[Korea DMZ Private Exclusive Day Tour] Visit Former U.S. Military Base Camp + Paju 3rd Tunnel + Dora Observatory

The Paju 3rd Tunnel, discovered in 1978, is situated approximately 73 meters (240 feet) underground. It stretches about 1.6 kilometers in length, with a width and height of around 2 meters. This tunnel was designed to allow a significant number of troops to pass through per hour, highlighting its strategic purpose as an infiltration route.

The Third Infiltration Tunnel holds significant historical weight as one of four known tunnels dug by North Korea under the Demilitarized Zone for potential invasion. Its discovery in 1978 escalated tensions between North and South Korea, serving as a stark reminder of the division and ongoing geopolitical complexities on the peninsula. It symbolizes the continuous vigilance required in maintaining peace.

The DMZ remains heavily guarded due to its role as the de facto border between North and South Korea, established after the Korean War Armistice in 1953. It functions as a buffer zone, preventing direct conflict and infiltration. The presence of military personnel, fences, and security measures underscores the unresolved conflict and the constant need for vigilance to maintain stability in the region.

Camp Greaves is a former U.S. Army base located about 2 kilometers from the Demilitarized Zone, near Paju in South Korea. Historically, it served as a critical frontline defense post for U.S. forces after the Korean War. Today, it has been repurposed into a peace and cultural experience center, allowing visitors to learn about its military past and the hopes for peace.

Visitors to Camp Greaves can explore the well-preserved facilities of a former U.S. Army base, including barracks and the old command center. The site offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers stationed near the DMZ and is often used as a filming location for war-themed productions. It now provides various peace-themed activities, allowing for reflection on the Korean War and aspirations for unification.

The Second Tunnel in Cheorwon, discovered in 1975, is another infiltration tunnel located approximately 150 meters deep underground. It shares a similar strategic purpose with the Paju tunnels, built by North Korea for surprise attacks. Visitors can explore a section of this tunnel, gaining insight into the scale and engineering of these covert passages and the historical tensions they represent.

Goseokjeong Pavilion offers breathtaking scenic views, particularly of the Hantan River and its surrounding dramatic landscape. Visitors can admire unique rock formations, towering cliffs, and the clear river waters. This area is renowned for its natural beauty, providing a serene backdrop that contrasts with the intense historical significance of the nearby DMZ region.

From the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, visitors can gain a poignant perspective of the DMZ, including panoramic views of North Korean territory. Key sights include parts of the historic Iron Triangle Battlefield, inactive railway lines that once connected the two Koreas, and the expansive, untouched natural landscape within the buffer zone. It offers a unique vantage point on the divided peninsula's present state.