The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a bit of a misnomer as it is one of the most heavily fortified zones in the world. The DMZ is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula near the 38th parallel. It splits the Korean Peninsula more or less in half and forms the border between North and South Korea.

For many people, visiting the DMZ is one of the top things to do in South Korea. For a very different experience in South Korea, consider visiting the stunning volcanic island paradise of Jeju.

About The DMZ

It was established with the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953 to create a buffer zone between the two Koreas and it ended the fighting in the destructive Korean War. It stretches for some 250 kilometers or 160 miles across the peninsula and is around 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles wide.

The DMZ is no-man's land and is located around 30 miles north of the South Korean capital of Seoul. The DMZ has also been the subject of study of how nature can return and prosper when left alone as no one can enter it for over half a century.

  • Length: 250 Kilometers or 160 Miles
  • Width: 4 Kilometers or 2.5 Miles

Occasionally defectors try to cross this border, but as it is so heavily defended that is extremely perilous. People spotted crossing it will often be shot. In the DMZ is a meeting point where the two countries can meet and negotiate - called the small Joint Security Area (JSA).

In the 1980s the South Korean government built a massive 98.4 meter or 323-foot flag pole by the DMZ. It flies a hefty 130 kilogram (287 pounds) South Korean flag. In response, North Korea built the 160-meter or 525-foot Panmunjeom flagpole just 1.2 kilometers or 0.7 miles west of the border.

Related: Next Time You're Heading to South Korea, Try These Incredible Street Foods

What It's Like Visiting the DMZ

The DMZ is also a significant tourist destination - iconic given that is it one of the world's most heavily militarized borders. The DMZ welcomes over 1.2 million visitors annually and visiting it is easy and straightforward.

  • Visitors: Over 1.2 Million Visitors Annually

One thing to be aware of is that the Korean War was ended only with an armistice. There was no peace treaty and so today the two Koreas remain technically at war with each other.

The JSA is located in Panmunjom on the DMZ. It is the most popular part to visit on both sides. Here one can see the front line up close and one can even cross within the line to the conference room.

Despite all the rhetoric, the warnings, jargon like "front line", "most militarized", etc, when one actually arrives at the DMZ one will likely find it calm and rather peaceful. The mood also changes depending on where on the DMZ one is. At the JSA the atmosphere is one of quiet deference while at the Dora Observatory it is bustling. Adding to the odd feeling, just outside the DMZ is the Imjingak Nuri Peace Park - a theme park.

Tours are possible from both the North and the South.

From The North

It is very difficult to visit North Korea. One must book a guided tour and be on one's best behavior while there. Tourists in North Korea must be with organized tours at all times and can only visit approved destinations. Tours to North Korea can be booked through Young Pioneers. It is not normally possible to visit North Korea by oneself, one must go through an organized tour.

  • Entry Forbidden: American and South Korean Citizens Are Barred From Entering North Korea
  • Caution: Most Governments Warn Against Visiting North Korea

Since a tragic incident in 2017, Americans have been prohibited from visiting North Korea by the American government. Additionally, South Koreans are also forbidden to enter North Korea.

While visiting North Korea is adventurous, almost all governments advise their citizens not to visit.

Related: 10 Quick Weekend Trips You Can Take From Seoul

From the South

It is much much more popular to visit the DMZ from the south. South Korea is a developed, safe, and visa-free country and there are plenty of tours running up to the DMZ.

  • Attractions: There Are Many Attractions In The South On The DMZ
  • DMZ Tour Companies: Let's DMZ and Paju (Websites Are Also available In English)

In South Korea, the surrounding area of the DMZ includes several parks, museums, observation towers, and many tour itineraries. Most first-time visitors choose a combined DMZ and JSA tour through Seoul. These tours usually take visitors to unfinished infiltration tunnels (that are said to have been built by the North), the barricaded Freedom Bridge, Nuri Peace Park, and more.

A list of tours to various attractions on the DMZ can be seen on Visit Korea.

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