture, and prepare in case of emergencies.

Completing Necessary Paperwork

• For example, citizens in the UK need to contact the Korean embassy in London to apply for a visa. [2] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• U.S. citizens can apply to receive a special validation passport at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/passport-for-travel-to-north-korea.html . But get ready for denial as obtaining a Special Validated Passport is rare.
• If you are traveling from South Korea, you will need permission from both the Republic of Korea and the DPRK to tour North Korea.

• Some tour operators like Koryo Tours and Mir Corporation have stopped leading trips for citizens in certain countries (like the U.S.) until travel bans are lifted, so check their websites to make sure you can join. [4] X Research source

Taking Precautions Before Your Trip

• The Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang acts as the protecting power for U.S., Australian and Canadian citizens. [8] X Research source

• For example, citizens in Ireland can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade if they’re traveling outside Ireland or Great Britain. [10] X Research source
• U.S. citizens can enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/ .

Staying Safe While in North Korea

• You cannot take Korean money out of the country when you exit. [13] X Research source

• Don't fold or dispose of newspapers that have the image of the Kim dynasty's members on them. It can be taken the wrong way by North Korean officials.
• Speech is extremely restricted in North Korea so it's best to avoid saying anything.

Community Q&A

• Remember that even for minor crimes, you could be imprisoned for several years or for a life sentence, or even be executed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
• Do not disrespect any of the past or current leaders; it is a crime. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Traveling to high-risk areas like North Korea raises the risk of kidnapping, theft, rape, injury or hostage-taking. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• The risk of arrest and detainment is high, even if you are adequately prepared. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Getting used to the culture can be difficult: what might not be considered a crime in your home country can be considered a crime under North Korean law enforcement. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you travel without a special validation passport, then you can be arrested by either North Korean officials or your home country's officials. [18] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It is illegal to call the country North Korea while you're there. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
• It is best to stay silent, not to touch anything, and to view everything with your eyes. You can share your experiences afterwards. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you visit the Demilitarized Zone from either North or South Korea, you also should remain silent. Both North and South Korean guards can arrest or hurt you if you do not obey their orders. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Don't try to overthrow the government; you will be punished in the same manner as if you were to overthrow your own government. As obvious as it may sound, someone actually tried it and did not get away easily. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
• Breaking any law in North Korea can result in being taken to a labor camp where you will face horrible conditions and torture. Always be extremely careful not to break any laws. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/19/us/otto-warmbier-north-korea-dies.html?module=inline
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-korea/entry-requirements
• ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/07/what-its-like-to-travel-to-north-korea.html
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/10/travel/north-korea-travel.html
• ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/heres-what-it-will-cost-you-to-travel-to-north-korea/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/high-risk-travelers.html
• ↑ https://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=410
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/KoreaDemocraticPeoplesRepublicof.html
• ↑ https://www.dfa.ie/travel/citizens-registration/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/north-korea-travel-advisory.html
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/passport-for-travel-to-north-korea.html
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/29/north-koreas-recipe-for-bargaining-detained-westerner-script-tv-cameras/?utm_term=.465443edfa99

About This Article

Before you can travel to North Korea, you'll need to check your country's official government site to see if they restrict or ban travel to North Korea. Once you're certain you can travel there, book a tour by looking up a tour operator that's been approved by the North Korean government. Although you should be able to find a package with airfare and accommodations, you may still need to book plane tickets to the city where your tour starts. Since the threat of arrest or detention in North Korea is high, make sure you know how to contact your government in case of an emergency. You should also adhere to North Korea's strict laws and cultural regulations on behavior, which make it illegal to perform religious activities or possess items that criticize North Korea. For more tips, like how to stay safe while in North Korea, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

North korea - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to North Korea due to  the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.  Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to  the critical threat of wrongful detention.

• All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State. 
• Special validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. More information on how to apply for the special validation is available  here .

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea. Sweden serves as the protecting power for the United States in North Korea, providing limited emergency services. The North Korean government routinely delays or denies Swedish officials access to detained U.S. citizens.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of North Korea, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to North Korea.

If you receive a special validation to travel to North Korea:

• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Special Passports

*U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through North Korea, unless they are specially validated by the Department of State. See here for how to apply special passport to travel to North Korea. 

Quick Facts

Embassies and consulates.

• The Department strongly urges U.S. citizens not to go to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention. 
• North Korean authorities, under North Korea’s system of law enforcement, impose unduly harsh sentences--including for actions that in the United States would not be considered crimes. 
• They also threatened U.S. citizens with being treated in accordance with the “wartime law” of the DPRK.

See Travel Advisory for North Korea .

Sweden as Protecting Power :  Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, the U.S. government has no means to provide normal consular services to its citizens:

• Sweden serves as the protecting power for Canada, Australia, and the United States, providing limited emergency consular services. 
• North Korea still routinely delays or denies consular access to U.S. citizens, even when requested by the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang and despite North Korea and the United States both being signatories to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations .

Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang

Munsu-Dong District Pyongyang Democratic People's Republic of Korea Telephone: +46 8 405 10 00 (main switchboard) Emergency Contact at the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang: +46 8 405 50 05 

[email protected]

Department of State Emergency Contact:  24/7 from within the United States 1-888-407-4747 / from outside the United States 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. Embassy Beijing

No. 55 An Jia Lou Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 China Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 Fax: +(86)(10) 8531-3300 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. passports are not valid for travel into, in, or through the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea) due to the serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens in North Korea.  Those traveling on U.S. passports in North Korea should have already departed North Korea. Those who wish to travel to North Korea on a U.S. passport after this time must obtain a special validation in a limited validity passport under 22 C.F.R. 51.64 , which will be granted only under very limited circumstances. U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizen nationals abroad can apply for this special validation at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

With a special validation to enter North Korea in a limited passport: one to three months validity to enter North Korea. If you enter and depart North Korea through China, six months validity on your passport with multiple entry/exit visas for China. Note: you cannot enter North Korea through the Demilitarized Zone from South Korea.

If you enter North Korea without a special validation:  the Department of State can revoke your passport for misuse under 22 C.F.R. 51.62(a)(2). Further, you may be subject to felony prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1544 for misuse of a U.S. passport.

Where to apply for a DPRK visa :  DPRK Embassy in Beijing, China or in any country that has diplomatic relations with North Korea.

The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Beijing:

No. 11, Ritan Bei Lu, Jianguomen Wai, Chaoyang District Beijing, China 100600 Telephone:  (86-10) 6532-6639 (Visa Office) Telephone:  (86-10) 65312-1186 Facsimile:  (86-10) 6532-6056

If you reside in the United States, inquire through the DPRK Mission to the UN whether your request for a DPRK visa will be approved before you leave the United States for China:

The Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the United Nations 820 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 Telephone:  (212) 972-3105 Facsimile:  (212) 972-3154

If you reside in a country with diplomatic relations with the DPRK, ask the DPRK embassy in that country for visa advice.

If you try to enter North Korea without required travel documents : you may be denied entry, fined, detained, arrested, or imprisoned.

If you plan to enter and depart North Korea through China without multiple Chinese visas in your passport or with Chinese visas that expire before you depart North Korea, you may not be able to exit North Korea .

HIV/AIDS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrtictions for visitors to or foreign residents of North Korea.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Please see the sections on “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” and “Criminal Penalties.” 

Crime: North Korea does not release crime statistics. Petty thefts have been reported at the airport in Pyongyang.

Do not buy counterfeit and/or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. The purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods is illegal in the United States and may be illegal in North Korea.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report the crime to your local host/liaison and contact the Embassy of Sweden for assistance. Your local host/liaison should contact the local authorities on your behalf.

Lost or Stolen Passports :

If your passport is lost or stolen in North Korea, you will need to contact the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang, U.S. Protecting Power, for assistance in reaching out to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and obtaining a replacement passport. You will also need a replacement visa for China.

Please see our information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States .

Tourism:  Individuals cannot use a U.S. passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without a special validation from the Department of State. Special Validations are granted only if it is in the US national interest to do so. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Embassy of Sweden immediately . See our webpage for further information

Educate yourself about North Korean law . The North Korea legal system is an instrument of state power and not an independent branch of the government.  Protections guaranteed under the U.S. legal system do not apply, and your U.S. passport does not confer special status. Your local host/liaison may be able to provide useful guidance. However, do not assume your host will provide assistance to you if you are arrested, or that any information you shared with your host will not be turned over to North Korean authorities.

Criminal acts unique to North Korea:

• Showing disrespect (both physically and verbally) to the country’s former leaders, Kil Il Sung or Kim Jong Il, or the country’s current leader, Kim Jong Un including but not limited to tampering with or mishandling materials bearing their names or images such as money, newspapers, or political slogans in Korean
• Entering North Korea without proper travel documentation
• Possessing material, printed or digital including e-book readers, DVDs, USB drives, documents, literature, audio and video files that is critical of or hostile to North Korea
• Proselytizing or carrying out religious activities, including activities that may be construed as such, like leaving behind religious materials, either intentionally or unintentionally
• Engaging in unsanctioned political activities
• Unauthorized interacting with North Koreans
• Taking unauthorized photographs
• Having unauthorized conversations with North Koreans
• Traveling without authorization even for short distances
• Exchanging currency with an unauthorized vendor
• Shopping at stores not designated for foreigners
• Bringing pornography into the country

No Expectation of Privacy: 

• All electronic and multimedia devices including USB drives, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Internet browsing histories, and cookies are subject to search for banned content.
• Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.
• If  DPRK authorities permit you to keep your mobile phone when you enter the country, it will not function unless you use the DPRK mobile service, which will enable DPRK authorities to monitor your calls.  GPS-trackers and satellite phones are not allowed.
• A host or minder will keep track of you.
• Removing or tampering with political slogans and signs or pictures of political leaders.

Criminal Penalties:  At least 16 U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea in the past ten years. While in North Korea, you are subject to North Korean laws.  If you violate North Korean laws, even unwittingly, you may be:

• Held in isolation without charges for lengthy periods of time,
• Interrogated without counsel,
• Compelled to draft public confessions,
• Sentenced, and
• Sent to a labor camp for years . 

Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Press:  North Korea officials watch journalists closely to prevent them from unauthorized conversations with North Koreans or questioning the policies, actions, or public statements of North Korea’s leadership.

• North Korea has confiscated objectionable material from foreign journalists. 
• Journalists who engaged in activities that challenged the regime have been deported, arrested, or detained to face criminal charges. 
• For additional information on the lack of freedom of information in North Korea, see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for North Korea .

U.S. Government Economic Sanctions Against North Korea:  North Korea remains one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world.

• The government of North Korea and the Workers’ Party of Korea are blocked persons, and U.S. citizens may generally not engage in transactions with them or with their property.  
• Most exports to North Korea are subject to licensing by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
• The importation and exportation of goods, services, and technology from or to North Korea are generally prohibited unless authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and, for exports or goods, the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security.

UN Security Council statements November 17, 2017:  For information on the United States and the United Nations Security Council concern regarding escalating tensions from the recent  missile launch, and other activities prohibited by United Nations Security Council Resolutions, see UN website .

Customs Regulations:  North Korean authorities may seize documents, literature, audio and video files, computer equipment, DVDs, USB drives and other digital media, and letters deemed by North Korean officials to be pornographic or intended for religious proselytizing or subversive activities .   Please see our information on customs regulations .  

Dual Nationality:   North Korea does not recognize dual nationality.  If you are of Korean heritage – even if you are a U.S. citizen – you could be subject to ten years of military service in North Korea and taxes on foreign source income.  Please see our information on Information on Dual Nationality .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations because same-sex sexual relations are considered a foreign phenomenon.  DPRK claims that there are no LGBTI in the country. It would therefore not be possible to organize an LGBTI event here.

Additionally, any open demonstration of affection is frowned upon, as well as between opposite sex couples.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues . Hotels and medical facilities are generally accessible. However, pavements/curbs are high.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

If you have medical problems, do not travel to North Korea:

• Medical facilities in the DPRK lack resources and electricity.
• Medical personnel have inadequate or outdated skills.  
• Hospitals in Pyongyang can perform basic examinations and lifesaving measures, but functioning x-ray facilities are not generally available. 
• Avoid surgery.  
• If you have an accident outside Pyongyang, transport back to the capital can be lengthy and without medical assistance.  
• Hospitals will expect immediate U.S. dollar cash payment for medical treatment .
• You cannot use credit cards or checks in the DPRK.

Carry your regular medication with you along with the doctor’s prescription:  DPRK Customs says that most prescription medication may be brought into the country with no restrictions.  

Medical Evacuations: Local DPRK hosts are often not aware of options available for medical evacuations and might claim that no such options exist.  

• Insist on contacting the Embassy of Sweden, which will attempt to arrange flight clearances for air ambulances performing emergency medical evacuations.  
• Costs for medical air evacuation vary, but according to SOS International, an evacuation from Pyongyang to Beijing averages approximately USD 40,000 including medical personnel (1 doctor and 1 nurse), the aircraft, and clearance costs.
• The General Bureau of the Koryo Civil Aviation of the DPRK says that it provides around-the-clock service and that requests for air clearance will be granted within 24 hours.  
• If a U.S. citizen with a medical emergency is in Pyongyang, the Embassy of Sweden can usually arrange a medical evacuation to Beijing in one day.  If the patient is located outside Pyongyang, it will take longer.  
• Medical evacuation by regularly scheduled airlines can be arranged, but very few flights operate from Pyongyang to Beijing (Air Koryo and Air China), Shenyang (Air Koryo), or Vladivostok (Air Koryo).  
• Air Koryo flights go to Shanghai only on a charter basis in the tourist season (April-October).  
• In order to transit China, Chinese visas for injured foreigners and any escorts must be obtained prior to the evacuation from North Korea. Even in the case of a medical emergency, transit visas may take several days to arrange.  

Evacuation across the DMZ to South Korea is not allowed.

Vaccinations:  Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection are located at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the  CDC Internet site.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the  World Health Organization's (WHO) website . If you have special dietary requirements, you are advised to bring food with you to North Korea, as the restaurants available to foreigners have limited menus that may not meet your dietary needs.

Companies that may be able to arrange evacuation services include, but are not limited to, those listed below. You may wish to contact these or other emergency medical assistance providers for information about their ability to provide medical evacuation insurance and/or assistance for travelers to North Korea.

International SOS Telephone (inside China):  400-818-0767 Telephone (outside China): (86-10) 6462-9100 United Healthcare Global Assistance Telephone:  (U.S.) (410) 453-6330 Telephone:  (Toll free within China) 10-8888-800-527-0218 Telephone:  (outside China) (86-10) 6595-8510)

You can find useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, on the  Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Also, see our extensive tips and advice on  Traveling Safely Abroad .

Bills - We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas: The DPRK says U.S. citizens are accountable for costs associated with detention or incarceration in North Korea such as lodging, food, telephone calls, and medical assistance (hospital bills). 

Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation. Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Major country-specific health concerns:   Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in North Korea.  For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions and driving habits in a foreign country can differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning North Korea is provided for general reference only. You are not allowed to drive in North Korea unless you hold a valid DPRK driver’s license.  Bicycles are unavailable for rental or purchase. Please refer to our Road Safety information.

AVIATION SAFETY  OVERSIGHT:  As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and North Korea, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed North Korea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

As a result of concerns arising from unannounced missile launch activities and GPS navigation systems interference and/or disruption, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Prohibition and Advisory notice to U.S. airmen and operators. The FAA has issued Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 79 which prohibits U.S. civil aviation from flying in the Pyongyang Flight Information Region (FIR) west of 132 degrees east longitude, and the FAA has advised those flying in and around the Pyongyang (FIR)  east of 132 degrees east longitude to be aware of possible GPS interruptions.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

MARITIME SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  Mariners planning travel in the vicinity of North Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry WebPortal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, north korea map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

13 of the best things to do in Seoul, South Korea

Feb 4, 2024 • 8 min read

From bustling street food markets to peaceful temple life, experience the best of Seoul with this guide © Plan Shooting 2 / Imazins / Getty Images

For an ultra-modern city filled with sleek high-rises and time-tested palaces, tempting street food, vibrant shopping districts and much more, head to Seoul . 

Whether you want to see the latest K-Pop sensation, take a late-night food and drink tour, or find serenity in a spa or temple, the city has something to offer 24/7. Here are the best things to do in South Korea ’s capital.

1. Taste the street food at Gwangjang Market

Street food in Seoul is beloved for its spice, variety and affordability, and there’s no better place to try it than  Gwangjang Market . Dating from the early 20th century, this covered market has gained a reputation among foodies for having some of the country’s best street snacks. 

Planning tip:  Start with an order of tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes in a bright orange spicy sauce), followed by a couple of mandu (Korean dumplings) and a pajeon (savory green onion pancake). For dessert, try hotteok (a pancake filled with brown sugar and cinnamon) or bungeoppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste). Then do it all over again.

2. Step back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you only have time to see one sight in Seoul, make it the splendid architecture, serene pagodas and maze-like grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace . Originally built during the reign of the powerful Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century, the palace was destroyed during the 16th-century Imjin War and rebuilt in the 18th century. Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most elegant of Seoul’s five royal palaces.

Planning tip:  Take in the ceremonial changing of the Royal Guard in front of the massive Gwanghwamun Gate before strolling the grounds to admire striking hip-and-gable buildings, tranquil ponds and delicate cherry trees. Wrap up your visit with a stop at the National Folk Museum of Korea , which sits on the palace grounds and features exhibits on traditional Korean culture.

3. Stroll along the Cheong-gye-cheon Stream

In the heat of summer , nothing beats a walk along Cheong-gye-cheon Stream . A dazzling oasis that unfurls for nearly 11km (7 miles) through the towers of central Seoul, this picturesque waterway is lined with walking paths, trees and bridges. The original stream was covered with an elevated highway after the Korean War, but in 2005, the city undertook an urban renewal project to refresh the area and reintroduce the stream better than ever. Since then, it’s been a popular spot for locals and tourists looking to cool off or take a leisurely break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

4. Shop for the latest trends in Myeong-dong

You’ll want to break out the credit card for an afternoon of spending in Seoul’s most famous shopping district. Myeong-dong is renowned for trendy fashion labels, deluxe department stores and cosmetic boutiques packed with famed K-beauty products. Once you’ve sufficiently stocked up on mask sheets and moisturizer at Olive Young , innisfree and Etude House , check out the Myeong-dong Night Market for quirky souvenirs and traditional street food.

The area is also home to some of Seoul’s cutest cafes, with the Pink Pool Cafe at the Stylenanda Pink Hotel flagship store being the ultimate eye candy. This confectionery-colored spot has an ice-cream-parlor vibe, indoor ornamental pool and sweet-as-sugar art decor, making it a popular place for photo shoots.

5. Go for a dip in a jjimjilbang

More than just a way to get clean, bathing in Seoul is a full-fledged social activity. Koreans gather at bathhouses (jjimjilbang) with friends and family typically once a week. Jjimjilbang can range from an establishment with just a couple of small dipping pools to massive aquatic palaces with multiple pools, water features, cafes, saunas, relaxation rooms, gyms, spas and arcades.

First-timers should know that bathhouse etiquette requires bathing in the nude, and some bathhouses don’t allow patrons with tattoos. Once you’ve bared all, take a dip in the hot and cold pools, followed by a stretch in the sauna, then opt for a traditional full-body scrub to emerge baby-soft from your bathhouse experience.

Planning tip: The female-only Spa Lei draws patrons for its elegant atmosphere and invigorating massages.

6. Take a hike in Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the most visited national park per unit area” – which is easy to understand since it’s set within the city limits and easily reachable by public transportation . You’ll often see athletic Koreans in colorful hiking gear riding the subways on weekends.

Bukhansan covers 80 sq km (31 sq miles) and features jagged peaks, hiking trails, dozens of storied temples and 1300 species of plants and animals. The 5-hour round-trip hike to the 836m (2744ft) summit of Bukhansan is well worth it to see Seoul spread out before you in all directions.

7. Go singing in a noraebang

Walk down any busy street in the university districts on a Friday or Saturday night, and you’re likely to hear distant singing wafting through the air. Chances are it’s not an errant K-Pop band but the raucous merriment of karaoke at a noraebang (singing room). This popular late-night activity involves private rooms with big-screen TVs, phone-book-sized lists of songs and even disco balls or musical instruments to accompany the singalong. Top it off with room service bringing snacks and cocktails, and it’s a recipe for a great night out.

8. Sip on Korean drinks: soju and makgeolli

The traditional Korean beverages soju and makgeolli have been respectively distilled and brewed since the 13th century and are the most beloved drinks in this thirsty nation. Soju also has the surprising distinction of being the world’s best-selling spirit, perhaps helped out by the fact that a standard bottle often costs less than a bottle of water.

While such upmarket small-batch distilleries as Samhae Soju and Hangang Brewery  create artisanal varieties, the most common labels, such as Jinro and Seoul Makgeolli, can be happily imbibed at the picnic tables dotting sidewalks outside convenience stores across the city.

Planning tip:  Those new to the Korean alcohol scene should check out the  Sool Company , which offers tasting tours, brewing classes and special events.

9. Star-search on K-Star Road

You’re probably familiar with Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, but did you know Seoul’s glamorous Gangnam district has its own boulevard dedicated entirely to K-Pop artists? Instead of stars on the sidewalk, K-Star Road features 3m-tall (10ft) statues of cartoon bears called GangnamDols, each decorated to represent a different K-Pop singer or band, including Super Junior, Girls’ Generation and BTS. 

Planning tip:  After taking a few selfies with your favorite bears, pop into the GangnamDol Haus near the Apgujeong Rodeo subway station to pick up a few mini bears as souvenirs.

10. Stay at a temple and take part in life with the monks

The iconic image of a colossal Buddha statue looking over sleek high-rises can be seen at the 8th-century Bongeun-sa Temple in Gangnam . Although most tourists come just to snap a photo or two, you can actually participate in temple life with the monks. Over a weekend, join in vegetarian meals, morning chanting, meditation and even the 108 daily prostrations, all meant to clear the mind and bring you closer to achieving inner peace.

Planning tip:  Temple-stay programs are offered not only at Bongeun-sa but also at various temples throughout Seoul.

11. Spend the night in Bukchon Hanok Village

Graceful sloping roofs, ornate tiles and colorful dancheong  (intricate paintwork under the eaves of traditional Korean palaces) come together to create the Korean traditional house, called hanok . Tucked between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palace complexes lies Bukchon Hanok Village , a historic district filled with hundreds of charming hanok  that’s often used as a backdrop for period movies and television shows.

Planning tip:  While the village has cafes, teahouses, museums and boutiques, it’s also home to a handful of hanoks -turned-guesthouses where visitors can sleep on traditional ondol heated floors, walk through kimchi pot–filled courtyards and generally get a taste what life was like in old Seoul.

12. Get a bird’s-eye view at N Seoul Tower

At the top of Nam Mountain sits N Seoul Tower , a broadcasting structure dating from 1969 and rising 239m (784ft) into the sky above the city. The tower still has active transmission antennas, though today it’s better known for an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the capital. The top of the tower also offers a few dining options, including a swanky rotating restaurant serving French fare.

Planning tip:  To reach the tower itself, you can ride the Namsan Cable Car aerial tramway or hike the meandering trails to the top through Namsan Park .

13. Take a day trip to the DMZ

One of the top day trips from Seoul , a visit to the northern border may well be the most unusual 24 hours you’ll spend on the Korean peninsula. The 250km (160-mile) border between North and South known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is one of the world’s most closely guarded borders.

Various outfits, such as the popular DMZ Tours company, take curious onlookers from central Seoul to the border area to catch a glimpse into North Korea from Dora Observatory , explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel (originally dug by North Korean soldiers) and even step into North Korea in the Joint Security Area . There’s also the touristy DMZ Peace Train operated by KORAIL, which whisks passengers from Seoul Station to Dorasan Station, the last stop to the north before crossing into the Hermit Kingdom.

This article was first published Mar 4, 2020 and updated Feb 4, 2024.

Explore related stories

Wildlife & Nature

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

April is the ideal time of year for mild-weather hikes, cherry blossom festivals, fresh produce and more.

Feb 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 2, 2023 • 12 min read

Jun 9, 2022 • 6 min read

Jan 19, 2022 • 10 min read

Oct 12, 2020 • 6 min read

Sep 2, 2019 • 5 min read

Oct 26, 2018 • 6 min read

Jun 14, 2018 • 7 min read

Aug 9, 2017 • 5 min read

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

Anthony Kuhn

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again. Lee Su-Kil/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again.

SEOUL — The Biden administration has to decide by the end of the month whether to renew a ban on U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea, and Americans with relatives in North Korea are eagerly awaiting the decision.

They include Kate Shim, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea in the 1970s. After the Korean War, her uncle was missing and her family believed he was in North Korea.

Shim says her great-grandmother told her father: "You need to find your brother because I know he's alive."

Shim's brother managed to track down their missing uncle in North Korea in the 1980s, finally reuniting him with his mother after more than 30 years.

In 1989, Shim started visiting relatives in North Korea, too.

"They were alive, and I was so happy to see my cousins," says Shim, 62. "We didn't care about, like, what politics, what kind of government we are under. We're just happy to see them."

In the 1940s and 50s, the division of Korea into two countries and the Korean War left as many as 10 million Koreans separated from their families. U.S. officials estimated in 2001 that the figure included 100,000 Korean Americans, but the number has dwindled as their communities age.

For many of the remaining members of that divided generation, time is running out to reunite with their relatives separated by geography and clashing governments.

Travel was banned after Otto Warmbier

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP hide caption

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma.

The U.S. has barred the use of an American passport to enter North Korea since 2017, making limited, one-time exceptions for some citizens such as aid workers and journalists.

101 Ways To Thwart A Reporter In Pyongyang

The Trump administration enacted the ban following the June 2017 death of American college student Otto Warmbier after his release from detention in Pyongyang.

The Two-Way

Otto warmbier's parents sue north korea, alleging torture of their son.

North Korean authorities arrested Warmbier in January 2016 and sentenced him to 15 years of hard labor for taking a propaganda poster in a hotel in Pyongyang. After being in custody for more than a year, the 22-year-old was flown home in a coma and died shortly after. North Korea has denied accusations of torture.

Last year, when Biden was a candidate, he said in an op-ed that as president he would work "to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades."

The administration has not commented on what it will do about the travel policy.

In a statement to NPR, the State Department said it renewed the restriction in September 2020 "due to continuing concerns over the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention in North Korea." The ban will expire on Sept. 1 unless the secretary of state extends or revokes it.

(The government's travel advisory also says not to visit North Korea now because of COVID-19 .)

Detention risk or dialogue opportunity

Some experts on North Korea believe the threat of detention remains, and so should the restriction.

North Korea Says Detained American Had Intended To 'Subvert The Country'

"At this moment, there's no reason to get rid of the travel ban," argues Anthony Ruggiero, a former National Security Council director for North Korea. He says Pyongyang has not abandoned its practice of detaining Americans as it hopes to secure political leverage over Washington.

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009. Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images hide caption

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009.

Some previous detentions have required former presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton , to travel to North Korea to secure their release and bring them home.

The ban should only be lifted "when North Korea is more of a normal country, that doesn't kidnap people," says Ruggiero, now a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a research group in Washington that has advocated for a hard line against North Korea.

Ruggiero doesn't think allowing people-to-people exchanges will help persuade the government of Kim Jong Un to give up its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Other observers argue that reopening travel could be a start.

"The U.S. is saying we want the North Koreans to come to the table," notes Daniel Jasper, the Asia public education and advocacy coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee, a Philadelphia-based peace advocacy group. "In order to do that," he says, "we have to get back to baseline level of engagement, or North Koreans will continue to understand that to mean that the U.S. is not really sincere in their attempts to engage."

Jasper attended a meeting recently where several civic groups tried to persuade administration officials to lift the ban.

The White House has said it's taking a " calibrated practical approach " toward potential diplomacy with North Korea. This week, Biden's envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, said he discussed with South Korean officials possible ways to address humanitarian cooperation with North Korea.

Meanwhile, advocates and lawmakers have pushed for help reuniting divided Korean families. A bill is now before the Senate that would require U.S. officials to consult with Korean Americans on progress on these efforts.

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea. Lee Su-Kil/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea.

Opening up helps to seek closure

Although official visitor figures for North Korea are hard to find, one tour operator estimated as many as 1,000 Americans went annually, according to news reports before the ban took effect.

One of the lucky ones who made it was Choon Lim. He was born in Nampo, North Korea, and fled to South Korea during the war. He later settled in Chicago.

In 1998, he visited North Korea hoping to find his father, but discovered he had died six years before.

When it came time for Lim to pour an offering of liquor before his father's ashes, he froze for an instant, that felt like an eternity.

"All those 47 years, what I have experienced, how I lived, how we lived in the South, all those things came down through my head. And I collapsed. I couldn't do it," remembers Lim, who is 75.

Lim later returned to North Korea several times with other Korean American families.

"I worked for helping separated family members visiting North Korea," he says, "because every one of the separated families should have the same kind of a closure that I had."

Waiting for a peaceful resolution

Ed Kang is also in favor of ending the travel ban. Born in 1934, he grew up in a Christian family in Pyongyang. He fled to avoid persecution under the communist regime, walking with his father the roughly 120 miles to Seoul in the winter of 1950.

"Many times, I was almost killed, but I survived," Kang recalls. "I saw the hand of God, protecting me and guiding me." Kang became a Presbyterian minister in the U.S., and returned to North Korea several times to visit his mother and younger brother, after being separated for more than 30 years.

He says the travel ban is causing unnecessary suffering, and removing it would be "making a contribution to a kind of peaceful resolution between the U.S. and North Korea."

Even if the ban is lifted, though, North Korea remains closed to the outside world, due to the pandemic. It has stopped answering hotline connecting it with South Korea, and says it is "not even considering " negotiations with the U.S.

Se Eun Gong contributed to this story from Seoul and Michele Kelemen from Washington, D.C.

• korean american
• North Korea diplomacy
• otto warmbier
• North Korea

• Accomodation
• Attractions
• Food & Drink
• K-Entertainment Tours
• Korean Culture
• Shopping Destinations
• Transportation
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Tips
• Travel News in Korea
• Gyeonggi-do
• North Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
• North Jeolla (Jeollabuk-do)
• South Chungcheong (Chungcheongnam-do)
• South Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangnam-do)
• South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do)

A Tourist’s Guide to Visiting N Seoul Tower

 10,420 total views,  8 views today

Namsan Tower , also called Seoul Tower, is an iconic Seoul landmark with panoramic views of the city. It provides a breathtaking view of the Seoul cityscape and the Han River day and night, making it Korea’s number one tourist destination. It’s a tower that rises above the city of Seoul, both an observation and communication station located on Namsan Mountain at the city’s geographical center. Topped by its observation deck, N Seoul Tower is a highly visited tourist attraction and one of Korea’s most popular sights. It is also a hotspot among locals for meeting up.

Table of Contents

N SEOUL TOWER: An Overview

N Seoul Tower was built in 1969 as Korea’s first transmission tower to help with television and radio broadcasts. The communication function is no longer relevant as most broadcasting has gone digital, but the tower remains a popular tourist destination for its incredible cityscape views. The tower is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The N Seoul Tower observation deck is open to the public and offers 360-degree views of the city. It is possible to see Incheon in the west and Bukhansan Mountain in the north. The view at night is just as stunning, with the city’s lights twinkling below. You can take some great photos from N Seoul Tower. It is one of the best vantage points for seeing the city from above.

How to get there?

Namsan Tower is a quick trip from the city that it’s easy to tack on to any excursion. As you zip from place to place, seeing what there is to see in Seoul, do NOT miss this lovely location as you flit from one sightseeing spot to the next.

By Cable Car

Take the subway to Myeong-Dong station. When you come upon the Pacific Hotel, walk for about 15 minutes keeping to your right. Take the elevator to reach the boarding station. The cable car operates from 10 am to 11 pm, with a journey time of around 7 minutes.

You can reach the Seoul Tower by bus, which runs every 15-20 minutes. On the other hand, the buses do not stop in front of the tower. Depending on how quickly you walk, you’ll have to climb up for up to 5-10 minutes uphill.

You may depart from Subway Line 3 at Dongguk University Station, exit through Exit 6 and take the bus 02 or 03 or 05.

Take the subway line 4 to Seoul Station, exit at Exit 9, and catch bus number 03.

Take subway line 4 to Myeongdong Station, then depart on exit 3 and ride bus number 5.

Reach Chungmuro Station on Subway Line 3 or 4, take Exit 2, which is directly in front of the Daehan Cinema, and take the bus number 5/2.

N Seoul Tower: What to See and Do?

LED Lights of Tower : The tower is lit up with different colors every night. The N Seoul Tower also includes a distinct cultural art experience within, such as the 3D experience. The N Seoul Tower changes color at night according to air quality, which the general public may view from afar.

360° view from the top observation deck:  The N Seoul Tower is one of Korea’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason – the views are spectacular. From the top of the tower, you can see all the way to Incheon in the west and Bukhansan Mountain in the north. The view at night is just as stunning, with Seoul’s lights twinkling below. 

Love locks:  Legend has it that your love will be everlasting if you write down your love story and lock it to the tower. You can see hundreds of locks at the foot of the tower.

Namsan Park:  The tower’s base is surrounded by Namsan Park, a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic. It offers various services, including a botanical garden, a library, a pond, a snack bar, and many sports activities.

Namsangol Hanok Village:  If you’re a fan of traditional Korean culture, be sure to check out Namsangol Hanok Village, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the tower. The village features restored hanoks (traditional houses), a traditional garden, and a folk museum.

What to eat?

There are a number of restaurants and cafes located in the tower, offering everything from traditional Korean food to Italian pasta. If you’re looking for something sweet, be sure to check out the dessert cafe on the observation deck.

Take in a spectacular 360-degree view from this beautiful revolving restaurant located at the top of Seoul Tower. Relish the finest full-course French dinner or lunch with premium delights. This Korean restaurant allows you to soak up some of life’s finer pleasures as you enjoy the stunning views. One complete revolution takes approximately 48 minutes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 최은주 (@unlove12088)

In HANCOOK, a historical Korean restaurant, you may sample a blend of contemporary and traditional Korean dishes. It is located on Tower 3F and offers guests 30 distinct types of Korean buffets, so they may pick from a wide range of options while enjoying some of the city’s finest views. The goal of this establishment is to spread awareness about Korean culture.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 남산서울타워 (@namsanseoultower)

N burger is is the best place for eating American-style burgers. You can savor some of the original American burgers from the 1930s at this location on Tower 1F.

Several Koreans consider N Seoul Tower to be one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The views are simply amazing! Whether you’re interested in traditional Korean culture, want to snap some great photos, or enjoy a good meal with a view, the N Seoul Tower is worth a visit.

 10,420 total views,  9 views today

Haneul is passionate about sharing her love of Korean with the world. She loves to help people connect with Korean culture through her insights about the country.

Related Posts

Do NOT Miss Out! Legoland Korea Resort NEW Opening Hours for 2024  

The Ultimate Guide to the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

7 Breathtaking K-drama Locations for Your Pre-Wedding Photoshoots in South Korea

Jeju Love Land: Most Popular Sex-Themed Travel Destination for ADULT Only! Dare to Visit?  

Jukdo’s Golden Guide: Dog Steals Hearts on Google Maps

8 Places to Visit for Celebrating Singmogil in South Korea

Euljiro Guide: Things to Do in Seoul's Hip District

TESSAN Germany France Travel Power Adapter

Lonely Planet Korea 12

Korean Snack Box Variety Pack

OSULLOC Lovely Tea Gift Box Set

More from our network.

• Medical Tourism

FREE NEWSLETTER

Copyright © 2024 About Us| Terms of Use |Privacy Policy| Cookie Policy| Contact : [email protected]

Login to your account below

Fill the forms bellow to register

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

North Korea travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: March 13, 2024 15:06 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, north korea - avoid all travel.

There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance in North Korea is extremely limited.

Back to top

Safety information

Canadian (and Swedish) authorities may encounter major difficulties and delays in obtaining consular access to you if you are detained, particularly outside of Pyongyang. The provision of consular access is solely at the discretion of the North Korean government. Knowledge of North Korean police and judicial systems is limited, which may further affect our ability to provide assistance to you.

Tourist facilities are minimal and telecommunications are unreliable. Individual tourism can be arranged only through a handful of North Korean government-approved travel agencies. Travel must be authorized in advance by the government. Travellers are closely observed, and their accommodations and telecommunications are monitored.

There are serious shortages of food, electricity and clean water.

You have no right to privacy. Your movements and communications may be under surveillance at any time. Your personal belongings may be searched, and authorities may review the contents stored on your electronic devices.

Register with the Embassy of Canada to South Korea in Seoul and with the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula can escalate with little notice. They may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises and incidents such as inter-Korean border skirmishes or other incidents that one or the other side finds offensive. Due to very limited access to international media broadcasts in North Korea, you may be taken by surprise by events that could affect your security.

The crime rate is low. Petty crime occurs, especially at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Road safety

Travel within North Korea is severely restricted. Transportation is usually provided by local tour representatives or authorities. Major highways are in good condition, while rural roads can be hazardous. Police checkpoints, usually located at the entry to towns, may require that travellers provide documentation before onward travel is permitted.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the North Korean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave North Korea.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Canadians must have a visa to enter North Korea. You can obtain a visa from a North Korean mission in a third country after approval from the government in Pyongyang. The process for obtaining visas can be extremely slow and arduous.

Canadians arriving without a valid Canadian passport and visa may be detained, arrested, fined or denied entry.

Professional journalists must apply for special permission to visit North Korea and may not enter the country on a tourist visa, even if they are travelling for personal reasons.

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Other entry information

Foreigners can enter North Korea either by air or by train. It is not possible to enter North Korea from South Korea or to enter South Korea from North Korea.

Even if you meet all entry requirements, you may be arbitrarily arrested and/or detained at your point of entry.

Dual citizenship

If you are a Korean citizen or have family ties with North Korea, you should carefully consider your decision to visit. Authorities periodically subject dual citizens and children of former Koreans to certain laws and obligations.

Canadians who also have South Korean citizenship must obtain approval from South Korean authorities for travel to North Korea. For more information, contact the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea in Seoul, South Korea.

Unauthorized points of entry

Foreigners have been detained, and in one instance shot, for entering the country at unauthorized points. Ensure that you stay within permitted zones and strictly follow North Korea’s procedures and protocols.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre

* It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

The level of medical services and facilities is poor. Hospitals often lack heat and medicine, and suffer from frequent power outages. Immediate payment in cash is expected for treatment. Pyongyang Friendship Hospital, in the Munsu-dong district of Pyongyang, is staffed by English-speaking professionals. If possible, avoid undergoing surgery. Medical evacuations are very difficult to arrange and are not guaranteed. You should take this into account prior to travel if you have an unstable medical condition. If you show symptoms of a serious communicable disease, you may be subject to strict quarantine conditions.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

North Korea is under international and Canadian sanctions . These sanctions could be relevant to and affect your travel.

Foreigners must register through their host organization within 24 hours of arrival in the country.

You must be accompanied by an official guide at all times. Follow all instructions from your guide. Unauthorized conversations with locals or currency exchange, as well as making a purchase in a store not designated for foreigners, could lead to fines or arrest.

Foreigners are prohibited from using public buses or the subway.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Import and exports

Importation of satellite telephones and shortwave radios is prohibited. Such items are confiscated upon entry and usually returned upon departure.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited.

Authorities may seize any material that they deem to be pornographic, political or intended for religious proselytizing. If you plan to bring material written in the Korean language, ensure that it will not be interpreted by local authorities as being against the interests of the North Korean regime.

Involvement in politics and unsanctioned religious activity can result in detention.

Photography of airports, roads, bridges, seaports and rail stations is prohibited. Any pictures or video taken outside of tourist areas could result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Seek permission from your tour guide before taking photographs.

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in North Korea.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of North Korea, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and North Korea.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in North Korea by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in North Korea to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Ensure that you are not seen to be critical of the country’s political system or its current and former leaders Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-Sung and their family members.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

North Korean law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in North Korean society.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers have experienced harassment and verbal abuse.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

The currency is North Korean won (KPW). Cash is the most accepted form of payment. Foreigners are expected to use the Euro or, alternatively, the Chinese renminbi or U.S. dollar. Change in foreign currency is often unavailable. Banking facilities are limited. There are no ATMs. Some hotels accept credit cards, if you give them advance notice.

The rainy (monsoon) season extends from the end of June until August. Typhoons occur in August and September.

Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, which in turn can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, as well as hamper the provision of essential services. North Korea is also prone to drought. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in North Korea. You can obtain consular assistance from the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in South Korea and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Visiting N Seoul Tower - Everything You Need To Know

The N Seoul Tower is an iconic feature of the Seoul skyline and is one of the most popular places to see when visiting South Korea’s lively capital city. 

In this article, we are going to outline everything you need to know about visiting the N Seoul Tower, including the opening times of the tower, how you can get to the tower and the best time to visit N Seoul Tower. 

We also provide you with handy tips for visiting the tower and even include our suggestions of the best places to stay in Seoul that are convenient for visiting N Seoul Tower.

So, let’s dive into: Visiting N Seoul Tower - Everything You Need To Know

Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

Save money by ordering your Discounted N Seoul Tower Ticket online before you visit!

What is N Seoul Tower?

When it was originally built as a communication and radio tower in 1969, the architects would not have foreseen how much of a popular tourist attraction the tower would become. 

Even though the N Seoul Tower still provides radio and TV broadcasting all over Seoul, today, it is primarily known as being one of the best places to visit in Seoul and one of the most memorable places to see in South Korea’s capital city. 

First opened to the public in 1980, the 236m-high tower offers remarkable panoramic views of the Seoul skyline and beyond. 

The ‘N’ in N Seoul Tower stands for Namsan, New and Nature, showing the tower's significance to the people of Korea.

Where is N Seoul Tower?  

N Seoul Tower is found directly on the top of Nam Mountain in central Seoul. N Seoul Tower, the capital's tallest freestanding structure, is in the heart of the Yongsan District of Seoul.

When does the N Seoul Tower open?

Rather impressively, the N Seoul Tower is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The hours of operation for the observation deck are as follows:

Mon - Fri - 11:30-22:00

Sat - Sun - 11:00-22:00

The observation deck is closed to new guests around 30 minutes before closing time, so be sure to get there with plenty of time if you wish to see the famous Seoul Skyline at night. 

Base-level of N Seoul Tower

If you want to explore N Seoul Tower and other popular landmarks better, then we recommend taking this Seoul Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour with a local guide. This tour gives you the opportunity to choose and visit the sights you are interested in seeing in Seoul. Don't miss such a unique opportunity to discover Seoul!

Can you visit N Seoul Tower all year round?

As we have mentioned, the N Seoul Tower is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you happily visit all year round. Visiting at different times throughout the year would give you a completely different perspective of Seoul. 

Visiting in January - February, you are likely to see the Korean Metropolis draped in a thick layer of snow. Whereas visiting in mid-October - mid-November, you will see Seoul covered in oranges and yellows, thanks to the autumnal leaves throughout the city.

We visited South Korea for the entirety of October and were fortunate enough to see many of the major sights in full autumnal bloom - visiting Seoraksan National Park in autumn was one of our personal highlights! Some useful advice for travelling in South Korea is that whatever the season, the country will offer some spectacular and N Seoul Tower is a great example of that!

How to get to N Seoul Tower?

N Seoul Tower address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

There are 3 main ways in which you can get to the N Seoul Tower. Here is a quick rundown of them all:  

Walking to N Seoul Tower  

There are several different trails and roads you can walk up to reach the N Seoul Tower. These are generally quite navigable and well-maintained and although you are walking uphill for the majority, they aren’t considered too strenuous. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the best ways to walk up to N Seoul Tower:

Namsan Library - N Seoul Tower: probably the easiest and simplest walking route to take up to N Seoul Tower is to walk on the footpath alongside the main road leading up to the tower. The road is the one used by the shuttle buses.

Dongguk University Station - N Seoul Tower: a popular walking route to N Seoul Tower begins at the Dongguk University Station. Once you reach the main trail, it is a healthy mixture of stairs and walking paths.

Seoul Education Research and Information Institute - N Seoul Tower: beginning at the popular K-Drama filming location, Sam-soon Steps, the walking trail offers great views of the city and Namsan Mountain. It even includes walking alongside the old fortress walls for a portion of the hike.   

The main walking route up to N Seoul Tower

Getting around Seoul: we found that downloading Naver Map was the easiest way to navigate our way around South Korea. We ended up buying a Korean SIM card at Seoul Incheon Airport so that we could have access to Naver Map at all times - it turned out to be a great decision!

Shuttle Bus to N Seoul Tower  

Regularly scheduled shuttle buses take you up Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower. The Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus (No. 01) departs from several stations across the city and brings people directly to the tower. 

Important information about the Shuttle bus:

Operating hours - 06:30-23:00

Cost - 1200 won (when you pay in cash) or 1100 won (when using a T-money card)

Namsan Cable Car ride to N Seoul Tower

Namsan Cable Car address: 83, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeondong 1-ga) 

Our top tip: buy a one-way ticket up the Namsan Cable Car and then walk down. That way you get the views on the way up and the chance to hike through Namsan Park on the way down.

In our opinion, the best way to get to the N Seoul Tower is to ride the Namsan Cable Car up Namsan mountain until you reach the base of the tower. 

The ride takes around 3 minutes and offers brilliant views all across the North side of Seoul. 

The Namsan Cable Car admission fees are as follows:  

Adult one-way - 11000 won 

Adult return trip - 14000 won 

Child one-way - 8000 won

Child return trip - 10500 won 

Namsan Cable Car

How much does it cost to visit n seoul tower n seoul tower price.

Money saving tip: save money by buying your N Seoul Tower ticket online instead of in-person. Book your discounted N Seoul Tower ticket online here .

When asking how much it costs to visit N Seoul Tower, the answer could be completely free. If you choose to walk up to the tower and stay at base level, you wouldn’t have to spend any money at all. 

The most popular activity, however, is to head up to the observation tower to get the full 360 degrees panoramic view of Seoul. The Observation Deck admission fees are as follows:

Adults (13+) - 16000 won 

Children (3-12) - 12000 won 

Seniors (65+) - 12000 won 

Children under 3 - free

Worth noting: if you own a Discover Seoul Pass, you can enter the N Seoul Tower for free. The Discover Seoul Pass is a great money-saving hack for people who want to visit a lot of the major attractions in South Korea’s dynamic capital city. You can buy a discounted Discover Seoul Pass online here .

Where to eat at N Seoul Tower?

There are plenty of eating and drinking options once you arrive at N Seoul Tower. From cheap cafes for a quick coffee to more luxury restaurants at the top of the tower, there is something to cater for every budget.

Here is a quick rundown of the best places to eat and drink at N Seoul Tower:

N.Grill - 7th Floor - High-quality French dining experience at the highest point of N Seoul Tower

HanCook - 3rd Floor - Traditional Korean restaurant 

The Place Dining - 2nd Floor - affordable Italian home-cooked style meals

Cheiljemyunso - 1st Floor - Korean-style noodle house offering the most convenient, quick meal at N Seoul Tower

N Burger - 1st Floor - exactly as you’d expect, handmade American-style burgers

N Terrace - 1st Floor - best place to grab a quick snack or coffee/beer/beverage

One of the viewing platforms at N Seoul Tower base level

Best things to see at N Seoul Tower

Though the tower itself is obviously the main attraction, several other attractions around the base add to the overall experience of visiting N Seoul Tower, here are just a few of the highlights:

You simply won’t miss them! Absolutely everywhere you go around N Seoul Tower, you will see row after row, mass after mass, of padlocks. These ‘love locks’ are placed on the railings around the tower to symbolise the unbreakable love between people.

The locks aren’t just reserved for couples, though; many close friends decide to place a lock on the railings at N Seoul Tower as a sign of their strong friendship. 

In fact, placing the locks has become so popular that you can even buy them from the N Seoul Gift Shop, though it’s a lot cheaper to buy one elsewhere in Seoul and bring it to the tower yourself. 

Just a few of the thousands of love locks secured to the N Seoul Tower

Observation Deck  

Undoubtedly, the main highlight of visiting N Seoul Tower is the chance to experience the view from the world-renowned Observation Deck. 

Regularly quoted as being one of the most impressive views in Seoul, the observation deck provides a panoramic, 360-degree vista of the remarkable Seoul skyline. The city spreads out for around 605 sq km and from the observation deck, you can pretty much catch a glimpse of every single inch. 

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion  

While the N Seoul Tower represents the heights (literally) of modern Korea, there is a reminder at the tower's base of the more traditional, historic Korean culture. 

The Namsan Octagonal Pavilion was initially constructed in 1959 and only lasted a year before being destroyed during the infamous 4.19 movement (a revolution against the first South Korean President). 

The structure that stands today was built in 1968 and is said to be the best place in Seoul to view the first sunset of the year - hence, it being the location for the annual sunrise festival on New Year’s Day. 

The Namsan Octagonal Pavilion looks particularly beautiful in Autumn

While some might see the Namsan Cable Car as simply a convenient way to get to the top of Namsan Mountain, it is actually a brilliant activity in and of itself. 

It offers a brilliant view of the North side of the city and despite being a short ride (around 3 mins for the 600m journey), it is certainly worth the ride. 

The view from Namsan Cable Car

N Seoul Tower Gift Shop  

At the base of the tower, you will find the N Seoul Tower Gift Shop. We have been in quite a few gift shops of popular attractions all over the world, and often they are tacky and overpriced. 

We were pleasantly surprised to see a unique array of items on offer at the N Seoul Tower Gift Shop. You can even buy a replica of the tower that shines a certain colour depending on the air-quality status - quite neat, right?

Heart Chair  

Another reminder of the romantic side of the N Seoul Tower, the heart chair is a perfect spot to get a photo with your loved one when you visit the famous Seoul attraction. 

According to local rumours and hearsay, the chair is the perfect place to bring somebody on a date and will bring shy lovers closer together. 

Even if you don’t quite buy into the romantic story behind the bench, it still offers a great Instagram opportunity, if nothing else.

Best Places to stay near N Seoul Tower

As you can imagine, with transport links as good as they are, there are a myriad of options when it comes to where to stay in Seoul . Having said that, the N Seoul Tower is one of the highlights of the city and it makes sense for a lot of Seoul travel itineraries to stay close to the tower and use the area as a home base.

So, here is a quick rundown of the best places to stay near N Seoul Tower:  

Best budget-friendly option: Step Inn Myeongdong - this hostel is in the heart of Myeongdong and only a 20-minute walk from Namsan Cable Car. 

Best location (close to Namsan Tower): Pacific Hotel - right outside Myeongdong Station and a 5-minute drive from N Seoul Tower

Luxury Stay: L’Escape Hotel - 500m away from Namsan Cable Car and has a spa and two restaurants on site.

There we have it folks, our full round-up of everything you need to know about visiting N Seoul Tower. A visit to the tower remains firmly on the bucket list for many travellers to South Korea’s capital city and we hope this article has provided you with all the information you need for visiting the iconic attraction.

Seoul, South Korea, is routinely voted one of the world’s most walkable cities - but how walkable is Seoul in reality? In this article, we discuss how easy it is to walk around Seoul.

Searching for the best things to do in Busan? Look no further! This is the ultimate guide to exploring South Korea's breathtaking coastal gem.

Keep reading to discover a step-by-step guide for how you can buy a Korean SIM card suitable for foreigners in Seoul Incheon Airport.

Ben Lloyd is the creator, editor and one half of Ticket 4 Two Please. Our website is designed to help adventurous couples travel together on a budget around the world. We have handy destination guides from countless destinations, as well as useful seasonal job resources for summer camps and ski seasons.

Best Things To Do In Myeongdong - Seoul

Best street food in myeongdong.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

BEST First-Time Visitor’s Seoul Itinerary (3-7 Days)

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

South Korea is a land of mountains, palaces, and busy streets, and this 3 to 7 day Seoul itinerary will put you right in the middle of it all. With the city’s futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art technological advancements, people sometimes get culture shock when they see how integrated they are into more traditional lifestyles.

Everywhere you go, there’s always an event happening or a festival on, and there are plenty of surprises in store – especially if you visit any of the Seoul hotspots detailed below. But while Korea is truly a magical place, it’s far from what we see in the K-Dramas.

Fans often come here expecting to meet a dashing chaebol randomly in the streets (which is highly unlikely), and are disappointed when they’re not hit on in the nightclub. Dramas and idols are just a small fraction of Korean culture .

To truly experience it for yourself, you’ll have to immerse yourself in Seoul for 3 days or more, before heading further south. That way you’ll get to try everything Korea has to offer; from delicious food to astounding historical landmarks.

So if you’re figuring what to put in your Seoul itinerary, let us help you plan how many days in Seoul you should spend, and what to do and where to go during your South Korea vacation. Use the 'Jump To' box below to go to a specific section.

Basics of Travel in South Korea

How to maximize your seoul experience, faq about seoul, where to stay in seoul, seoul itinerary 3 days, seoul itinerary 7 days, tips for visiting seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

How many days should I spend in Seoul? While most guides will tell you that three days in Seoul is enough, we recommend that you stay in Seoul for a week.

But for those with tight budgets, we can help maximize your Seoul itinerary for as many days as you have, and thanks to the advanced metro system in Seoul, you’ll jump from one place to another without issue.

That being said, Seoul at night is a treat for the eyes, and most of the attractions in Seoul occur when the sun begins to set. Banpo Bridge, for example, has an incredible fountain show and the title of the World’s Longest LED-light display.

Around the same time each evening, stalls are set up where people enjoy delicious foods while waiting for fireworks to decorate the sky. The best part is, there’s a way to do all of these things in Seoul for free.

Simply purchase a Discover Seoul pass before your trip, and you can get into most of these attractions (once each) without worrying too much about your budget. There are three kinds of passes you can choose from (24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours), and even if you run out of hours, you can still use it to avail of discounts in any of the partner tourist attractions.

Other sites that provide discounts are kkday , Trazy and Klook .

Unfortunately, each attraction’s opening hours may change due to public holidays or unforeseen events. So if you follow this Seoul itinerary, please develop a habit of checking attractions’ schedules first if you don’t want to wait hours for a show that has already been cancelled.

For a solo traveler, a vacation in Seoul may cost between ₩1,000,000-2,000,000 ($800-1,600USD). This takes into account 3 meals a day, a public transport card, and a week in a hotel, which can all vary widely in price. The rest of your money will go to experiences and souvenirs.

The best time to visit Korea is from May to June and September to October, since this is the best time to see the cherry blossom trees bloom or watch the fall colors in the mountains. Moreover, the weather at this time is generally pleasant for locals and foreigners alike, making walking around more pleasant than in summer or winter.

Three days should be sufficient for a first trip to Korea, especially if you have a Discover Seoul pass , though one week is ideal. The pass enables you to visit key locations once for free, and best of all, get discounts on other destinations and experiences.

Here are the essentials to pack for Seoul: passport, credit cards, and travel medical insurance, as well as shorts, a sun hat, and tops with sleeves. Moreover, certain cellphones do not work in Korea, so you need to check if your phone is not region-locked or that it is equipped to intercept the networks provided in Korea, and possibly rent a phone for your trip.

Seoul is known for having culturally diverse neighborhoods, full of history, good food, and memorable experiences. There are several fantastic neighborhoods I'd recommend staying in when you visit Seoul.

There’s always something that will pique your interest, but you have to make sure that the neighborhood matches your preferences - since you might choose to add to your Seoul itinerary by experiencing the bustling Seoul nightlife .

Specifically in Ichon-dong, this is probably the most convenient place to look for accommodation, especially if you want something quick and cheap. This is also a convenient location if you want to visit the most popular areas in Seoul for free , like the National Museum of Korea, Yongsan Family Park, and Ichon Han River Park.

Creatives and digital natives love coming to this hub because this neighborhood is panned towards the younger crowd. If you’re reminiscing about your college days, this is the neighborhood in Seoul for you.

Cafés regularly host language exchange parties, coffee and pub crawls , and art appreciation guilds. Sometimes buskers hold small concerts in the streets, from late afternoon into the wee hours of night.

Rub elbows with the rich and famous by staying in this Seoul neighborhood . With large-scale suites with spectacular views of the Seoul night sky, this area boasts popular attractions for those with luxurious tastes.

Apgujeong-dong and Garuso-gil, for example, hold multiple high-end luxury chains with clothes made by internationally renowned designers, and worn by the famous K-Celebrities we know and love (like Lisa of BLACKPINK and V of BTS).

This is the city where tradition meets modernity, and you deserve to experience both sides during your 3 days in Seoul. This itinerary covers the basics and the must-sees of the city if you have limited time, with an optional extension to 7 days below.

Seoul Itinerary Day 1: Embracing Korea’s Traditional Side

Note: If your first day falls on a Monday or a Tuesday, you’ll want to move this day’s schedule to a later date— most of the palaces are closed on both those days.

Did you know that entry to any of the five Grand Palaces in Seoul is free when dressed in a hanbok ? Be sure to reserve a full day’s use online ahead of time to avoid the stress of long lines on the day of. The best thing about reserving online is that it also comes with a hefty discount.

Try checking the massive selection provided by the Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store , which actually has a Korean hairstyling service too! 

Stop 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Time: 9:30AM

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

The best way to start your day is to arrive at Gyeongbokgung Palace 30 minutes before it opens. That way you get to see the Opening Ceremony of the Palace Gates, and the procession that takes place as the guards shift their duties.

As you enter, the first thing you should do is fall in line to see Geunjeongjeon Hall. It’s quite a bit of a walk, and you’ll initially pass by the pumgyeseok (the markers court officials used to indicate where they should stand if the King calls for a meeting) before reaching the steps.

However, the view of the majestic ancient Korean architecture and the people wearing hanboks will make you feel like you have time-traveled all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. As soon as you get to the red throne, you only have a few minutes to admire its splendor, so make sure to bring your camera with you.

If you’re able to join an English-language tour, your guide will certainly point out the parts of the palace that were heavily influenced by Chinese architecture , a fact quite revealing of the times.

Other notable parts of the palace are the Gyeonghoeru Pavillion, or what used to be the setting for lavish official banquets, and the beautiful Hyangwonjeong, a small temple-like structure on top of an artificial island on Hyangwonji Lake. 

There are plenty of things to do at Gyeongbokgung, but there’s a special tea ceremony that lets you drink the tea that delighted the King and Queen back then, and I’d highly recommend it. You’ll feel like royalty after just one sip. 

Stop 2: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

Address: 78, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03053 South Korea

Prices: ₩₩-₩₩₩

Notorious for being the “best noodle and dumpling shop” near Gyeongbukgung Palace, expect long lines of people dying to have a taste. Since these dishes don’t take long to cook, people don’t have to wait long to try some of their most famous offerings, like the cold soybean soup or the rich ox bone noodles. 

Stop 3: National Palace Museum of Korea

Time: 2:00 PM

Address: 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest Metro Stop: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5)

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, head back to the steps leading to the museum and walk further on in. This facility has everything you need if you wish to know more about Korea’s glorious and often difficult past.

Fourteen of Korea’s ‘National Treasures,’ including recovered pieces from the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, are housed in this free museum . Periodically they even host events to educate the people who come, usually involving activities like calligraphy, tea ceremonies , and even Korean traditional dance lessons.

Stop 4: Gwanghwamun Square

Time: 4:00PM

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children.

This wide park is actually a huge commemoration site for the military strategist that led Koreans to victory during the Japanese invasion, Admiral Yi Sun-sin. His statue stands proudly next to the water fountain which entertains local kids every summer, and may be even more famous than the statue!

But this installation actually has a meaningful story behind it, because the water jets shoot exactly 18 meters high, with 300 smaller jets to symbolize the battles the Admiral fought on sea.

Meters away from the great admiral’s statue, an intimidating gold statue of Sejong the Great watches over you, perfect for taking selfies and startling visitors.

Stop 5: Cheonggyecheon Stream and Cheonggye Plaza

Time: 5:00PM

Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Just a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Square is a long man-made stream that doubles as a public recreation space. I recommend coming here in the late afternoon because the sunset view is legendary; you can rest your weary feet in the stream as you wait for the night to come.

By then, the lights will turn on, illuminating the traditional lanterns above and the long strip that makes the stream sparkle below. This makes for a beautiful sight, most especially if you look at it from above.

If your trip hits around summer, the sunset may come around 8PM, and the wait can get quite hot & sweaty. So if you have plans to really see the sunset, swing by Cafe imA, a coffee shop next to the Ilmin Art Museum. Visitors rave about their Hamburg Steak (₩13,500), but you can also try their desserts and waffles (₩6,500-₩8,000).

There’s also Dal.Komm Coffee on the other side of the stream, near the starting point. Most of their coffee, juice, and tea selection ranges from ₩4,100 to ₩6,100, but their Real Strawberry Lemonade (₩5,300) is the best drink to beat the summer heat.

Stop 6: Deoksugung Palace

Time: 7:00PM

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Fee:  Adults: ₩1,000, Children: ₩500; Groups have a discount, with ₩800 for Adults and ₩400 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

Cap off your first day by visiting Deoksugung , or the small palace that used to be the residence of Korea’s Royal Family. Unlike the other Five Grand Palaces , this one has the Seokjojeon , a building that features a more prominent modern & western style that King Gojong would use to enthrall the diplomats who came to visit Korea.

It’s also a beautiful sight at night, and if you arrive before 7:30 PM, you should sign up for “Seokjojeon at Night.” This is an evening tour program that lets you stroll and observe Deoksugung’s highlights, enjoy tea at the terrace, and watch a musical performance at the reception area (where the King used to meet with important figures in history).  

Seoul Itinerary Day 2: Feel Young Again in Hongdae

Stop 1: Thanks Nature Cafe 

Time: 8:30 AM

Address: 29 World cup buk-ro 4-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩₩-₩₩₩

For breakfast , there’s a famous cafe nearby that lets you make friends with two massively fluffy and docile sheep. You can mingle with them in the playpen while waiting for your breakfast, or watch from afar if you’re just there for the pics.

They have a wide selection of coffee, smoothies, and breakfast waffles; you have to try the latter, as they only use seasonal fresh fruits on the waffles. Unfortunately, breakfast in Korea is always enjoyed at home, so not many spots are open super early.

An alternate nearby recommendation for vegans or vegetarians is Salad Brothers , a fantastic salad bar that lets you put as much dressing as you want. Their Cobb Salad is a crowd favorite because it packs quite a punch, even though the portions are small. Plus, the food is just as photogenic as their menu.

Stop 2: Coconut Box – formerly known as the Trick Eye Museum

Time: 10:00 AM

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩23,000  

I was sad to learn that they closed the Trick Eye Museum in Seoul; I had many fond memories there. Still, the replacement attraction of Coconut Box is a worthy visit— they reinvented the entire place into a Southeast Asian beach, with sand on the floor and wooden huts you can sit in.

You can pretend that you’re vacationing in a tropical island garden, but the real highlight of the visit is the “metaverse play” in one of their bungalows. Getting there at 10am, shortly after they open, will guarantee you’ll have the chance to enter & interact in one of the most famous paintings in the entire world: Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Stop 3: Abiko Curry

Address: 25, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu Hotel Seokyo Annex B106, Seoul

Fee: ₩-₩₩

If you’re craving a good Japanese curry, Abiko Curry lets you enjoy variations of this dish at a reasonable price. Sure it’s a little cramped, but if you don’t mind that, I swear their tonkatsu is to die for, and Koreans basically consider it a local dish at this point. Set meals are also good for sharing, and the servers are kind to foreigners. 

Stop 4: Caface Seoul

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Near Abiko Curry stands Caface Seoul. This popular spot is one of those ‘only in Korea’ kind of things, that lets you have your face printed as latte art. This is also the perfect way to commemorate your day in Hongdae, and then bring your masterpiece on a stroll around the neighborhood.

Just give them any of the selfies you took earlier, hand over ₩2700, and you can have a “face latte.” I know you’re too pretty to drink, but their coffee definitely tastes better warm – so drink it while it’s hot!

Stop 5: Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 3:00 PM

Address: 365-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

In any trip, it is important to have a bit of time to do some quick retail therapy. In Hongdae, where the hip, young, and fashionable gather, most of the clothes for sale are aimed at the younger crowd.

But it’s amazing how much branded stuff has heavy discounts here, albeit mostly ‘free size’ (generically large or stretchy clothes), and there are a lot of ‘2 items for $8’ offers.

Stop 6: Mapogalmaegi

Time: 7:00 PM

Address: 14 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Expect lots of young women in here, because this restaurant is located close to Ehwa Women’s University. I’m a meat-lover, so I can’t let you vacation in Seoul without eating in at least one typical barbecue-type restaurant.

All Korean BBQ spots are best enjoyed with a group of people due to the layout, but most places will accept a single person unless they’re packed. Aside from meat, this spot offers soju or beer, and you can try a variety of delicious banchan to go with your meats of choice.

Another option is the Analog Garden, a charming coffee house that serves delicious salads. Though most of their dishes have meat and egg in it, a there's a vegan-friendly option called the "Falafel Wrap" worth ₩7,500.

If that is too small for you, get the "Falafel Plate" instead for ₩11,000. But what people actually come for is a homemade fake-meat set meal (soy-based), that’s said to go well with their roasted coffee.

Stop 7: Come back to Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 9:00 PM

Come back here after dinner, because this is when the buskers come to perform. Around the performance areas are food stalls packed with delicious Korean foods for a couple bucks each; if you couldn’t or didn’t want to eat KBBQ for dinner, you can find something here.

The beauty about this place is that you can stay out late and still spot people roaming around, browsing and entering restaurants and bars. This is why most shops close past midnight here.

Seoul Itinerary Day 3: See Iconic Locations in Seoul

Stop 1: K-Pop Square

Time: 10:30 AM

Address: Right outside Samseong Station, Exit 5

K-Pop Square is a large public area in Samseong, featuring a massive LED-screen that promotes show-stopping performances from the past. This is an ode to K-Pop, which is responsible for a large portion of the country’s tourism, and why Korea is so well known across the world.

Fans will also be happy to know that somewhere in the area is a wall that lets them hold hands with their favorite idols. Also known as the “K-Pop Handprint Wall,” big stars like BTS, Shinee, and even EXO are among the artists featured here.

Stop 2: Statue of Gangnam Style

Time: 10:45 AM

Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

At first I just thought this was a strange gold installation of two hands shielding you from the sun, but when I finally got close to it, I knew immediately who it was: Psy oppa !

Though this ‘Gentleman’ has been relatively quiet since his 2012 hit, the song Gangnam Style remains in the Youtube hall of fame as one of the fastest to hit a billion views. If you know how to dance Gangnam Style, this is the perfect location for you to shoot a dance cover of the video. 

Stop 3: Bongeunsa Seoraewon ( 봉은사 서래원)

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Imagine enjoying a warm meal inside a small Korean temple, without ever leaving Seoul. Bongeunsa Seoraewon lets you have that experience in the heart of the city, and the noodle prices are affordable too; most especially the sets.

After your meal, you can just walk outside and visit Bongeunsa Temple directly. What’s cool about this place is that it also has options for vegans (ask for their Bongeun Tofu).

Stop 4: COEX Starfield Library

Time: 1:30 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

This is by far the most famous library in Seoul. It’s a real operating library, located inside the largest underground shopping mall in all of Asia: CoEx Starfield. Book lovers will cry at the sight of tens of thousands of books filling the 13-meter shelves.

Visitors also come to watch famous authors do book signing events, and famous poets visit to motivate young children to write.

The downside about this place is only that it is always crowded and noisy – it’s hard to appreciate the rare book you found if there are couples chatting on either side of you. But did I mention that this space is free? This is why people often try to sneak out the books, which I discourage you from trying. 

Stop 5: COEX Aquarium

Time: 5:00 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, 서울특별시

Fee: Adults: ₩28,000; Children: ₩24,000; Senior Citizens: ₩20,000

CoEx Aquarium in Seoul is for those who want to see marine life up close, with more than a hundred display tanks and over 40,000 sea creatures in various themed zones. Shark lovers will be thrilled to know that this is the aquarium that houses the highest number of sharks in Korea.

Touch pools also let you feel the fish (like the manta ray), allowing you to have a healing experience with nature in a safe setting.

Stop 6: Gosoo Dalgalbi Gangnam

Time: 7:30 PM

Address: 20, Teheran-ro 5-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩-₩₩

For dinner, you should definitely try the tastiest dakgalbi in Seoul. This is a famous Korean dish not common internationally, but very popular domestically. The dish consists of loads of chopped cabbage with tender bits of chicken rib meat, stir-fried in a thick, spicy sauce (that tastes so much better with cheese, in my opinion!).

What’s so wonderful about this place is that their special, the 치즈모듬사리 ( Cheese Modeumsari ), is a party plate full of cheesy rice cake and glass noodles that is perfect for sharing.

For a fun vegan option, come to Veg Green, a delicious vegan buffet that has a homey vibe - the staff will still smile at you, even if you come late at night for dinner. At just ₩12,000 per person, it’s full of options for those who enjoy large mixed salads, including fruits and jam in a cozy ambiance.

Stop 7: GSM Terrace

Address: 327-45 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩10,000 for unlimited drinks

Friends are important, and meeting fun people from diverse, cultural backgrounds may also make your stay in Korea a fulfilling one. Sure, it’s an activity for international people, but you may spot some Koreans who are seeking places to practice their English.

Additionally, you can play all sorts of games with them if you run out of things to talk about. Everything comes easy and natural here, and all people are welcome to join in the fun.

If you find that 3 days in Seoul is not enough, you’re not alone. Most visitors spend 5-7 days in Seoul to get a taste of the culture, nightlife, and food in Korea.

The suggestions below are ideal for people who are looking for other things to visit on their Seoul vacation, since the first three days have pretty much hit all the popular places. A good alternative to Everland is Lotte World.

Seoul Itinerary Day 4: Everland Theme Park

Everland is a popular theme park in Seoul, perfect for people who just want to have a magical day with their date, family, or friends. With over 40 attractions scattered across five different themed areas, it might take an entire day or two to exhaust all of the attractions.

What I love about this place is that it always has festivals and seasonal events to entertain guests of all ages.

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Fee: Adults: ₩54,000 to ₩64,000; Children: ₩43,000 to ₩51,000; If you want to skip the line, you can buy the tickets ahead of time . There’s also a fun option of wearing a Korean school uniform, which you can rent online or on-site.

Stop 1: Global Fair

If you’ve always wanted to travel to far-flung destinations, this fair lets you see the world all at once. Historical structures, both existing and ancient, line one area of this zone - and here you can see various architecture from different points in time, instantly turning you into a time traveler.

Stop 2: Live Hologram Adventure (Global Fair)

Time: 11:00 AM

Never been to a K-Pop concert before? That’s okay, because the Live Hologram Adventure lets you experience a 30-minute snippet of a K-Pop concert in high definition.

If you also decide to take pictures and videos, it’d look so realistic that you can trick your friends into thinking that you actually went to a BIGBANG concert.

Stop 3: Snack Buster for Lunch

When you’re in a theme park , you need a lot of grub to keep your energy levels high. Unlike other theme parks with food in small, reduced servings, Snack Buster has generous servings of high-quality Korean foods sold at an affordable price.

I highly recommend their Korean fried chicken with french fries and tteokbokki, because it’ll come in a plate that’s big enough to share with your family or friends.

Stop 4: Carnival Square (European Adventure)

Time: 2:30 PM

Around this time you should join the people gathering by the Carnival Square, because this is when you get to witness a spectacular event only seen in Everland.

Here they’ll launch flowery floats with vivacious dancers and mascots, all inviting you to come join their party. Imagine being in Rio de Janeiro, but when you leave, you’re back in Korea.

Stop 5: Panda World (Zootopia)

Time: 3:15 PM

Need I say more? Pandas are such gentle creatures, and imagine entering a world full of these adorable bears. Everland’s Zootopia should be in your Seoul itinerary for this very reason. If you don’t like pandas and prefer a different animal, then next to this enclosure is the Friendly Monkey Valley.

Stop 6: Lost Valley (Zootopia)

Enjoy zipping through a safari, riding a tram that crosses difficult terrain dotted with real animals. To enjoy this experience, then join the queue at the Lost Valley, where you’ll find your ride crossing the stream.

The trip will take you  into landscaped enclosures full of large animals including elephants, giraffes, camels, and rhinos. And then, if there’s still time, your guide will let you hand-feed these animals, giving you a chance to interact with them up close.

Step 7: Thunder Falls (Magic Land)

Time: 6:00 PM

Speaking of getting wet, there’s a fun flume ride in Everland that features backward drops and steep falls. It’s such a thrill to be on this ride, and the danger can be so exhilarating! But if you need more adrenaline rush, see if you can queue for the T-Express (aka. Everland’s Scariest Ride).

Step 8: Robot VR and Gyro VR (American Adventure)

Have you ever fantasized about channeling your inner Han Solo? These rides let you pilot a futuristic spaceship and navigate the stars. Sci-fi fans love this ride because the effects feel so real— the ride itself even follows the joystick you’re controlling!

Step 9: Four Seasons Garden & Rose Garden

Time: 8:00 PM

When the sun sets, this is the best area to end your day in Everland.  There’s always a light show with fireworks around this time, and a variety of performances that go along with it.

Seoul Itinerary Day 5: Feel the National Pride

As a tourist, one of the best ways to experience Korea is to visit the location where they played host to countries from all over the world. Coming here, you’ll see the effort Korea puts forth in promoting peace and harmony, as well as soak in the welcoming spirit. Plus, Olympic Park is 100% free to visit!

Stop 1: World Peace Gate

Time: 9:30 AM

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The World Peace Gate is a marvelous winged structure that reveals a beautiful painting of a phoenix, tiger, turtle, and a dragon if you stand beneath it. This is called “A Painting of Four Spirits,” signifying the desire of Korea to be friends with everybody in the world.

As you stand underneath, it’s like a gate that genuinely welcomes you to enter and experience Korea. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful place to stand and reflect on your experiences in the country.

Stop 2: Olympic Museum

Learn more about the athletes that represented Korea in the past Olympic Games! Documentation about Korea’s best athletes, their training process, and even their histories are comprehensively explained here. Also, thanks to this museum, you’ll get to closely observe the gear used in the recent 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. 

Stop 3: Olympic Park’s Peace Square

Address: 326, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

If you time your visit around the last week of September to the first week of October this year, there will be a grand festival called the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival in the Olympic Park’s Peace Square.

Coming here lets you experience the rich Hanseong era in Korea, featuring food tastings, tea ceremonies, parades and performances, and even a demonstration of a hawk-aided hunting!

Moreover, the reason why they’re holding it here is because the Mongchontoseong Fortress area is known to be a remnant of the Baekje capital. Hopefully you’ll get to see this festival in person, because it truly is a fascinating way to learn more about Korea’s fascinating past.

Stop 4: Bukchon Hanok Village

Time: 4:00 PM

Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Perhaps one of the oldest villages in Seoul, this area dates back all the way to the Joseon Dynasty. Also called the “northern village,” this is also where two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, are located.

What’s admirable about this area is that people hold traditional events here, giving curious tourists an opportunity to get to know the Joseon dynasty even better. Fun activities such as hanbok wearing, etiquette demonstration, and even tea ceremonies are hosted by the people here, and all of these usually occur in the afternoon.

Stop 5: Insadong Street

Address: Insadong, Jongro-gu, Seoul

One of the popular destinations in Korea, Insadong Street has a long array of lively stalls and shops to give you something to look at everywhere.This is also the best place to grab a quick snack, because they serve a variety of Korean foods you should make it a point to try.

If you’re interested in trying something new and enjoy green tea , track down O’Sulloc Tea House and order their matcha cake. Since this is one of your last days in Seoul, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Insadong is one of the best places to buy souvenirs for your family and friends!

Stop 6: Noryangjin Fish Market

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

I know that capping your day in a fish market is unusual, but after you swing by Insadong Street, head to the Jonggak Station and ride the subway to Noryangjin , because this is where people can eat the freshest seafood in Seoul.

You can even try the unique dishes they serve, most especially try delicacies that you definitely haven’t before - like the penis fish. You should come try the small octobps, king crab, and hwe (sliced raw fish) here, for example.

Don’t be shy if you can’t speak a lick of Korean because the people are so used to seeing foreigners that they have devised a way to make things easier and enjoyable for you.

Seoul Itinerary Day 6: See Korea’s Highest Point

Stop 1: Namsan Park

Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

This public park is a nature-friendly rest area smack in the middle of the city. It has clear walking trails leading to Namsan Seoul tower, but I’d encourage you to take your time appreciating this quiet, vast expanse, because it has more facilities than your average park.

Aside from seeing gardens and free physical activity facilities, there’s also a library, a botanical garden, a memorial hall, and a culture center. 

Stop 2: Mok Myeong San Bang

Address: 71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu 1F, Hannam Building, Seoul 04629 South Korea

People might have a hard time locating this place, but keep your eyes peeled for a hanok within Namsan Park. Mok Myeong San Bang is a vegetarian-friendly, healthy, traditional lunch restaurant that serves authentic Korean cuisine.

In fact, they pride themselves as chefs who never use artificial seasoning. I highly recommend their bibimbap , which is known to be the best in Seoul, but you should explore dishes like the crispy cheesy pancake and the yukhoe (raw beef).

Stop 3: Namsangol Hanok Village

Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

After a savory lunch, walk to Namsangol Hanok Village on the north side of Namsan Mountain. Here you get to see homes that were restored to their original form to give tourists a sense of how people in the Joseon dynasty used to live.

Sometimes you may chance upon demonstrations that show people how to play a traditional board game ( yunnori ) or fold a traditional paper called hanji . Sometimes there’s also a fun segment on how traditional herbal medicines are made and used.

Stop 4: N Seoul Tower

Time: 4:30 PM

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Fee: (Observatory) Adults: ₩11,000; Children: ₩9,000

Also known as the second highest tower in Seoul, Namsan Tower’s Observation Deck provides an unobstructed view of the whole city. There’s also a powerful telescope available for use that lets you have a high quality LCD view of wherever you’re pointing it at. 

Aside from museums and exhibitions, what people really come here for is attaching their own lock to Love Lock Bridge. This is the infamous site in Seoul where couples fasten a lock to symbolize their everlasting love— hence why there’s an area full of locks, and a booth that lets you customize your own to add to the bridge.

Stop 5: Lotte World Tower

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩27,000; Children: ₩24,000; Fast Pass for all ages: ₩50,000

After seeing the second highest point, go to the tallest building in the entirety of Korea! Lotte World Tower, just 55 minutes away from Namsangol Hanok Village. Sleek and slender with a gentle curved design, you can end your evening in a fantastically fast elevator, taking you directly to the highest point in Korea.

The ride also allows you to take great photos, because you get to see the entire city transition to night time as you arrive. Inside you can also test your courage as you walk through the highest indoor glass floor, giving you perspective of how high up in the sky you are (and how teeny every person looks from above).

Seoul Itinerary Day 7: Enjoy the Night at Dongdaemun

Stop 1: Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park

Address: right outside Dongdaemun Station Exit 1

If you feel like doing a bit of walking in the afternoon, this little tourist trap has an uphill road that takes you to a nice park. It’s not as pretty as the other ones, but it has everything you need, and it's very conveniently located for a chill afternoon out.

Since it is a little bit elevated, you get to have a clear view of Dongdaemun , which lets you see the fusion of traditional and modern elements scattered around the city. Moreover, this is where the beautiful Heunginmun gate is located, perfect for pictures on your last day in Seoul.

Stop 2: Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)

Address: 288 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Don’t skip this gate before you leave. This is an ancient monument which used to stretch longer, as it used to be a fortress with three other gates. All four gates apparently have a meaning attached to their name, and Heunginjimun is loosely translated as “benevolence, with good energy.”

There’s also a semi-circular ongsung inside, which is a pagoda-like traditional structure that makes it stand out compared to the existing gates in Seoul. Plus, the reason we’re coming to see it at 6pm is because it lights up beautifully against the backdrop of cars.

Stop 3: Bulgwangsikdang ( 부광식당 )

Time: 6:30 PM

Address: 207-26 Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Not many are comfortable in crowded places, but for this one, most will surely make an exception. If you feel like eating a proper home-cooked meal for dinner, this is the best option in Seoul. Since this is more frequented by the elderly and locals, most of the meals are made to appeal to their taste.

But who knows, you might find your favorite Korean meal here! Plus, the owners are kind and friendly, making it a less intimidating place for foreigners to try. Vegans might want to swing by Vegan is Hip (비건이즈힙), a wide sandwich and waffle bar that offers choices that range from sweet potato, tofu salad, fruits, and vegetables.

Their waffles are super delicious, even if they are made with rice flour and plant-based cream, a combination that most non-vegans find challenging to like. If you choose to come here, try their apple jam whipped cream waffle, and you won’t regret it.

Stop 4: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Address: 43 Eulji-ro 45-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

See that majestic neon embryo thing? That’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This huge building is absolutely worth seeing at night, since it glows brightly and makes for a good aerial photo. There are lots of free things to do inside since this also doubles as a museum and an exhibition center.

Speaking of which, there’s a large LED screen that allows you to relax your eyes with soothing colors that dance along to therapeutic music. Take your time strolling around inside. There are plenty of fun things you can do, like browse inside for things to buy or check out the books on the shelves.

You can even play on the funny chairs that let you spin without falling! There are also rest areas that let you charge your phones while you sip the coffee from the food carts outside. If you’re a K-Pop fan and you like artists from SM Entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that SM Town is inside.

Stop 5: Dongdaemun Night Market

Time: 10:30 PM

The reason you should come here late in the day is to experience one of the best night markets in Seoul . Known as a fashion destination throughout Seoul, plenty of people frequent Dongdaemun Night Market to shop, play, and eat. The best part? Most of the stalls are open until as late as 5am!

So you’re finally coming to Korea. Your bags are packed and your ticket is ready. Congratulations! But before you leave, here are helpful tips for visiting Korea that you might want to read before you arrive.

• Learn some key phrases in Hangul – or download Papago

While most of the buildings and public spaces in Seoul provide English translations for foreigners, it is rarely enough to travel without learning a few key phrases . Trust me, you’ll want to know what to say if you need to know where the nearest station is or the cost of something.

If you cannot cram these many Korean phrases into your memory, I can relate, and I recommend that you have the Papago translation app ready to assist you just in case.

• Learn basic etiquette 

Of course people don’t expect you to bow everywhere, but you should show them respect. One way to do this is, when you are giving or receiving things, you use both of your hands. As a foreigner, never call strangers ‘ahjussi’ or ‘ahjumma’ if you happen to talk to them, and most of all, learn how to respectfully address people in Korea .

• You can connect to the internet almost everywhere in Korea, but get a Korean SIM card or wifi egg just to be safe 

Don’t assume that everywhere you go, the Internet will always be with you; most Koreans have cell phones with unlimited data now, so wifi is ironically harder to access. One of the hacks I’ve used to be able to connect while on the go is to find a metro station and connect to the free Wi-Fi in there.

But in cases where a station is quite far from you, and you need to use apps like KakaoMaps to sort out your route, it’s best to have a Korean sim card handy.

• Bring a power bank!

You never know when you’ll run out of battery, and Korea is a big city. Even though cafes let people stay for a long time, you may happen to come on days when most are either closed or crowded, so you can’t count on that.

Sometimes you can visit a convenience store and ask if they have ports to charge your phone, but if you don’t want a dead battery to ruin your trip, take a power bank with you (or buy one when you arrive).

• Don’t rely on Google Maps

I cannot stress this enough! Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, and what’s worse is that what they tell you is rarely accurate. Instead, download Kakao-brand apps when possible. Even though KakaoMaps is made primarily for Koreans in Korea, it is foreigner-friendly and even has an English version.

• Ride public transportation instead of taxis

Taxis are expensive, but Seoul is even more expensive. Also known as the 7 th most expensive capital in the world, most of the fun things to do require you to shell out more money than you might want to.

So to save on your vacation to Seoul, when you can, choose to ride the subway or the bus. Both systems are very clean, extensive, and reliable.

• Carry your own trash

Bring your trash back home with you. Unlike other cities where you can freely throw garbage in any bin, Seoul has very few public trash cans and a very specific system for sorting their waste.

In South Korea, there’s actually a national Zero Waste Policy which has resulted in 5 different types of trash and recyclables, each of which warrant a separate type of bin (I got a stern talking-to a few times over the years for using the wrong types of bags to toss my various types of trash).

I know this has been quite the Seoul travel guide, but that’s just proof that there’s plenty of things to do in Seoul. So whether you’re in Seoul for a week or just three days, I hope this Seoul itinerary can help you make the most of your trip.

More South Korea

Sharing is caring!

Reader Interactions

vincent Liptrot says

July 13, 2023 at 2:57 am

great info in here about Seoul. As you can see many fun places are in small allies and harder to reach places. it can be tricky to navigate on your own an tiring by foot to get between sights, though have a wonderful time in Seoul and enjoy this excellent blog!

July 16, 2023 at 10:05 am

Thanks, Vincent!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hard Border – Frank McNally on a visit to the Korean Demilitarised Zone

From a row of fixed binoculars, we took turns to scrutinise the north koreans.

Tourists at the Demilitarised Zone in Korea. Photograph: Getty Images

At about 250km, the Korean border is only half as long as Ireland’s meandering version. But in depth, density, and danger, it more than compensates for this inadequacy.

Stretching for 2km on either side of the actual boundary is the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), ironically named given that it is one of the most heavily militarised areas on earth.

Approaching this after the one-hour drive from Seoul last week, our coachful of journalists crossed a bridge that proclaimed itself the “Gateway to Unification”.

But this cheerful euphemism was belied by the accompanying checkpoint, ubiquitous barricades, and a warning from our charming Korean guide (improbably named “Sharon”) not to take pictures.

Blood brothers – Frank McNally on the deaths of two young men, one Irish, in the Korean War

Transmigration of Seoul – Frank McNally on a long-awaited trip to South Korea

Son of the soil – Colm Keena on the occasional delights of getting our hands dirty

A cement mixer and a tractor ahead of us in the queue hinted at normal life close to the border, from which we were still some way distant.

But the Military Police took our passports until we returned by the same route, and the people we couldn’t photograph included troops with American MI6 rifles (shortened, Sharon explained, to suit the more diminutive Korean frame).

At an auditorium in the hilltop Dora Observatory, we gazed towards North Korea through a glass wall behind a Korean army officer who, speaking in an English accent worthy of Sandhurst, reminded us of the madness underlying the bucolic scene.

It was a sunny day, but hazy. You could just about see the giant, competing flagpoles facing each other in the distance, across no man’s land.

During the “Flagpole War” of the 1980s, South Korea erected a 100-metre pole at Daesong-Dong, the only village in the southern DMZ. Then North Korea responded with a 160m version at Kijong-Dong, the DMZ’s sole northern settlement.

This held the world record for a time. But international flagpole height is a competitive marketplace, and thanks to developments in Azerbaijan and elsewhere, North Korea’s is down to sixth place now.

Kijong-Dong, also visible behind the flag – deliberately for the benefit of photographers – is a “Potemkin Village”.

It was designed as a model community, with attractively painted houses serving a 200-family collective farm, serviced by childcare facilities, schools, and a hospital.

As such, it was supposed to tempt defections from the oppressed masses across the border. Alas for that, South Korea (which has studied the village long and hard through telescopic lenses) insists Kijong-Dong is an uninhabited propaganda stunt.

From a row of fixed binoculars on a terrace beside the observatory, we too took turns to scrutinise the North Koreans. But after a while, it became almost as interesting to watch the people watching.

“I see them!” declared one excited American woman whose US-Korean companion had been advising her where to focus. “On bicycles! Five, six, seven, eight – who are they?” she asked, as if uncovering a plot. “Farmers, I guess,” her friend replied.

Speaking of farmers, we had seen near the Gateway to Unification a park containing the model of a cow, on which hangs a tale (and tail).

The story starts with Chung Yu-Tang (1915-2001), born the eldest son of a peasant family in what is now North Korea. Uninterested in farming, he made several attempts to escape it, including one at the age of 17, when he stole a family cow to finance a new life in Seoul.

He went on to set up Hyundai. And decades after that, his fortune made, he felt the need to atone for the bovine larceny while also advancing his cherished ambition for cross-border cooperation.

So in 1998, he sent a herd of cows (1,000 according to Sharon, although some versions say 500) across the bridge as a gift to the impoverished north. The statue commemorates his gesture.

There have been much larger-scale attempts at cooperation too. Also visible from Dora Observatory is Kaesong Industrial Park, where 123 South Korean factories used to employ 50,000 North Koreans. Cross-border tensions capsized the project a decade ago, however. The complex is abandoned now.

In keeping with the checkpoint euphemism, meanwhile, South Korea has a full-time Ministry of Unification. But that trimmed its 700-plus workforce last year in a restructuring plan. And for younger Koreans, at least, the imperative towards reunification is not what it once was.

North Korea is “no longer our number one problem”, Sharon told us. Population collapse has replaced it. On current birth trends, South Korea would cease to exist sometime next century. But looking toward Europe, while still scarred by the pandemic, many Koreans remain reluctant to embrace immigration as a solution.

The DMZ lives on for now and the foreseeable future, and in surprising ways. Landmines make it a perilous place for humans and hundreds have died in skirmishes there since the Korean War ended. But for some of the same reasons, it is also a haven for wildlife.

Photographic evidence suggests the strip is home to more than 6,000 species, including endangered mountain goats, golden eagles, and the Asiatic black bear. A spokesman for the DMZ Forum, a group campaigning to protect the area’s ecology, has called it “an accidental paradise”.

IN THIS SECTION

The ‘bots’ marks the seasons in our busy city, asylum seekers pitch tents in ballsbridge park after dublin city centre camp cleared, we need to talk about why we’re all so angry, man arrested after apparent kidnap attempt of 2-year-old child in dublin, ‘incredible’: rsa decision not to appear before public accounts committee criticised, ‘hardcore’ group of far-right protesters stage demonstration outside taoiseach’s home, nurse who claimed he witnessed care home worker pour water over resident loses whistleblower claim, joe canning: calling out the tipperary players in public wasn’t smartest move by liam cahill, latest stories, leinster vs northampton: kick-off time, tv details and team news ahead of champions cup semi-final, ‘dobbo has left the building’: bryan dobson bids listeners farewell on final broadcast, irish residents continue to travel more - ceo, 1,676 asylum seekers remain without state accommodation, son of restaurant group founder wins €61,000 for rights breaches in ‘bitter’ dispute with new owners.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

13 Quick Weekend Trips You Can Take From Seoul

F or any traveler thinking of visiting South Korea , Seoul is the number one destination on their list. With an astonishing number of shops, cafes, restaurants, and wild nightlife, it's hard to grow tired of a city that offers so much. But sometimes it's nice to get out of the city and change up the scenery. South Korea is only 100, 210 km². To put that in perspective, it would take nearly ninety-nine South Koreas to make up the landmass of the United States. NINETY-NINE! The country's landscape is notable for its rolling mountains and abundance of beaches. Luckily for both visitors and residents, South Korea is a small enough country where a quick four-hour road trip could actually bring you to the other side of the country.

UPDATE: 2023/05/18 12:31 EST BY KHYATI DAND

More Weekend Trips From Seoul

Staying in Seoul doesn't mean that one must confine themselves to the attractions of the Korean capital. With plenty of picturesque islands, smaller cities, and historic towns a skip away, visitors can easily hop onto a bus or a train for a weekend getaway. Which is why, this list was updated to include more weekend trips from Seoul that travelers can embark on.

Related: 20 Reasons South Korea Should Be Every Traveler's Next Destination

Chuncheon, which quite literally means spring river, is the capital of Gangwon Province. Located on a basin formed by two rivers, Chuncheon's name is quite apt, for it's a city that's surrounded by shimmering lakes and mountains. The city is famous for its outdoor activities, a spicy chicken dish called dak-galbi, and thriving nightlight thanks to a young population of university-going students that reside there.

• Seoul to Chuncheon: Approximately an hour by bus

At first sight, Ansan seems like nothing but an industrial city with little to attract tourists and visitors from Seoul. But Ansan sits on the coast of the Yellow Sea and parts of the Yellow Sea Islands lie within its jurisdiction, including the stunning Daebu Island. With easy connectivity to the capital, visitors can enjoy a quick seaside trip to Ansan from Seoul. Even better, the tidal wave constantly shifts in Ansan, revealing new coastal paths to walk on every day.

• Seoul to Ansan: Approximately 30 minutes by cab

Seoul may offer all the thrills of a big city but to truly explore South Korea's history, one must venture outside its borders. Ganghwado is home to several prehistoric sites, including various dolmens or tombs that are World Heritage Sites , fortresses, temples, and churches. Because Ganghwado sits on the edges of South Korea's border, visitors may even catch a glimpse of North Korean villages that are located less than two kilometers away on a good day

• Seoul to Ganghwado: Approximately 50 minutes by cab

Related: South Korea For History Buffs: Exploring 10 Locations Rich In Culture & Heritage

Muuido is a small island that is just two hours away from Seoul by public transportation. If you're coming from Incheon Airport, the island is actually directly west of the airport. This island is a great place to relax. There's tons of seafood and clean beaches. Muuido is known for its little huts that are available to rent along the beach. At low tide, you can even walk to Silmido island from Silmi beach! Gather a few friends for a quick weekend away from the city. So close to Seoul it could easily be a quick day trip.

• Seoul to Muuido Island: Approximately two hours by bus

Nami Island

Nami Island is easy to get to and is about an hour away from Seoul. With transportation direct through the subway line or the KTX (Korea's highspeed train), you can find yourself on Nami Island after a quick nap on the train. Famed for its charming tree-lined pathways, the island has been featured on a couple of K-dramas, such as Winter Sonata. Nami Island is beautiful during any season. Rent a bike during Spring or Summer and cruise along the bike paths. Or visit during the Autumn season to witness the beautiful fall foliage.

• Seoul to Nami Island: Approximately an hour by train

Being the second largest city in the country, it is no wonder that Busan is one of the top places to visit in Korea . There are so many things to see and do. Busan has the world famous Jalgachi Fish Market. Walk in and savor the smell of fresh seafood as vendors try to sell you their catch of the day. Once you decide between any of the fresh catches, be it salmon, king crab, mussels or lobsters, the vendors will escort you to the second level where restaurant stalls are ready to prepare your food. Sling back a couple of shots of soju before heading out to experience the nightlife. If clubbing isn't your scene, then the beach is where you'll want to be. Buy a few fireworks then launch them at Haeundae beach and watch them explode in the night sky. While you're in Busan, you won't want to miss Gamcheon Cultural Village either -- a fun colorful village on the hills of Busan.

• Seoul to Busan: Approximately three hours by train

Related: Try These 10 Unique Activities In Charming Busan, South Korea

For some adventuring, Sokcho is the perfect place to go. Here you'll find one of Korea's most beautiful mountains, Seoraksan Mountain. Seoraksan is 1,708 meters above ground and offers gorgeous views any time of the year. It's the third tallest in the country. With all these mountains, its no wonder that hiking is a popular weekend activity in Korea. If you plan well, you'll be able to hike during the fall to see the leaves change to bright reds and orange. The trip from Seoul is about three hours by car and four hours by public transportation.

• Seoul to Sokcho: Approximately two hours by bus

The Gyeongju Historic Area has 52 registered sites under the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. This place is packed with history. Most sites are free to visit as they're out in the open for anyone to explore. While there are dozens of tourist sites to see, some of the most visited locations would be the Gyeongju Royal Tomb of King Naemul. Biking past it, you probably wouldn't realize you've been zipping through the park past royal tombstones as the tombs look like massive green mounds popping out of the ground, these are called tumuli.

• Seoul to Gyeongju: Approximately two and a half hours by train

Jeonju is another historical town that famed for their Jeonju Hanok Village, magkeollis (a light rice wine) and bibimbap. In Jeonju, it is a must to sample the bibimbap, a staple in Korean cuisine which is made up of rice and a variety of colorful vegetables all served in a hot stone bowl, and often topped with meat and an egg. Visiting this town is like stepping back in time. Tourists, both domestic and international, come to walk through the old village and wear hanboks (traditional Korean clothing). Stop by Wansan Park to take in all the nature. The park is filled with all kinds of flowers and beautiful aromas.

• Seoul to Jeonju: Approximately two and a half hours by train

Jindo Island

Jindo is a unique little island found in the southwestern part of Korea. It is famously known for the festival in the month of February during the Lunar New Year. During this time of year hundreds of tourist flock to Jindo Island to witness the parting of the seas leaving a narrow pathway to walk between the two bodies of water. It's a pretty extraordinary sight to see. Jindo Island is about 4 1/2 hours from Seoul, six hours if you are driving. Apart from the mysterious sea dividing, Jindo is also famously known for its dog Jindo Gae, the jindo dog.

• Seoul to Jindo Island: Approximately four and a half hours by train

Just four and a half hours from Seoul is Korea's largest green tea fields in Boseong. Aim to visit in May when the green tea leaves are at their greenest. During this time, Boseong also hosts its Green Tea Festival with tea exhibitions and shops. Try their famous teas or even sample their green tea infused pajeon (fried Korean pancake). If you are visiting during the holidays, Boseong also has their Tea Plantation Light Festival for visitors to see the rolling fields light up in beautiful twinkling colors.

• Seoul to Boseong: Approximately four and a half hours by train

Suncheon Bay is a great romantic weekend getaway . But you don't need a significant other to enjoy the beauty this bay has to offer. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is home to an overwhelming number of bird and tree species. The reeds grow tall and sway for 570 acres. For a complete sea of green, summertime would be the best time to visit. For more yellow colored reeds, then autumn is your best bet. Come with your camera and be prepared to take some incredible sunset photos.

• Seoul to Suncheon: Approximately three and a half hours by train

There's no need to book a flight to Kyoto to walk amongst towering bamboo trees in Japan's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. South of Seoul, is Korea's very own bamboo forest. Damyang is a little over a three hour trip from Seoul. Although the forest is blissful and gorgeous in every way, there are not too many tourists to be found in this area making it the perfect spot for photographs. As you explore the path with soaring bamboo shoots overhead, you'll eventually stumble upon a hammock. Hop on and gently swing as you take in the tranquil green forest and appreciate the heights.

• Seoul to Damyang: Approximately three and a half hours by bus

NEXT: 10 Essential Things To Know If You Plan To Visit North Korea

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

North Korea sends a delegation to Iran in a growing effort to break its diplomatic isolation

FILE - In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, meets Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress of China, in Pyongyang, North Korea on April 13, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

FILE - Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, attends a wreath-laying ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 2, 2019. A high-level North Korean economic delegation is traveling to Iran for what would be the two countries’ first talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the heavily sanctioned nations align in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. (Jorge Silva/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks during a press conference at the American Diplomacy House in Seoul, on April 17, 2024. A high-level North Korean economic delegation is traveling to Iran for what would be the two countries’ first talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the heavily sanctioned nations align in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. (Jung Yeon-je/Pool Photo via AP, File)

• Copy Link copied

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A high-level North Korean economic delegation was on its way to Iran, the North’s state media said Wednesday, for what would be the two countries’ first known talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Embracing the idea of a “new Cold War,” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pushing to build up cooperation with countries confronting the United States, as his intensified weapons tests prompted the U.S. and South Korea to expand their military drills.

Pyongyang’s delegation led by Yun Jung Ho, North Korea’s minster of external economic relations, flew out Tuesday for the trip to Iran, official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday. State media did not immediately provide further details.

Pyongyang and Tehran are among the few governments in the world that support Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and both have been accused of providing Russia with military equipment .

The last known time North Korea sent senior officials to Iran was in August 2019, when a group led by Pak Chol Min, vice chair of Pyongyang’s rubber-stamp parliament, made a weeklong visit. The two countries had active diplomatic exchanges until North Korea sealed its borders in an effort to stave off the pandemic, before a cautious reopening in 2023.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles affairs with the North, did not immediately comment Yun’s visit to Iran.

North Korea has made efforts for months to boost the visibility of its ties with Russia and China as Kim attempts to break out of diplomatic isolation and join a united front against the U.S.

In 2023, Kim visited Russia’s Far East for a rare summit with Putin , which highlighted the countries’ expanding military cooperation, including the North’s alleged transfers of artillery shells, missiles, and other munitions to Russia.

Earlier this month, Kim hosted top Chinese official Zhao Leji , who heads the ceremonial parliament and ranks third in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy. It was the highest-level meeting between the countries in years.

On Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong , the North Korean leader’s powerful sister, slammed the latest rounds of U.S.-South Korean joint military drills and insisted that the allies will never break the North’s determination to build up “our overwhelming and most powerful military muscle.”

The statement comes a week after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for the international community to be alert to the possibility of military cooperation between North Korea, Iran and Russia. Iran has been accused of providing drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.

“We are concerned about … the Iranians providing weapons to the Russians and the Russians also supporting efforts to help (North Korea) expand their own research into developing weapons. And certainly, that would be the case with Iran as well,” she said.

• Subscribe Digital Print

• Tourism in Japan
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Seoul spy agency warns North Korea plotting attacks on embassies

South Korea's spy agency said Friday that Pyongyang was plotting "terrorist" attacks targeting Seoul's officials and citizens overseas, with the foreign ministry raising the alert level for diplomatic missions in five countries.

"North Korea has dispatched agents to these countries to expand surveillance of the South Korean embassies and is also engaging in specific activities such as searching for South Korean citizens as potential terrorist targets," it said in a statement.

The spy agency said it appeared linked to a wave of defections by elite North Koreans who were trapped overseas during the pandemic and are now avoiding returning home after Pyongyang eased strict border controls, having become "skeptical" of the regime.

Pyongyang treats defections as a serious crime and is believed to hand harsh punishments to transgressors, their families, and even people tangentially linked to the incident.

North Korean embassy officials may be submitting false reports blaming "external" factors for voluntary defections by their colleagues, in a bid to evade punishment, the NIS said.

As a result, the North may be "plotting retaliation" against South Korean embassy staff on such pretenses, NIS added.

South Korea's foreign ministry said on Thursday it had raised its anti-terrorism alert status for five of its diplomatic missions — embassies in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam as well as its consulates in Russian port city Vladivostok and the Chinese city of Shenyang.

Both Seoul and Pyongyang have embassies or consulates in all five locations.

North Korea has diplomatic ties with more than 150 countries, according to Seoul, but the number of missions it maintains overseas has shrunk since the 1990s due to financial constraints.

According to Seoul's unification ministry, 196 North Korean defectors arrived in the South last year, with around 10 of them being from Pyongyang's elite class, such as diplomats and possibly their children.

This marked the highest number of defections by North Korean elites to the South since 2017, according to Seoul.

"The end of the pandemic has enabled North Korean agents, previously confined within their country, to travel abroad for missions, while South Koreans are also traveling abroad without any restrictions," Lee Man-jong, president of the Korean Association for Terrorism Studies, told reporters.

"Pyongyang appears to be targeting South Korean assets and nationals located in foreign countries with which they have established strong diplomatic ties."

Assassination attempt

Experts say the extended overseas stay during the pandemic has led North Korean expatriates to increasingly doubt their country's isolated regime.

"While living abroad, these North Koreans were able to send their children to normal schools, avoiding propaganda education and the constant need to be obedient to the regime," Ahn Chan Il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP.

"If North Korean diplomats and agents stationed abroad are continually and brutally pressured by Pyongyang to address defections by elite expats, we cannot rule out the possibility of the North plotting a terrorist attack... against South Koreans living overseas."

Pyongyang is suspected of being behind the 1996 killing of a South Korean consul in Vladivostok, who was attacked and killed by an unidentified assailant.

The consul, also an intelligence agent, had been monitoring Pyongyang's illicit activities, including drug trafficking and the production of counterfeit banknotes, according to South Korean reports.

And it launched an assassination attempt in Myanmar in 1983 when a bomb exploded in a Yangon mausoleum during a visit by then-South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan. He survived but 21 people, including some government ministers, were killed.

Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un has declared Seoul his country's "principal enemy," jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.