DMZ Tour Review: What We Learned & How We're Making It Better! > 여행정보

To create the best DMZ tour, I decided to explore how other tour companies operate their trips.

 

I expected to visit well-known DMZ landmarks like Imjingak, the Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory, 

but surprisingly, we didn’t get to see these sites. Instead, the tour included a visit to the Starbucks closest to North Korea, which has recently become quite popular.

To my surprise, this tour was not in Paju (where the actual DMZ is located) but in Gimpo! Even as a local, I found it confusing, so I imagine many foreign visitors may also mistakenly book this tour expecting a full DMZ experience.

Ultimately, the tour took us to Aegibong Peace Observatory and the nearby Starbucks.

Aegibong Observatory – A Close View of North Korea

 

One of the biggest highlights of this location was the incredibly close view of North Korea. 

Through telescopes, we could see North Korean villages, farmers preparing for spring plowing, and even an ox working in the fields.

It was fascinating to witness this as a South Korean. 

It was also quite ironic to be sipping Starbucks coffee while looking into a communist country—a unique experience that explains why this spot has become so trendy.

Engaging Stories from the Tour Guide

What made this tour truly special was the volunteer guide’s storytelling. Rather than simply looking at North Korea, we got to learn about its history through real-life events and engaging explanations.

For example:

• ● The Kim Shin-jo Incident: The North Korean assassination attempt on the South Korean president, and how the training site for this mission was located on the nearby peninsula.

• ● The Defected Ox Story: A North Korean ox once drifted into South Korea and was protected here. Later, it even “married” a Jeju Island cow!

These anecdotes made the experience more engaging, even for those unfamiliar with Korean history.

What Was Missing & Our Next Steps

However, I couldn’t help but feel that a true DMZ experience should include sites like Imjingak, Dora Observatory, and the Third Tunnel.

Combining those locations with Aegibong would make for a more complete tour.

So, next week, we are heading out for another DMZ exploration in Paju, especially to check out the newly opened DMZ Peace Trail from last year.

We’re working hard to design a unique MUTUAL DMZ tour that includes everything a visitor would want. Stay tuned for updates!

And finally, our DMZ tour guide will be a true expert in the field, offering deep historical and military insights. If you’re looking for an in-depth DMZ experience, this is the tour for you!

MUTUAL's Exclusive DMZ Tour Coming Soon – Stay Tuned!