The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The Korean Demilitarized Zone or better known as the DMZ is the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea, established via an armistice at the end of the Korean War in 1953. Seperating the two Koreas, it stretches a span of 160 miles. The two sides meet for talks and negotiations in what is known as the Joint Security Area.

The DMZ is one of the most famous attractions and sites visited in North Korea, a standard feature of every tour, which always involves going to Panmunjon Village, the Joint Security-Area and then into the houses where negotiations take place. If tensions running between the two Koreas are high, then the area will be closed for visitors.

Entrance Area
When tourists enter the DMZ, they first pass Kaesong and arrive at an "entrance area", where they are first accounted for and must wait for military confirmation to enter. During this waiting period, there are several gift shops and a briefing room where a soldier (usually a colonel) gives an overview using a map of the Korean peninsula. After this, tourists must line up and re-enter the bus with their guides, being joined by a soldier (who will give an explanation of everything)

Panmunjom
Upon entering the DMZ the group will normally go first to Panmunjom village, where armistice negotiations took place and where it was eventually signed. Visitors will be shown houses where these talks took place and what is claimed to be the original copy of the armistice itself, located in a hall full of pictures of the North Korean leadership.

The Joint Security Area
After Panmunjom, the group heads to the joint security area, the only location where North and South Korean soldiers stand face to face. Here contains numerous huts where the two sites stage their military negotiations. On most occassions, visitors will be allowed to enter these houses.