The Korean Demilitarized Zone is one of the most surreal and historically significant places on Earth — a 250-kilometer-long, 4-kilometer-wide buffer strip that has divided the Korean Peninsula since the armistice of 1953. Visiting the DMZ on a guided tour from Seoul is a sobering, fascinating experience that brings the realities of the Korean War and the ongoing division into sharp focus. Most tours include stops at the Imjingak Peace Park, the Third Tunnel of Aggression (a North Korean infiltration tunnel discovered in 1978), and the Dora Observatory, where on clear days you can peer through binoculars into North Korean territory and see the Kaesong skyline.

The most exclusive tours include access to the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, the only point where North and South Korean soldiers stand face to face. Here you can step inside the iconic blue UN conference buildings that straddle the Military Demarcation Line — technically setting foot in North Korea. The tension is palpable, yet the area is also a testament to hope for future reunification.

Pro tip: Book a tour through a reputable operator such as Koridoor or the USO (for JSA access). Bring your passport — it is required for entry into the DMZ. Dress neatly, as there is a dress code (no flip-flops, torn clothing, or military-style attire). Photography restrictions apply at certain points, so follow your guide’s instructions carefully.