K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic alternative to the South Korean visa. The tool has been deployed by the country's authorities to control the influx of people at its borders. It is intended for nationals of countries with visa exemption who want to travel to South Korea. If you're a history buff, and in particular if you're interested in the history of South Korea, you could visit the DMZ. The only requirement is that you obtain a K-ETA permit.
The DMZ in Korea: how do you get there?
The DMZ or Demilitarized Zone is a kind of buffer zone dating from the 20th century that separates the two Korean states. This border zone was established in the aftermath of the Korean War to put distance between the two regions. The other reason for its establishment was to contain the possibility of further dissension. Considering this little jaunt into the past, you might wonder whether the demilitarised zone is safe.
Note that a visit to the DMZ is safe and that access is permitted. However, the route is supervised. As the DMZ lies between the northern and southern parts of Korea, you will need a K-ETA to enter the country. This travel permit gives you the right to visit Korean territory for a maximum stay of 3 months.
Book your trip to the DMZ and discover the remains of a defining period in the history of this people. Every effort has been made to revolutionise your view of the two sister regions.
Visiting the DMZ in Korea: what's there to see?
With this opening, Korea wishes to share its history with the world. Entering the demilitarised zone is like immersing yourself in a museum, with many points of interest.
Dorasan railway station
At one time, this station served as a transit point for goods arriving and departing from one end of the two regions to the other. Its main function was to facilitate the transport of goods to the Kaesong industrial complex. Today, it serves only as a symbol of the reunification that the peoples of the two regions so fervently desire. Various photographs are on display, illustrating the recent history of Korea and its different eras.
The Dora observatory
Located on a hill in the heart of the demilitarised zone, the Dora observatory offers a panoramic view of North Korea. From this station, you can see the flag of North Korea and another belonging to South Korea. Each flag is located on its own side of the territory. From the observatory, you can also see the Kaesong industrial region mentioned above. This complex was built in the post-war period (late 20th century) to enable the northern part of the country to provide for the needs of the south.
The third tunnel
This tunnel is part of a series of four underground galleries discovered over the years by the South Korean people. According to historians, these corridors date back to the period of conflict and were used by North Korean soldiers to infiltrate enemy territory. This one (the 3rd) is just a few metres from Seoul. It is forbidden to take photos of this site during your visit.
How does the visit work?
There are many other places to discover during your trip to the DMZ. Supervised tours are organised by operators who are licensed to access the various sites. For the tour, most of which takes place in the north-west region of the capital, you will need to depart from Seoul. There are two packages for the trip, each involving different durations and itineraries. There is the basic tour, which includes a stopover at the above-mentioned sites of interest as well as the DMZ Museum.
The second, more expensive, package gives you access to all the sites seen so far. It also includes an extra stopover in Panmunjom at the JSA (Joint Security Area). Considered a truce camp, this area is a meeting place for the armed forces of the two Koreas and symbolises peace. It can also be seen from the Doria observatory, but from a great distance.
Before leaving for the DMZ, identity checks are carried out at the boarding point. The operation is also repeated when the vehicle carrying the tourists crosses the threshold of the DMZ. It is therefore important to carry your documents with you, in particular your K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) obtained before travelling to Korea.
An agency service 