Private DMZ Tour with North Korean Defector + N Korean Lunch

Hearing Jun's story is hard to describe as anything but a lifechanging experience. It is an opportunity to hear what life in North Korea is really like but also Jun's personal journey - a very rare chance to hear a first-hand account of some of the most extreme resilience and human spirit imaginable. Jun happily answered our hundreds of questions and is even able to look back on his experiences with good humour. Meeting Jun was an absolute privilege for us and should be considered an must-do activity during any visit to Seoul.

It has taken me a while to get round to writing this review. Meeting Jun was the highlight of my trip. I have always had a fascination of NK and defectors. I felt I was quite well read on the matter but meeting Jun and learning about things through his experience was eye opening. It really touched my soul. It makes you appreciate the small luxuries in life like our morning coffee. Honestly I can't recommend this tour enough, for me, learning stories from Jun is more valuable than going on some other generic tour.

This was a highlight of our short trip to Seoul. Unexpectedly interesting and eye opening experience. It was recommended by a friend who did it a few months before us and couldn’t stop talking about it. Jun had so much to tell us and we will never forget what we learned on this tour. 100% recommend!!

The best tour we’ve ever had! Jun has looked after us very well and his story will stay with us forever. Even our teenage girls were fascinated by his story. We definitely recommend this tour.

I've been on several DMZ tours after living in Korea several years, and this was by far the most insightful and personal. Jun's story is not typical, as one of relatively few male defectors, and hearing of the various stages and trials of his life in the North and eventual escape was fascinating. My family said it was one of the most insightful tours we've been on, helped to understand the human element of living in North Korea as well as the issues of integration in South Korea society by the relatively small North Korean defector community. Odusan is closer than most DMZ observatories as the river border is narrower than the rest of the DMZ, and you can see North Koreans at the guard posts, fields, school, etc. We happened to see children ice skating (an old phone or camera with a single lens is best to capture pictures through the powerful, mounted binoculars). The North Korean meal was also outstanding, hearing the stories behind the various dishes, cooked by a chef who worked at an elite Pyongyang restaurant. I can't recommend this tour more highly for a unique, personal insight into life in North Korea.

Me & my wife had an unforgettable day on this tour & would highly recommended. Our guide openly & honestly shared his experiences as a North Korean defector which provided us with a truly unique perspective on the DMZ.

This tour is the best thing I’ve done in South Korea. I booked this tour with Jun last February and was so impressed that I booked it again for my whole family when they came to visit. Jun is knowledgeable, engaging and funny. His story of defecting from North Korea is harrowing. He shares all of it with grace and humility, and gives unique insight into the DMZ. I highly recommend Jun’s tour.

Interesting and informative as one would expect being led by someone who escaped NK. Listening to the story while looking over the border was one of the more memorable experiences. The food stop was also good. You don't get to see all the various sites but you see the last train out of NK.

Unique experience with a guide who has a truly brave story with an interesting perspective on the two worlds he has experienced. Highly recommended tour. The lunch was lovely too!

I’m not sure how to begin this review other than to say it was one of the most meaningful tours we’ve had the privilege to take. Unsure what to think prior to its start we were quickly engaged as Jun told one of the most difficult and inspiring stories we’ve ever heard. Jun’s knowledge of Korean history, both north and south, along with his deeply personal story of defection make this tour truly one of a kind. His bravery in defecting along with the challenges of making a new life are inspiring. The intimate setting and Jun’s openness created an environment that led to meaningful discussions and a day that we will not forget. Thank you Jun for sharing your story with us. You will be in our thoughts.