A history lesson below ground
Cheorwon's Second Tunnel, excavated by North Korea for infiltration, was discovered in 1975. The Korea Tourism Organization describes a tunnel around 3.5 kilometres long, with only about 500 metres accessible to civilians. Its value is more than the novelty of going underground. It offers a chance to consider how division has shaped daily life on the Korean Peninsula and why peace remains important.
1. Find the reception point, not just the tunnel
The address listed by the KTO is 457-7 Yangji-ri, Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon State, for the DMZ Peace/Security Tour reception. This is not a typical attraction where you simply drive to the entrance and walk in. Entry follows a controlled tour process.
2. Watch the final winter departure
The published tour departures are 09:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 14:30. The last time is shown as 14:00 from November through February. Tuesdays are listed as a closure day. These are tour departure times, not independent tunnel opening hours.
3. Confirm the actual itinerary
Security, weather and on-site operating decisions can change which sites a DMZ tour visits. Before travelling, contact the reception at +82-33-450-5559 to check whether the Second Tunnel is included that day, as well as ID, reservation and photography rules. Consider whether walking through a confined underground passage suits everyone in your group.
A memorable visit to Cheorwon is one that pairs curiosity about history with respect for the rules of a controlled border area.