Dora Observatory

Observation deck · Paju

Dora Observatory

Observation deck · Paju

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310 Je3ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Photos

Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by Sommer Mathis/Atlas Obscura
Dora Observatory by Sommer Mathis/Atlas Obscura
Dora Observatory by adamraiford (Atlas Obscura User)
Dora Observatory by Sommer Mathis/Atlas Obscura
Dora Observatory by Max Cortesi (Atlas Obscura User)
Dora Observatory by Sommer Mathis/Atlas Obscura
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null
Dora Observatory by null

Highlights

Perched atop a hill, the Dora Observatory offers a unique peek into North Korea with pay binoculars and stunning views of the Demilitarized Zone.  

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310 Je3ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Get directions

pajusisul.or.kr

Information

Static Map

310 Je3ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Get directions

+82 31 954 0303
pajusisul.or.kr

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"If you’d like to see a glimpse of life inside North Korea without actually visiting North Korea, Dora Observatory is the place to do it.  Constructed in 1987 by the South Korean government, Dora is actually a replacement for an older viewing station, the Songaksan Observation Post. It includes dozens of coin-operated tower viewers, a helpful map of the DMZ, and a 500-seat auditorium. Some of the landmarks visible from Dora include the Kijong-dong Propaganda Village in the DMZ, and the outskirts of the North Korean city of Kaesong.  On an especially clear day, you just might be able spot a few North Koreans riding bicycles through your tower viewer. You may also be able to hear North Korean radio broadcasts through the observatory’s speakers, depending on the time of day you visit." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

7 Places Worth Trying to See on a Visit to the Korean DMZ
View Postcard for Dora Observatory

Ken S

Google
DMZ area. Worth going to see the DMZ, be prepared for a lot of walking. You need to do some hiking uphill if you want to see the suspension bridge even worse if you want to go to see the tunnel. Overall, it is worth seeing. I recommend using the tour guide named Kenny. He is very good.

James C

Google
Part of a tour exploring the DMZ border area between North and South Korea, the observatory allows people to see the mountains of North Korea. It very explicitly states that photographs of the north are prohibited, and there is a strong military presence here. As long as people follow the rules, it's fine. You must be part of an organised tour to come here.

Sunny Ghosh

Google
Dora Observatory was a great experience, standing at the tense border of North and South Korea. You can see North Korea from the observatory, though winter fog affected visibility. The big flags and loud music exchanges added to the atmosphere. With the JSA closed, this tour is a great alternative and a must-visit!

Wilson Lim

Google
Great view of North Korea. Suggest you to bring binoculars as no photos of North Korea side allowed. Has a cafeteria for your coffee and snacks. Tunnel is a must visit! Prepared for long walk though.

Sherwin Clarence Go

Google
This is the place where you can see a nice panoramic view of the border between the North and South Korea. Unfortunately it was a case of bad timing for us as we went during the time when there was friction between the two as the North sent balloons with trash to the South and the South was blowing loud speaker propaganda back to the North so we were not able to go to the roof deck where the binoculars are. But overall still a nice experience!

the Nomad girl

Google
It was just okay. I don’t know if this is the same place as the one with big real binoculars so you can really see more. Not sure if this is so something anyone can DIY. The place is remote and pretty far drive from Seoul. The little hike going up the conservatory is just the introduction for the tunnel hike.

Miles Macdonald

Google
Excellent place to look across into North Korea and identify a number of features, including their national flag and jamming transmitter, to prevent the north from receiving any broadcasts from the south. Unfortunately, at the current time, you can not photograph or film the North from the Observatory due to threats from Kim Jong Un..

Paul Olexa

Google
Outstanding. If you didn't appreciate the situation between the two sides, you will after this. Incredible views, articulate and kind guides, and great attention to detail. 100% recommend for any history buff. Beware: you can ONLY take pictures at certain locations.