DMZ Small Group (Max 13) Defector, Mountain Temple & Majang Lake

Imjingak Peace Park is the symbolic gateway to the DMZ and a place that offers deep insight into the Korean War. Here, you’ll see important historical sites such as the Freedom Bridge—once used by around 13,000 refugees seeking freedom—as well as Mangbaedan, where North Korean defectors pay tribute to their hometowns. You’ll also view the Jangdan Station steam locomotive, which was used to transport military supplies during the war.

[Optional: North Korean Defector Live Talk] Explore exhibits showcasing everyday life in North Korea and watch a short documentary. Then, hear a North Korean defector share their personal escape story, followed by a Q&A session where you can ask questions and learn more about life in North Korea.

Mangbaedan is a memorial altar built for people who were separated from their families during the Korean War. Since they could not return to their hometowns in North Korea, they used this site to bow toward their ancestral homes. It is still visited, especially during traditional holidays, by those wishing to honor their families.

The Third Tunnel is one of the most well-known sites in the DMZ. Stretching 1,635 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 2 meters high, it was secretly built by North Korea as an invasion route into South Korea. The tunnel is large enough for an entire military division to pass through at once and was designed to transport troops, weapons, and ammunition. Remarkably, it was excavated using only basic tools and dynamite and was discovered in the 1970s following information from a North Korean defector.

Dorasan Observatory offers a rare opportunity to observe North Korea from a distance. From this mountaintop observatory, you can view parts of North Korea, including the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a propaganda village near the massive North Korean flagpole, and buildings in the Joint Security Area on clear days.

Unification Village is the final stop of the DMZ tour. Established in the 1970s with government support, the village was originally created as part of international propaganda efforts. Its structure was inspired by Israel’s kibbutz system. Today, around 400 residents live here, most of whom work in agriculture.

[Local Mountain Food Experience included in the Majang Lake Option] Stop at a local Korean restaurant near Bogwangsa and experience traditional mountain-style cuisine featuring seasonal wild greens and local dishes. Your guide will accompany you and help you choose and order your meal, with lunch at your own expense.

[Included in the Majang Lake Option] Visit Bogwangsa, a traditional mountain temple nestled in the forested mountains of Paju. Take a peaceful walk around the temple grounds and learn briefly about its history, architecture, and role in Korean Buddhist culture.

[Optional: Majang Lake Suspension Bridge] Majang Lake Suspension Bridge is one of Korea's longest suspension bridges, stretching 220 meters across the lake. Opened in 2017, it connects walking trails on both sides of the lake and offers views of the surrounding forest and water. It is the final stop before returning to Seoul.