Even with its past, the area is quite safe for travelers and is one of the most fascinating day trip options from Seoul. Travelers can only visit the DMZ as part of an organized, guided tour, which generally includes the chance to see the Joint Security Area (JSA), also known as Panmunjom, where the North and South met for peace talks during the war.
Visitors can also see both North Korean and South Korean soldiers each guarding their respective sides of the DMZ. Other common stops on the tour include Imjingak Park, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Freedom Bridge, and the Dora Observatory, where it's possible to look across the border into North Korea.
The area is a must-see for history buffs but you can only visit accompanied by a tour guide; no independent visits are permitted.
Choose a full- or half-day DMZ tour, lasting between 6 and 10 hours.
Don't forget your passport, as you'll need it for a security check.
Dress conservatively and avoid wearing any "commercial" military clothing.
Travelers wanting to gain access to the DMZ must visit with a guide, and tours need to be booked at least a few days ahead of time for security reasons. Tours typically include pickup and drop-off from either your hotel in Seoul or a central meeting point, so there's no hassle with transportation to and from the various points of interest.
Tours to the DMZ can be canceled on short notice, so it's a good idea to book for your first full day in Seoul so you have time to reschedule as needed. For the best weather, plan to visit in spring or fall. Expect high humidity and more frequent rainfall during the summer months, and dress for chilly weather in winter—temperatures tend to hover in the 20s and 30s F.
The DMZ has a strictly enforced dress code. This is in part because North Korean soldiers have been known to take photos of poorly dressed tourists to use in propaganda "proving" that other nations are too poor to afford proper clothing. Leave the ripped jeans, sandals, and halter tops at the hotel.
