History, Heritage, and Unique Perspectives on the Border of North and South Korea
Highlights:
- DMZ Korea Tour: Explore one of the world’s most secured borders on this exclusive DMZ tour of South Korea, featuring historical sites like Freedom Bridge and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
- North and South Korea Border Highlights: Get a rare view of North Korea from Dora Observatory and visit Panmunjeom, the site where the Korean War Armistice was signed.
- Cultural Heritage in Seoul: Experience an authentic Korean stay at Rakkojae Hanok, nestled in the historic Bukchon Village, and explore iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces.
- Dorasan Peace Park: Reflect on Korea’s unity efforts in this eco-friendly park, shaped like the Korean Peninsula and dedicated to peace and environmental preservation.
Experience Korea’s dynamic history and cultural richness on this exclusive journey from Secret Retreats. Begin with an unforgettable DMZ Korea tour, offering a unique glimpse into one of the world’s most secured borderlands. This DMZ tour of South Korea starts at the historic Freedom Bridge, where repatriated soldiers once crossed back into South Korea, and continues along the border of North and South Korea at the Imjin River. Explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a chilling remnant of clandestine conflict that stretches 1,635 meters underground, built by the North Korean military for a potential invasion, and view North Korea from Dora Observatory, where binoculars provide a close perspective on the North Korea border. Witness the poignant history of Panmunjeom, the “Bridge of No Return,” where the Korean War Armistice was signed in 1953. Here, both UN and North Korean forces stand side by side, maintaining a symbolic and tense peace.
Return to Seoul’s timeless elegance with a stay at the Rakkojae Hanok, a beautifully preserved traditional Korean home in the historic Bukchon district. Discover the serene paths of Bukchon Village, a neighborhood rich in royal history, and marvel at Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, where centuries-old architecture tells vibrant stories of Korea’s royal heritage.
As you journey through DMZ Korea, delve deeper into its most compelling sites. The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in 1978, is a sobering testament to the lasting divisions and military tension that have shaped Korean history. Originally designed to transport up to 30,000 soldiers in an hour, it speaks to the profound complexities of the border between North and South Korea. In Panmunjeom, also known as the Joint Security Area, visitors can witness the unique interactions and historical significance of this highly restricted area, symbolizing the Korean peninsula’s ongoing journey towards peace.
The journey concludes at Dorasan Peace Park, an eco-friendly sanctuary shaped like the Korean Peninsula that intertwines natural beauty with educational insights into the DMZ’s ecosystem and history. End your day immersed in Korea’s heritage at Rakkojae Hanok in Bukchon, where modern comforts and traditional ondol floor heating provide an authentic and memorable stay in Seoul.
