Full Day Korea DMZ and JSA (Joint Security Area) Tour from Seoul reviews, Seoul tours & activities, fun things to do in Seoul | VELTRA

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Full Day Korea DMZ and JSA (Joint Security Area) Tour from Seoul

Overall Rating

4.28 4.28 / 5

Reviews

67 reviews
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Great tour!

Reviewed by: angelmylife, 2019/12/05

The tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable and interesting. He loves his job. I had a great time. Some rude people kept talking over him...RUDE. The only complaint I have is that there were not any North Korean soldiers in the blue house. I would have liked to have seen one. We got exactly what was promised out of this tour. The bimbimbap was delish. We were warned that we may not get to go to visit the JSA, but we did get to. thank goodness. Loved it. It was an ALL day tour. Left in the morning and arrived home in the evening. Long ride home. :)

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your feedback !

We are delighted that you enjoyed visiting the DMZ & the JSA area !

Your guide SP is a very knowledgeable person, and full of interesting stories ! We are so glad that your enjoyed his guiding :-)
He does love his job !!

Regarding the North Korean Soldiers, sometimes when there is a tour from North Korea, you may see some of them.
Since the DMZ Area is now weapon free, they do not come as closed as you could see in some pictures on Internet.

Maybe if you come back again, would you have the chance to see them? Who knows? :-)

Thank you for choosing Cosmojin Travel Agency & Veltra !

We hope to see you again ~

Best regards,

Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/09/20
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It was a nice look around.

Reviewed by: po_ri_luk, 2019/12/03

I've booked a DMZ and JSA tour but half a day before the tour should start, they cancelled the JSA part.
It was okay. We saw various things like the tunnel to the boarder to North Korea, an observation platform where we could see North Korea... but also a manufacturer for jewellery. I don't know why this should be a part of a tour concerning North Korea.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your feedback !

Indeed the UN cancelled the JSA part, but we are glad that you enjoyed the DMZ tour !

Regarding the Amethyst Shop, this is only to show the Korean Products to our customers.

We hope to see you again Korea, feel free to contact us again ~

Best regards,

Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/09/11
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JSA and DMZ Canceled

Reviewed by: Lexus , 2019/11/28

After preparing fr months, making two expensive hotel bookings and stopping in Korea just for the tour then being canceled due to the African Swine Flu so very expensive and disappointing but not Veltra's fault. They handled alternative tour and refund difference perfectly and Han our guide was wonderful. But sad I did not see what I traveled 8 thousands of miles to see.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency.

We are really sorry to let guest know DMZ and JSA Area has been cancel due to Swine Flu in DMZ Area.

And We really appreciate heard Our alternative tour is wonderful.

Next time if guest have a chance to visit Korea again, Please let us know, We will check again at that time JSA and DMZ Area is open or not !

Best Regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/11/26
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Cool and informative tour

Reviewed by: csiggy, 2019/09/22

We were fortunate enough to go on a day when the JSA was open. We were even luckier to see a tour going on across the border at the same time as ours. Overall, the guides (both our primary tour guide and the soldiers who guided us at the JSA) were full of stories and interesting facts, and we learned a lot from this. While at the JSA we were able to enter T2 and within that building, we were able to cross into the North Korean side, which was kind of surreal. The other sites aside from the JSA were all pretty interesting and provided a fuller view of the DMZ as well as a more complete understanding of the conflict and the current status of the day-to-day reality of these two countries. The Third Infiltration Tunnel was REALLY cool and shows the rather chilling reality of the war that's still going on, even if it's just on pause. Be prepared that while you can take pictures in every other place, you can't take photos in the tunnel or the military base right before you go to the JSA (you CAN take photos at the JSA though), and the tunnel is not an easy climb back up. You have to walk up a ramp to exit the tunnel and it's pretty long and at a rather steep incline, so be prepared for that.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency

Thank you so much for your comment as it is important for us.

We are delighted that you went to the JSA. The DMZ+JSA tour is the top favourite among our customers.
Your guide Mr. Han is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and dedicated to his guests.

At the JSA area, on the other side near the Panmun Gak (the North Korean building), you may be lucky to see North Korean people sometimes having a tour.
It is kind of mysterious yet unreal moment.

During the tour, the 3rd Tunnel is indeed demanding and it requires good shoes.

We hope that you took great pictures of this unique moment.

We hope to see you again Korea, feel free to contact us again ~

Best regards,

Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/08/29
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Fun tour and knowledgeable guide

Reviewed by: Josh, 2019/09/09

The tour was very fun and the guide was very knowledgeable about past and present North Korean - South Korean relations. The tour took us to all the premier locations along the DMZ and JSA and allowed us to stop for souvenirs along the way. The highlight of the tour was definitely the JSA where we were able to see North Korean soldiers and a North Korean DMZ tour group! The included lunch was also very delicious. Would definitely recommend this tour to family and friends and possibly attend again!

Reply from activity provider

Dear Josh,

Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency !

Thank you for your comment !

We are delighted that you enjoyed the tour !
Yes recently a lot of Chinese tourists come from North Korea to visit the JSA, and there are pretty loud :-)

Your picture is really nice and we hope that you keep a great memory from this day and Korea !

Thank you so much

Best regards,

Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/08/27
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Easy and informative

Reviewed by: Rebecca, 2019/08/20

Han was a great guide, very knowledgeable and interesting. The trip started on time and ran smoothly. The Q&A session on the bus with a North Korean defector was very eye-opening.

Only down-side was that the JSA section of the tour was cancelled, but this could not be avoided as North Korea had been testing missiles the day before.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Rebecca,

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency

Thank you for taking the time to write your feedback.

We are glad that you enjoyed your tour though the JSA part was cancelled.

Mr. Han is truly a great guide, very knowledgeable and he loves what he is doing !

We hope that you will keep a great memory of this tour, but we hope that you will come back next year to join the JSA !

In the meanwhile, we wish you a good continuation.

Feel free to contact us again

Best regards,

Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/08/17
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Great and memorable tour!

Reviewed by: Jeff, 2019/08/15

Tour was very well organized, even having to rearrange the schedule due to the end if the day JSA portion. Tour guide, SP, gave good facts and history along the way. Our bus driver was professional and drove very well first in the rain, then the heavy traffic returning.I was especially impressed that there was no asking for tips at the end of the tour.
The one thing I didn't like was having to stop for the ginseng and amethyst sales pitch. I'm paying for a tour, not a sales pitch. While our group showed no interest and we moved on quickly, I still didn't like it.

  • Famous site of luncheon by two leaders.

  • Greeted by a mass of North Korean generals.

  • Tree planted by the two leaders.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Jeff,

Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency

Thank you so much for your comment and pictures as well !!
We are delighted that you enjoyed the tour with SP !

I think being welcomed by North Korean Generals must have been thrilling !

Thank you for choosing us and wish you a good continuation ~

Best regards,

Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/08/13
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Amazing tour!

Reviewed by: Adam , 2019/08/15

I am very grateful to have had the pleasure of taking this day trip to the DMZ and JSA. Our guide was a very kind, intelligent man who made everyone feel comfortable and also gave us some incredible insight into the history of the DMZ and also the current political situation in Korea. I highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in Korean history as well as the current political climate in this region of the world.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Adam

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency

Thank you for taking the time to write your feedback !

We are delighted that you enjoyed the tour as well as our guide Mr. SP Hong !
SP is very knowledgeable and full of great stories to tell about the DMZ !

Thank you for choosing us and we hope to see you again next year?

Have a great day

Best regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/08/13
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Rush and tour guide late

Reviewed by: Hah, 2019/08/14

The tour was rushed as the tour guide was 45 mins and was constantly trying to make up for lost time which ultimately meant we had 20 mins at least at each stop which is not enough time.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/08/07
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Disappointing. If JSA is closed, don’t go.

Reviewed by: Michael Stamcoff, 2019/07/30

Arrived at 7:45 AM as requested. Guide Han (SP) didn’t show up until 8;15 AM. We were informed the JSA was not available today—and that’s the whole reason to sign up for this tour. We completed an abbreviated tour and they promised to refund the difference, which was good.

There are 3 sights on the tour and 2 of the 3 are disappointments. We start at a train station which is like any train station you’ve ever been to. Nothing special at all. We then headed to Dora Observatory where you look through binoculars into North Korea. That’s the whole stop. Finally you head to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel was cool, but no photos are allowed inside which is quite the bummer. Finally a North Korean defector answered questions on the bus ride back.

Guide Han (SP) was fine but only provided the most cursory and surface information about the DMZ and history. As a professional educator of history and politics he provided no new information.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/07/30
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Super interesting excursion.

Reviewed by: Thomas, 2019/07/27

I truly recommend to do the DMZ with JSA excursion.
Very interesting with a lot of historic drama.
Also standing at the same place as where recent historic event took place ads to the positiv side of this day.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/07/23
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DMZ Tour

Reviewed by: Sandy, 2019/07/27

Very disappointed that JSA tour was cancelled for that day as it was the main reason we booked the tour. However, still an informative and interesting tour. Our tour guide Mr. Han was nice and friendly. good control of time but still enough time to walk around and take photos. Advised to eat breakfast beforehand as will eat lunch late since the tour ended at 2:30. Highly recommended for first time visitors to Seoul.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/07/25
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Awesome tour!

Reviewed by: Weronika, 2019/07/25

First of all, I have to say that our guide - Han, is really awesome and I'm glad we could go on this tour with him. The JSA part was not cancelled which made this whole day even better! Be prepared for the 3rd Tunnel! I know what I'm saying... This tour helped us to understand both South and North Korea better. I'm really happy that I could cross the border and step into the North part of Korea! I'm not a big fan of history and military topics, but I liked this tour so much! My dad enjoyed it too, because that was his dream to visit DMZ and JSA. If you're in South Korea you should definitely buy tickets for this tour!

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency.

We really appreciate your feedback and We also happy to hear guest enjoy the tour!

Thank you !

Best Regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/06/28
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DMZ. A Must See !!!

Reviewed by: Micah Bass, 2019/07/20

Great tour
Amazing from start to finish . Exceptionally educational

Lunch for a full day tour paying over $130 pp SUCKED
Other then that .

Amazing day every human must see .

  • Amazing tour

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Warm Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency.

Thank you for your feedback!

We hope guest had a great time :)

Best Regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/07/18
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Good Tour!

Reviewed by: Devyn, 2019/07/07

The only reason there are not 5 stars is because the JSA portion was canceled but other than that they were reliable and had a fun time.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/07/05
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Informative tour. Great guide

Reviewed by: Reedyru, 2019/06/29

It is a Good Tour. SP is very informative as his English is very well. The North Korean defector who was with us answered most of our questions translated by SP. although we didn’t go to the JSA... it’s still OK the tour is Good. Maybe next time.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/06/19
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Must see tour

Reviewed by: S Lee, 2019/06/28

The DMZ visit was the highlight of my trip to South Korea. I would highly recommend this trip. Our tour guide, SP, was entertaining and very informative.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2019/06/18
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Definitely worth doing

Reviewed by: Laura, 2019/06/28

Park was the best guide!! He was so amazing, Knowledgeable and fun!
Be prepared to walk a lot, it’s a decent workout on top of being very interesting and informative.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/06/26
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Tour is reasonably ok. Tour Guide's knowledge is good. However, he needs to improve his communication and relation skills.

Reviewed by: Khuong Duong, 2019/06/25

Tour coverage is good with worthwhile locations. Disappointment is last minute cancellation of the JSA Tour.
The Tour Guide was not aware, of some incident over the North Korean border involving detainees which might be the cause of some hiccup in the area.
The Tour Guide historical knowledge is good. However, his communication and relation skills could be improved further when stressing requests of travelers' timing space.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/06/19
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Outstanding Tour!!

Reviewed by: Christian Miranda, 2019/06/21

Even though the JSP portion was cancelled (Tour company does not have control) the tour was great. We were a family of 5 and my daughters and wife loved it. We got a great history of Korea. The Tour guide was very knowledgeable and you could tell he cared about sharing Accurate history of both Koreas. Highly recommend this tour group. We even had a question and answer session with a North Korean Defector.

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest

Greeting from Cosmojin Travel Agency.

Thank you for the reply :)

I am really glad to hear guest satisfied about the DMZ Tour!

Thank you!

Regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/06/19
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Fantastic DMZ & JSA

Reviewed by: Kavita , 2019/06/15

Fantastic. Guide was great and spoke continuously. Well done.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/06/12
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A Haunting But Enriching Experience

Reviewed by: Jonathan, 2019/05/28

The Tour was very enriching. It was certainly haunting and a bit frightening considering your in the most dangerous place in the world, but the security provided by the South Korean military makes the tour worth it. Things to consider is if you want to see the infiltration tunnel, be ready for a workout.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/05/24
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Very interesting experience. That this conflict and state of readiness is still going on after over 60 years is mind boggling. The tour demonstrated how far from resolution the two countries are.

Reviewed by: Linda B, 2019/05/16

Our tour guide, Mr. S. P. Huong, was so knowledgeable and provided a lot of Information about the politics and background of the conflict. Visiting the JSA is such an important part of the tour, seeing up close the stand off. Army tour guides inside the JSA brought the impact home, these are our our young men. Air quality and visibility were not good but looking into N Korea was surreal, so close but so far away in ideology. The tour is a tough walk, to the observation tower and into the tunnel so be sure you are up to it. If you are coming to Seoul from the USA, I think a very important must see.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/05/14
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DMZ tour with a defector

Reviewed by: Alex, 2019/05/05

Although the JSA portion was cancelled, we were not disappointed. We were still able to see the highlights and have lunch at the military cafeteria. The Q&A portion with a North Korean defector was very cool!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/05/03
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Half day DMZ tour

Reviewed by: Katha, 2019/04/26

Hi!
First of all I would like to give you a big thank you for waiting, because we took the wrong subway and arrived 15 minutes late. We were really glad that we were able to still attend the tour. It was also really informative and it was great that we had the chance to ask questions.
We also liked to see the tunnel and the observation deck.
Besides that we wished for more time at the different stops to check out the museum on our own and read through the different informations. It was kind of a hustle. Also at the end we had to visit the amethyst shop. That was actually not a nice ending for the tour, because it was not informative at all and it was just an overpriced shop where nobody bought something. This stop gave the tour the taste of a shopping tour and we booked the tour because of the cultural significance of Korea and not because we wanted to shop jewelry.
More time for the cultural stops would be a great improvement to the tour.

Thanks again to the tour guide, the defector and the bus driver. They did a really good job.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/04/23
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Excellent guide!

Reviewed by: Phillip, 2019/04/08

JSA was cancelled but that can happen. The guide was very nice and knowledgeable! Would highly recommend! Refunds for the JSA portion were handled by Veltra prior to arrival. Good communication from the agency about change of plans far in advance.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2019/03/29
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Dmz

Reviewed by: Philip Verrall, 2019/04/03

The tour was good. Only way we could get to see the area was on a tour. Needed more time at the ticket office area. There is a lot to see at this place with lots of other tourists. 20 minutes, while our guide got tickets was not long enough.
Never signed up to go shoppping so why were we taken to the Amythest shop. This long detour and time would have been better spent at one of the sites.
Pity the JSA section was cancelled but by all reports this happens regularly. Refund of this portion happened quickly. We were notified when the section was cancelled and kept informed.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/03/22
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Great

Reviewed by: John, 2019/01/18

We enjoyed it very much and there was a defector on the bus from North Korea which made it interesting.

Reply from activity provider

Dear John

Thank you for your review.

I hope you had a great time Korea !

Best Regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/01/12
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Nice trip of the DMZ

Reviewed by: Roeland , 2018/12/04

The tour was a good history lesson, as well as a fun tour due to visiting the different type of locations.the JSC was closed by the UN unfortunately, but the replacing programme is still good.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2018/12/01
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Great experience!

Reviewed by: Belinda, 2018/11/08

I had a great experience with the DMZ tour although a bit disappointed coz the JSA tour was cancelled. But overall, the tour was very good + Mr. SP our tour guide was very knowledgeable. He's funny and tried to keep his guests awake :D Thank you Mr. SP

Reply from activity provider

Dear Guest.

Thank you for your help and We really appreciate your feedback.
We Hope you had a great time during the tours.

Best Regards,
Cosmojin Travel Agency

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2018/11/02
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