Korean DMZFor those with even a passing interest in historical affairs,
the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) - a 4km-wide strip of land that
divides the Korean peninsula in two - is an absolute must-see. The
DMZ was established in 1953, at the end of the Korean War, and
remains not only the most heavily-armed and guarded territory on
the planet, but also the last surviving relic of the Cold War.
Day-trips, which include guided tours of North Korean infiltration
tunnels and the Joint Security Area (
), the site of negotiations between the warring
nations, cost around USD 40 and leave from downtown Seoul. Upon
entry into the DMZ, visitors are required to put their signature on
an indemnity form, acknowledging that they are entering a "hostile
area", where they face "the possibility of injury or death as a
direct result of enemy action" - this, however, is all part of the
quiddity of the experience, and should be appreciated as such.
Another interesting aspect of the DMZ is that - due to the tot Website: www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_4_1.jsp Transportation: Since tours of the DMZ are strictly by reservation only,
visitors will need to engage the services of a tour company to
visit the site. The leading DMZ tour operators are: the USO
(02-795-3028), the Korean Travel Bureau (02-778-0150), Chung Ang
Express (0 Opening Time: Tour times vary Admission: Tour costs are as follows: USD 42 (USO); KRW 77,000
(Korean Travel Bureau and Chung Ang Express); KRW 78,000
(International Cultural Service Club) |