Imjingak Peace Gondola in Paju

The inter-Korean border area, widely known as the DMZ, attracts travelers eager to experience this unique destination. It is both a military control zone and a fascinating attraction in its own right. A new way to explore the area is from above—by taking the Imjingak Peace Gondola cable car. This gondola, the first cable car in the world to cross a civilian control zone, spans the Imjingang River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Now, let’s begin our journey around the DMZ!

Imjingak Resort, or just Imjingak, is one of the main attractions of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). About 40 kilometers from downtown Seoul, it can be reached easily by public transportation, with several options available. See below for the most recommended ways to get there.

The first step is to get to Munsan Station on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. There are two recommended ways:

Gyeongui–Jungang Line entrance at Seoul Station

- Subway: You can take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line directly from Seoul Station. Trains run every 30 minutes to an hour, and the trip takes about one hour. If you board at Gongdeok Station or Hongik University Station, trains run more frequently, so it’s easier to catch one. The fare to Munsan is 2,350 won.

- Bus: If you prefer a more comfortable ride with a guaranteed seat, you can take the bus. From Exit 3 of Seoul Station, walk about 100 meters to the Sungnyemun Bus Stop and take Bus No. 9710. Get off at the Hanjin 1st Apartment·Munsan Station Stop, then walk for approximately 3 minutes. Keep in mind that travel time can be affected by traffic and may take up to 1 hour and 50 minutes. The bus fare to Munsan is approximately 2,800 won.

Sungnyemun Bus Stop

Once you arrive at Munsan Station, there are three ways to get to Imjingak

Munsan Station taxi stand

- Taxi: The fastest and the most convenient option. Taxis are available at the stand near Exit 1 of Munsan Station. The distance is about 7.3 kilometers and the ride takes roughly 13 minutes. The fare is approximately 9,700 won.

- Community Bus: From the Hanjin 1st Apartment·Munsan Station stop, take Bus No. 058B bound for Imjingak and get off at the Imjingak Bus Stop. The fare is 1,350 won, making it cheaper than a taxi, but the ride takes about 31 minutes and buses run infrequently. If you take this option, be sure to check that the bus heads to Imjingak.

Hanjin 1st Apartment·Munsan Station Bus Stop

- Subway: Surprisingly, you can also get to Imjingak by subway. Imjingang Station is located right at the entrance to the tourist site, making it very convenient. However, service on this section is very limited. Trains run only twice a day on weekdays (09:20, 17:05) and four times a day on weekends and public holidays (09:35, 10:35, 15:45, 17:20). Because of this, this option is recommended only if your arrival time at Munsan Station matches the train schedule. Trains to Imjingang Station depart from Platform 3. For reference, the return train schedule (Imjingang Station → Munsan Station) is as follows:
- Weekdays: 09:40, 17:25
- Weekends & public holidays: 10:00, 11:00, 16:10, 17:45

Recommended route: Take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line to Munsan Station, then take a taxi to Imjingak. This is the most time-efficient option while still being reasonably priced.

Once you arrive at Imjingak, it’s a great idea to stop by the nearby cafés that boast a stunning view before starting your tour. On the second floor of the Peace Gondola building, you’ll find Kiss Ring Provence Bakery. From its outdoor seating, you can enjoy fragrant coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery—and don’t miss their signature ring-shaped “Kiss Ring” bread, a social media favorite. The café also offers unique drinks and desserts made with Jangdan soybeans, a local specialty, so be sure to try them.

View from the indoor seating at Forbidden Place

Riding the cable car across the river for a break is another great option. At the café Forbidden Place, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another highlight here is the Jangdan soybean red bean bun, which also makes a perfect souvenir to remember your trip.

Gondola View from DMZ Station

Opened in April 2020, the Imjingak Peace Gondola is an attraction worth experiencing in its own right. The moment you step inside, your heart races with anticipation for the special journey ahead—a sky-high rude across the Civilian Control Zone, an area normally off-limits to the public. Before boarding, you’ll need to complete a simple form for access to this restricted area. Don’t forget to bring your passport or Residence Card, formerly the Alien Registration Card (a copy or photo is also accepted). Tickets are round-trip, and there are two types of cabins: standard and crystal, the latter featuring a transparent floor. For extra thrills, the crystal cabin is highly recommended, as it offers vivid views of the fields and river directly beneath your feet. The one-way ride takes about eight minutes, but this is only the beginning—there’s still much more to discover. Inside the gondola, audio guides in both Korean and English provide insights into the DMZ and its surrounding scenery.

As the gondola leaves the station and the vast landscape opens before your eyes, the first thing to catch your attention is the barbed-wire fence. It serves as a reminder that you are now above the Civilian Control Zone, right next to the DMZ—a place scarred by the devastating war more than 70 years ago. In the striking contrast between the tranquil natural scenery and the harsh barbed wire, you are reminded once again of the preciousness of peace.

Upon arriving at the DMZ Station side, you’ll find a variety of attractions and activities waiting for you. Highlights include an outdoor park with photo zones, a rooftop observatory equipped with digital telescopes for viewing North Korea, and an indoor space called DMZ Space, which features video screenings and hands-on experiences. In particular, to celebrate the release of Season 3 of the popular Netflix series “Squid Game (2025),” visitors can try their hand at traditional Korean games featured in the show.

Former barracks preserved at Camp Greaves

Camp Greaves is a former U.S. military base located just 2 kilometers from the Southern Limit Line. From shortly after the Korean War Armistice until 2004, U.S. forces were stationed here for nearly 50 years. Tours begin at Gallery Greaves, which features artifacts once used by U.S. troops, materials related to the Korean War (1950–1953), and artwork inspired by this history. To enter the main base area, visitors must complete a security pledge and present valid identification. Guided tours are conducted five times daily in Korean only. Even if you are not fluent in Korean, you can still join the tour, as English explanations are available throughout the site, making it easy to follow and enjoy your visit.

Returning to Imjingak by gondola doesn’t mean your journey is over—it’s just getting started. Here’s your guide to a full day of must-see sights and hands-on experiences.

Jangdankong dubujjabagi at Imjingak Jangdankong Soybean Village

1. Tasting Jangdan Soybean Dishes

Jangdan soybeans are a signature local specialty of Jangdan-myeon, north of the Imjingang River. In the Imjingak tourist area, you can try a variety of dishes made with these soybeans. Signature dishes include Jangdankong dubujjabagi (a spicy braise of tofu with mushrooms and vegetables) and Jangdankong dubukimchi (Jangdan soybean tofu with stir-fried kimchi). Both can be prepared vegetarian, but some versions include meat or seafood stock, so please check when ordering.

Immersive Media Art Exhibit at DMZ LIVE

Opened in 2022, DMZ LIVE is an experience center that combines virtual reality (VR) with immersive media art. On the first floor, two VR experiences await. Head up to the second floor for a spacious immersive media art gallery, where floor-to-ceiling visuals and multi-channel sound fully surround you.

Steam locomotive at Jangdan Station

3. Jangdan Station Steam Locomotive

During the Korean War, this steam locomotive transported military supplies along the Gyeongui Line. On its way from Gaeseong to Pyongyang, it was destroyed and abandoned at Jangdan Station to prevent exploitation after being interfered by the Chinese Communist forces. Pocked with over 1,020 bullet holes, its rusted, shattered frame stands as a somber reminder of the war’s devastation on the Korean Peninsula.

4. Dokgae Bridge

Destroyed by bombing during the Korean War, this railway bridge—famously known as the “Freedom Bridge”—now survives only as a few piers standing over the Imjingang River. Around the site, plaques and inscriptions highlight its role as a symbolism of division and express hopes that, upon reunification, the tourist facilities will be removed and the bridge restored to its original function.

- Admission: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won

- Operating hours: 08:30-17:30 (closed on Mondays)

Dokgae Bridge

Digital Screen at Artspace BEAT 131

5. Art Space BEAT 131

This exhibition space repurposes an underground bunker that once served as a military facility. Visitors can experience the unique, authentic atmosphere of stepping into a place where soldiers were once stationed. In addition, there is an interactive feature; write a message on a digital screen and watch it come to life as it is projected onto the bunker walls.

- Admission: Entry is available only with a combined ticket that also includes access to the Dokgae Bridge

- Integrated Ticket: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won

- Operating hours: 08:30-17:30 (closed on Mondays)

6. The Peace Bell

Erected in 2000 to mark the dawn of the 21st century, the Peace Bell weighs 21 tons, and its pavilion is reached via 21 steps. General viewing hours are 10:00–17:00. For a bell-ringing experience, register at the Tourist Information Center; the fee is 10,000 won and participants may strike the bell seven times.

The Peace Bell

Hill of Wind

Hill of Wind is an outdoor space where countless pinwheels spin in the breeze, creating a spectacular sight. Beyond the hill, visitors can also admire sculptures and artworks that have become symbols of Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park.

Showing the VISITKOREA app at the Imjingak Peace Gondola ticket booth

VISITKOREA has partnered with local operators to offer international tourists free rides on the Paju DMZ Crystal Cabin Gondola (transparent-floor cabins). Starting on September 25, 2025, pre-register and present your passport on-site to ride for free. The offer is limited to the first 200 people—check the event page for details. If you miss the free offer, download the VISITKOREA app and show it at the ticket booth for an instant 20% discount on both standard and crystal cabins through December 31, 2025. Don’t miss out!

Be sure to add Imjingak to your next trip to Korea !

* This column was last updated in September 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.