Dec 13, 2014, 6:04 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
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A wiki might keep this more usable; be sure to update if you're aware of changes.
DMZ, courtesy Koridoor Tours
The official Visit Korea website (English version linked to) has a tour Finder; this link is set to search for Panmunjom, frequently spelled Panmunjeom, as well as the Joint Security Area (JSA) and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This page lists some tour companies, presumably all ICSC APPROVED.
Note: Panmunjeom is closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
Notices
※ Reservations should be made 2 weeks prior to visit, via the local travel agencies designated by United Nations Command - International Cultural Service Club (ICSC) - link to ICSC and further information, contacts (for list of agencies in link provided above).
Address: Eoryong-ri, Jinseo-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do Eoryong-ri
경기 파주시 진서면 어룡리 일대
type: Demilitarized Zone (PLZ)
* Please keep in mind that not all of those that apply will be given permission to tour the Panmunjeom area, however other tours of the DMZ area can be arranged. To see the list of restricted countries, see below.
Introduction
Panmunjeom is located in the demilitarized zone, 50 km north from Seoul and 10 km east from the city of Gaeseong.
This area is most notably known for the peace talks that were held here on October 25, 1951 and was designated as the Joint Security Area on July 27, 1953 when the armistice agreement was signed.
Once used as a management office, Panmunjeom has been used as now a conference room since the Red Cross held an international conference here on September 20, 1971.
It is the only place where North Koreans and South Koreans can come in contact on a daily basis and make efforts towards the peace of Korea.
For much more specific information, tour applications, etc. click here.
Please note some rules required for visitors, including dress code, enforced by the United Nations Command and by extension every tour company.
1. Dress Code
- According to UN Regulations, following attires are not allowed for visitors to Panmunjom
..1) Collarless T-shirt, sleeveless shirt, Tank top, anything similar to bathing suit,
.....(Collarless dress shirt and blouse are acceptable)
..2) Navy working uniform, blue jeans or all types of denim wear
.....(Designer jeans, black jeans and all colors of jeans are included)
..3) Hiking attires and shorts of any kind
..4) Attires those expose entire arm or attires those without back
..5) All types of see-through attires.
..6) Tight knit wear, upper wear, pants, tight fit training wear
..7) Slippers and sandals of any kinds. (Dress sandals and open-toed dress shoes are acceptable)
..8) BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform)
..9) Inappropriate hair style (including excessive hair dying) and too revealing attire are prohibited.
..* Security Escorts from UNCSB-JSA are granted with full authority to discern inappropriate attires in addition to the regulations stated in this guidebook.
..* Anyone with inappropriate attires will not be allowed to enter JSA.
2. Punctuality
...Tour will be canceled for anyone who fails to arrive in Camp Bonifas a minimum of 10 minutes before the tour starts.
3. JSA-Panmunjom is a volatile area where the South and the North are standing face to face. Therefore, all individual activities are prohibited, and visitors must follow the instructions from Security Escorts and other guards.
The USO TOur mentioned by posters is operated by Koridoor, from the USO at Camp Kim; it departs 0730. See post #38 or click here.
Updated 13 December 2014 - JDiver
(lower right wiki corner)A wiki might keep this more usable; be sure to update if you're aware of changes.
DMZ, courtesy Koridoor Tours
The official Visit Korea website (English version linked to) has a tour Finder; this link is set to search for Panmunjom, frequently spelled Panmunjeom, as well as the Joint Security Area (JSA) and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This page lists some tour companies, presumably all ICSC APPROVED.
Note: Panmunjeom is closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
Originally Posted by Visit Korea website
Notices
※ Reservations should be made 2 weeks prior to visit, via the local travel agencies designated by United Nations Command - International Cultural Service Club (ICSC) - link to ICSC and further information, contacts (for list of agencies in link provided above).
*Panmunjom tour can be canceled even after the tour schedule is finalized under following circumstances
- Conferences or any other important events are scheduled/taking place in Panmunjom.
- Submitted documents are found to have false information or grave defects.
- Tours can’t be conducted due to internal reasons of the UNC (National holidays, other holidays, UNC military training, etc)
- Conferences or any other important events are scheduled/taking place in Panmunjom.
- Submitted documents are found to have false information or grave defects.
- Tours can’t be conducted due to internal reasons of the UNC (National holidays, other holidays, UNC military training, etc)
경기 파주시 진서면 어룡리 일대
type: Demilitarized Zone (PLZ)
* Please keep in mind that not all of those that apply will be given permission to tour the Panmunjeom area, however other tours of the DMZ area can be arranged. To see the list of restricted countries, see below.
Introduction
Panmunjeom is located in the demilitarized zone, 50 km north from Seoul and 10 km east from the city of Gaeseong.
This area is most notably known for the peace talks that were held here on October 25, 1951 and was designated as the Joint Security Area on July 27, 1953 when the armistice agreement was signed.
Once used as a management office, Panmunjeom has been used as now a conference room since the Red Cross held an international conference here on September 20, 1971.
It is the only place where North Koreans and South Koreans can come in contact on a daily basis and make efforts towards the peace of Korea.
Please note some rules required for visitors, including dress code, enforced by the United Nations Command and by extension every tour company.
Originally Posted by Regulations
1. Dress Code
- According to UN Regulations, following attires are not allowed for visitors to Panmunjom
..1) Collarless T-shirt, sleeveless shirt, Tank top, anything similar to bathing suit,
.....(Collarless dress shirt and blouse are acceptable)
..2) Navy working uniform, blue jeans or all types of denim wear
.....(Designer jeans, black jeans and all colors of jeans are included)
..3) Hiking attires and shorts of any kind
..4) Attires those expose entire arm or attires those without back
..5) All types of see-through attires.
..6) Tight knit wear, upper wear, pants, tight fit training wear
..7) Slippers and sandals of any kinds. (Dress sandals and open-toed dress shoes are acceptable)
..8) BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform)
..9) Inappropriate hair style (including excessive hair dying) and too revealing attire are prohibited.
..* Security Escorts from UNCSB-JSA are granted with full authority to discern inappropriate attires in addition to the regulations stated in this guidebook.
..* Anyone with inappropriate attires will not be allowed to enter JSA.
2. Punctuality
...Tour will be canceled for anyone who fails to arrive in Camp Bonifas a minimum of 10 minutes before the tour starts.
3. JSA-Panmunjom is a volatile area where the South and the North are standing face to face. Therefore, all individual activities are prohibited, and visitors must follow the instructions from Security Escorts and other guards.
Updated 13 December 2014 - JDiver
Recommended Panmunjom / Panmunjeom JSA and DMZ tours (Korea)?
Mar 26, 2011, 10:46 am
#31
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 1
I happened to meet Ms Gee-Young Youn, the former USO Tour Manager, last year on one of her promotional tours who now operates her own tour agency after USO Korea privatized their tours offerings - that's why the "USO" tours cost more expensive now! She can still arrange for DMZ tours with the same stops like the USO tour as well as other tours in South Korea or just around the Seoul Metro area. She even has a website and a FB page now *^.^*: www.moonrabbitkorea.com/xe
Apr 1, 2011, 6:44 pm
#32
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Skypass, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Asiana, Krisflyer, Etihad Guest, Velocity Rewards
Posts: 320
I happened to meet Ms Gee-Young Youn, the former USO Tour Manager, last year on one of her promotional tours who now operates her own tour agency after USO Korea privatized their tours offerings - that's why the "USO" tours cost more expensive now! She can still arrange for DMZ tours with the same stops like the USO tour as well as other tours in South Korea or just around the Seoul Metro area. She even has a website and a FB page now *^.^*: www.moonrabbitkorea.com/xe
Jun 6, 2011, 7:41 pm
#33
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: United 1K, SkyTeam (Delta, formerly NWA) Gold Medallion, various hotels
Posts: 1
More Panmunjom/DMZ questions - help!
I tried to click the moon rabbit korea link and can't access any webpage from it. Does anyone have any other information? I am having a real devil of a time trying to figure out which tour companies do the combined tour and which leave from where and how much they are. Anyone ever try the Tour DMZ company? The USO tour seemed to me to be not cheaper than the other offerings - everything seems to be 120,000 or so for the combined tour. I'm also looking for tours that leave from the Shilla and not the Lotte.
I can't do this from the hotel as I arrive Monday night and Tuesday is my only free day. So I am trying to set this up now... give myself a couple of weeks' time for the passport clearance etc. So any helpful suggestions would be appreciated!
One other question - I leave Thursday, I think my flight is midafternoon. If anyone has any recommendations for what I can do for a few hours in Seoul - what I should see, do, etc. and still get to the airport by early afternoon - I would appreciate that as well.
(NOTE: Not usually this much of a travel moron, but I don't generally do Asia, I'm a Middle East and Africa kind of girl. I don't speak Korean and the only Asia I've been to is Central Asia.)
I can't do this from the hotel as I arrive Monday night and Tuesday is my only free day. So I am trying to set this up now... give myself a couple of weeks' time for the passport clearance etc. So any helpful suggestions would be appreciated!
One other question - I leave Thursday, I think my flight is midafternoon. If anyone has any recommendations for what I can do for a few hours in Seoul - what I should see, do, etc. and still get to the airport by early afternoon - I would appreciate that as well.
(NOTE: Not usually this much of a travel moron, but I don't generally do Asia, I'm a Middle East and Africa kind of girl. I don't speak Korean and the only Asia I've been to is Central Asia.)
Jun 11, 2011, 2:36 am
#34
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Skypass, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Asiana, Krisflyer, Etihad Guest, Velocity Rewards
Posts: 320
USO tour without a doubt - USD$77 or thereabouts.
Had a fantastic time doing it early last month. Worth the extra cost compared to some of the competitors offerings.
As for a few hours in Seoul - Maybe even a half day city tour would be a great way to see the city a bit?
Had a fantastic time doing it early last month. Worth the extra cost compared to some of the competitors offerings.
As for a few hours in Seoul - Maybe even a half day city tour would be a great way to see the city a bit?
Jun 13, 2011, 9:51 am
#35
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern Nevada
Programs: DL,EK
Posts: 1,652
Jun 16, 2011, 4:52 am
#36
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 263
It is kind of funny - when I visited from the South, you could feel the tension, almost as if war is going to break out at any minute. When I visited from the North, I expected it to be worse, but it was much more laid back and relaxed. Certainly surprised me.
Oct 30, 2011, 9:34 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 269
USO tour without a doubt - USD$77 or thereabouts.
Had a fantastic time doing it early last month. Worth the extra cost compared to some of the competitors offerings.
As for a few hours in Seoul - Maybe even a half day city tour would be a great way to see the city a bit?
Had a fantastic time doing it early last month. Worth the extra cost compared to some of the competitors offerings.
As for a few hours in Seoul - Maybe even a half day city tour would be a great way to see the city a bit?
My bank requires an address if I want to wire money to another bank account. Does anyone know what address I should indicate for the transfer?
Bank Transfer Information: US Dollar(From overseas)
Bank: KEB Bank(외환은행)
Account No.: 650-007828-285
Account Name (Holder): 이승조 (koridoor)
3. International Visa or Master Card (in person/over the phone)
When you pay by credit card it will charge in Korean Won.
Dec 13, 2014, 6:42 pm
#38
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I'm sure the USO mentioned previously isn't actually the ICSC, but I've added a wiki to this thread with current information and links. If so:
[Group Tour Information: Authorized Travel Agencies]
The "USO Koridoor" tour is operated by Koridoor. See here, and here specifically for the Panmumjon JAS / DMZ tour.
Tour Title DMZ/JSA & 3rd Tunnel Tour (Seoul)
Course JSA, Third infiltration Tunnel, Dora observatory, Dorasan Station
Tour Time 07:30 ~ 15:30
Price M:$46 C:$92
When you pay with your credit card, the price will be fixed by KRW.
M:48,000 won
C:96,000 won
(The price will be possibly changed according to the exchange rate
of the day that you make a payment with your credit card.)
M = Active Duty Military & Military Dependent
C = Civilian
0730 : Departure from Camp Kim
0900 : After an informative video at Camp Bonifas and a presentation
by a member of the U.S. military 20 Minute Briefing at JSA Visitor Center
And then tour to the JSA area (Freedom house, Conference room,
Bridge of no return and point of Ax murder)
1120 : DMZ Theater, The Third infiltration Tunnel,
1300 : Lunch at the Korean Restaurant during DMZ tour
1340 : Dora observatory and Dorasan Station
1400 : Departure to Camp Kim
1530 : Arrive at Camp Kim
[Group Tour Information: Authorized Travel Agencies]
International Cultural Service Club (Eng, Jpn)
Phone: +82-2-755-0073 / Fax: +82-2-755-0086
Website: www.tourdmz.com (Korean, English, Japanese)
E-mail: [email protected]
Price : 77,000 won (78,000 won on Sat.)
Schedule : 07:30 (Tuesday)/ 08:50 (Wed.~Sat.) / 10:00 (Week days)/ 11:30(Saturday)
Location : Service Club in Lotte Hotel (6F, Sogong-dong)
Lotte Hotel information:
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea Lotte Hotel Seoul
TEL : +82-2-771-1000 / FAX : +82-2-752-3758
http://m.lottehotel.com/seoul/en/Default.asp
Phone: +82-2-755-0073 / Fax: +82-2-755-0086
Website: www.tourdmz.com (Korean, English, Japanese)
E-mail: [email protected]
Price : 77,000 won (78,000 won on Sat.)
Schedule : 07:30 (Tuesday)/ 08:50 (Wed.~Sat.) / 10:00 (Week days)/ 11:30(Saturday)
Location : Service Club in Lotte Hotel (6F, Sogong-dong)
Lotte Hotel information:
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea Lotte Hotel Seoul
TEL : +82-2-771-1000 / FAX : +82-2-752-3758
http://m.lottehotel.com/seoul/en/Default.asp
Originally Posted by Koridoor Itinerary
Tour Title DMZ/JSA & 3rd Tunnel Tour (Seoul)
Course JSA, Third infiltration Tunnel, Dora observatory, Dorasan Station
Tour Time 07:30 ~ 15:30
Price M:$46 C:$92
When you pay with your credit card, the price will be fixed by KRW.
M:48,000 won
C:96,000 won
(The price will be possibly changed according to the exchange rate
of the day that you make a payment with your credit card.)
M = Active Duty Military & Military Dependent
C = Civilian
0730 : Departure from Camp Kim
0900 : After an informative video at Camp Bonifas and a presentation
by a member of the U.S. military 20 Minute Briefing at JSA Visitor Center
And then tour to the JSA area (Freedom house, Conference room,
Bridge of no return and point of Ax murder)
1120 : DMZ Theater, The Third infiltration Tunnel,
1300 : Lunch at the Korean Restaurant during DMZ tour
1340 : Dora observatory and Dorasan Station
1400 : Departure to Camp Kim
1530 : Arrive at Camp Kim
Last edited by JDiver; Dec 13, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Dec 13, 2014, 9:53 pm
#39
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,352
KORAIL offers their own DMZ train tour. You take a train from Seoul Station, disembark and do a bus tour at Dorasan and then you're back on the afternoon train. There's one train to DMZ, one train back a day. CHEAP.
http://goo.gl/Cf848z (Shortened google link for "Korail DMZ Tour")
http://goo.gl/Cf848z (Shortened google link for "Korail DMZ Tour")
Apr 2, 2018, 10:48 am
#40
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: KBL
Programs: FB Gold - M&S Gold
Posts: 279
I'm necromancing this thread to see if anyone has experienced one of those tours lately.
I'll most likely be in Seoul in a month or so and I'm really tempted by such tours but I don't necessarily trust reviews on websites like trip advisor.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I'll most likely be in Seoul in a month or so and I'm really tempted by such tours but I don't necessarily trust reviews on websites like trip advisor.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Apr 2, 2018, 5:16 pm
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,052
I'm necromancing this thread to see if anyone has experienced one of those tours lately.
I'll most likely be in Seoul in a month or so and I'm really tempted by such tours but I don't necessarily trust reviews on websites like trip advisor.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I'll most likely be in Seoul in a month or so and I'm really tempted by such tours but I don't necessarily trust reviews on websites like trip advisor.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Apr 7, 2018, 7:54 am
#42
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AS MVPG, HH Diamond
Posts: 232
Last month we took a tour with the Panmunjom Travel Center that I highly recommend. http://www.koreadmztour.com/program/program_1.asp
The JSA is obviously the highlight, but the opportunity to speak with someone who defected from North Korea just a few years ago was also right up there and was the reason we chose this tour over the other options. We were not disappointed.
The JSA is obviously the highlight, but the opportunity to speak with someone who defected from North Korea just a few years ago was also right up there and was the reason we chose this tour over the other options. We were not disappointed.
Aug 24, 2018, 4:04 pm
#44
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
Last month we took a tour with the Panmunjom Travel Center that I highly recommend. PREMIUM Panmunjom(JSA) tour with a North Korean defector | PTC Tour program | Panmunjom(DMZ) Travel Center(????????)
The JSA is obviously the highlight, but the opportunity to speak with someone who defected from North Korea just a few years ago was also right up there and was the reason we chose this tour over the other options. We were not disappointed.
The JSA is obviously the highlight, but the opportunity to speak with someone who defected from North Korea just a few years ago was also right up there and was the reason we chose this tour over the other options. We were not disappointed.
Aug 25, 2018, 7:01 pm
#45
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AS MVPG, HH Diamond
Posts: 232
Tried to book this and their calendar has "No" for JSA (and all tours) last 2 weeks of Oct, are they soldout, any other decent group to go with? Or is JSA Closed then? appreciate any insights as its the only reason I was gonna stay and not simply connect @ ICN w/o JSA tour I can either connect onwards to my destination or cut back the # of nights I was going to stay and changemy arrival date if there arent any JSA tours