The DMZ Peace Link train — the tourist line linking Seoul Station and Dorasan Station — resumed service on April 10. It’s the first run in six and a half years since operations halted in 2019.
Korail unveiled the train’s schedule and said the first official run will take place on the 24th. After that, the service will operate one round trip on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.
The itinerary leaves from Seoul Station, travels to Dorasan Station, and includes guided visits to the Third Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and the Unification Village around the Paju DMZ. Unlike ordinary trains, this is sold as a package that includes the full tour rather than just a seat reservation.
Restarting the service required coordination among four agencies — the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of National Defense, Gyeonggi Province, and Paju City. Because the route passes through areas with civilian access restrictions, extensive advance consultations and procedures were necessary, which had kept the service suspended until now.
“A journey through a divided land”: the DMZ tourist train’s purpose
The DMZ Peace Link connects DMZ sites through tourism and immersive experiences. Organizers describe it as “a rail journey into a place the public rarely visits, where passengers can experience history, nature, and peace.” The program is designed so visitors can see the physical traces of division while also taking in the surrounding natural landscape.
Onboard, the train features interactive touches like a slow mailbox, a peace photo wall, and a black-and-white photo station, so travelers can take part in themed activities while in transit.
After arriving at Dorasan Station, the tour moves into full sightseeing: a walk inside the Third Tunnel, a stop at the Dora Observatory, and time spent in the Unification Village. Dorasan Station itself is also treated as part of the visitor experience.
Reservations and ID checks required — what visitors need to know
This train is available by advance reservation only. Bookings are handled on the Korail and Korail Tourism Development websites; travelers must select a date and package and complete payment online. Tickets are not sold on-site.
Carrying ID is mandatory at boarding. Identity checks occur around the Imjingang Station section. Foreign visitors should bring a passport. Some areas restrict photography, and visitors must follow instructions while moving through the sites.
The fare is 39,600 KRW ($29.70) for adults, children, and seniors. Paju residents receive a discounted rate of 19,800 KRW ($14.85), and some military personnel are exempt from fees.
The route runs round-trip between Seoul Station and Dorasan Station. The full itinerary lasts about four to six hours.
The DMZ Peace Link train opens rail access to border areas that are otherwise hard to reach. With service resuming, officials expect visitor numbers to the Paju DMZ area to rise.
