Seoul DMZ Day Tour: 3rd Tunnel, Gondola or Suspension Bridge

Summary

Stories & silence at the DMZ tunnels and Imjin river crossings

You’ll travel from Seoul into Korea’s tense border zone with a local guide—walking through tunnels dug beneath the DMZ, seeing North Korea from Dora Observatory, and crossing Imjin River by gondola or suspension bridge. Alongside history and stories, you’ll feel moments of silence and connection that linger long after returning home.

What’s the experience like?

The bus left Seoul before I’d even finished my coffee, and honestly, I was still half asleep when our guide, Minji, started telling us about the Imjingak Park. She had this gentle way of explaining things—never too heavy, but you could tell it mattered to her. At Imjingak, the old train just sits there rusting in the grass, and I caught myself staring at it longer than I meant to. There’s this wall covered in ribbons and messages for families divided by the border—I didn’t expect that part to hit so hard. Some people were quiet; others took photos. The air smelled like wet earth after last night’s rain.

Minji led us through the DMZ Exhibition Hall and then down into the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel—if you’re even a little claustrophobic, brace yourself. The tunnel is cold and damp, with rough stone under your hands if you touch the walls (I did, mostly by accident). It’s weirdly silent down there except for shoes scraping on concrete and some nervous laughter behind me. When we finally reached Dora Observatory, she pointed out North Korea through those big binoculars—gray buildings in the distance, kind of unreal. Someone next to me whispered something about how close it all felt.

I picked the gondola option for crossing over the Imjin River—maybe just because I wanted to see everything from above. The cable car glided over muddy water and green fields; you could spot tiny figures working far off near Unification Village. If you go on Monday instead, they take you to a different tunnel and a suspension bridge at Gamaksan Mountain (Minji said both are worth it). On our way back to Seoul, traffic was slow but nobody seemed bothered—everyone just stared out the window quietly. I still think about that view across the river sometimes—you know how some places just stay with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — DMZ tour with optional activities

• Meet guide at selected meeting point
• Visit Imjingak Park and Freedom Bridge
• Enter DMZ area via Unification Bridge
• Explore 3rd infiltration tunnel
• Visit Dora Observatory
• Tour Unification Village
• Optional gondola ride across Imjin River
• Optional Gamaksan Suspension Bridge walk
• Return to Seoul and drop off

Top questions

Is pickup included for this DMZ day trip from Seoul?

Yes, round-trip transfers from selected meeting points in Seoul are included.

Can I choose between gondola ride or suspension bridge?

Yes, you can select either a gondola ride over Imjin River or walk the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge as an option when booking.

What days does this tour operate?

The DMZ experience runs every day except Mondays; on Mondays an alternate route is offered.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, every participant must bring a valid passport to join the DMZ tour.

What’s included in the DMZ guided tour?

The tour includes round-trip transfers, entry fees to all attractions listed in your chosen itinerary, an English-speaking guide/driver, and your selected option (gondola or suspension bridge).

Is meeting a North Korean defector part of every tour?

No—it’s an optional add-on available only on certain days (not Mondays).

Are there any health restrictions for entering tunnels?

If you have heart disease or leg/back/respiratory problems you cannot enter the 3rd tunnel; moderate hiking is required.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes—infants aged 0-3 count as one person but must be included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Seoul by air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets for all scheduled attractions like Imjingak Park and either the 3rd or 2nd tunnel depending on your date, plus your chosen option of gondola ride or suspension bridge crossing. An English-speaking guide leads throughout—and if selected when booking, there’s also a meeting with a North Korean defector before returning to Seoul.