Introduction
Situated in Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do and at the northernmost point of the Military Demarcation Line, Dora Observatory replaced the previous Songaksan Observation Post. From the observatory, visitors can overlook North Korea and various locations including Gaeseong, Songaksan, Kim Il-Sung Statue, and Cooperation Farm (Geumamgol). The observatory offers 500 seats, VIP rooms, and abundant parking space. It was first opened to the public in January 1987.
Near the observatory is the Third Underground Tunnel, built by North Korea and found in 1978. It stretches over 1.6km with a x_height and x_width of 2m, capable of mobilizing 30,000 troops in one hour. In front of the tunnel are a variety of attractions such as the DMZ Media Hall (offering the history of the divided country and flourishing ecosystem in the Demilitarized Zone), DMZ Exhibition Hall (displaying relics and documents related to the Demilitarized Zone), sculptures, and souvenir shops. Visitors can see inside the tunnel by either walking or riding the monorail.
Because civilian access is restricted in this area, visitors must participate in the DMZ Peace & Security Tourist Program (implemented by Paju-si) to visit the observatory. Conducted by a shuttle bus either from Imjingak Resort or Dorasan Station, it goes through the Dora Observatory, 3rd Underground Tunnel, Dorasan Station, and Unification Village. Visitors must carry their passport, which is examined at the checkpoint just beyond Unification Bridge.
Address:
310, Je3ttanggul-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do[Google Map]
Closed:
Mondays, public holidays excluding Saturday, Sunday, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
Homepage:
tour.paju.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
www.dmz.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
How To Use
Parking Facilities:
Available (30-40 spaces)
Transportation
[Train]
Munsan Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
From the station, transfer to a train to Imjingang Station.
From Imjingak, take a shuttle bus to Dora Observatory.
[Bus]
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 6.
Upon exiting the station, make a u-turn, and turn left at the corner.
Go straight about 120m to the bus stop.
Take Bus No. 9710 and get off at Munsan Terminal.
From the terminal, transfer to Bus No. 058 bound for Imjingak (1hr interval).
*
Please double-check that Bus No. 058 goes to Imjingak before boarding.
Additional Info
Tour Course Information:
[DMZ-related Tour]
A Course (approx. 3 hours): Departure from Imjingak → The 3rd Tunnel (DMZ video room) → Dora Observatory → Dorasan Station → Tongilchon Jikpanjang → Tongilchon Village Museum → Return to Imjingak
B Course (approx. 3 hours 30 min): Departure from Imjingak → Tomb of Heo-jun → Haemaruchon → The 3rd Tunnel (DMZ video room) → Dora Observatory → Return to Imjingak
Available Facilities:
500 seats, VIP room, situation room, 34 telescopes
Facility Utilization Fees:
Telescope: 500 won for 2 min
Restrooms:
Available
Parking Fees:
[Imjingak Parking Fee]
Light-weight cars: 1,000 won
Small cars: 2,000 won
Mid-sized cars: 3,000 won
Large cars 5,000 won
tel: +82-31-954-0303
zipcode: 10800
infocenter: • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-31-954-0303,
+82-31- 940-8348
usetime: Ticketing 09:00-15:00 (ticketing may end earlier depending on the volume of tourists)
