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Panmunjom: The most dangerous place on the world

panmunjom
As everyone know, The North Korea and South technically remain at war, and the Joint Security Area (JSA) aka Panmunjom , located deep within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is the only place where visitors can see the actual border and North Korean soldiers on the other side.

What Is Panmunjom

Panmunjeom, now located in Kaesong, North Hwanghae Province, North Korea, was a village just north of the de facto border between North and South Korea. When the village became the site of talks during the Korean War, Chinese officials labeled it with traditional Chinese characters, which when pronounced in Korean sounded like Panmunjom.

This is also the place where North Koreans and South Koreans can meet each other without the barrier between, also known as Truce Village.

How To Visit Panmunjom From Seoul 

Less than 40 miles from Seoul. The only way into this heavily restricted area is on an organized tour. To enter the Panmunjom, visitors must pass through multiple requirements, escorted by either US or South Korean soldiers.

Citizens of certain countries are not allowed on these tours. Access to most of the are is forbidden, so the only way to visit Panmunjom is through a licensed tour operator.
Indeed, joining a high-quality DMZ & JSA tour is one of the most unique things to do in Seoul. It's not so hard to find a good tour operator to visit DMZ, JSA or Panmunjom from Seoul. You also can try booking day tours through online local tour platform, such as Inspitrip
 

 
Keep in mind that You are about to enter the world’s most protected border and witness the spine-chilling tension between North and South Koreas

The Best Experiences In Travelling To Panmunjom

Over the years, the site has turned into a major attraction for visiting foreigners. Moreover, The North also brings tourists to the site. The North Korean tour is reportedly conducted in a more relaxed manner than those conducted by the South. (Discover more 10 Awesome Things To Do In Seoul)

1. Freedom House

Freedom House
Freedom House functions as a meeting place for North and South Korea. The facility helps the two sides to negotiate and communicate, holding offices of major organizations like the South and North Red Cross Liaison Office

2. Bridge of No Return


The Bridge of No Return is a small bridge where POWs were exchanged after the war

3. Imjingak Park


 
The Imjin park is easily accessible by public transport, which makes it the perfect place to go if you’re on a budget and don’t to visit the DMZ. Imjingak also does not require a security check, making it a famous spot in the Gyeonggi-do Province.
 
The park was made as a place to console, for those who cannot visit their hometowns, families or friends due to the division of Korea. But also built as a place, as a hope for reunification of Korea.

4. Dora Observatory

At the Dora Observatory, you can use telescopes to look over the border and see the North Korean town. The town was set up to let outsiders believe that North Korea enjoys modern living conditions just like in any other country.

5. The Third Tunnel



The Third Tunnel was allegedly designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea, and could, according to visitor information in the tunnel, accommodate 30,000 men per hour along with light weaponry.

6. Camp Bonifas

Camp Bonifas is home to the United Nations Command Security Battalion-Joint Security Area, whose primary mission is to monitor and enforce the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953 between North and South Korea. The camp has a gift shop where you can buy DMZ – and JSA- related souvenirs

Travel Tips For Your Best DMZ & JSA Tours

  • The JSA is a must-see for history buffs and anyone looking for a better understanding of the Korean conflict.
  • All Panmunjom tour participants are required to carry a valid passport
  • Don’t speak with, gesture, or even seem to respond to people from the other side
  • JSA can be closed because of military or other official events.
  • Tourists who want to tour Dorasan Observatory and The 3rd Tunnel, have to have a passport and make a reservation in advance at the DMZ ticket box located in Imjingak parking lot.
  • Private cars and taxies are not permitted. Only designated shuttle buses can enter because it is located in the Civilian Restricted Zone.
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