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DMZ & a Lost City of Cheorwon Tour

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Tour Description

Cheorwon dmz and battlefield day trip from seoul.

• One day private tour from Seoul to Cheorwon
• Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone
• Explore the remains of the Korean war and discover the tumultuous history of the once-unified country
• Visit the former Korean workers’ party office, the Second Incursion Tunnel, Cheorwon Peace Observatory, the former Woljeong-ri Station and the Hantangang River.

Minimum travelers  2  /   Duration  1 Day

If you are interested in learning more about the Korean War and see for yourself one of the tunnels that the North Korean dug to attack South Korea than this tour is perfect for you. Most people want to visit Paju Korea Demilitarized Zone and Joint Security Area (Panmunjeom) when they think about the border between South & North Korea. However, Cheorwon is the best itinerary to take your time and allow you to learn about the history of the Korean War.

Cheorwon is a county in Gangwon province that is located right next to the border with North Korea. This country was part of the North Korean territory from 1945 until 1953, after Korea’s liberation from the Japanese rule, the U.S. Army, the North Korean Army, and the Chinese Army signed an Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone cut Cheorwon county into two parts.

Do you want to learn more about the Korean War and the tumultuous history of the once-unified country with an expert guide? Check out the following information and join our Cheorwon DMZ One Day Tour.

Description

You will meet our guide at the hotel lobby at 8 a.m and then drive for about 3 hours to arrive at Cheorwon. The first stop will be the  Second Incursion Tunnel,  built by the North Korean military. It was discovered on March 24, 1975, and its total length is 3.5km and it goes 50m-160m below the surface. North Korean built the Second Incursion Tunnel to invade South Korea, it could accommodate 30,000 people to pass through per hour.

Next stop, Cheorwon Peace Observatory , opened in November 2007, it provides a panoramic view of the border between North & South Korea if the sky is clear you will even be able to see some propaganda posters from North Korea. The first floor is an exhibition hall and the second floor is an observatory, where travelers can enjoy the view of Cheorwon lands, North Korea, and the Demilitarized Zone.

Woljeong-ri  Station is an abandoned train station located in Cheorwon. It was constructed in August 1914, and it is one of the stops of the Gyeongwon railroad line which connects Seoul and Wonsan. The train was used by North Korean and it  was bombed by the U.N. forces. Nowadays, the northeast station of the Gyeongwon railroad line comes to a stop at the boundary line of the demilitarized zone. There is a signboard that says ”The Iron Horse Wants to Run again”, there stand remains of a train that used to make frequent trips to North Korea.

The next spot you will visit is the former Korean Workers Party Office  that was built in 1946. It was the headquarters of the Labor Party until the Korean War began on June 25, 1950. It is now an important historical site. The building and structure were destroyed during the Korean War and travelers can still see bullet holes inside the building.

Before going back to Seoul, you will visit the most beautiful site in Cheorwon. Goseokjeong Pavilion was built during the reign of King Jinpyeong (reign 579-632 AD) of the Silla Kingdom, a magnificent shaped rock of about 10 meters tall stands in the middle of the Hantangang river . This place is breathtaking and will recharge your batteries before heading back to the city.

• English speaking driver-guide
• Private transport with hotel pick up & drop off at Seoul
• Car parking fee, toll fee
• Admission fees
• Meals, drinks
• Gratuities (optional)
• 08:00 Hotel pick up
• Drive around 3 hours
• The Second Incursion Tunnel
• Peace Observatory
• Woljeong-ri Station
• The former Korean Workers Party Office
• Hangtangang River
• 18:00 Drop off at hotel

2 reviews for DMZ & a Lost City of Cheorwon Tour

Alain B. – May 15, 2019

Magnifique journée. Pick-up à l’hôtel à Hongdae (pratique car pas nécessaire de rejoindre un hôtel du centre), chauffeur-guide *très* sympathique et intéressant, jeune accompagnatrice française (une surprise, sa présence n’était pas prévue à l’origine) *toute aussi sympathique*. Plus loin que l’excursion “classique” proche de Séoul, mais cela vaut le coup car beaucoup moins de touristes (nous n’étions que 5 dans le tunnel #2 !) (attention quand même à la condition physique, notamment pour le grands – on marche 400m courbés – possible de n’y jeter qu’un œil pour l’ambiance), paysage de rizières en route, vue impressionnante de la DMZ du Peace Observatory, beaucoup de soldats sud-coréens en manœuvre et de garde, ruines d’un bâtiment communiste impressionnant en bonus (photo), excellent déjeuner coréen. Bref, trip vivement recommandé.

wandermomcc – December 5, 2018

We booked online through their website and they were very responsive to emails. They were also open to schedule changes. Their agency offers various unique tour choices.

Our tour guides, Jay (Cheorwon tour) and Brian (MDBC tour), were very friendly, accommodating and informative. Even if they drove for the whole day, they were still smiling and full of energy. They also brought us to local restaurants in Cheorwon and Jeonju that serve delicious food at reasonable prices.

I would definitely recommend One Day Korea.

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• Travelers must bring passports on the tour departure date.
• The Second Incursion Tunnel takes about 30mins walk.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for this tour.
• This tour is not available on Tuesday and weekends (Sat, Sun) and during national holidays.
• All payment will not be refunded for any cancellation or adjustment related to personal reasons, circumstances of tourist attractions, traffic or weather past 24 hours before the tour start.
• Tour can be automatically canceled and get no refund if you are late for more than 1 hour without any notices.
• The itinerary can be adjusted and the facilities and attractions can be suspended depending on the circumstances of the tourist attractions, such as weather or traffic without any prior notices.
• If you arrive late for the designated tour time or appear at the wrong place, the lost time is not supplemented to the total tour time.
• Please note that there may be traffic jam during weekends, holidays or travel high seasons. In these cases, there will be no additional charge.
• Itinerary can be changed upon driver/guide agreement to the guest’s proposal, in this case additional car parking fees will be added.
• If you request to extend your tour time (Not related to traffic), we will charge additional cost.
• OnedayKorea will not be responsible for any injury, illness, damage, loss accident, or expense including their consequential loss or economic loss which are caused by whatever sports or activities.

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Cheorwon DMZ Day Trip

• 10 / 10 5 reviews | 33 travellers Very interesting and entertaining, the guide is very good. 10 Lluis
• Free cancellation up to 3 days before
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In the  abandoned and demilitarised city of Cheorwon , the vestiges of the Korean conflict are more than evident. Discover the interesting history on this day trip from Seoul.

Description

All armed conflicts cause collateral damage and devastating consequences for both the military and civil population. The  Korean War  is no exception. Few places have been as affected as Cheorwon; under North Korean control from 1945, it was the scene for many a battle and has been built anew as part of South Korea in the post-war years. Having said that, even today military trucks and checkpoints are a frequent sight and the horrors of the past can very much be felt.

To start our day trip, we'll leave Seoul and head towards the  Battle of  Baengmagoj Monument , also known as the  White Hill Horse Memorial , which stands next to a Memorial Museum on the same battle, one of the bloodiest during the Korean War. 

Whilst the Korean War is extremely interesting, we'll now make a stop to clear our minds a little and enjoy the area's natural surroundings. The  Goseokjeong National Tourist Area  is a beautiful natural park, and here you'll be able to relax and buy some lunch if you wish.

After lunch, we'll continue to the demilitarized area of Cheorwon . These days, in memory of the conflict, there is a plaque that reads, "The iron horse wants to run again." If you're wondering what this means, don't worry, as your knowledgeable guide will explain it to you on the tour!

In this abandoned area, we'll visit the Second Tunnel of Aggression , dug to surprise the enemies. The tour will continue next to the Woljeong-ri Railway Station . Its facilities were rendered totally unusable after the American bombing raids .

We'll continue exploring this desolate area, visiting the  old headquarters of the Korean Labour Party , where the horrific effects of the war can still clearly be seen. Finally, we'll take a trip to the  Cheorwon Peace Observatory , a centre dedicated to honouring the memory of the victims of the conflict, which also offers extraordinary views of the border area between the two Koreas.

From the Peace Observatory, we'll make our way back to Seoul and drop you back at the initial meeting points.

Meeting points

On this Cheorwon DMZ Day Trip, we'll pick you up from one of the following meeting points in Seoul. When booking, you'll have to indicate which one you'd like to be picked up from.

• 7:20 am : Hongik Univ Metro station (exit 4)
• 8 am : Namsan Yejang Public Parking Lot
• 8:10 am : Dongdaemun History & Culture Park metro station (exit 10)  

Other DMZ tours

If you're interested, we also offer a DMZ Korea Tour from Seoul which visits the most famous area of the DMZ, including Freedom Road and  Panmunjom , where the  Korean Armistice Agreement  was signed.

More Information

11 hours - 13 hours.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Transport in an air–conditioned vehicle

English–speaking guide

Tickets to the places visited

Not included

Lunch and drinks

When to book?

You can book up until 3 days before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

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Corporate name: KTOURSTORY.CO.LTD.

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

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Paju / cheorwon dmz 1 day tour - from seoul (eg tour), how to book.

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Meet Location

• Hongik Univ.Station
• Myeondong Station
• Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
• Round-trip transportation
• English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees
• Other personal expenses

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The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a piece of land running across the Korean peninsula between South and North Korea. Unlike other common DMZ tours, this DMZ tour ventures out to different regions - Paju, or Cheorwon - to offer more diverse experiences. Why this tour? ▷DMZ: the Korean Demilitarized Zone that demarcates North Korea from South Korea ▷Get a diverse experience of the DMZ from Paju/Cheorwon ▷Paju: venture into the 3rd tunnel, an infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea ▷Cheorwon: learn about the fiercest battlefield in the Korean War Checklist for booking 1. All the participants must type in their passport information (full name on the passport, passport number) on the booking page. This is to make a list of visitors and submit it to the authorized DMZ office before visiting (mandatory). 2. Children under 3 years old are free of charge. Please bring the child's ID to verify the age. Precautions You must carry your PASSPORT (or ARC) on the day of the tour. - Every visitor will be asked to show his/her passport before entering DMZ. - You may not participate this tour without your passport. The Korean army will check your ID and if you do not have your ID, you may be prohibited to enter DMZ. In this case, no refund will be issued. *Discover 12 facts about the DMZ before your visit!

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How To Visit The The Cheorwon DMZ Area From Seoul, Korea

Most tourists that visit Seoul, Korea wonder if they can fit in a trip to the DMZ at some point. The areas that are open to tourists are centered around the tunnels that the North Koreans built as they tried to sneak into South Korea some decades ago. The most often visited by tourists and easiest to access is the DMZ area in the Paju region . While this is an easy spot to get to, it’s a bit too touristy for my liking. Though the trek to get to Cheorwon, Korea is a bit more tough, there is a completely different experience.

Want to know how to visit the DMZ from Seoul, Korea? Let me get you to the Cheorwon DMZ area centered around the second underground tunnel for an experience you won’t forget.

How To Get There

Bus from seoul to cheorwon, get a driver from the iron triangle tourist office, 2nd underground tunnel, woljeong-ri station, north korean labor party building.

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Getting two and from Cheorwon is not the easiest trek and the bus from Seoul stops a lot which makes the trip that could take two hours, three hours.

Cheorwon Facilities Management Office formerly Iron Triangle Tourist Office (철원 시설물관리사업소 (구 철의삼각전적관)) is where the tours into the area begin from.

Address: 1825 Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 철원군 동송읍 태봉로 1825)

Directions from Seoul: Bus from Express Bus Terminal to Uncheon Bus Terminal (운천버스터미널) The ride takes about 3 hours. After arrival, catch a taxi to Goseokjung (고석정).

Join a tour: For the tour from the Iron Triangle Tourist Office, visitors also need to have their own car or hire a taxi that has the proper permits to go through the gates. Basically, there are quite a few logistics to figure out and time that is required. If you don’t want to figure it all out on your own like we did, definitely join a tour. Here are some good options:

Join a tour with Klook: Get picked up in central Seoul and visit the Memorial Tower, Baengmagoji Battlefield and Memorial Museum. From there, see the 2nd Tunnel, Cheorwon Peace Observatory, the Woljeong-ri Station, and the other important stops in the area. It’s a great tour that hits all of the big spots in one easy day trip.

Join a tour with kkday : kkday offers a tour to Cheorwon to visit the 2nd tunnel and Cheorwon Peace Observatory among other important sites in the area.

Admission: W8,000 (This is the basic fee if you get up to the Iron Triangle Tourist Office and take the tour from there.)

Tour Running Time: 3 hours

Tour Stops: North Korean Labor Party Building, Woljeong-ri Station, Cheorwan Peace Observatory, 2nd Underground Tunnel

Experiencing The DMZ In Cheorwon

We started out the morning getting an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Terminal outside of Gangbyeon Station. The bus is not your normal intercity bus and stopped every 5-10 minutes or so making what could have been an hour and a half trip on the highway into a three hour journey along the back roads.

By the time we arrived we had 15 minutes to get to the Iron Triangle Tourist Office from the bus terminal. We hopped in a taxi and told the driver of our deadline and he rushed us to the location. Reservations for tours are not necessary however, you must arrive 15 minutes prior to departure to give everyone time to get their cars in line and the tours start right on time at 9:30, 10:30, 1:00 or 2:00.

As we did not have a car and the tour doesn’t provide buses, we hired our taxi driver for the remainder of our journey. I suggest getting a flat rate for the whole trip rather than letting the meter run while on the tour. We managed a rate of W60,000 for three hours, but the meter that he had left running said W90,000 by the end of the trip.

We were off in a caravan of six cars, just us, our guide and some older Korean men in a car up front. The guide provided by the museum is not really a guide that can share stories and tales of the war, but more of your way through all of the checkpoints. An informational packet was provided, so it was fine. She did point out the mine fields along the way though, which was rather unsettling.

Our first stop was the 2 nd Underground Tunnel. The tunnel was discovered on March 19 th , 1975 after a soldier heard an explosion from beneath the ground. The tunnel is 3.5 kilometers long and sits 50 to 160 meters deep. Hard hats were provided and we descended. It was wet and dark like most underground caverns and along the way we could see holes that the engineers had made to the surface so they could see above. At the very end there are mannequins dressed up in uniforms and cameras to monitor that no one tries to go any further.

A couple stops later, we headed to Woljeong-ri Station. The information provided explained that this name means the moon and the well and there once lived a girl and her sick father here. She prayed every night for her father to get well once again and one night she dreamed that by giving him water from a nearby well his health would improve. The only condition was that she had to take the water to him using only her hands and it should be done 1000 times before the moon set. Eventually, she completed this task and saved her father, but in so doing lost her life from the hard work. The town was named in her memory. There’s a small statue in front of the station to remember her, but other than that the station is not as beautiful as the story.

The building is just the shell of what it once was, a stop on the Seoul-Gangwon line, but sitting in the back is an old North Korean transport train, bombed by American forces. The women in a group behind us began picking berries growing through the skeleton of the old train and we ate together while thinking about the very recent past in this area. The sign before us read, ‘The iron horse wants to run’, a fitting epitaph for this train that once frequently made trips to North Korea on a line that connected the country.

The last stop on the tour was the North Korean Labor Party Building, built in 1946 and used until the armistice in 1953 by the party. North Korea controlled this area for five years as it falls above the 38 th parallel but during the Korean War this area came under the control of South Korea and UN forces and when the armistice was signed was still under the control of the South.

The bullet holes and loss of the ceiling of the building are blunt reminders of the violence this area saw and though there was once a vibrant and large city here, now there are just rice paddies and checkpoints. The violence did not only come from battles that commenced in the area, the building was also notorious for the brutal acts that happened inside.

People used to say ‘anyone who goes in there never comes out unscathed,’ according to the information provided. The building is now a Registered Cultural Asset of Modern Cultural Heritages and every year hundreds of thousands of people, young and old alike, visit to remember and learn.

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CHEORWON DMZ TOUR

In SOUTH KOREA, there are few DMZ tour places; each place has secret tunnel (dug by NORTH KOREA) and observatory built by SOUTH KOREA (for military and sightseeing purpose).

The most popular DMZ tour place is at PAJU, which has 3rd TUNNEL and DORA OBSERVATORY. This is easily accessible from SEOUL in 1 hour because the distance is 64KM (or, 40 miles) from SEOUL. The disadvantage of this place is too crowded and touristic. Not easy to keep your immersion during the tour because of many group tourists from neighboring country.

CHEORWON is located farther than PAJU and many people don’t know CHEORWON has the same positioning with secret tunnel and observatory.

At CHEORWON, you will see and feel the real military tension between South and North Korea. For example, you might see the tanks moving along the road next to you. While your car is moving, you might hear the sound of big high-angle gun.

During the Korean War, CHEORWON changed the hands several times between the UN force and NORTH KOREA. By 1951, the front line had stabilized, cutting across CHEORWON County, and the area became part of the Iron Triangle battlefield.

Following the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the Korean Demilitarized Zone cut CHEORWON County into two, creating CHEORWON belong to SOUTH KOREA and another CHEORWON belong to NORTH KOREA.

A number of KOREAN WAR sites in CHEORWON County are now tourist destinations including the Second Incursion Tunnel, CHEORWON PEACE OBSERVATORY, the former WOLJEONGRI STATION (i.e., ruin at the moment) and the former WORKERS’ PARTY OFFICE (i.e., ruin at the moment).

Please note that this tour is available only on MONDAY .

Admission fee

▪ The SECOND TUNNEL is discovered at 800m (0.5 mile) south of Military Demarcation Line under Korean Armistice Agreement in March 1975. This incomplete tunnel is 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long, of 2 m (6 ft 5 in) maximum high and 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) wide. It runs through bedrock at a depth of 50 (164 ft) – 160m (525 ft) below ground. It was apparently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea, and could accommodate 30,000 men per hour along with light weaponry. Initially, North Korea denied building the tunnel. North Korea then declared it part of a coal mine, the tunnel having been blackened by construction explosions. Signs in the tunnel claim that there is no geological likelihood of coal being in the area. The walls of the tunnel where tourists are taken are observably granite, a stone of igneous origin, whereas coal would be found in stone of sedimentary origin. A total of four tunnels have been discovered so far, but it is believed that there might be up to twenty more.

▪ PEACE OBSERVATORY looks across the Demilitarized Zone. It is the part of South Korea closest to the North. Visitors can catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state through binoculars.

▪ WOLJEONGRI STATION was a small train yard where rail stock was stored or shunted before leaving for Wonsan, now in North Korea. At the site are remains of a train used by the North Korean army which was bombed by UN forces. “The windows of the train car are twisted toward the sky and the frame and the body of the train are crooked and rusty.”

▪ WORKERS’ PARTY OFFICE was located in the territory of North Korea by the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Therefore, this building was bombed mostly during the Korean War and it is almost destroyed.

7:40 – 8:00 AM: Pick up at hotel

8:00 – 10:00 am: transfer, 10:30 – 12:50 pm: dmz tour.

– Transfer to 2nd Incursion Tunnel passing by SOUTH KOREAN security guard. Before accessing SOUTH KOREA fence, we need to get security check by SOUTH KOREA ARMY.

– Walk inside 2nd Incursion Tunnel and reach the border between two KOREAS underneath the ground.

– Transfer to PEACE OBSERVATORY, in which you can look NORTH KOREA guard posts over DMZ. You might have chance of looking NORTH KOREAN soldiers through binoculars.

– Visit WOLJEONGRI STATION; This train was running until the separation of two KOREAS by USA, Soviet Union upon the surrender by JAPAN

1:10 – 2:00 PM: Lunch

2:00 – 4:00 pm: transfer.

▪ To book this tour, please click ‘Cash on delivery’ option. Please understand that ‘from 2 people’ can book this tour. ▪ Then, we will advise you the exact amount and the payment method after checking the seats availability.

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CHEORWON DMZ TOUR

Nature of cheorwon dmz.

In SOUTH KOREA, there are few DMZ tour places; each place has secret tunnel (dug by NORTH KOREA) and observatory.

The most popular DMZ tour place is at PAJU, which has 3rd TUNNEL and DORA OBSERVATORY. This is easily accessible from SEOUL in 1 hour because the distance is 64KM (or, 40 miles).

But, CHEORWON is farther than PAJU. Though, why do we offer this CHEORWON DMZ TOUR?

At CHEORWON, you will feel the real military tension between South and North Korea. For example, you might see the tanks on the road for regular drill. Or, you might hear the sound of big high-angle gun somewhere else.

During the Korean War, CHEORWON changed the hands several times between the UN force and NORTH KOREA. By 1951, the front line had stabilized, cutting across CHEORWON County, and the area became part of the Iron Triangle battlefield.

Following the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the Korean Demilitarized Zone cut CHEORWON County into two, creating CHEORWON belong to SOUTH KOREA and another CHEORWON belong to NORTH KOREA.

A number of KOREAN WAR sites in CHEORWON are now tourist destinations including the SECOND INCURSION TUNNEL, CHEORWON PEACE OBSERVATORY, WOLJEONGRI STATION (i.e., ruin at the moment) and WORKERS’ PARTY OFFICE (i.e., ruin at the moment).

Please note that this tour is not available on  TUESDAY .

The places where you visit

▪ The SECOND TUNNEL is discovered at 800m (0.5 mile) south of Military Demarcation Line under Korean Armistice Agreement in March 1975. This incomplete tunnel is 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long, of 2 m (6 ft 5 in) maximum high and 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) wide. It runs through bedrock at a depth of 50 (164 ft) – 160m (525 ft) below ground. It was apparently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea, and could accommodate 30,000 men per hour along with light weaponry. Initially, North Korea denied building the tunnel. North Korea then declared it part of a coal mine, the tunnel having been blackened by construction explosions. Signs in the tunnel claim that there is no geological likelihood of coal being in the area. The walls of the tunnel where tourists are taken are observably granite, a stone of igneous origin, whereas coal would be found in stone of sedimentary origin. A total of four tunnels have been discovered so far, but it is believed that there might be up to twenty more.

▪ PEACE OBSERVATORY looks across the Demilitarized Zone. It is the part of South Korea closest to the North. Visitors can catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state through binoculars.

▪ WOLJEONGRI STATION was a small train yard where rail stock was stored or shunted before leaving for Wonsan, now in North Korea. At the site are remains of a train used by the North Korean army which was bombed by UN forces. “The windows of the train car are twisted toward the sky and the frame and the body of the train are crooked and rusty.”

▪ WORKERS’ PARTY OFFICE was located in the territory of North Korea by the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Therefore, this building was bombed mostly during the Korean War and it is almost destroyed.

Optionally, you can visit another DMZ venue, called SEUNGRI OBERVATORY. This is the ‘best’ observatory where you can look North Korea closely, which is located at the mountain just in front of NORTH KOREA.

Last updated: FEB/18/2019

08:30-10:00 Transfer to CHEORWON

10:00-10:20 registration, 10:30-13:00 cheorwon dmz tour.

▪ THE SECOND TUNNEL: This tunnel was dug by NORTH KOREA and it was discovered in 1975 after 1ST TUNNEL in 1974. Why NORTH KOREA built this kind of tunnel? The answer is to move their armed soldiers very fast. Because the border is covered with many mountains, they cannot operate 4-wheel vehicles to bring the soldiers over the mountains. Unfortunately, 8 SOUTH KOREAN soldiers were killed inside the tunnel when they investigate the tunnel for the first time.

▪ PEACE OBSERVATORY: The place where you can look NORTH KOREA land and guard posts. You will realize that SOUTH KOREA and NORTH KOREA breached the agreement by building guard posts even inside DMZ.

▪ WOLJEONGRI STATION (RUIN): Until the separation by USA and SOVIET UNION upon our independence from JAPAN. The train was running through SOUTH and NORTH KOREA. Therefore, this train station is located at far north though the train cannot go.

▪ WORKERS’ PARTY OFFICE (RUIN): Upon our independence from JAPAN, the northern part of 38 parallels falls to the governance by SOVIET UNION. Therefore, the sole political party called LABOR PARTY was controlling CHEORWON until occupation by SOUTH KOREA during KOREAN WAR. While LABOR PARTY was governing CHEORWON, they don’t mind torturing, even killing people because some people refused to abandon the private property system.

13:30-14:30 Lunch

14:30-16:00 transfer to your hotel at seoul.

▪ We strongly recommend you take this tour not on Saturday, Sunday. On weekend, we have no choice but to get on the shuttle bus with other tourists.

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Explore Gangwondo | A One Day Trip To Cheorwon

Visit this popular tourist destination known for their beautiful flower fields and impressive landscape.

If you're visiting Gangwondo, South Korea, then you definitely need to try visiting Cheorwon. 

This city close to the North Korean border has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery and flower fields. 

Keep on reading to take a closer look!

Transportation From Seoul To Cheorwon

Public transportation to Cheorwon is mainly by train and bus. There are three bus stops in Cheorwon: Sincheorwon Intercity Bus Terminal (신철원시외버스터미널), Dongsong Intercity Bus Terminal (동송시외버스공용터미널), and Wasu Bus Terminal (와수버스터미널).

From Seoul, you can catch a bus at East Seoul Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal.

It takes about two hours from East Seoul Bus Terminal to Sincheorwon Intercity Bus Terminal, and the fare is 10,800 won.

The buses leave every hour. Departure times are 06:40, 07:20, 08:30, 10:00, 10:50, 11:00, 12:30, 14:30, 14:40, and 16:20. Tickets can be purchased in advance on txBus and BusTago , just make sure to check the time before departure.

Recommended Itinerary

Goseokjeong pavilion (고석정).

Address: 강원 철원군 동송읍 태봉로 1825  1825 Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

Admission:  Free

First, I want to introduce to you the Goseokjeong Pavilion, one of the eight scenic spots in Cheorwon. 

Located by the Hantan River, its special topography and scenery means it has important geological research value.

The entrance to Goseokjeong Pavilion is pictured above. If you keep walking, you will see the Goseok Rock (고석바위), a unique-looking 15 meter tall sedimentary rock formation.

The granite formed underground about 110 million years ago and was later discovered when a new channel formed through the erosion of the Hantan River.

On the side of the stairs, you can see signs showing many Korean dramas that have been filmed here, such as Shark , That Winter, The Wind Blows , Dr. Jin , and Gunman in Joseon .

After about 15 minutes of walking, you will eventually come across the Goseok Rock and Hantan River and can feel the fresh air in the valley.

The two-story pavilion above is the Goseokjeong Pavilion. It was built during the reign of King Jinpyeong of the Silla Dynasty, but was burned down during the Korean War later rebuilt. It is a landmark with both geographical and historical significance.

Here, you can also take a boat to go down the river and take a closer look at the interesting rock formations that have been naturally shaped over time. Why not explore while you have the opportunity?

Goseokjeong Flower Field (고석정꽃밭)

Address: 강원 철원군 동송읍 장흥리 10-2  10-2 Jangheung-ri, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

Hours:  10:00-17:00

If you walk 15 minutes from Goseokjeong Pavilion, you can find the Goseokjeong Flower Field that has been very popular since last fall.

Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, you need to call a toll-free number or scan your QR code and take your take your temperature before entering.

This field is about the size of a football field and has about 33 rows of flowers. The never-ending field of various colorful flowers looks spectacular.

You can also find a ton of the popular Kochia flowers here.

To make it more fun for tourists, the park also contains traditional hanok areas, art installations and more.

The weather was a bit overcast the morning I arrived, and there were no plants in the flower fields near the Little Prince, so it seemed a bit depressing.

Just when we were giving up hope on getting some good pictures, the sky finally cleared up!

It is said that the people of Cheorwon regard the crane as a rare bird that symbolizes purity. Therefore, Cheorwon views the crane as the representative mascot of the county and here, you can pose for a picture with a cartoon version.

After waiting for a while, the sky finally turned blue. The bright, blue sky and white clouds above the sea of flowers is really beautiful, right?

However, Cheorwon’s flower fields are not available every day. They will open according to the season. For example, this autumn they are expected to be closed on October 31, so be sure you confirm the blooming schedule before planning a visit. 

Pyeongi Dambaek Ppyeokalguksu (평이담백 뼈칼국수)

Address: 강원 철원군 동송읍 태봉로 1833 1833 Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

Hours: 11:00-20:00 Mon-Fri Break 15:00-17:00 Sat-Sun Break 16:00-17:00

After all that walking, it's time for a lunch break to regain your energy!

Pyeongi Dambaek Ppyeokalguksu is about a 15 minute walk from Goseokjeong Pavilion. They sell kalguksu, or handmade knife-cut noodle soup.

It is one of the most famous restaurants in this neighborhood. You can see how popular it is from all the cars parked in front. You even need to take a number and wait to enter. 

We arrived at lunch time, so although there were many tables inside, they were all full and we had to wait. This gave us even higher expectations for the delicious kalguksu.

The restaurant’s menu is very simple, including ppyeo kalguksu (뼈칼국수/bone broth kalguksu), bibim kalguksu (비빔칼국수/cold spicy kalguksu)", and shrimp dumplings (새우만두)". On the dinner menu, they also serve stir-fried pork ribs (뼈볶음) and spicy stir-fried squid (매콤갑징어볶음).

After they take your order, they serve side dishes first, including peppers, onions, kimchi, and ssamjang and other sauces.

Ppyeo Kalguksu (뼈칼국수) 10,000 won

This is the restaurant's signature dish. The rich broth made from pork bones is sprinkled with chopped green onion and shredded egg to give it more flavor.

You dip the soft and tender pork ribs in a special sour and spicy garlic sauce and they just   melt in your mouth. You won't be able to find anything like this at other restaurants.

This warm bowl of delicious noodles is perfect for the colder weather!

Hantan River Milky Way Bridge (철원한탄강 은하수교)

Address: 강원 철원군 동송읍 장흥리 725-12 725-12 Jangheung-ri,Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do 

Hours:  09:00-17:00 Closed Tue

After lunch, we headed to the Hantan River Milky Way Bridge. This bridge is 180 meters long, 3 meters wide, and can hold up 2,311 people.

Because there is no public transportation, you must take a taxi to get here. The fare from Goseokjeong is about 3,500 won

Does the glass walkway in the middle look familiar? Many sky bridges in South Korea use this design.

The Hantan River Milky Way Bridge is an asymmetrical suspension bridge with a simple design that blends harmoniously with the surrounding terrain. It is lit up at night, so you'll experience a thrilling, beautiful view both morning and night!

On the other side of the bridge, you can see a large sign introducing the new observatory. It is expected that the observatory will open in 2022 and become a popular tourist attraction.

Although it's a little inconvenient to get here, we really recommend walking across the bridge during your visit to Cheorwon.

There are fewer people here than at other attractions and the scenery is truly beautiful, so it will definitely be worth it!

Cafe Eunhasu (카페  은하수 )

Address:  강원도 철원군 동송읍 한탄강길 112

Hours:  11:00-21:00

Right next to the Hantan River, you will find Cafe Eunhasu, or Cafe Milky Way. This is the only cafe in this area, so you can easily find it.

The cafe has two floors and is very spacious. You can enjoy the view of the Milky Way Bridge from the outdoor seating on the first floor and from the second floor, you can see the bridge and also some nearby fields.

In addition to drinks, such as coffee and juice, there are also many desserts available, but the most famous one is the Kiss Ring. 

The three flavors it comes in are cheese, garlic, and blueberry. It's huge, so 3 to 4 people can enjoy together. 

Almost every table in the cafe had ordered one, so we decided we had to try it too! 

Blueberry Latte (블루베리 라떼) 6,000 won

The blueberry latte was a new item at the cafe. It's really big and looked pretty. You get some blueberry bits with every sip, but the milk was a little weak. After stirring, it felt more like drinking blueberry water.

I personally do not recommend this drink and think you should try ordering something else. 

Blueberry Kiss Ring (Kiss Ring 블루베리빵) 8,900 won

The inside of the Kiss Ring is filled with blueberry jam with real blueberry chunks. The outer layer of the bread is brushed with a sweet jam. It was so yummy, no wonder almost every table ordered one!

That's it for our recommended one day itinerary to Cheorwon. We hope you'll be able to enjoy your time in Gangwondo and make some special memories! 

If you're looking for more to do in Gangwondo, check out our blog on  Chuncheon and Gangneung must-sees .

Cheorwon DMZ Tour - Seoul - With Reviews

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• Cheorwon DMZ Tour

Cheorwon DMZ Tour - Seoul

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Free Cancellation
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 9 Hrs
• Departure Time : 8am
• Departure Details : Your hotel
• Return Details : Your hotel (But if your hotel is not at Jung-gu, Jongno-gu, Gangnam-gu, or Seocho-gu, we will drop you off at Lotte Hotel Seoul (30 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul)
• If you cancel within 3 calendar days (72 hours) of the scheduled departure time, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the undiscounted tour price.
• If you cancel between 4 to 7 Calendar days before scheduled tour departure,the cancellation charge will be 50% of the undiscounted tour price.
• If you cancel at least 8 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure time, there is no cancellation fee. You will receive Full Refund for the paid amount.
• Please note that in case of No show, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the listed tour fare.
• Please note tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Know More about this tour

During the Korean War, Cheorwon changed hands several times between the UN invasion of North Korea and the Chinese invasion of South Korea. By 1951, the front line had stabilized, cutting across Cheorwon County, and the area became part of the Iron Triangle battlefield. Following the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the Korean Demilitarized Zone cut Cheorwon County into two, creating Cheorwon County in South Korea and Chorwon County in North Korea. A number of Korean War sites in Cheorwon County are now tourist destinations including the Second Incursion Tunnel, Cheorwon Peace Observatory, the former Woljeong-ri Station and the former Korean Workers Party Office. The Second Incursion Tunnel is discovered at 800m (0.5 mile) south of Military Demarcation Line under Korean Armistice Agreement in March 1975. This incomplete tunnel is 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long, of 2 m (6 ft 5 in) maximum high and 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) wide. It runs through bedrock at a depth of 50 (164 ft) - 160m (525 ft) below ground. It was apparently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea, and could accommodate 30,000 men per hour along with light weaponry. Initially, North Korea denied building the tunnel. North Korea then declared it part of a coal mine, the tunnel having been blackened by construction explosions. Signs in the tunnel claim that there is no geological likelihood of coal being in the area. The walls of the tunnel where tourists are taken are observably granite, a stone of igneous origin, whereas coal would be found in stone of sedimentary origin. A total of four tunnels have been discovered so far, but it is believed that there might be up to twenty more. The Peace Observatory looks across the Demilitarized Zone. It is the part of South Korea closest to the North. Visitors can catch a rare glimpse of the reclusive North Korean state through binoculars. Woljeong-ri Station was a small train yard where rail stock was stored or shunted before leaving for Wonsan, now in North Korea. At the site are remains of a train used by the North Korean army which was bombed by UN forces. "The windows of the train car are twisted toward the sky and the frame and the body of the train are crooked and rusty." The former Korean Workers Party Office was located in the territory of North Korea by the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Therefore, this building was bombed mostly during the Korean War and it is almost destroyed.

Professional guide

Entrance fees

Transport by air-conditioned coach

Hotel pickup (But if your hotel is not at Jung-gu, Jongno-gu, Gangnam-gu, or Seocho-gu, you need to come to Lotte Hotel Seoul (30 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul)

Gratuities (optional)

Food and drinks

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

A minimum of 2 people is required to book this tour but if you are traveling alone, you can join this tour at the price of 2 adults

There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is unscheduled closing, or maintenance. In the event of this occurring, you will get full refund

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Traveler Reviews

I'm so glad I chose this tour: Alex was a wonderful tour guide, so informative, knowledgeable and fun! I learned so much about Korea, not just the DMZ. Plus, It was great to be in a group of 6 in a van instead of a bus load of people. This made it much more personable and relaxing to not fight the crowds. Bring water and snacks and wear comfy shoes for the tunnel you may get a little wet, which was definitely the highlight for me. To top it off, the lunch was delicious!

I can and #39;t say enough good things about this tour. If you want to see, really see the conflict that exists between N and S Korea, this is the way to do it. The semi private nature of this tour is perfect, away from the tour group hustle and bustle. Alex is an amazingly informative guide, amazing food.

I travel a lot for work and I coordinate a lot of logistics for a very very large global organization. I was skeptical of this tour because there weren't very many reviews but I am glad I did! I booked this tour because it is the only DMZ tour that is available on Mondays the other DMZ tour that everyone goes to--tunnel 3, panmunjom, etc--is closed on Mondays. I am really glad we chose this tour and to go on Monday! It is a two hour drive from Seoul and they pick you up in a nice comfortable private bus. Alex is very very funny and will give you some brief background and hilarious commentary on the history of Korea and the DMZ. This 2nd tunnel is not visited by that many tourists so you will likely be the only foreigners to visit. I highly recommend this tour because it is just SO easy. They take care of everything and you will feel like a VIP being driven around everywhere. It is not touristy or kitschy like the panmunjom tour. I will definitely recommend this tour to others and probably refer people to Alex in the future for other Seoul visits. Thanks!

I thought big group tour. But, only my couple formed the group. MIN-HO, the English speaking guy took the driving and guide role from SEOUL. I asked MIN-HO why this tour is available only on Monday. He said 99 DMZ tourists visit 3rd Tunnel Dora Observatory, but that tour is closed on Monday. So, I asked again Do you mean...this tour is inferior to 3rd Tunnel Dora Observatory tour? He said No...because there are so many tour operators are offering 3rd Tunnel Dora Observatory tours, our company doesn't need to compete with them. Unfortunately, most tourists join the tours without understanding where they are going.

In the beginning, I was not sure if I chose good tour. But, I realized that I took very genuine Korea tour. We passed two security check points and we were screened by Korean soldiers. They requested to turn off the recording machine at front wind shield in the car. Our guide said we are not supposed to take photo/video in the car while the car is moving. Besides our car, only 2 cars join this tour. All Koreans except our couple!

The first place was 2nd discovered tunnel. Two Korean soldiers assisted us to wear helmet and we went down through the real tunnel dug by North Korean. Bit scary because I heard 8 number of innocent Korean soldiers were died when they reconnoitered inside the tunnel for the first time.

The second place was an observatory. Guide said there are more than 10 observatories around the border. After watching short video, we could have the chance of looking North Korean soldiers through binoculars. Luckily, we could see some North Korean soldiers who are working outside. Guide said they need to grow something because the food is not enough. Also, I was shocked when I saw the big guard post military building inside DMZ. This is South Korean building! The guide said he doesn't know how many such military facilities are operating inside DMZ and North Korea is operating the similar number of buildings inside DMZ too...in response to my question. I realized that this is a breach of Cease Fire Agreement.

The third place was a ruin of small train station. And the last was the ruin of Labor Party Office. The both places were live until the break-out of Korean War. So, I asked How come this Cheorwon became the territory of South Korea? The guide replied Some places above-38 latitude owned by South Korea e.g., Cheorwon, some places below-38 latitude occupied by North Korea...at the time of cease fire agreement.

Very pity this small country is separated for the last 60 years! I really hope they will be unified soon as per our guide's expectation.

Excellent, thoughtful tour with Alex through the DMZ. A highlight of our time in South Korea!

Alex was a WONDERFUL host for our day trip. He is very experienced, and he knows exactly where to take the tour group to get the 'real' experience - this is away from all the other tourists! We felt like it was a private chauffeured tour because we were given so much attention, and he went above and beyond to show us the countryside as well as answer all of my cultural questions even letting me practice my Korean phrases with him. Also, the lunch place was THE BEST! I'm not sure if everyone gets the amazing Donkatsu experience, but that was worth the money alone. But seriously, Alex was funny, knowledgeable, interested and interesting. Our time visiting the DMZ was enhanced by his presence and I would recommend this over any other tour. You would be very lucky to make it on to one of his tours. Thank you!

I've been to the Dora Observatory and 3rd infiltration tunnel before with the bus loads of other tourists. This tour was completely different! There were 4 of us in a minivan for the tour, and when we arrived in Cheorwon about 2 hours later, there were only about 5 other cars, all Koreans, joining the DMZ tour. There were no tour buses, no loud-speakers, no souvenir sellers, etc. We all drove into the secure area as a convoy, and our guide Alex gave us commentary in English while we were driving and also interpreted the Korean DMZ guide's commentary for us at each stop. We visited the 2nd infiltration tunnel, an observatory, former train station, and then had a huge lunch of Tonkatsu, which was delicious, before heading home. I would thoroughly recommend this tour for people who want an authentic experience and don't want to be herded around like cattle among thousands of other people at the other, more popular, DMZ area.

This was my second time to visit DMZ. Last time, I picked up a brochure at my hotel and joined the tour with around 10 people. But, it seemed like a theme park Very crowded and noisy. I couldn't feel any serious mood between two Koreas.

By chance, I found this tour upon my inquiry What DMZ tour is. I realized that there are more places other than Paju DMZ my last DMZ tour place, which consists of 3rd tunnel and Dora observatory.

As I expected, the distance is longer than Paju and we could access Cheorwon passing by several rural area in 1h50m.

Two things make this tour special comparing to my previous DMZ tour.

- We didn't need to get on the bus to go inside DMZ area. Last time, I had bad experience in the bus because the majority group people were very noisy and they didn't care other passengers. But, we traveled around by our car and 6 of us could talked each other while our guide was explaining something.

- I could feel the real tension from the atmosphere. For example, I was startled at salute at attention when we pass by security check-point. Maybe, not many people were coming here. At the entrance of 2nd infiltrated tunnel, I saw the memorial pagoda for the soldiers who were died because they stepped on a mine while they were approaching the tunnel for the first time. Also, I could hear the some broadcasting in the distance. Our guide said it was came from North Korea in response to South Korea's broadcasting as a part of psychological warfare.

It was very interesting experience. But, I hope this hostile environment will be defused soon.

10-day tour of inter-Korean border area to expose reclusive North from afar

I t hasn't been this difficult to get a glimpse of North Korea in a long time. Between travel restrictions to the reclusive country itself and fraying relations with its neighbors China and Russia, it's nearly impossible to visit or even come close. A group of North Korea experts working together with NK News aims to provide the next best thing by leading a 10-day group tour of the south side of the inter-Korean border area from Sept. 21 to 30.

"If you're interested in North Korea, this is the best you can realistically get for a long period of time," said Andrei Lankov, a renowned Russian scholar and expert on North Korea. "Such a trip gives visitors a sense of how close yet profoundly different the two countries are. It explains why the South is so concerned about the situation, shows how truly impenetrable and tightly sealed the North-South border is, and, of course, presents many opportunities to discuss North Korea, its past and its future."

"The tour is designed both for those who might normally wish to visit North Korea but can't right now due to the DPRK's ongoing border closure to most Western countries," added Chad O'Carroll, founder and CEO of NK News, who will be along on the tour throughout. "Secondly, it's designed for those with research, professional or academic interests in the DPRK."

Currently, North Korean tourism is open only to Russian nationals, following years of total closures during the pandemic. Additionally, the U.S. government has forbidden its citizens from visiting for even longer.

"It is somewhat peculiar because the Russian potential as a source of tourists is quite limited. Before 2019, only a few thousand Russians visited North Korea annually. I believe that now, even with the most active promotional efforts, this number is likely to remain in the low tens of thousands," Lankov said.

He noted that even Chinese tourists, once the majority of the North's tourist market, have not returned.

"This probably reflects the current North Korean policy. Among others, the DPRK government is trying to play Russia and China against one another, just as they did so brilliantly back in the 1960s and 1970s," Lankov said.

He said he doesn't expect North Korea to welcome back Western tourists in the foreseeable future.

"From the North Korean point of view, every Western tourist is a potential source of problems. She can see too much, hear what she is not supposed to hear, and even her presence, her dress and her gadgets send highly undesirable visual signals to the common North Koreans — signals about the prosperity of the supposedly 'evil and suffering' capitalist West," he said. "In the past, North Korean authorities tolerated Western tourists because they needed the money paid by these tourists and some exposure to the Western world. Now, the situation has changed. The amount of money that can be earned by accepting Western tourists is quite small, almost negligible, by their current standards. So, I believe that it will take quite a few years — yes, years, not months — before the first Western tourists reappear on the streets of Pyongyang."

• Pyongyang, Moscow boost tourism exchanges as more Russians set to visit
• North Korea expected to renew efforts to promote tourism next year

Lankov has visited the North many times over the years, starting in the 1980s when he studied at Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University in the 1980s. His last trip was in spring 2018.

He speaks supportively of tourism to North Korea, although he urges caution regarding the messages being presented.

"Tours there, even in the best of times (say, around 2010), were highly scripted and carefully controlled," he said.

Meanwhile, from the South side of the border area, the North may attempt to manipulate what observers can see, but O'Carroll stresses that there is much to glean from the remote glimpses.

"You'll still see very developing conditions and lots of evidence of the huge economic disparities between the two nations," he said. "Further, on the East Coast guests can get a taste of the former inter-Korean tourism zone and all that came and went in that area. And on the West Sea islands, you can get a taste of really remote life in South Korea and the risks and dangers that come with being so close to the DPRK."

The first stop of the tour is Yeonpyeong Island, South Korea's remote northwestern territory located just 12 kilometers from the North. It is reachable only by ferry. Lankov will join this leg of the tour, giving a briefing of the island's history, including the many clashes with the North in the area, such as the deadly 2010 shelling of the island.

The next stop is the Joint Security Area in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, with the iconic Truce Village where North and South confront each other in a decades-long stalemate. The JSA itself is currently inaccessible to tour groups due to current security restrictions, although O'Carroll stated that they have applied for an exception and are waiting for an answer.

Having toured the same area from both sides, Lankov pointed out how different an experience each side offers.

"The South Korean government and USFK have turned the DMZ trip, especially the Panmunjom visit (when such visits were allowed), into a sort of patriotic/security consciousness show for South Korean citizens, as well as a sort of James Bond theme park for Western tourists," Lankov explained.

In contrast, he described the North side's version of the tour as "strangely enough, far more relaxed."

"North Korean tourists are not allowed inside the DMZ; they are not present on these tours, and for their visiting foreigners, it's necessary to project not the image of sanctions but rather the image of a relaxed, peace-loving country," he said. "So, basically, they have no reason to worry that much since no potential troublemaker is allowed to approach the DMZ from the northern side, and they are delivering a different propaganda message."

• [Holiday in North Korea] Touring both sides of Korea's DMZ

On day 5, the tour arrives in Cheorwon County in northwestern Gangwon Province, a region that was originally wholly in the North but now is divided in half between the two Koreas. There are many relics to see, including the ruins of the Workers' Party headquarters.

The next day, they'll reach Sokcho, Gangwon Province, a coastal city with heavily fortified beaches against North Korean incursions. For this part of the trip, the group will be joined by NK News podcaster Jacco Zwetsloot and editorial director Jeongmin Kim.

The day after that, they'll drive north up the coast to the border county of Goseong. There, guests can shop at a gift shop selling North Korean products, visit Kim Il-sung's former beach house and go on a "treasure hunt" for North Korean artifacts washed up on the shore.

After returning to Seoul, the group will later make one final stop in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon's Ganghwa Island. Stops include Gyodong Island and Daeryong Market, originally founded by North Korean refugees.

"There is a lot which can be learned about the two Koreas by visiting the inter-Korean border, especially when you're accompanied by experts like on our special itinerary," O'Carroll said.

There are only 20 spots available, and it's cheaper to buy in earlier. The deadline for registration is Sept. 1. Visit signup.nknews.org/north-korea-from-a-near-distance-tour for more information including a full itinerary and to register.

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Screen Rant

90 day fiancé’s loren brovarnik reveals her sons' shocking hair transformation amid mommy makeover & israel trip backlash.

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90 day fiancé star alexei brovarnik's giant mistake in israel might foreshadow trouble ahead with loren, 90 day fiancé's michael ilesanmi reveals how angela deem legal battle is affecting well-being after joining new family.

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• Despite past controversies, Loren's focus on joy and positivity shows growth as a mom influencer.

Loren Brovarnik from 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? has shared photos of her two sons flaunting their fresh hair makeovers. She married Alexei Brovarnik in 2015 and welcomed three children between 2020 and 2022. Despite being a powerful mommy influencer on social media, Loren remains an active cast member of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise. She recently featured in 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? season 8 , showing viewers the ups and downs of her mommy makeover. Unfortunately, Loren received criticism for promoting plastic surgery . She was also accused of being tone-deaf for posting some cheerful pictures from Israel.

Loren appears to be careful about what she posts on social media amid all the backlash she has received. She has focused on sharing happier updates about her American life, painting a more vibrant and positive image on social media.

Loren recently shared a huge update, letting fans know that her sons, Shai and Asher, got their first-ever haircuts. She posted photos and videos of her children holding their cut-off ponytails and smiling .

With his short hair, Loren's older kid, Shai, looked just like his dad, Alexei. Meanwhile, the younger boy, Asher, resembled none other than Loren herself.

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

90 Day Fiancé Fans React To Loren Brovarnik's Sons' Hair Makeovers

Shai & asher look handsome after their fresh haircuts.

Loren shared the pictures expressing that her sons have grown into "big boys" after hair makeovers. Her sweet post garnered over 81k likes in just one day, with followers and co-stars complimenting the boys' new hairstyles. One Instagram user, @sweetmeli13 , wrote, "aww Mama how cute! Those boys are just freaking gorgeous," telling Loren that her sons got the "mama and daddy's genes." Another user, @debmorman53 , commented, "they both look so handsome." Cast members like Debbie Johnson, Angela Deem, Jasmine Pineda, Darcey Silva, Emily Bieberly, and others showed love by double-tapping on Loren's post.

It's refreshing to see Loren shifting towards more positive content, as she has previously damaged her credibility with several controversies in recent months.

From her scandalous mommy makeover to her controversial Israel trip, she has dropped the ball too many times, causing permanent harm to her reputation. Fortunately, Loren appears to have learned from these experiences and has grown more humble. Instead of using her sons' haircuts to attract attention or make a statement, she shared their cute pictures to bring joy to her followers.

While Loren is doing her best to win fans over, it'll take some time before they trust her again. Viewers are growing weary of seeing the same reality TV cast members repeatedly. They urge the producers to feature new faces and give veteran couples a break. Loren would likely benefit from taking a break from the franchise. She should also consider limiting her online updates to pique fans' curiosity. It might be best for her to return to 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? following a four or five-year hiatus, as this would generate more interest in her story.

90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC.

Source: Loren Brovarnik /Instagram, @sweetmeli13 /Instagram, @debmorman53 /Instagram

90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

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90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? follows couples from '90 Day Fiancé' as they continue to navigate their lives together post-marriage, addressing challenges and triumphs that come with cross-cultural relationships and adjusting to new expectations.

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ACROSS THE COUNTRY

In Counterculture San Francisco, a Church Has Become the Place to Be

Yoga, laser art and Bobby McFerrin are attracting residents who are longing for a community — but not necessarily religion.

WHY WE’RE HERE

We’re exploring how America defines itself one place at a time. In San Francisco, a city that loves the new, many residents are flocking to an old cathedral.

By Heather Knight

Reporting from Grace Cathedral in San Francisco

San Francisco residents have always celebrated the new, the innovative, the cutting-edge. The weirder, the better. But these days, they are flocking to a surprising venue for the cool factor: a church that is older than the city itself.

High atop Nob Hill, above the clanging cable cars and luxury hotels, stands the majestic Grace Cathedral . The Episcopal congregation dates back to 1849, the year before the city was incorporated, when pews were filled with miners tossing gold dust into the offering plates at a precursor to the current building.

The Gothic cathedral, built in 1927 for the same congregation, has for decades been home to traditional religious rites and events: Sunday services, baptisms, weddings, funerals and Christmas choral performances. But in the past few years, it has boomed for reasons that have nothing to do with the Bible. Just the other week, a public art display featuring colorful lasers beamed from the roof of the nearby Fairmont Hotel into the big, round window at the front of the cathedral. The event drew more than 1,000 onlookers, including Sergey Brin, the billionaire co-founder of Google, and Kudra Kalema, a Ugandan prince and tech founder.

Kanye West, the rapper, has visited the cathedral during quiet hours to play the organ. Bobby McFerrin, the singer made famous by his 1988 hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” regularly leads cathedral goers in improvised song circles.

But it’s not just star power fueling the interest in Grace. In a city where office buildings remain among the emptiest in the nation, many remote workers in San Francisco are longing for a real-world community.

Two years ago, the San Francisco cathedral created Grace Arts, a program designed like a museum membership that charges an annual fee in exchange for benefits that include discounts on classes and events.

It has proven so popular that Grace Arts members now outnumber regular church members. About 820 households subscribe to Grace Arts, compared with 550 churchgoing households. Annual surveys show the average age of a Grace participant has dropped from 63 to 40 in just two years, signaling the new program is drawing a younger crowd.

Kimberly Porter-Leite volunteers at the cathedral’s twice-weekly yoga classes, sessions so popular she has to perform what she calls “mat Tetris” to ensure everybody fits between the columns and pews. The fire department has even required the cathedral to block off an open path with colorful cones so that the yogis can get out in an emergency, she said.

Ms. Porter-Leite, wearing black leggings and heart socks at a recent session, said she felt incredibly lonely during the pandemic, a hole made worse by the death of her mother.

She is not religious and is married to a woman she described as “a recovering Catholic” who felt mistreated by the church for being a lesbian. A cathedral was an unlikely place for her to spend her time, but she lives nearby and knew that Grace had a reputation for being liberal and welcoming. In 2021, she tried out a yoga class and was hooked.

“This place was a lifeline for me,” she said. “It is so weird and quirky and lovely and inclusive. It was such a relief.”

Darren Main has taught yoga classes at the cathedral for many years but said they used to be small and only recently have swelled. He, too, is gay and felt shamed by the Catholic church in which he was raised.

“A lot of people here left the church, not feeling particularly welcome or safe,” he said. “But we still need a space where we can be together for some reason besides bickering about politics.”

Others are finding community and joy at the cathedral by packing monthly sound baths, where they nestle into their sleeping bags to listen to musicians play by candlelight. They are dancing in the pews at tribute concerts to Sting, Queen — and, of course, Taylor Swift.

They are joining tours that allow them to venture into nooks of the cathedral that were long barred to visitors — including the closets where the bishop’s vestments are kept, the bell tower and the catwalks overlooking large stained glass windows featuring biblical scenes in vibrant colors. In some areas, the clearance is so low, visitors must don hard hats.

The cathedral has even hosted carnivals, drag queens and trapeze artists swinging from its soaring ceilings.

“Crazy San Francisco! Isn’t it great?” joked the Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young, the dean of Grace Cathedral, who regularly ditches his collar for a T-shirt and shorts at yoga class.

The groundswell of interest may seem unlikely in a city known for its counterculture and where organized religion is not a focus of many residents’ lives — except on Easter Sunday when they pack the hills of Dolores Park for the annual Hunky Jesus contest. One 2020 study , conducted by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, found that 35 percent of San Franciscans were religious adherents, compared with nearly 49 percent nationally.

Mr. Young said he was heartened that people of all religious stripes, as well as those who are agnostic and atheist, were joining the fun at the cathedral.

“We always say you can belong before you believe, or you can belong and never believe,” he said. “There’s such a spiritual hunger. We’re always going to look up at the stars in wonder. And we’re always going to ask why we’re here.”

Of course, the unusual offerings were designed out of self-interest, too.

Grace is just one of many churches around the country that has tried to pay the bills in an era in which fewer people are going to church and tithing every Sunday.

Maintaining the cavernous structure and paying for staff and utilities cost a staggering $17,000 a day. The cathedral relies mostly on large private donations, but its Grace Arts membership fees, as well as charges for one-off classes, tours and concerts help, too. Praying and meditating at the church remain free.

Some churches have had after-lives as cafes, nightclubs or fraternity houses . Housing proponents see an opportunity for congregations with a surplus of land, such as expansive parking lots, to build affordable units alongside their churches, using the slogan YIGBY, “Yes in God’s Backyard.”

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Mark Elsdon, a consultant who works with churches on transitioning their properties to other uses and is also an ordained minister, said more and more churches will face these conundrums.

“It’s a wave, a tsunami, and we’re actually just on the beginning of it,” he said. “There just isn’t the need for all that space.”

Mr. Young said he hears from the deans of cathedrals in Washington, D.C., New York City and elsewhere who want ideas on how to draw more people to their buildings, if not to their church services.

“We definitely consult with each other,” he said. “But we are the ones who are pushing the envelope more than they are.”

Or unfurling the yoga mat as the case may be.

On a recent Tuesday evening, Paul Wong performed his weekly routine: arriving early to claim a prized yoga spot on the labyrinth at the center of the cathedral, and stripping off his work clothes to reveal shorts and a T-shirt.

He is a religious agnostic but said he feels at home at Grace.

“It does feel like going to church a little bit, but it’s not pushed on you,” he said. “Whatever worries or stresses I have, it helps me release them.”

He lay down on his back and gazed up at the waning sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. He took a deep breath. He was at peace.

Ruth Graham contributed reporting.

Heather Knight is a reporter in San Francisco, leading The Times’s coverage of the Bay Area and Northern California. More about Heather Knight

Across the Country

We’re exploring how america defines itself one place at a time..

San Francisco: Yoga, laser art and Bobby McFerrin are attracting residents who are longing for a community  — but not necessarily religion.

Alamo, Texas: Every weekend, a flea market transforms from a Latino shopping mecca into a dance floor . The locals’ colorful moves have drawn fans around the world.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: A federal plan to remove feral cats from a historic site has upset some residents, who are also feeling pushed out as housing costs soar .

Muenster, Texas: The town has hosted a German-heritage festival for nearly 50 years. Then some locals rebelled .

Columbus, Miss.: Each spring, this Southern city has opened its Civil War-era homes to visitors. But some say the event should instead reflect  the oppression behind the architecture .

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Meet Colombia's 'Incredible' Invictus Games Team on Trip Abroad

Team Colombia athlete Rosa Sanchez Bermudez previously told PEOPLE that the "Invictus Games are like a family"

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are spending time with members of Colombia's Invictus Games team during their trip to the country.

On Aug. 16, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex connected with competitors during the second day of their trip to the South American country .

Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

The event in Bogotá convened athletes from the Colombian team with Invictus Games founder Prince Harry, who launched the international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans in 2014.

Harry, 39, got involved towards the end of the visit. He joined a volleyball match with the partner of the country's vice president, Rafael Yerney Pinillo, while Meghan, 43, and Vice President Francia Márquez cheered them on.

Earlier, Prince Harry and Meghan were shown around the facilities of the Centro de Rehabilitación Inclusiva, touring the swimming pool, rock climbing wall gym and the rehabilitation areas. The couple talked to the athletes about their exercise regimens, their favorite workouts and how they stay strong.

“It’s amazing to see how many people can come together to form one team,” Prince Harry said in the center’s cardiovascular room. Marveling at the action, Meghan added, “They are all so incredible to watch."

After the match, Prince Harry made sure to greet a group of Korean War veterans, and the couple toured the center’s art hall which featured artwork created by Invictus athletes.

Duchess Meghan was gifted a painting, hand-knitted animals, a beaded necklace and matching earrings from some of the artists, while Prince Harry was awarded a special commemorative plaque from the Ministry of National Defense Veterans.

“To Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex,” read an athlete while presenting the gift to the Duke .

“In recognition and gratitude for your dedication and invaluable opportunities for recovery through sports and the Invictus Games for Colombian wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces and Police Personnel, serving or veterans.”

In September 2023, Colombia became the first South American country to participate in the Invictus Games by sending a delegation to the sixth edition of the competition in Düsseldorf, Germany. Prince Harry and Meghan watched the Colombian team compete in a gold medal sitting volleyball match against Poland and joined a group photo after the match wrapped.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty

Rosa Sanchez Bermudez, the Colombian team's first female competitor at the Invictus Games who was injured in her work as a police officer, previously told PEOPLE that the "Invictus Games are like a family." 

According to Colombia's profile page on the Invictus Games website, the Military Forces of Colombia have about 290,000 members across three branches.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the Invictus Games-related engagement after a busy second day in Bogotá, where they kicked off their Colombia trip on Aug. 15. Prince Harry and Meghan are in Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez, who announced on Aug. 1 that the couple "kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country" and would visit Bogotá, Cartagena and Cali.

Prince Harry and Meghan were welcomed to Colombia on Aug. 15 by Márquez, the first Black woman to hold the office of the country's vice presidency, and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then headed to a charter school to join students for a discussion on social media, checked out performances at the National Centre for the Arts and spoke at a summit at EAN University about forging a safer online future.

"With the Archewell Foundation, me and my wife believe that information integrity is a fundamental right," Prince Harry said in part.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are next set to visit the cities of Cartagena and Cali as their Colombia trip continues. The agenda is focused on on the core work of their charitable Archewell Foundation and other causes close to their hearts, including the military community and female empowerment. 

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MSU Basketball Has Landed in Spain, What to Know About the Trip

Aidan champion | aug 14, 2024.

• Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State men's basketball 10-day trip to Spain is underway as the Spartans arrived in Madrid on Wednesday afternoon.

Here's everything you need to know about their stay:

The Spartans will spend three days in Madrid, followed by stays in Valencia and Barcelona. They will play one game while in each city.

Michigan State's game in Madrid takes place Thursday. Its game in Valencia will be held Saturday, and its final game will take place in Barcelona on Monday.

The following is an update from Day 1, per a release:

The Spartans flew out of Detroit Airport at 6:30 p.m., arriving in Amsterdam International Airport around 8 a.m. They then flew to Madrid at 9:30 a.m.

Michigan State touched ground around noon local time, before heading to Las Ventas Bullring, the largest bullfighting ring in Spain and third-largest in the world at a capacity of nearly 23,800, according to the team's tour guide, Ernesto. Mexico and Venezuela have the largest.

The team did not get to witness any bullfighting, as events are held in September and October.

Las Vesta, which also hosts concerts, was the only venue in country that The Beatles had ever performed in, per Ernesto.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo told reporters last week what he wants from this trip.

"I'm hoping to get a lot out of it," Izzo said. "It is a bonding [experience], it is something to practice for for the end of the summer. It will be a good trip in that respect. It's a very close-knit team. I've been really impressed. We've done a lot of things together this summer. Just got back from my beach house, then we went into [Mat] Ishbia's, so we've gotten to do a lot of things together. This trip will be good in that respect."

This trip to Spain is a special one for Michigan State's men's basketball team. The Spartans had not ventured overseas since 2015 when Izzo took his team to Italy, where they played four games. That team, which succeeded the 2015 Final Four squad, was headlined by Denzel Valentine , Brynn Forbes, Matt Costello and Devonta Davis.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation  WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE , and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well  WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE .

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The 7 best grand canyon tours from las vegas.

Go beyond the glitz and glam to see one of the country's top natural landmarks.

The Best Grand Canyon Tours from Vegas

Courtesy of National Park Express

A trip to Las Vegas wouldn't be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring natural wonders just outside of it — particularly the Grand Canyon.

We've rounded up the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, whether you seek a relaxing bus tour, a thrilling helicopter ride, or a little bit of both. Note that most of these tours require a full day of your vacation itinerary.

• Best Overall: Canyon Tours – Grand Canyon West Rim Bus/Helicopter & Landing Tour with Optional Skywalk

Best West Rim: Grand Canyon Destinations – Grand Canyon West Rim Tour

Best south rim: national park express – grand canyon national park tour with lunch, best budget: grand canyon destinations – south rim bus tour, best all-inclusive: comedy on deck tours – grand canyon west ultimate tour, best for families: canyon tours – grand canyon south rim deluxe upgrade with imax, best helicopter: maverick helicopters – wind dancer, best overall: canyon tours – grand canyon west rim bus/helicopter & landing tour with optional skywalk.

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Price: From $368 per person Duration: About 10 hours

This adventure begins on the Las Vegas Strip , where passengers board an air-conditioned bus and head to the West Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. From there, they board a helicopter that descends 4,000 feet, landing on the floor of the canyon. Next, visitors head for Grand Canyon West, which is home to Guano Point, Eagle Point and Hualapai Ranch. There's also an option to brave the world-famous glass Skywalk for sweeping views (and an additional fee).

Good to know: Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribal Nation. In the tribe's traditions, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River are considered living, spiritual entities. When visiting Grand Canyon West, travelers are immersed in the rich culture and history of the Hualapai Nation.

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Price: From $94 per person Duration: About 11 hours

This tour will show you the best of the West Rim, including the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge (for an added fee). After being picked up from select Vegas hotels and traveling three hours on an air-conditioned bus, passengers get to spend up to four hours exploring the West Rim. A must-see lookout point at the West Rim is Guano Point, from which you can trek to Highpoint Hike and get a view of the Colorado River.

A lunch box, snacks and plenty of water are included with the tour. One unique feature of this outing is that you get to stop at the Hoover Dam for a photo (but keep in mind this stop is only available seasonally). You can also choose from several upgrades, including a Skywalk admission ticket, a helicopter ride or a boat excursion.

No matter which option you choose, previous travelers say you will enjoy this tour — especially the expert guides, who they describe as both informative and entertaining.

Good to know: Because it's closer to the Las Vegas desert, this side of the Grand Canyon is the warmest year-round, with hot and dry summers, mild shoulder seasons, and occasional snowfall in the winter.

Price: From $119 per person Duration: About 13 hours

If you're looking to visit the South Rim — the most popular part of Grand Canyon National Park — consider this bus tour from National Park Express. Tour rates include admission to some of the most popular Grand Canyon attractions , including Mather Point and Bright Angel Point , and you'll get about three hours total to explore. Previous travelers commend the tour guides and drivers, noting they are both knowledgable and pleasant.

Lunch, bottled water and a granola bar are included in tour rates. Plus, you can select your own pickup location from several Las Vegas-area hotels and be dropped off at one of three locations (Excalibur, Horseshoe or Treasure Island).

Good to know: Visitors who are looking to experience the wildlife native to the area (such as coyotes and bighorn sheep) often choose the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is home to more animal species than the West Rim.

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Price: From $74 per person Duration: About 15 to 16 hours

This bus tour – which takes around four hours to get to the South Rim's Mather Point from Vegas – gives visitors the opportunity to walk along Bright Angel Trail; it leads to Bright Angel Lodge, located in the Village Historic District.

You can also stock up on snacks and souvenirs at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, since the tour only includes a box lunch and water. Or, upgrade your excursion with the guided walking tour add-on. Another historic part of the tour is the scenic drive along the famous Route 66, one of the first U.S. highways.

Previous travelers say this tour makes for a really long day, but that the experience is well worth the time.

Good to know: Located farther from Vegas, the South Rim is cooler, with rainy and snowy winters, and more moderate temperatures in spring, summer and fall.

Courtesy of Comedy on Deck Tours

Price: From $139 per adult Duration: About 10.5 hours

This full-day Grand Canyon tour run by Comedy on Deck Tours gives guests several options to customize their experience, such as a VIP Skywalk tour. But there is also a great base package. Guests are treated to not one but two sit-down meals from local restaurants: a freshly prepared breakfast and a barbecue lunch with an incredible view of the canyon.

Additionally, this all-inclusive tour stops at the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon, so guests get to experience two national landmarks for the price of one. The professional comedian who doubles as a tour guide makes for an even more fun experience according to previous tourgoers.

Good to know: The West Rim is typically less crowded than the South Rim, so it may be a good option for your Grand Canyon destination if you're hoping to avoid all the tourist congestion.

Price: From $100 per person Duration: About 14 hours

This South Rim bus tour from Canyon Tours offers a full day of activities that kids will enjoy. Not only will youngsters marvel at the beauty of the canyon, but they can also have an immersive experience at the IMAX theater, which plays a film that takes you into the center of the canyon. Additionally, your family will get a chance to see the Hoover Dam as you cross the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.

Lunch and bottled water are included in tour rates.

Good to know: Visitor centers throughout the park offer free activities that allow children 4 and older to earn an official Junior Ranger badge and learn about nature, history and park preservation.

Price: From $599 per person Duration: 4 hours

One of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours , this excursion features panoramic views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Mojave Desert and of course, the Grand Canyon. The tour covers roughly 10 miles of the Grand Canyon before landing 3,500 feet below the rim of the Hualapai Indian Territory, where Champagne and light snacks are served. Previous visitors say this is one of the highlights of the tour.

This helicopter tour departs the Las Vegas Strip Terminal, and complimentary shuttle service is available for hotels within a 5-mile radius of the departure point. Note that helicopter weight restrictions apply for safety purposes.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Taylore Fox is a Las Vegas local who has two decades' worth of experience living in and exploring the city. As an experienced writer, reader, researcher and learner, she believes there is always something new to learn and explore, even in one's own hometown.

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