If you are planning a trip to Seoul in South Korea, I recommend taking one of the DMZ tours Korea. I share my experience of this world renowned border
Ever kept a secret from your loved one?
Imagine having a secret so big that your lives could be in danger if you ever told. This is what one woman faced as she planned her escape from North Korea four years ago.
Living in fear, she strived for freedom and a better life.
She escaped across the water, leaving her husband behind and eventually found freedom in another country. Her husband is now in a prison camp. If she is ever found, he will be killed. Although now free, she lives in fear of his life.
The Freedom Bridge in the DMZ
Many South Koreans have families trapped within this militarized country with its strange laws and ideology and amongst the streets of Seoul, pictures depict scenes from a war-stricken area, of people dying of starvation. But standing across the river from the country, there is no evidence or in fact no humans as far as the eye can see. The whole land looks deserted. Small houses are strategically placed as propaganda and military checkpoints line the border surrounded by wire fences.
A locomotive destroyed by bullet fire by the North Koreans
DMZ Tours Korea
Taking one of the DMZ Tours Korea is both fascinating and informative. The Demilitarized Zone lies between the borders of South and North Korea. Originally set up by the United Nations, this area of 4km is open to curious tourists wanting to know more about the goings-on in North Korea. The golf course that lies within this area is classed as the most dangerous golf course in the world, stuck between two completely different worlds.
A brand new train station stands unused with the ability to connect South Korea to the rest of central Asia built with the agreement by North Korea that the South would fund this much-needed project. But upon completion, the North refused to let the South use it, claiming that they never agreed for it to actually be used, just built.
The tour takes you to the 3rd tunnel – one of the four tunnels found and denied by the North as being built as part of another invasion.
North Korea is a dangerous yet fascinating place that largely remains a mystery to the rest of the world and poses the biggest threat.
If you're in Seoul, I recommend taking a tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone to learn more about the conflict between these two countries. A half-day tour departs in the morning from various pick-up points and includes entrance fees, your transfer costs and a local guide. Prices from £57/€65/$69 for one person.
* Check dates and itinerary: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Tour
South Korean soldiers guard Dorasan train station
My Trip To South Korea
My trip to South Korea was independent. I travelled here alone and spent 5 nights in Seoul and loved it. I found it really safe and welcoming especially as a solo female traveller. The locals are really smiley, especially if you say hello or thank you in their language. I recommend the capital for solo travellers.
If you feel more comfortable on a tour, G Adventures offer an 8-day Best of South Korea tour. Beginning and ending in Seoul, the trip takes you to Gyeongju-si and Busan visiting Yangdong Folk Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, as well as a market and city visit. You also get a DMZ visit which in itself is an experience. Read my G Adventures review here or click on the link below to see their South Korea tour.
* Check dates and itinerary for South Korea itinerary
