Joongang Express Tour
Joongang Express Tour
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
We are the licensed company by UNC We have Peace Co existence area JSA DMZ tour. After Korean War 1953, JSA is the only one place to see the division of the country. You are able to see both of soldier, ROK and KPA. and also If you would like to go to the North Korea, it is possible to go there when you visit Military Armistice Commission Building at JSA. 3rd tunnel, Dora observatory and Dorasan station are DMZ tour spots.
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Joongang Express Tour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Dirk_Schmoker
London, UK584 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
I did feel sorry for those who only opted to do the half day DMZ tour as they truly missed out on the most amazing experience at the JSA! The tour was a mixture of people doing the half day DMZ tour and those going on to the JSA in the afternoon so on our coach was a mixture of people wearing JSA regulation clothing (see below and my picture of the rules) and lots in shorts and vests. Don’t panic when you watch them get onto the coach and think you’ve overdressed as those dressed in shorts will go back to Seoul at lunchtime and miss out on the best part of the day!! In the morning we visited a number of attractions but I want to give a warning about one -the 3rd tunnel first. The physical exertion needed to go down and back up is very much underplayed by the guides so I want to make it very clear that it is really hard and there’s not actually a lot to see down there. If you are tall, unfit or have any mobility issues then I suggest you stay at the top. The way down to the tunnel is a 450m-ish steep slope down so the return is the same but uphill. It is incredibly challenging and there is nowhere to sit and rest. There is a train but our guide said it had to be booked 2 weeks in advance and they hadn’t done it. The tunnel itself is quite low so anyone over 5’10” will find themselves bent over and lunging for the full 150m-ish and back. The guide made it sound like a gentle walk but it really is a difficult walk. No phones or cameras are allowed down there so if you are any of the above then I would look it up on Google images and save yourselves the hassle, pain and potential injury.
On to the JSA tour which was in the afternoon when everyone in shorts went back to Seoul. Lunch was at the freedom bridge and the beef stew was surprising good. The biggest debate we had before the tour was what to wear as there were a lot of conflicting reports on the internet. So, I have attached a photo of the dress code rules on our tour. They allowed men with shorts below their knees, polo shirts with small brands on the chest and walking sandals (Merrill type things). Short sleeves were fine but absolutely no round necks on our tour although we did see other tours where it was clearly allowed. Our guide had extra clothes in case anyone didn’t pass the inspection and a soldier really does come onto the bus and check you so beware!! The visit itself was amazing and an absolute must. From the moment the US soldier got on our bus to brief us, to the presentation before we set off on the JSA bus to the actual visit to the border it was exciting, slightly nerve wracking to be so close to a volatile border and extremely informative. I would go back in a heartbeat but it gets booked up very quickly so make sure you sign up months in advance to guarantee it. If I’d just gone on the half day DMZ tour I would have definitely felt I had missed out!!
On to the JSA tour which was in the afternoon when everyone in shorts went back to Seoul. Lunch was at the freedom bridge and the beef stew was surprising good. The biggest debate we had before the tour was what to wear as there were a lot of conflicting reports on the internet. So, I have attached a photo of the dress code rules on our tour. They allowed men with shorts below their knees, polo shirts with small brands on the chest and walking sandals (Merrill type things). Short sleeves were fine but absolutely no round necks on our tour although we did see other tours where it was clearly allowed. Our guide had extra clothes in case anyone didn’t pass the inspection and a soldier really does come onto the bus and check you so beware!! The visit itself was amazing and an absolute must. From the moment the US soldier got on our bus to brief us, to the presentation before we set off on the JSA bus to the actual visit to the border it was exciting, slightly nerve wracking to be so close to a volatile border and extremely informative. I would go back in a heartbeat but it gets booked up very quickly so make sure you sign up months in advance to guarantee it. If I’d just gone on the half day DMZ tour I would have definitely felt I had missed out!!
Written August 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwipossum
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Jul 2016
I went for the combined JSA + 3rd tunnel tour with my family and had an enjoyable time as our tour guide Jungwon was able to speak English fluently and shared with us a lot about the history behind all this. Moreover, the guide was very friendly and cheerful and took good care of us throughout the tour. I was initally worried about having to climb a steep incline to the tunnel but turns out you can take a monorail down and up so that saved us a lot of effort! Very interesting and insightful tour I would recommend for visitors to Korea
Written July 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, I remember your family, very gentle and friendly, all the time you focused on our tour, thank you again
Written July 17, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hikerwon
San Francisco5 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
My father-in-law and sister-in-law visited DMZ last time they visited Korea for our wedding. They wanted to visit DMZ and I found this tour company- which is the only official tour company organizing DMZ tour. They really loved it! They said that it was the most memorable trip in Korea. Tour was well organized and filled with interesting history. They loved their tour guide-Jungwon- she was very knowledgeable and personable, and her english was excellent ! My family had a great time learning Korea there. Thank you, Jungwon! I highly recommend this tour!!!
Written July 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Dearest friend, I had a great time in Korea with you, but we had a very short time, See you again soon.
Written July 17, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David Papkin
Singapore, Singapore61 contributions
Aug 2018 • Business
Joongang travel agency President Hotel.Elderly Korean woman tour guide spoke in heavily accented English which was difficult to understand . For example, she kept saying South Dakota ,which actually meant South Korea and that south Korea broadcasted K pop to north korea non stop to protest murder of tourists .not exactly true but her broken english explained like that. She stood in the front of the bus giving her verbal tour . We couldn't hear her in our assigned seats ,even though we said a few times the speakers weren't working above our heads .she promised to repeat the info later,which she never did. She took role seat by seat,announcing our citizenship loudly ,which violates our privacy. The lunch was frugal with minimum condiments which surprising for Korean food and water only. No tea etc. At the end tour I asked her if she would explain what we didn't hear about general MacArthur but she refused even though she promised earlier. Next time please have a better English speaking tour guide who has her facts straight and decent food for tourists to make a favorable impression. Also no bus or taxi pickup .we had to go to the travel agency ourselves. The tour was interesting history especially about the tunnels and the JSA. Suggest checking reviews of other agencies, for other choice of tour operators since the tour is an important one. End of David Papkin review. #davidpapkin #dmz #jsa #taxi #southkorea
Written August 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gyan Fernando
Exeter, UK6,499 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
This review page is about Joongang Express Tour and not about the DMZ.
The DMZ is a must see but Joongang Express Tour 9sic) are to be avoided.
It was just the driver who came to pick us up in the morning. He could not speak English and even when we tried to speak to him he did not realise were were the group to be picked up.
The guide, whose English was barely comprehensible, got into the coach later.
The visit to the DMZ just include the JSA and we were rushed around. Speaking to people who used other companies we realised that we had been cheated.
At lunchtime the guide disappeared and the driver tried to drop us off elsewhere other than our hotel. We mutinied and did get dropped off at our hotel.
Avoid this company!
The DMZ is a must see but Joongang Express Tour 9sic) are to be avoided.
It was just the driver who came to pick us up in the morning. He could not speak English and even when we tried to speak to him he did not realise were were the group to be picked up.
The guide, whose English was barely comprehensible, got into the coach later.
The visit to the DMZ just include the JSA and we were rushed around. Speaking to people who used other companies we realised that we had been cheated.
At lunchtime the guide disappeared and the driver tried to drop us off elsewhere other than our hotel. We mutinied and did get dropped off at our hotel.
Avoid this company!
Written November 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adwong88
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
May 2016 • Couples
This tour was excellent. The tour company only booked a small group, and as we were the only English speaking customers that day, we basically had a private tour guide. She was very informative, explained the history and circumstances relating to the tour very clearly and in good English, and was a lot of fun to hang out with for the day. She also knew the best locations to visit at every stop and helped us get the best seats etc., she was a perfect guide. The tour didn't stop at any tourist trap factories (we read some others do) and the lunch was surprisingly very delicious and well organised. Would highly recommend the tour with this company. (We did the DMZ tour).
Written May 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes we had a small group, family feel, could have a lot of talking, Thank you for your everything, See you again
Written July 17, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pablo G
Paris, France12 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We booked our tour on time and they simply cancelled a few days before without any single reason. It puts at risk their transparence
Written July 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ben h
Nowra, Australia180 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
This tour starts of with a visit to the hotel present in Seoul passports check then onto a bus, you are giving the history of the dmz and its worth listening to, the bridge of no return the old train, then you travel to the 3rd tunnel beware if your like me 6'3" tall your back and neck will hurt from the bending over walking through the tunnel but worth it after you head of for lunch you head to the jsa this is where it's not good after the passport after passport check you arrive at the camp and continuly told no photos you watch a short video about what happened the told to get onto a army but and taken to the border still been told no photos on email you are there told again no photos made to be is 2 lines of you go into the blue buildings then you can take photos you only get 2 minutes when you come outside you are only aloud to take photos north Korea and the blue buildings for another 2 minutes then straight back k on the bus and back to the camp, honestly if I had known the jsa was that quick and limited photos I would not have even gone there.
Written June 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rjyu
Manila, Philippines217 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
My wife and I booked the JSA and DMZ tour over the internet with Joongang Express. The meeting point at their office was easy to find. The bus used was clean. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and informative about the many things related to the North-South Korea divide.
The tour was very good and very interesting. My wife and I really enjoyed the experience of being at the border between the two nations.
Overall, the tour was great and the operator and guide were wonderful. I would recommend this tour to my friends.
The tour was very good and very interesting. My wife and I really enjoyed the experience of being at the border between the two nations.
Overall, the tour was great and the operator and guide were wonderful. I would recommend this tour to my friends.
Written January 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much.
I also had a great time with you.
Happy new year, we promise we do our best to make the better tour program, also we hope to see you again.
Written January 4, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
joan_uran
Singapore242 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
Couldn't do an online booking of the day tour to Panmunjeon, DMZ, 3rd Tunnel and Dora Observatory and Dora-san station. Emailed the tour company to make booking. Staff informed of office on the 17 F of President Hotel, should have been 7F. Nonetheless, everything went well! The tour was extremely informative and educational, giving a glimpse into the history of Korea and the global involvement around the war. The monorail ride and walk along the 3rd tunnel was the highlight! Please please do this trip when you go Seoul to take a break from all the shopping and eating!
Written September 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We can see the sad history of Korea while we are going to JSA and DMZ area.
As you know, Korea is the only one contry we can see the division. UNC and KPA generals signed the Armistice Agreement to end the fight at Old Panmunjeom Building at 1953, now JSA is conference place between two.
DMZ also is very interesting place. 4km weith and 241km long, buffer zone was created after Korean War, nobody touched, well preserved, have healthy ecology system. but since 1974 we discovered tunnel made by North Korea inside DMZ. Already 4 tunnels discovered. Among them, we are going the 3rd tunnel.
Written April 20, 2016
Our office moved to 3rd floor Hotel President, 16 Euljiro Jung Gu, Seoul,
South Korea.
Written March 28, 2016
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