Tucked away near the edge of Seoul lies the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness North Korea from just 1.4 kilometers away. This DMZ observatory, the closest of its kind, provides an unforgettable experience with guided tours, free telescopes, and breathtaking views of the neighboring country. But the park’s allure extends beyond its prime location, inviting guests to explore its ecological exhibition hall and beautifully landscaped grounds. For those seeking a captivating blend of stunning scenery and historical intrigue, this Seoul excursion promises an adventure like no other.
Key Points
- The Aegibong Peace Eco Park is the closest observatory to North Korea, located just 1.4 km from the border.
- The park offers free telescope usage for scenic views of North Korea and features a suspension bridge leading to the closest Starbucks to the border.
- Visitors can explore the ecological exhibition hall showcasing the region’s biodiversity and enjoy the park’s beautifully designed architecture and landscaping.
- The tour includes a visit to the Jogang Observatory, which provides panoramic city views and features an impressive architectural design.
- The tour also includes 2 hours of shopping at the Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo, offering discounted prices on luxury goods and dining options.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour from the Seoul DMZ Observatory is priced at $55.00 per person, with a duration of 7 hours.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes transportation, a tour guide, and admission fees. Guests must bring a passport or copy.
Meeting points vary by booking option, with tour guide languages offered in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Itineraries are subject to change, but highlights include a unique Starbucks experience near North Korea, an ecological exhibition hall, and beautiful architecture.
Looking for more options in Gimpo Si? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Locations
Departing from various starting locations, including 호텔스카이파크 명동3호점, Hongik Univ. Station Exit 3, and THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection, the tour takes visitors on a 7-hour journey.
First, they’ll explore the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, just 1.4 km from the North Korean border, with a 1.5-hour guided tour.
Next, they’ll visit the Jogang Observatory for a 1-hour guided tour, followed by 2 hours at the Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo.
Transportation is provided by bus or coach, with the tour concluding at 서울특별시청.
Observatories and Attractions
The tour’s closest observatory to North Korea is just 1.4 km away, situated at the Aegibong Peace Eco Park. Visitors can use free telescopes to gaze across the border, taking in scenic views of the open sky and flowing river. The park also features a renovated observatory and suspension bridge leading to the Starbucks closest to North Korea.
| Observatory | Tour Duration | Highlights |
|————-|————–|————|
| Aegibong | 1 hour | Telescope usage, views of North Korea, eco-park |
| Jogang | 1 hour | Panoramic city views, architectural design |
| Hyundai | 2 hours | Premium outlet shopping, dining options |
The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience these observatories and attractions near the DMZ.
Aegibong Peace Eco Park
Aegibong Peace Eco Park serves as the tour’s closest vantage point to North Korea, situated just 1.4 kilometers away from the border.
Aegibong Peace Eco Park offers the closest view of North Korea, just 1.4 kilometers from the border.
The renovated observatory and ecological park offer visitors several highlights:
-
A suspension bridge leading to the Starbucks closest to North Korea.
-
Free telescope usage at the observatory for scenic views of the North Korean landscape, open sky, and flowing river.
-
An ecological exhibition hall showcasing the region’s biodiversity and natural wonders.
-
Beautifully designed architecture and landscaping that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Jogang Observatory
After exploring the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, the tour continues to the Jogang Observatory, which offers visitors a unique vantage point.
Located just 1.4 km from the North Korean border, this observatory provides a rare opportunity to observe the neighboring country. Visitors can take in panoramic views of the DMZ and surrounding landscapes.
The observatory features a guided tour, allowing guests to learn about the region’s history and geopolitical significance.
With its close proximity to North Korea, the Jogang Observatory offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the Korean Peninsula.
Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo
Following the visit to the Jogang Observatory, the tour heads to the Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo.
This sprawling shopping complex offers plenty for the tour group to enjoy:
-
Expansive collection of high-end international and domestic brands
-
Discounted prices on luxury goods and fashion
-
Free time to browse and shop at leisure
-
Convenient on-site dining options to refuel
With 2 hours set aside, the group can indulge in some retail therapy before continuing on to the final stop of the day.
Transportation and Logistics
The tour provides transportation throughout the day, with participants being picked up from select locations in Seoul before being transported by bus or coach to the various sites.
The journey to the Aegibong Peace Eco Park takes approximately 1.5 hours, while the return trip to Seoul is around 1 hour. All transportation is included in the tour price.
Participants will also be taken to the Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo, where they’ll have 2 hours to explore the shopping mall.
The tour concludes at Seoul City Hall, providing a convenient finish location for participants.
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information
The tour includes various amenities and services for participants.
Travelers can expect transportation, a knowledgeable tour guide, and admission fees to be covered. However, personal expenses like food, drinks, and souvenirs aren’t included.
Here’s what else you should know:
-
Bring a valid passport or copy.
-
Tour guide languages offered are Chinese, English, and Japanese.
-
Itineraries may change.
-
Highlights include an up-close Starbucks experience near North Korea, an ecological exhibition hall, and stunning architecture.
Ultimately, this tour provides a unique opportunity to view the DMZ observatory closest to North Korea, just 1.4 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Close Can I Get to the North Korean Border?
The tour includes a visit to the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, where visitors can get within 1.4 km of the North Korean border and enjoy views of the open sky and flowing river.
Are There Any Specific COVID-19 Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour has COVID-19 safety protocols in place, such as requiring masks and distancing. Guests must follow all current Korean government guidelines at the time of the tour. Specific details can be confirmed with the tour operator.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Starbucks Near the DMZ?
You can take photos inside the Starbucks near the DMZ, but the use of cameras and phones may be restricted in certain sensitive areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide for guidance on appropriate photography.
Is There an Option to Visit the DMZ Directly?
There’s no direct DMZ tour option on this itinerary. It focuses on observatories and attractions near the DMZ, like the Aegibong Peace Eco Park, rather than visiting the DMZ itself. Photography at the Starbucks nearest North Korea is allowed.
How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided for This Tour?
The transportation provided for this tour is reliable, as it includes chartered buses or coaches. Participants can expect a comfortable and efficient journey to the tour sites, with the transportation taking approximately 1.5 hours each way.
The Sum Up
The Aegibong Peace Eco Park offers a unique opportunity to observe North Korea from just 1.4 kilometers away. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views through free telescopes, explore the ecological exhibition hall, and stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds. This excursion combines stunning scenery with a rare chance to sip coffee near the border, providing an unforgettable experience for those interested in the history and geography of the region.
You can check availability for your dates here: