• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-948043020148
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-korea/gyeonggi-do/panmunjom-and-the-dmz-tour",
  "destination": "The-DMZ",
  "title": "the-dmz",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-DMZ",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "South-Korea",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

The DMZ

South Korea

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Overview

The 4km-wide, 240km-long buffer known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) slashes across the peninsula, separating North and South Korea. Lined on both sides by tank traps, electric fences, landmines and armies in full battle readiness, it's a sinister place where the tension is palpable. Surreally, it's also a major tourist attraction, with several observation points allowing you to peek into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea). For history buffs and collectors of weird and unsettling experiences, a visit here is not to be missed.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in The DMZ

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your South Korea trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do, and Busan in 13 Days

highlights

  1. 1Touring Korea’s demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border of North and South Korea
  2. 2Learning how to cook South Korean staples, from bulgogi to bibimbap, during a chef-led workshop
  3. 3Visiting Gyeongju’s ancient temples and royal tombs on a day trip from Busan
from $4,690

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-151688414696
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-korea/gyeonggi-do/panmunjom-and-the-dmz-tour",
  "destination": "The-DMZ",
  "title": "the-dmz",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-DMZ",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "South-Korea",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-894266747187
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-korea/gyeonggi-do/panmunjom-and-the-dmz-tour",
  "destination": "The-DMZ",
  "title": "the-dmz",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-DMZ",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "South-Korea",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in The DMZ

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-751284958067
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-korea/gyeonggi-do/panmunjom-and-the-dmz-tour",
  "destination": "The-DMZ",
  "title": "the-dmz",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-DMZ",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "South-Korea",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}