Historical places

The 4th Infiltration Tunnel

4.2 · 511 reviews
Somber and historically sobering
The 4th Infiltration Tunnel, 454 Ttanggul-ro, Haean-myeon, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The tunnel was discovered after North Korean soldiers abandoned a probe that triggered a seismic alarm.

2

It is situated at the eastern end of the DMZ, a different sector from the more famous 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.

3

The interior of the tunnel was reinforced with concrete to prevent collapse during the excavation process.

4

The tunnel floor features a dedicated track system installed specifically for the shuttle transport of tourists.

5

The site is located within a restricted military zone, requiring visitors to present valid identification.

6

A German Shepherd dog named 'Choco' was utilized by military personnel to help detect the tunnel's entrance during initial explorations.

7

A memorial hall near the entrance houses equipment captured from North Korean tunnel builders.

Overview

The 4th Infiltration Tunnel is an underground passage discovered in March 1990 near the Military Demarcation Line in the Yanggu region. It was excavated by North Korean forces as a clandestine route for potential military aggression into South Korea. The tunnel extends 1,052 meters in length, with a width and height of approximately two meters. Visitors can enter the tunnel via an electric shuttle car that travels into the heart of the structure. It remains one of the few tangible remnants of Cold War-era tensions still accessible to the public in the Civilian Control Zone. The site includes an observation deck providing views of the surrounding mountainous terrain and North Korean border regions.

Photo spot

The outdoor memorial plaza featuring the monument dedicated to the discovery of the tunnel.

Insider tips

Bring a government-issued photo ID, as security checks are mandatory for entry into the Civilian Control Zone.

Dress in warm layers, as the interior temperature remains consistently cool and damp regardless of the season.

Check in at the visitor center early to secure a seat on the shuttle, as peak hours can lead to significant wait times.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk into unauthorized areas of the Civilian Control Zone beyond the designated visitor perimeter.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major public holidays; operations may be suspended due to military exercises or security concerns.

Etiquette

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the tunnel; obey all instructions from military personnel.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Autumn, as the foliage in the surrounding mountains provides a stark visual contrast to the industrial nature of the site.
Address
The 4th Infiltration Tunnel, 454 Ttanggul-ro, Haean-myeon, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
38.320, 128.111
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsCaptured mining equipment and tunnel discovery historical documents
Access methodElectric shuttle transport

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn, as the foliage in the surrounding mountains provides a stark visual contrast to the industrial nature of the site..

The outdoor memorial plaza featuring the monument dedicated to the discovery of the tunnel.

Close by you'll find 제4땅굴방문접수처, Yanggu Porcelain Museum, 양구생태공원.

South Korea

About Yanggu-gun