DMZ Starbucks tour (Aegibong Peace Ecopark & Suspension Bridge)

What to expect

Gear up for our DMZ Starbucks tour, an adventure wrapped in mystery and history! We’ll pick you up from one of three convenient locations (we’ll let you know the closest one after booking).

• Myeongdong Subway Station (Exit 9) at 9:00 am
• City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6) at 9:10 am
• Hongik University Subway Station (Exit 3) at 9:30 am

As this tour requires us to step into the mysterious Civilian Control Zone (CCZ), please ensure you don’t forget your passport, which is required to pass through the UN Command checkpoints!

Once we have entered the CCV, you’ll explore the tranquil Gimpo Aegibong Peace Ecopark, brave the Aegibong Black Suspension Bridge, and marvel at the views from the Jogang Observatory. Plus, enjoy a coffee at the Starbucks with the closest view to North Korea’s border.

Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating tales of the Korean War, enriching your journey with insights at every stop until we finally end this unforgettable day by dropping you off at the vibrant Hongik University Station.

DMZ Starbucks tour – Course Overview

Our Starbucks and Aegibong Peace Ecopark tour is one of our newest DMZ tours and has been well received. While this tour is a fantastic option in itself, it is also an excellent alternative to our Best Half Day DMZ tour and JSA tour when political or military events disrupt their regular operation. It is also a great option for those who have already visited the DMZ, want to see and learn more, or take things at a slower pace and enjoy nature as well as history.

Right! Let’s jump in and look at this experience’s highlights.

Gimpo Aegibong Peace Ecopark

Embark on your journey into tranquility and history at Gimpo’s Aegibong Peace Ecopark. Here, the Peace and Ecology Exhibition Center invites you to delve into the ecological wonders of the Jogang region and the rich history of Gimpo City, all while contemplating the profound value of peace for our future.

Step into the Video Theater for a cinematic journey through the history, culture, and ecological significance of the Han River Estuary. But for something truly immersive, hop aboard the VR Experience Center’s virtual train to Gaeseong, where you’ll explore the ancient ruins of the Goryeo Emperor’s Castle, including Manwoldae, Gaeseong Namdaemun, and Seonjukgyo Bridge, all UNESCO-recognized heritage sites.

Wander along the Ecotourism trails that weave through theme gardens, over swinging bridges, and into the enchanting Skyforest Garden, which offers breathtaking views of the Jo River. Engage with nature through the Themed Gardens, where five unique spaces—Infinity Mirrorpond, Step Garden, Colorful Garden, Sunken Garden, and Water Garden—provide a sanctuary for peace and relaxation.

Ascend the Sky Forest, a whimsical walkway with a Christmas tree motif, leading you to an observation deck with panoramic vistas. Reflect on peace and well-being at the Peace Education Center while learning about the North Korean Kaepung Peninsula through an ongoing explanatory video.

Ring in your reflections at the Peace Bell, crafted from the remnants of war. Its 9-meter tower and 2-meter bell, adorned with the UN emblem, symbolize hope and unity. Conclude with a visit to the Marine War Memorial, a tribute to the brave souls of the Gimpo District Marine Corps, and a commemoration of their sacrifices during the Korean War.

Aegibong Black Suspension Bridge

Prepare for a thrill as we cross the Aegibong Black Suspension Bridge, a striking black structure spanning the serene landscape. This bridge is a unique 112-meter-long structure that stands as both a functional path and an architectural wonder. This striking black bridge provides a peaceful adventure that transitions through the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Aegibong Peace Ecopark.

As you walk, feel the bridge sway gently beneath your feet while you are rewarded with panoramic views that are both breathtaking and humbling. On one side, you can catch glimpses of the Jogang River below, and on the other, the vast expanse of greenery—all while the wind whispers tales of the land’s history.

Jogang Observatory

Elevate your understanding of Korea’s complex history at the Jogang Observatory, perched on Aegibong Peak, the northernmost tip of Gimpo city, and just an hour’s drive from downtown. This area was once a battlefield, pivotal in the fierce conflicts that ended the Korean War, leading to the division of the peninsula into two nations.

As a restricted area, access to the peak requires presenting your passport, offering an exclusive glimpse into both past and present. From this vantage point, you can easily spot North Korean civilian villages and the majestic Songaksan Mountain. The observatory provides an open view of North Korean territory, stretching below, while to the south, you can see as far as Songhaksan Mountain in Chungcheongnam-do.

Here, you’re not just looking at landscapes but witnessing the remnants of Kaepung County, Gyeonggi Province, now part of a broader narrative of peace and division.

Closest Starbucks to the DMZ with North Korea View

Savor an unparalleled experience at the closest Starbucks to the DMZ, uniquely positioned within the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ) between the DMZ and the Civilian Control Line. At Starbucks’ Aegibong branch, you’re invited to enjoy your coffee with a side of history, as it sits on a former battlefield symbolizing peace and conflict.

This location served as a vital trading hub since the days of Korea’s ancient Three Kingdoms. During the war, Aegibong was the site of ferocious battles between the North and South Korean military in which both sides attempted to secure the Han River estuary.

Only 1.4 kilometers from North Korean soil, this Starbucks branch offers more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a window into another world. From your seat, sip your beverage while observing the quiet North Korean mountain village across the border.

On a clear day, the landscape reveals farms and low-rise buildings of Kaepung County. With binoculars or a zoom-equipped camera, you might even catch glimpses of daily life, making this one of the rarest opportunities to peer into North Korea without stepping foot across the border.

No trip to South Korea is complete without experiencing the mystery of the DMZ and peering into the elusive North Korea. Book your DMZ Starbucks tour today to get a first-hand look across the border and take in the breathtaking beauty of Aegibong Peace Ecopark!