Meet North Korean Defector &Talk after your DMZ trip

A Personal Encounter with a North Korean Defector in Seoul
This tour offers a rare chance to go beyond the typical DMZ experience and connect directly with someone who has lived through North Korea’s complexities. Hosted by Eunhee, a fluent English-speaking defector, it lasts about two hours and costs $110 per person. You’ll meet her at a cozy North Korean restaurant in Seoul for an intimate conversation, tasting traditional dishes from her childhood, and hearing her remarkable story of escape and resettlement.

What we love about this experience is the genuine human connection it fosters—no scripted speeches or staged responses, just honest storytelling. Eunhee’s fluency in English makes asking questions easy and natural, which is a relief compared to many other tours with limited translation. Plus, sharing authentic North Korean cuisine adds a tangible layer to understanding her background and daily life.

A potential consideration is the limited group size and scheduling flexibility. Since it’s a private experience with a maximum of 10 travelers and depends on a minimum of 6 participants, it’s worth booking in advance. If the minimum isn’t met, the tour could be canceled or rescheduled.

This tour suits travelers craving depth and authenticity, especially those interested in personal stories beyond headlines, or anyone eager to understand the human side of North Korea through firsthand accounts.

Key Points

• Authentic Personal Stories: Meet Eunhee, a North Korean defector, and ask her questions directly.
• Cultural Tasting: Enjoy North Korean dishes that she grew up with, making the experience tangible.
• Intimate Setting: Small group or private tour fosters meaningful conversations.
• No Translation Needed: Eunhee speaks fluent English, making communication easy.
• Flexible Timing: Depending on your booking, it can be lunch or dinner.
• Limited Availability: Book at least 27 days in advance for the best chance of securing a spot.

An In-Depth Look at the Venture into North Korean Lives

The Core Experience: Meeting Eunhee

The highlight of this tour is meeting Eunhee in her chosen environment—a cozy restaurant, where conversations flow naturally. Unlike the surface-level visits to the DMZ, this encounter offers a window into her personal story of growing up in North Korea, defecting, and starting anew in South Korea. Several reviews praise her warmth and openness, describing her as extremely friendly and very patient with questions.

We loved the way Eunhee’s fluency in English makes it easy to ask anything—from what daily life was like in her homeland to the challenges faced after escape. This lack of a translator creates a more authentic, personal atmosphere, making the stories more compelling and easier to connect with.

The Food: Tasting North Korea’s Flavors

Part of the appeal is sampling traditional North Korean cuisine—meals she still cherishes from her childhood. While the specifics depend on the time of day, you might find yourself enjoying a hearty dinner or street food-style snacks. Several travelers mention how the food enhances the storytelling, making the experience more tangible. One reviewer even joked that Eunhee should start making a movie about her life, which speaks to the compelling nature of her narrative.

Eating her familiar dishes adds an emotional layer, giving you a taste of her world—literally and figuratively. The appreciation for authentic flavors makes this more than just a talk; it’s a culture.

The Setting: Cozy, Private, and Focused

The choice of a small, private venue ensures that conversations are relaxed and unhurried. The limited group size—up to 10 people—means everyone gets a chance to ask questions and share thoughts. This intimacy transforms the typical tour into a personal dialogue that many find unforgettable.

The Logistics: Practical Details That Matter

The tour’s price of $110 includes the meal, making it a fair value considering the personalized experience. It’s a two-hour commitment, perfect for a mid-day or evening activity. Meeting at 24 Yeonnam-ro 7-gil in Seoul, it’s easily accessible via public transportation, which is a big plus in Seoul’s bustling cityscape.

Booking in advance is strongly recommended—most travelers book about 27 days ahead—and the experience is private, meaning only your group participates, heightening the feeling of exclusivity. It requires a minimum of 6 guests; if none sign up, the tour is canceled or rescheduled, which underscores the importance of planning ahead.

Authenticity and Impact

What makes this tour stand out is the raw honesty and personal perspective Eunhee offers. Unlike the more touristy and superficial visits to the DMZ, this experience is about human stories—the hopes, fears, and resilience of someone who escaped one of the world’s most secretive countries.

Reviewers consistently praise Eunhee’s openness, describing her as inspiring, kind, and willing to answer every question. One even said, “she needs to make a movie about her life,” highlighting her storytelling prowess.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those with a curiosity about what life is really like in North Korea, beyond the headlines. It’s perfect for history buffs, social justice advocates, or anyone eager to connect on a human level. Travelers who appreciate authentic, heartfelt stories and are open to meaningful conversations will find this tour especially rewarding.

Final Value Consideration

While $110 might seem steep for a two-hour experience, the inclusion of authentic North Korean cuisine and the opportunity to ask questions directly to a defector make it a very good value. Compared to more superficial tours, the depth of insight and emotional connection you gain here can leave a lasting impression.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate as long as they’re comfortable with story-sharing and conversation. There’s no explicit age restriction, but it’s best suited for those interested in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, it begins at the specified meeting point in Seoul, which is near public transportation. You’re responsible for getting there but will be welcomed at the address provided.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund. Less than 24 hours, and your payment isn’t refundable.

Is the meal included?
Yes, the tour price covers a meal, which could be lunch or dinner depending on your booking time. The meal features authentic North Korean dishes.

What if the minimum number of participants isn’t met?
If fewer than six travelers book, the tour might be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I ask Eunhee anything?
Yes, the experience is designed for honest and open conversations. Nothing is off-limits, and Eunhee’s fluency in English facilitates direct questions.

How long in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 27 days in advance, so it’s wise to plan early, especially during peak travel seasons.

This tour offers a rare, human glimpse into North Korea’s complexities, providing an experience that’s both educational and emotionally moving. It’s best suited for travelers who want to go beyond surface-level understanding and connect with someone who has lived through it all. If you value authenticity, meaningful conversation, and culture, this is undoubtedly a memorable addition to your Seoul journey.