JSA (Panmunjom) Half Day Tour from Seoul (Tuesday to Saturday) reviews, Seoul tours & activities, fun things to do in Seoul | VELTRA

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JSA (Panmunjom) Half Day Tour from Seoul (Tuesday to Saturday)

Overall Rating

4.32 4.32 / 5

Reviews

22 reviews
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JSA tour

Reviewed by: Ryan, 2018/02/15

A little chaotic at the beginning getting on the bus. Saw the items as advertised.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/02/13
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Not quite what we expected

Reviewed by: Lyn and Graham, 2016/10/16

We knew there would be many rules to follow and the tour near the border would involve strict controls, but we believed we would spend more time at the border region. We did learn a lot about the history of Korea in the 20th century, and this was great, but it was more about the history than the actual demilitarised zone.
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and made the trip as enjoyable as possible

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/10/13
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Fantastic tour!

Reviewed by: Todd S., 2016/07/06

My daughter and I really enjoyed the tour to the JSA. It was a great idea to start the tour at the Korean War Museum to understand the background of the Korean War. Our tour guide was great! She had a great sense of humor, and provided valuable information. I highly recommend this tour!

Reply from activity provider

We really thank you to say so, you got the fantastic tour and we had the fantastic passengers as well.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2016/06/15
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One seriously serious trip

Reviewed by: pete, 2016/03/20

JSA is one seriously serious trip that you should not miss out on when you're in seoul!

No matter how much knowledge you gain through reading or after visiting the Korean War Memorial, I bet nothing can really prepares you for how incredibly strange a part of the world this is.

I must thank our lady tour guide who constantly keep us intense throughout our journey by saying, "refrain from smiling and laughing because you'll never know when the bullets will fly over our head!" then she smiled and makes us comfortable again.

So yeah, the world's most fortified border can seem like a tourist trap, drawing large crowds of camera-happy visitors every year but to the military trained eye, it is an incident waiting to happen.

Loss of personal control, doing everything as you're told. No pointing! Stands here but don't stand there and the list goes on.

Intense huh, but this is the experience that you'll treasure later on.

Reply from activity provider

It is very interesting that your postscript is more concrete and more enjoyable. What a good picture. The best shot is rust train, i thougt.
Than you so much.
Best regards
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2016/02/23
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JSA (Panmunjom) Tour

Reviewed by: Jp Spencer, 2016/02/08

I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is wishing to visit the Joint Security Area. Overall it is a very good service, very nice lunch and you also have a very good english guide that gives you a quick insight on Korean history and on why and how the Korean peninsula is divided the way it is divided. 100% recommended!

Reply from activity provider

We are pleased to receive your postscript. I thought it is very sorry that the Koreans are living apart south and northin same land and same language.
Someday, it should not be so long time, we will be the one Korea, we hope your interest and kindness.
Best regards
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2015/12/22
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You get what you pay for

Reviewed by: 5th time to the DMZ, 2015/12/20

So this tour started rather strangely at the sixth floor of the lotte hotel (not a lot of directions and kind of a weird location, right? but you literally just go to the main elevator bank and then up to the sixth floor) then we got on a bus and got on our way. I thought the tour guide, a older Korean woman, spoke decent English but was maybe a little too 'in your face' then again I've done this same tour route 4 times now so I'm pretty tired of the spiel, especially the propaganda sprinkled in (but that's hard to avoid). Anyways, we got to go in, standard tour, see into North Korea, go into the conference room. This tour actually included going to the bridge of no return at Panmujom which I had never done before. Then we headed to Imjinmak Park for lunch which was a nice departure from Dora Station where i've had lunch every other time. The place was a little more run down than Dora, but when we finished lunch early we were able to go see the park which has a sculpture park and a viewing area as well as original (?) tracks to North Korea. I also like Imjinmak because it feels very authentic to the SK experience seeing as it is exceedingly difficult for them to get into the JSA nor would they always want to given that some families visit this park on many major holidays. All in all a good tour- definitely glad I booked on this website and saved some dinero.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for your much interest of DMZ JSA Panmunjeom . 4 times you've been there thus it might sound spiel for the guide has to interprete of the tour rapidly in time.
About No-return Bridge, sometimes the military authority controled the tour itinerary by the current condition, in this case, the visitor should skip the tour site or pass through.
please understand this tour policy.
I really thank you again for your visit DMZ JSA Panmunjeom tour with KTB.
Best regards
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2015/12/15
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Fast half day tour to JSA

Reviewed by: Pascal, 2015/11/28

The half-day tour to JSA was really suitable for our tight scedule. We had the chance to visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea within a couple of hours. The price was quite good given that it included lunch as well. Our guide (Mrs Young) was really passionate about the Korean history and knowledgeable, however quite agitated each time the photograph-issue was coming up.
We would recommend the tour for all those who want to take a quick taste of JSA.

Reply from activity provider

Please understand the tour guide that she could get the yellow card warning from the miitary authority if she could not control the visitors to keep tour rules during JSA tour like as in photo time and zone.
we were very pleased to hear form your coments and thank you so much.
Best regards
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2015/11/20
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Great

Reviewed by: Aussie, 2015/11/15

Great english speaking tour guide. Well organized etc

Must do tour!

Reply from activity provider

We are very happy that you said so. she will be happy to receive your message. We will try to do our best to make the tour the better.
Thank you so much.
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2015/11/13
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Great tour overall. Great value and unbeatable

Reviewed by: B R, 2015/10/05

We took the JSA panmunjom tour from 8:30-2:30. It was a great tour for those who don't want to do the all day tour and really just want to see the border at the JSA. We learned a lot of valuable information from the tour guide who spoke english well.

All in all, if i wanted to go on another tour of DMZ, I would pick this again! A+

Reply from activity provider

HI, Dear Ms.Rizi!
We are verry happy yo hear that. We hope more people to see JSA Panminjeom and think agin that just like the Korean war never bring out for the peace of mankind, in this reason, your complement is very heplful for us and Korea.
Thank you so much.
Best regatds
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2015/09/30
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JSA DMZ tour

Reviewed by: B riz, 2015/10/02

Great tour overall. We wanted the shorter one and got everything we expected. I did a lot of research and it was $62 for this or $90 for a tour at the USO that was longer. We did this and loved it but it just depends what you want to see.

Reply from activity provider

. C ombined tour is including JSA, Panmunjom, 3rd Tunnel. it starts 08:50 , comes back 16:30
price is 130.000 won

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Attended as:Friends
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Very informative tour!

Reviewed by: A Nieva, 2015/05/03

We learned a lot about the history of South Korea. The guide is very pleasant and speaks English fluently. The photographer is very friendly also. During the tour, we were able to see North Korean tourists on the other side of the border. Lunch was good, both the bimbimbop and bulgogi are delicious!
For people who appreciates history, I would recommend this tour.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Sir A Nieva!

We are very happy that you had a good time during JSA tour.
The guide Laura and cameraman Kim must be very happy to hear you.
we hope to see you next time again.
Thank youn so much and send you our best regards .
Sincerely
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2015/04/30
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Decent

Reviewed by: Angelina L., 2014/11/12

I thought the tour overall was pretty decent. The only thing I found disappointing was how rush everything was. And it felt like most of the time was spent travelling from one destination to another.

Reply from activity provider

We think so that we want to show you more site nore detail if possible but we should keep the tour rules and times.
we hope you understand this condition.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2014/10/24
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DMZ

Reviewed by: Ben Cossette, 2014/07/20

Great tour. The tour company was very professional and knowledgeable. Had an unbelievable time and would definitely recommend.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for joining with us for JSA TOUR and great compliment!
We're hoping to meet you again. Thank you.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2014/06/24
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Frozen Ballet In A Green Paradise

Reviewed by: Hannes Krisper, 2014/06/21

Usually a borderline is a clear defined line. We are here. The others are on the other side. In the case of the North/South Korean border the situation is much trickier. The DMZ is a place without military forces. A wild green and untouched paradise, an ideal place for curious botanic scientists, only disturbed by small observation posts. If there was no passport control at the entrance, you wouldn't think to be at one of the last hotspots of the Cold War. in contrary, the Joint Security Area has a very clean atmosphere. Every gesture and all movements of the soldiers are strictly ritualized and even the tourists have to play their sharply controlled part in this frozen ballet. We really enjoyed this trip. Great food and an charming tour guide with historical knowledge and military experience.

Reply from activity provider

You were really enjoyed the DMZ tour , and you are right that a wild green and untouched paradise and the lost paradise as well.
if there were not the tension of ideology, it must be saved paradise.
Thank you for your compliment.
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2014/06/20
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It was great to join!

Reviewed by: Fuminao, 2014/05/14

Since my husband said “I absolutely would like to join!”, we, husband and wife joined.
As someone said, it was very good to join after watching the movie “JSA”.
I was really excited that the scene exactly same as the movie was extended in front of us.
For those who are not interested in the Korean cosmetics and brand shopping, it is really good tour.
When you apply, you had really better to watch the movie “JSA”, starring Lee Byung-hun.
It was as if we had visited the location sites for the movie.

If I get another chance I will definitely participate in that.

As a memory, I purchased bills and coins of the North Korea and album which our exclusive cameraman had made.

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Reply from activity provider

Thank your for joining panmunjom trip.

the movie"JSA" ,is a great help to understand DMZ of korea Peninsula.

we will continued our effort to exceed your expectations.

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Attended as:Families
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Precious Experience

Reviewed by: Matsuko, 2014/05/14

As my movie buff son desired, I participated in the tour with him. My trip to Korea is always for entertainment. This time, I was looking forward to “Sachoom”, whose dance is magnificent so that I was reluctant to join in fact.
On the day, we were taken from our hotel to the meeting place Lotte Hotel, which was pretty helpful. First, we visited the war memorial museum. The buildings were majestic and stately, including videos worth watching. Though there were a lot of place to see, the time of visit was limited so I felt a little unsatisfied. The lunch, bulgogi couldn’t have been better.
The important tour is that from unity bridge go to Military aid, In the meantime, there were two passport inspection. After the Slide description we were signed a pledge while heart beating.
Finally, the only thing we get is the camera, bus transfer joint security area .In the military armistice conference center is around by the United Nations Security Forces soldiers, we was allowed to take a picture and, with mixed feelings.
Because the small tour that we get the detailed explanation by the guide,very satisfying.

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Reply from activity provider

About the time f visit, it is sorry that it is controlled by UM Military Ofiice not our own.
We will try to inform more history about tour place to cover the lack of time to see JSA Area!
Thank you for your comments.
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
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Panmunjeom(JSA) sightseeing tour Tue-Fri, 9:30-16:15

Reviewed by: 2014.3.26, 2014/05/14

There was not feeling of tension. It could be better if there were more time and more entrances and observing places. I feel the contents of the tour should be improved. The bulgogi at lunch was delicious.

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Reply from activity provider

We hope to get much more minutes to stay in JSA area to look around than ever and it is sorry that the times are restrained by tne UN Military office.
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
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Rare tour you can rarely experience

Reviewed by: Iichiko, 2014/05/14

I chose a tour of KTB because I could tour from late morning to evening.
The place of the tour desk was easy to find and there were some seats, so I was able to have a breakfast until the start of the tour.
The travel time by bus was a little bit long, but I could study by the guide's talk especially about the history of South Korea.
I was able to spend in a meaningful time in JSA tour without any knowledge of the JSA in advance because
the tour stopped by War Memorial and the guide's talk was very helpful.

For me, it'll be perfect if we had another 1 hour to look around War Memorial. Further point, I enjoyed the tour fully.
You may think that JSA tour is dangerous because you need to sign a consent form, but basically it is safe and very rare tour in the sense that you can feel the history by going each place.
Every tour company is a same situation since in the area of JSA you are monitored by Korea military.
I wanted to defuse a risk of miss my tour bus and hated a tight schedule, If you also want to go out at night the day before the tour and wake up late next morning, you should definitely apply for the tour at KTB.

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Reply from activity provider

We also want to more times to get to stay in JSA Area and we are sorry that we cannot control by our own because it is under controlled by UN Military office.
Thank you for your complement after the tour.
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Families
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Using my transit time

Reviewed by: satto320, 2014/05/14

I joined the Panmunjom tour.
On the way back from Sri Lanka, I arrived in Seoul in the morning. So I went to Panmunjom where I always wanted to visit. I went there from the North before, so the visit this time completed my North-South course. I made it to the return flight in the late afternoon. Thanks to the airport direct bus that departs from the front of the Lotte Hotel.

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Reply from activity provider

Thank you for your joining to Panmunjeom tour with KTB in South Korea!
You might get the different history about Korean war and DMZ JSA between South and North Korea.
We hope it could be united some day and also hope to see you then.
Han Miran

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Attended as:Solo Travelers
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Sightseeing tour of Panmunjeom(JSA)

Reviewed by: Hisao, 2014/05/14

It was the third time for me to participate in sightseeing tour of Panmunjeom(JSA).
The last time I participated in it was about 5 years ago, and the details of the tour was kind of changed(sightseeing course).
Bulgogi at lunch was remarkably good.

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Reply from activity provider

You are really good tourism.
Can I see you again after 5 years?
Thank you so much with best regards.
Han Miran

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Attended as:Couples
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Please go there after seeing the movie JSA

Reviewed by: Anonymous, 2014/05/14

I was scared a little at first, but I am happy to have visited there.
The seat of the bus was designated. It was worthwhile to see the War Memorial Hall
and I am glad to see it.

On the way, we can feel tension only by going along the road where iron wire and monitoring hut are located.
Upon arrival at JSA, we transferred to a different bus.
We can bring only a camera there, but it is better to have a purse in the pocket to
purchase the souvenior thereafter.
You should wear an outfit that has a pocket.

On that day, a North Korean soldier came to take a memorial picture with us in background.

When we entered the building, we heard someone saying, 'Get out immediately!!!' The guide said to us, 'Something happened. Let's get out now. We don't want to die.' She looked very pale. After all, some big shot was there for inspection and the guide was most freaked out. It was quite a feeling of tension we do not usually have.
I watched JSA starring Lee ByungHun again before going on a trip. You should watch it before you go. I found the guide's explanation very informative. Thank you.

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Reply from activity provider

It is good picture " Gunsa Boongye seon", which means the miltary demarcation line.
I don't have the picture just like yours.
Thank you so much.
Han Miran

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
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Impressions of the JSA(tour to Panmunjom)

Reviewed by: Hiroshi, 2014/05/14

In my opinion, thought is undeniable that the tour to Panmunjom lost substances due to long peace, I am very sutisfied with the actually experience which made our mind clear realistically by looking the place where two forces confronted each other.
I would like you all, putting aside your ideology, to recommend to visit there and it is worth visiting.

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Reply from activity provider

Thank you for your comment.
I also agree your opinion that putting aside all ideology , Panmunjeom is worth while to visit. To see Panmunjeom JSA is to Believe that what a peace is important for happiness .
We KTB TOUR hope you be happy with peace
Thank you so much.
Han

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
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