Korea's Demilitarized Zone, 3rd Tunnel & Imjingak Park

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when the North Korean People's Army poured across the 38th parallel. By July, American troops had joined the fight against the international forces of communism.

It was the first engagement of the Cold War and for a time, the allies hovered on the brink of a wider war with Russia and China: World War III. Eventually an international intervention pushed the front of the war back to near the 38th parallel. The Armistice Agreement of July 17, 1953 formalized a theoretical stalemate. The DMZ was created as each side agreed to move their troops back 2,200 yards to create a buffer zone monitored by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.

But the Demilitarized Zone is anything but. Check points, barbed wire, observation posts, military camps, warning signs, and infiltration tunnels mark a strip of land that is the most heavily militarized border in the world. Large numbers of troops are still stationed along both sides of the line and sporadic outbreaks of violence have marred an unsteady truce in a conflict of nations that claimed over three million lives.

A tour of the DMZ and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel cannot help but illuminate the tragedy of a country divided along ideological lines. Built by the North Koreans for an apparent surprise attack on Seoul, the tunnel was designed to carry 10,000 armed soldiers per hour. It was discovered in 1978 and today it provides adventurous visitors with the unique experience of walking through a portion of this 5,364-foot long, 6 by 6 foot conduit.

In the hope that unification would one day be possible, Imjingak was built in 1972. It boasts several imposing monuments, a Unification Park and the North Korea Center. The Bridge of Freedom across which South Koreans re-entered their mother country tugs at the heart. Another important feature of your tour is a visit to the Dora Observation Platform. This is the northernmost spot in South Korea from which visitors can gaze into North Korea. From here you can see Mt. Songaksan and Gijeongdon Village, a propaganda village promoting the better aspects of North Korean life. The medicinal water fountain called "manghyangsu" (water of nostalgia) not only soothes the grief of those who come to see their homeland but also quenches the thirst of visitors, so don't forget to have a drink before leaving. It's the perfect segue to a relaxing Korean BBQ meal at a local restaurant. Sit down to a tantalizing array of marinated meets grilled at your table on a charcoal fire. Wrap your meat in lettuce, add spicy condiments and flavorful vegetable accompaniments, and you'll have an authentic culinary experience.

Your return drive through the sights and sounds of downtown Incheon with its dazzling skyscrapers creating a mecca for international business, hospitality, shopping and entertainment reveals the modern-day boomtown of the Incheon Free Economic Zone. Just one of the city's most photographed landmarks is the 7.4 mile-long Incheon Bridge, a dazzling feat of civil engineering.

Special Notes:

-Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and bring a hat.
-The DMZ and 3rd Tunnel is closed Mondays and National holidays; this tour will not operate on these calls.
-All passengers need to bring their passport.

Passport Requirements:

For China homeport voyages only - Passengers traveling under a Chinese passport may go ashore on a tour without a Korean visa; tours must be pre-reserved prior to the cruise to allow time for Princess to make immigration arrangements.

Child Price:

12 years and under only