Paju, South Korea
Dora Observatory (도라전망대)

Have an aerial view of North Korea at this observatory!

The Dora Observatory is located in Paju-si which is the northernmost point of the Military Demarcation Line, replacing the former Songaksan Observation Post. At the top of the observatory, tourists and locals alike can be treated to an aerial view of North Korea and other locations including Kim Il-Sung’s statue, the Cooperation Farm (Geumamgol), Gaeseong and Songaksan. The observatory alone can seat up to 500 visitors. Besides that, there are also several VIP rooms and plenty of parking space too, should you wish to drive there. It was formally open in 1987. Because civilian access is restricted in this location, visitors must participate in the Demilitarised Zone Peace and Security Tourist Programme in order to be granted entry. It is conducted via shuttle service from Imjingak Resort or Dorasan Station which passes through the observatory, the 3rd Underground Tunnel, Dorasan Station and the Unification Village. You must carry your passport as it will be examined at the checkpoint beyond the Unification Bridge. If you’ve always wanted to see North Korea, but feel apprehensive about actually travelling there, then this would be the next best option.


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Tips Before You Go
Make sure to follow the rules here! This means no taking photos of North Korea. You can try your luck, but the soldiers on guard might demand to check your phones and cameras, so it would be better not to. Remember to bring your passport, and if you’re interested in getting souvenirs from North Korea, there is a gift shop over here that sells just that.
37.908956
126.70519660000002
310 Je3(sam) ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea