Dora Observatory

The basics

The majority of half-day and full-day tour itineraries include a visit to the Dora Observatory. Admission is typically a part of the excursion package, along with live commentary on the observatory’s history and significance. Visitors can walk around, take pictures in select areas, and use stationary binoculars to observe North Korea. Binocular rental usually is at the guests’ expense and paid by the minute.

Things to know before you go

• You must book a private or group tour to visit Dora Observatory—and all other DMZ locations.

• Most tours require that guests bring their passports to be checked by military personnel at the DMZ.

• For military sensitivity reasons, photography is prohibited in certain areas of the observatory.

How to get there

The Dora Observatory is located on top of Mt. Dora (Dorasan) in Paju, South Korea, and can be visited only on an organized private or group DMZ tour. All excursions that stop at the observatory include round-trip transportation from Seoul, and pickup and drop-off may be included from central locations or accommodations.

When to get there

You can choose between a morning or afternoon tour of the Dora Observatory and its surrounding DMZ landmarks. Whichever tour you choose, expect the observatory to be busy. When planning (and packing) for your trip, keep the weather in mind. Korea’s monsoon season (June to mid-July) may result in impaired views from the observatory, and the bitter cold of the winter months (December to February) could make standing outside unpleasant.

How to choose the right DMZ tour for you

While virtually every DMZ tour includes a visit to the Dora Observatory, each may vary depending on length, visited attractions, and inclusions. Many excursions include shopping opportunities, lunch, and hotel pickup, but some do not. Check carefully that the tour you choose fits comfortably into your vacation itinerary and matches your interests.