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Dora Observatory
Observatory

Dora Observatory

Seoul
4.6
(850 reviews)
63
Tours Available
₩14,000
Adult Entry
2-3 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, October-November
Best Time

Overview

Dora Observatory is a significant tourist attraction offering a glimpse into the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Visitors can view North Korea through telescopes and learn about the historic and political significance of the area.

Provides a unique view into North Korea and the history of the DMZ.

Historical Site Viewpoint

Location

Address

310 Je3(sam) ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Neighborhood: Jangdan-myeon

Coordinates

37.764900, 126.826900

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
₩14,000
Children
₩10,000 (ages 7-18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better visibility

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
2-3 hours
Full Experience
half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

  • • cherry blossoms
  • • spring flowers

summer

hot and humid

  • • extended hours

autumn

cool and crisp

  • • fall colors

winter

cold, possible snow

  • • snowy landscapes

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book ahead
  • Bring passport
  • Check weather and dress appropriately

What to Bring

essential

Passport water tickets

recommended

camera sunscreen hat

seasonal

jacket umbrella snow gear

not allowed

large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

  • • uneven terrain
  • • stairs

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

Typical Costs

entry ₩14,000
parking ₩2,000
food ₩8,000
souvenirs ₩10,000

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • 2 weeks
  • • official website
  • • 48 hours
  • • available

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Dora Observatory Official App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Historical information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Incheon International Airport

Distance: 50 km

Travel Time: 1 hour

taxi
₩60,000 1 hour
public_transport
₩3,500 1 hour 30 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 30 km

metro
₩1,500 40 minutes
bus
₩1,500 50 minutes
taxi
₩30,000 30 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, unique experience

Historical Significance: Important military site during the Korean War

Insider Tips

  • Free entry early morning
  • Best food at the nearby market

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local street food
  • • Ask for guide insights

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
thank_you 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
where_is 어디에 있나요? (Eodie innayo?)
how_much 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)
beautiful 예쁘다 (Yeppeuda)
ticket 표 (Pyo)

Guide Languages: English, Korean, Chinese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Observation deck

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Wide angle for landscapes

Result: Great shots of North Korea

#DMZ #DoraObservatory #NorthKoreaView

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, observation deck
prohibited areas restricted zones
flash photography allowed
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited
tripod policy restricted
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

The 3rd Tunnel

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Historical Site

Imjingak Park

Distance: 5km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Park

Reviews

4.6

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book online"
  • "Visit early for fewer crowds"
  • "Great views of North Korea"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (3)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

63

Rating

4.6 / 5.0

Reviews

850

Adult Entry

₩14,000

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