Joint Security Area (Panmunjom)

Visit the 'truce village' known as the Joint Security Area (JSA), or Panmunjon, to get a glimpse of the still simmering tensions that remain here more than 50 years after a truce ended the hostilities of the Korean War. North Korea and South Korea technically remain at war to this day, and Panmunjom, located at the border deep within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is the only place in the country where visitors to South Korea can see the actual border, complete with North Korean soldiers stationed on the other side.
Within the town at the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) Conference Room, there is even a spot where visitors can cross the border, no visa required. The blue building is still used for face-to-face negotiation between the two sides and is bisected by the border, meaning travelers can technically cross into North Korean territory by walking to the other side of the room.

Practical Info

Panmunjom sits less than 40 miles from Seoul. However, visits can only be made via organized tour groups, which include strict rules of conduct, dress codes and restrictions on photography to avoid starting an incident with the North Korean soldiers.