DMZ Peace Park & Tour

DMZ 평화의 길

An organized tour and peace park near the demilitarized zone offering guided experiences of the Korean peninsula's division and peace initiatives. Visitors can learn about inter-Korean relations and see the landscape frozen in time since the armistice.

Things to do

• Guided DMZ Tour — A professional guide escorts you through the restricted area to observe the demarcation line, bunkers, and the landscape preserved since the 1953 armistice.
• Peace Park Walking Trails — Self-guided or group walks along marked paths through the park's grounds highlighting peace monuments, information panels, and views toward North Korea.
• Joint Security Area (JSA) Visit — Travel to Panmunjom to stand in the actual conference building where North and South Korean soldiers face each other across the Military Demarcation Line.
• War History Museum — Browse exhibits of Korean War artifacts, photographs, and documents explaining the division's history and current inter-Korean relations.
• Third Tunnel of Aggression — Descend 265 meters into an actual infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea during the Cold War, now open for civilian exploration.
• Dora Observatory — Look through telescopes toward North Korean villages and farmland from the highest point in the DMZ area.
• Peace Bell Ceremony — Participate in or observe the ringing of the peace bell, a symbolic ritual performed daily by visitors and staff wishing for Korean reunification.

Food to try

• Doraji Namul — Tender seasoned bellflower root, a local mountain vegetable side dish commonly served at DMZ area restaurants near Paju.
• Imjingak Makguksu — Cold buckwheat noodles in icy broth, a regional specialty of the Imjin River area that refreshes visitors after touring in warm months.
• Galbijjim — Slow-braised beef short ribs with vegetables and soy sauce, a hearty dish served at family-run restaurants throughout the DMZ region.
• Yukhoe — Thinly sliced raw beef seasoned with soy sauce and sesame, a Korean delicacy available at upscale restaurants near the peace park.
• Pentakulk or Acorn Jelly — A chewy, nutty side dish made from ground acorns, traditionally foraged from the DMZ region's forests and served as a local specialty.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Photography Restrictions — Cameras and phones are prohibited in certain sensitive areas near the DMZ; always follow guide instructions and do not photograph military installations or personnel.
• Dress Conservatively — Wear modest, closed-toe clothing and avoid camouflage patterns, which are prohibited; authorities enforce a dress code out of respect for the region's significance.
• Expect Enhanced Security — Plan for additional time for identity verification, bag checks, and security procedures; bring your passport as proof of citizenship is required.
• Learn Basic Korean Phrases — Simple greetings and thank-yous in Korean are appreciated by local guides and staff, and help create meaningful connections despite the region's tense history.