What an experience. There are some rules to follow and you can't go wherever you want but you can take pictures (which really surprised me). You can usually see a DPRK soldier guarding the place from the other side and you can walk a few steps onto the northern side within one of the conference buildings that you're led into by the guides.
Very impressive and weird place. The two countries are literally facing each other. One of the perks is that we can actually say that we've been to NK because we can visit the negociation room
The staff is not nearly as friendly as it's next door neighbor "Home of Peace". If you roll up unannounced and start running around, don't expect a warm welcome. I would give only one star but the grounds are impeccable.
Interesting sight of the border Joint Security Area. We visited one of the conference rooms and technically crossed to North Korea. Still one of the most dangerous frontiers in the world. Overpriced, though.
Chill night with lil Kim in the blue house. Gave 4 stars cuz people kept yelling a lot but whatev lol
Panmunjeom, the United Nations Joint Security Area, is the only point where you can actually step into North Korea with only a minimal risk of death or capture. This is the area you see in stock news footage with the blue buildings in the foreground and the large North Korean welcome center in the background. This area is only accessible via a guided tour and only after background checks and after passing through many military checkpoints. Photos are restricted in the area and may only be taken while facing North Korea. The day we visited we saw one lone DPRK solider standing on the steps of the DPRK building. Definitely a unique experience. It is surreal to see the point were the two warring nations meet.
I got to experience DMZ from both South and North sides, within just one week. I visited DMZ Joint Security Area in South Korea first. Much attention and importance has been paid to security and organisation. Once we got to US military buildings American soldiers took over. Presentation and further talks about the events were hugely influenced. You will be transported to the Panorama Platform to see NK side. There is of course the Blue Barracks part but every minute is scheduled (talks, photos). This trip is supposed to give you a 'terrifying feeling" what it must be like on the other side. OK, six days later I was visiting North Korea and DMZ. I must admit I felt more relaxed about the security and photo shots part. The tour seemed to be more 'casual'. North Korean soldier posed for photos andsmiled. Both sides have their OWN version of events and yes, they feel strongly about it. Don't try to debate them and seek accuracy, just enjoy your presence in this volatile place. You will be safe.
Once you arrive in the area, US military officer will takeover your tour bus and impose strict martial law. Whatever your nationality or opinion towards US government, you better obey the rules. These guys are no joke they can slam you over the border to the north if they will.
All the rules are for the safety of everyone. Only in certain area camera are allowed. Enjoy the tense experience, it is second to none other than crossing the north itself.
Feel free to ask any historical question about this place and how it feels when in rare case someone cross to the South in this very place.
Respect the guard, they are not UK Queen's Guard, they are real guard.
Visited from South Korea. Atmosphere was tense. Stay in the MAC building not very long.
Even if you have to follow a lot of rules and that the visit is made by US army, it is a moment of history. The visit time is very short and price quite expensive but it is worth. You can feel the tension of this 2 countries
Amazing building just across the line.
Unforgettable moment, the military atmosphere is very heavy, need to join tour agent to visit here and cannot come by yourself
Not many real Cold War borders left to visit, although we might get some new ones soon. This one is not to be missed when in Korea. Threatening atmosphere if only for the strict security rules US and South Korean military are enforcing. Ams signing a release form in case of your death also helps build atmosphere. But hey, I set foot (at least three) into North Korea.
The closest a person can get to North Korea without actually being in the country. Interesting to be in the place where they actually have official meetings between governments.
Must-go if you are interested in modern history and geopolitics. It is a good experience and a reminder to not take peace for granted. Very unique piece of living history.
Walking into the dprk looking for Kim Jung Un is apparently frowned upon.
Worst visitor center ever. No vending machines, no coffee, and the bathrooms didn't have running water. There were pictures of the same Korean gentleman everywhere, and the attendants had military looking uniforms and were not very friendly. I'll be taking my business back to Flying J.!
The place has hungry dogs that look like they will eat you if you don't agree with their little leader.