Me and a Korean friend want to visit the DMZ but he seems to think that only tourists are allowed, does anyone know if this is the case? I could probably find out by googling some but I decided to refer to you guys first!
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Re: Can Koreans visit the DMZ?
Re: Can Koreans visit the DMZ?
Re: Can Koreans visit the DMZ?
Koreans can go to the boarder of the DMZ and look across the boarder. There are a few places to go.
The Observation building in Paju - This place, I have not been, has a platform on the top of the building where you can look across to North Korea.
Imjingak - This is a park and small carnival place that is set up as a memorial for the soldiers of all the countries and the families that were "left behind" in North Korea. You can get here very easily and you don't have to do anything special to go here. I have been here several times and it is very interesting. I recommend going here sometime. It isn't the DMZ, but it does have a lot of important war things and you can view the DMZ from here.
Panmunjeom - This is what a lot of people mean when they say "DMZ." It is inside the DMZ and is shared by both the United Nations and North Korea. Technically, this is Not in South Korea. This is where you can actually see North Korean soldiers and you can breifly technically be inside North Korea. I have been once and it was fun. Most foreigners can go, but for South Koreans, it is a little different. First, unless the rules have changed, you cannot go with her. She can go there, but there is a 6 month waiting list and she has to get a big record check to make sure she isn't going to defect to North Korea. Yeah, it is a big deal, but still very interesting. You can go as long as you sign up for a tour 3 days ahead of time. You can only go by tour, and it costs something like 70,000won per person.
There are other areas like the tunnels that the North Korean army dug to try and invade South Korea. Those are interesting, but very small. I think there are a few other observation areas along the DMZ as well, but not as famous as the ones above. BTW, most of the things to see are in Paju City, north of Seoul.
Good luck and if you decide to go, take pictures and buy some gifts! They have North Korean Blueberry wine at Panmunjeom. People say it is one of the most powerful alcohol experiences you can have.