Cheorwon DMZ and 2nd Tunnel Small Group Tour

Gangwon , South Korea

Cheorwon DMZ and 2nd Tunnel Small Group Tour

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(1 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

*A minimum of 4 participants is required. If fewer than 4 people register, the tour may be canceled.

Step into Korea’s hidden history with our immersive Cheorwon DMZ tour—a powerful journey through one of the most heavily fortified yet lesser-known border regions. Start your day with a convenient pick-up from Seoul, then head to the 2nd Infiltration Tunnel, an underground route once carved for covert movement during high tensions. Continue to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you’ll get a clear view across the border into North Korea. After a break for lunch (not included), visit the Korean Workers’ Party Headquarters, a haunting structure that reflects Korea’s divided past. Then, take in the serene beauty of Cheorwon from above aboard the Soisan Monorail, surrounded by peaceful landscapes that contrast sharply with the area’s turbulent history.

Available options

Cheorwon DMZ and 2nd Tunnel Small Group Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Admission Fee (Listed on the itinerary)

English guide

Detailed itinerary

The 2nd Tunnel, one of several excavated by North Korea for the purpose of infiltrating South Korea, was discovered in 1975. Spanning a total length of 3.5 kilometers, only 500 meters of the tunnel is accessible to civilians. To visit this site, visitors are required to book as part of the DMZ Peace Tours. Additionally, personal identification, such as a passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC), is necessary for access.

Cheorwon Peace Observatory offers a panoramic view of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea) in the central forward area of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do. From this observatory, one can see the Cheorwon plain, areas of the DMZ, and even North Korea. Photos of the 2nd Tunnel, military barracks, checkpoints, and the DMZ are exhibited here. Visitors can easily get to the observatory using the 50-person monorail, see the remains of the ancient Taebongguk (nation), and even see the faces of North Korean soldiers through binoculars.

This three-story building located in Cheorwon-eup was constructed in 1946. Used as the headquarters of the Labor Party until the break of the Korean War on June 25, it is now a tourist attraction that still holds onto the vestiges of the Korean War.

Cheorwon Korean Workers' Party Headquarters is under the control of Cheorwon-gun Office as part of the Security Tour Course. Hundreds of thousands of people visit this tourist destination every year.

Soisan Monorail is located within the Cheorwon History and Culture Park. This monorail travels up to the summit of Soisan Mountain, operating a round-trip route of 1.8 km. Along the way, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the expansive plains of Jaesongpyeong at the foot of Soisan.

The monorail provides easy access to the Soisan Observatory, and on the way down, riders are treated to a stunning view of the entire History and Culture Park area. Unlike typical side-opening windows, the monorail features a unique two-panel glass shield that opens vertically. Each car accommodates up to 8 passengers, with four monorails in operation. They run 8 times per hour at 7-minute intervals, and each ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
Due to its popularity, reservations for the Soisan Monorail are essential. However, on occasion, same-day tickets may be available on-site, so it’s advised to call ahead to check. Pregnant individuals and infants under 36 months are not permitted to ride.

What's not included

Lunch

Personal Expense

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

At Cheorwon Tourist Information Center by 10:00

About Gangwon

Gangwon is a picturesque province in South Korea, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and beaches. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility and adventure. The province is also rich in cultural heritage and traditional cuisine, offering a unique blend of nature and culture.

Top Attractions

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park is one of the most famous national parks in South Korea, known for its stunning mountain landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a must-visit for nature lovers.

Nature Full day or overnight Free entry, but some attractions may have fees

Alpensia Ski Resort

Alpensia Ski Resort is a world-class ski resort located in Pyeongchang, known for its excellent ski slopes, snowboarding facilities, and winter sports events. It hosted several events during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Adventure Full day or overnight Approximately 50,000 to 100,000 KRW for lift tickets

Gangneung Coffee Street

Gangneung Coffee Street is a popular destination for coffee lovers, featuring a variety of cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries. It is known for its unique coffee culture and charming atmosphere.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, coffee prices vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dongchimi

A refreshing radish water kimchi, known for its crisp texture and light, tangy flavor. It is often served as a side dish or used as a base for soups and stews.

Side Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Gangneung Jokbal

A popular dish of braised pork trotters, known for its tender texture and rich, savory flavor. It is often served with rice and side dishes.

Main Course Contains pork

Sokcho Dakgangjeong

Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, often served as a popular street food or snack. It is known for its addictive flavor and crunchy texture.

Snack Contains chicken, gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Seoraksan National Park Skiing and snowboarding in Alpensia Ski Resort Water sports at Gyeongpo Beach Sunbathing at Sokcho Beach Enjoying a coffee at Gangneung Coffee Street Exploring the peaceful atmosphere of Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park Visiting traditional markets like Gangneung Jungang Market Exploring historic sites like Gangneung Hyanggyo

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the peak season in Gangwon due to its world-class ski resorts and winter sports facilities. The region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors from all over the world.

-10°C to 5°C 14°F to 41°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Korean
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Gangwon is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
• Use reputable taxi companies and agree on fares before starting the journey.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid exchanging money on the street.

Getting there

By air

Yangyang International Airport • 15 km from Yangyang
Wonju Airport • 5 km from Wonju

By train

Cheongnyangni Station, Wonju Station

By bus

Seoul Express Bus Terminal, East Seoul Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Gangwon, connecting cities, towns, and tourist attractions. They are affordable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: KakaoTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sokcho Gangneung Pyeongchang

Day trips

Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park

250 km from Seoul • Full day

Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park is a popular destination for watching the sunrise over the East Sea. It is known for its stunning views, walking trails, and peaceful atmosphere.

Odae Mountain

200 km from Seoul • Full day or overnight

Odae Mountain is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging trails. It is part of the larger Odaesan National Park and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Gyeongpo Beach

220 km from Seoul • Half day or full day

Gyeongpo Beach is a popular beach destination known for its beautiful sandy shores, clear waters, and various water sports. It is a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Festivals

Gangneung Dano Festival • Late May to early June Sokcho Abai Village Festival • Late July to early August Pyeongchang Trout Festival • Mid-September to early October

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Rent a car for flexibility and easy access to remote and scenic areas.
Try local specialties and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Learn a few basic Korean phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture.
Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially when hiking and exploring nature.