1. Day 1 Pre-Tour Briefing Day

   This specific itinerary is for 2022-23. The itinerary for this tour may vary each year, but we’ll try to keep the same destinations and experiences across every year we run this tour.

   Train Departures

   At 10:00, all those departing Beijing by train to North Korea will join us for a pre-tour briefing followed by a Question & Answer session covering all the important aspects of travelling in the DPRK as a foreign tourist. Here you’ll meet your tour leader and be able to ask any important questions prior to the start of the tour.

   At 17:27 our train will depart Beijing Railway Station as we begin the almost 24-hour train journey to Pyongyang via the Chinese border city of Dandong and the North Korean border city of Sinuiju.

    

   Flight Departures

   We’ll meet at 16:00 for our pre-tour briefing followed by a Question and Answer session so you’re confident in how the tour will run and understand the basic do’s and don’t’s of travelling in North Korea as a tourist. You’ll alsp get the chance to meet your tour leader and other travellers before setting off.

   The flight doesn’t depart until the following day, so post-briefing, feel free to enjoy a free evening out and about in China’s capital city.

    

   Accommodation: Beijing Accommodation Not Included

   Included Meals: N/A

2. Day 2 Christmas Eve | Arrival Day

   For those arriving by plane, we’ll head from the airport into the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital city, for a walk around Kim Il Sung Square. This plaza is the centre of life in Pyongyang; used for parades, rallies, social gatherings and so much more, we’ll enjoy the Christmas eve atmosphere amidst locals going about their daily business.

   Upon the arrival of the train, we’ll head straight to dinner to celebrate our arrival in Pyongyang. Specifically, the Duck Barbeque restaurant in south Pyongyang.

   During dinner, you’ll be able to chat with your guides and your tour leader about what’s coming up over the next week as well as enjoy a fantastic meal.

   After dinner, it’s straight to the hotel. For our first night in the DPRK (North Korea), we’ll stay at the centrally located and recently renovated Potongang Hotel. Situated on the banks of the Potong River, this hotel is a fancy upper-class alternative to some of the other hotels the city has to offer, but not to worry, we’ll be switching it up during this trip and staying in multiple hotels in the city and around the country.

    

   Accommodation: Potonggang Hotel, Pyongyang

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinnerg

3. Day 3 Christmas Day | Myohyangsan

   Happy Christmas! We’ll start the day with a trip to one of Pyongyang’s most exquisite, and often oddest, department stores; Kwangbok Supermarket. Here we can pick up snacks for the day ahead and also buy eachother’s secret santa gifts using local currency since Kwangbok is one of the few places locals can exchange their foreign cash for Korean Won.

   Next, we’ll get on the bus for the drive north, out of the capital, to the stunningly beautiful Mt. Myohyang region, famed for its natural scenery. We’ll enjoy Christmas lunch at the Hyangsan Hotel, a 7-star hotel shaped, almost, like a Christmas tree.

   After lunch, it’s out to enjoy the various presents and gifts presented to the DPRK by foreign governments and organisations. This collection is incredibly massive and is stored at the International Friendship Exhibition; a huge complex built deep inside a mountain.

   After taking in the intriguing, outlandish and often very strange gifts on display, it’s time to head back to the hotel for some gift-giving of our own. Back at the Hyangsan, we’ll enjoy an evening of secret santa gift-giving, perhaps over a drink with our guides, before having dinner and a relaxing evening in this luxurious hotel.

    

   Accommodation: Hyangsan Hotel, Myohyang

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

4. Day 4 Boxing Day | Hiking at Mt. Myohyang

   Today, we’ll spend our morning enjoying the environment of Mt Myohyang. Heading out from our hotel, we’re instantly surrounded by the gorgeous natural scenery of the Myohyangsan region, peppered with hiking trails and tracks. And so, we’ll spend our morning hiking the mountainous paths around our hotel.

   On our quest to explore this region, we’ll pass the Pohyon Buddhist Temple, a buddhist temple which has existed here for almost one-thousand years. Still operational, we may even get to meet some local monks. Historically, this temple was a place of pligrimage for Buddhists around the country and today it’s listed as a historical treasure by the government.

   After lunch, we’ll set off on our drive back to Pyongyang where we’ll check in at a different hotel; this time, it’s the Sosan Sports Hotel which will host us in the capital.

   Sosan is located on the purpose-built Sports Street, lined with sports centres and halls. One of the major benefits of this hotel is the ability to get up early for a run with the guides from the hotel up and down Sports Street (for those who are that way inclined!).

   We’ll only be spending one night in the Sosan, so feel free to enjoy the pleasant sports bar and pick yourself up a DPRK tracksuit at the gift shop!

    

   Accommodation: Hyangsan Hotel, Myohyang

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

5. Day 5 Visiting Sariwon & Kaesong

   It’s up early today as we leave the capital once again for a 90-minute drive down the Reunification Highway, south from Pyongyang, to the city of Sariwon; capital of North Hwanghae Province.

   Sariwon certainly isn’t a big city, but a visit to this small capital has a lot to offer. First, we’ll stop at the Sariwon Folklore Village – a model ancient Korean village where you’ll learn about the history of dynastic Korea. On top of the interesting history, the folklore village is also the entrance to a hill walk ending in a pavilion commanding fantastic views over the city; also a great opportunity to meet some Sariwon locals enjoying their time off.

   Next, we’ll visit the newly built Sariwon Hotel for a brisk lunch before jumping back into the bus to continue our drive down the highway to Kaesong.

   Kaesong is the southernmost city in North Korea, a few kilometres north of the DMZ which divides the peninsula into North & South. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a walk around the old city. Due to it’s proximity to the frontline, Kaesong wasn’t bombed during the Korean War and so much of the ancient architecture remains and is still lived in. We’ll visit the grand old South Gate (Namdaemun), the old cobbled streets of Kaesong, and Janam Hill, topped with statues of the leaders looking over the whole settlement.

   Later that evening back at the hotel, made up of traditional Korean buildings, we’ll enjoy a performance of the Kayagum, a Korean instrument played in the country for centuries. The Minsok hotel matches the city, sleeping on heated floors in individual buildings all set around a river flowing majestically through the complex. A real treat after our long drive!

    

   Accommodation: Minsok Hotel, Kaesong

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

6. Day 6 Panmunjom & Return to Pyongyang

   We’re starting the day with a highlight, a trip to the inter-Korean Demilitarised Zone. This line was established at the end of the Korean War in 1953 and has been the frontline of the technically-active war ever since. We’ll head to the Joint Security Area, the one point along the border where both sides stand face to face.

   After the short drive to the complex and our military briefing, we’ll visit the village of Panmunjom where the armistice was negotiated between the DPRK and the United Nations before getting to see the dividing line for ourselves. Upon arrival at the JSA, we’ll be able to see South Korean troops on the opposite and, possibly, tourists visiting from the other side. On a good day, it’s possible to enter one of the conference buildings which straddle the border and technically cross into South Korea.

   After our lesson in recent-history, it’s time to delve into the ancient mysteries of Kaesong. The city was originally the capital of the entire peninsula during the Goryeo dynasty and so is rich with archeological finds – many of which are housed at the Kaesong Koryo Museum. A former university back in the days of Goryeo, this collection of traditional Korean buildings houses an impressive collection of artefacts.

   On the way out of the museum, we’ll stop at the Stamp Shop which serves as a handy souvenir opportunity before we leave Kaesong. However, first, a stop at Sonjuk Bridge.

   It was at this bridge in 1392 that a scholar named Jong Mong Ju was assassinated, marking the fall of the Goryeo Dynasty from power in Korea. It is said that a small mark on a stone on the bridge is a bloodstain from that very night.

   After our busy day of military, museums and murder it’s time to head back to Pyongyang, stopping at the Unification Arch, built in 2001 to celebrate the idea of Korean reunification. Upon arrival in the capital we’ll enjoy dinner at a local bowling alley rubbing shoulders with Pyongyang residents enjoying their evening before heading to Pyongyang’s most famous hotel, the Yanggakdo, where you can enjoy a beer at the fantastic bar, take a dip in the pool or take in the view from the revolving restaurant.

    

   Accommodation: Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

7. Day 7 Explore Pyongyang

   Although it may feel like we’ve spent a lot of our time in Pyongyang so far, today is the first day we’ll focus entirely on the nation’s incredibly interesting capital city. First, we’ll head to one of the DPRK’s most important locations – the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. A mausoleum housing the two former leaders of the country; the President Kim Il Sung and the General Kim Jong Il.

   Continuing the theme, our next stop will be another revered place of rest – the Revolutionary Martyr’s Cemetery on Taesong Hill just outside Pyongyang. Here, veterans of the anti-Japanese Revoltionary Movement of the 1930s and 40s are interred, including the first wife of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Suk.

   After a morning of respectful intrigue, we’ll visit the banks of Pyongyang’s mighty Taedong River for lunch at one of the city’s most famous restaurants; Okryugwan. Here, we’ll get a chance to eat the local delicacy, Cold Noodles. So famous that, even in the south, ‘Pyongyang Cold Noodles’ are a popular menu option. Delcious, even in spite of the cold weather!

   Filled with noodles, we’ll forgo the bus for a walk down the banks of the river to Taedong Gate – one of the old city gates which used to mark the border of Pyongyang. Continuing past the gate we’ll reach the Viennese Coffee Shop; a small Austrian-style coffee shop located, strangely, on Kim Il Sung Square in the heart of the city.

   After a hot beverage to counteract the cold noodles, a visit to the Foreign Languages Bookshop will give us a chance to pick up some literature on politics, tourism, geography, just about anything you could imagine, in English! (and other assorted languages). From here we’ll pass Pyongyang’s No.1 Department Store and enter the Grand People’s Study House.

   This enormous green-roofed building, built in traditional Korean style, is a huge public library used by locals for independent study. Of course, as with all things here, there is the occasional oddity with the Grand People’s Study House – for example, if you want to enjoy the music of Oasis in the DPRK, the music room here is the place for you! Or perhaps head to the balcony for an iconic view of the square, the river and the Juche Tower.

   Opposite the main entrance to the Study House is the Mansudae Fountain Park; during the summer, jets of water stream around marble statues surrounded by green grass and flowers. In December, it’s unlikely we’ll get to see the fountains in action, but the plaza is beautiful enough as-is. It’s also a chance for us to pick up flowers, if you so choose, before our next desination; the Mansudae Grand Monument.

   These 22-metre statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are perhaps the most famous monuments in the entire country. Upon arrival, we’ll bow at the feet of these statues, lay flowers and then take some souvenir photos. (Of course, for those visitors not comfortable with this, there is no need to take part). During our visit, we’ll get a great view of the Chollima Statue – a winged horse symbolizing the movement to rebuild the country after the Korean War.

   Next it’s off to our final engagement of the day – the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. A huge complex detailing the northern perspective on the Korean War, including an amazing panorama of the battle of Taejon and a visit to the USS Pueblo, a US spyship captured in 1968 and now a permanent exhibit outside the museum.

   We’ll end our day with a meal at the Pyongyang Hot Pot restaurant, a welcome respite after our hectic day out and about in the capital, before crashing back at the Yanggakdo Hotel.

    

   Accommodation: Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

8. Day 8 Visit Pyongsong City

   First on the itinerary for today, the Juche Tower, officially the Tower of the Juche Idea, stands on the bank of the Taedong River in central Pyongyang and was built to commemorate the Juche Ideology, the guiding ideology of North Korea, on the occasion of the President Kim Il Sung’s 70^th Birthday in 1982. We’ll get a chance to take the elevator up to the top and take in the 360-degree view of Pyongyang from 170-metres up.

   From the top, we’ll be able to see the Worker’s Party Foundation Monument just down the road – our next stop. This monument, built In 1995, commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Worker’s Party of Korea. The monument, based on the party symbol, depicts a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush symbolizing the workers, peasants and intellegensia.

   Having filled our appetite for monuments in the nation’s capital, we’ll take a short drive out of the city to the nearby satellite city of Pyongsong where we’ll enjoy lunch at the Jangsusan Hotel beneath a stunning mural of the Kumgangsan mountain region.

   Pyongsong is a very small city and so a great chance to interact more intimately with local people, so, in this vein, we’ll pay a visit to the Doksung Elementary School and get a glimpse at the education system in the DPRK and perhaps be rewarded by a performance from the students.

   Next up, the city square where two bronze statues of the Great Leaders grace the centre of the city. As the day draws to a close, we’ll retire back to the Jangsusan Hotel, not a regular choice for foreign tour groups who rarely stay overnight in Pyongsong, but a comfortable experience for sure.

    

   Accommodation: Jangsusan Hotel, Pyongsong

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

9. Day 9 New Years Eve | Ring in 2023

   It’s the last day of 2022, so we’ll head out to visit a place that’s befitting of this important date. North Korea is peppered with ‘Revolutionary Sites’ which have important significance in the history of the Korean Revolution – perhaps the jewel in the crown, in our opinion, is Konji-ri.

   Deep in the mountains, this base was used by Kim Il Sung to command his forces during the Korean War when Pyongyang was considered too dangerous for a headquarters. The building has been protected by being encapsulated within a hill in a temperature controlled underground hanger of sorts. We’ll see where machine-gun fire from a US plane nearly took the life of the top leadership and drink from the same well which sustained the top-brass of the Korean People’s Army during the darkest days of the war.

   Naturally, after such an awe-inspiring visit, we’ll have built up an appetite, so it’s back to Pyongyang to the Pyongyang Pizza Restaurant on Mirae Scientists Street, one of the newest and flashest developments in the city.

   After lunch we’ll talk a walk along the street up to the Sci-Tech centre – a hub for Science and Technology research and education housed in a building shaped like an atom! After this relaxing afternoon, it’s off to the Paradise Department Store for snacks and souvenirs before heading to the local brewery for a drink to begin the New Year celebrations!

   For dinner, no expense is spared – we’ll enjoy our meal onboard Pyongyang’s Rainbow Boat on the Taedong River as the city prepares itself for its New Year concert and firework celebrations on Kim Il Sung Square. Finishing dinner, we’ll join them! Heading to Kim Il Sung Square to sing, dance and ring in the New Year before walking back to the nearby Pyongyang Hotel amidst locals all heading home after the festivities.

    

   Accommodation: Pyongyang Hotel, Pyongyang

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

10. Day 10 Metro, Mangyongdae & Monuments

    Our final full day in North Korea and we’re packing in the highlights. Firstly, something exciting for those looking to mix with locals, and relaxing for those nursing a hangover – a tour of the entire Pyongyang metro network.

    We’ll travel along both lines of the network, the Chollima Line and the Hyoksin Line, alongside Pyongyangers on their way to work, school or just off to meet friends to celebrate New Year’s Day. It used to be thought that much of the network was hidden from foreign tourists, but today it’s possible to travel the whole thing, and that’s what we’re going to do, taking in the stunning architecture of the stations beneath the surface.

    After disembarking, we’ll enjoy lunch at one of the Korean International Travel Company’s own restaurant before heading to another of Pyongyang’s most important sites – Mangyongdae, the birthplace of the first leader, Kim Il Sung. It was here, in 1912, that the revolutionary-turned-President was born; the site is regularly visited by locals on important occasions, such as today.

    Returning from Mangyongdae into the city centre, we’ll charter a private Trolleybus, one of Pyongyang’s most popular modes of public transport, to take us back towards downtown Pyongyang where we’ll visit the Arch of Triumph.

    Whilst you may be familiar with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this arch is 2-metres taller and commemorates the 20-year journey of Kim Il Sung from his birthplace in Mangyongdae, which he left in 1925, to the frontlines of the revolution against Japan and then finally triumphantly back into Pyongyang in 1945.

    Nearby the arch is a quirky little souvenir shop, perfect for those who still haven’t scratched the merchandise itch.

    Finally, we’ll head back to the Pyongyang Hotel for a cosy farewell dinner and a drink at the hotel bar as we recount the stories and memories from the last ten days and prepare to depart this incredible country.

     

    Accommodation: Pyongyang Hotel, Pyongyang

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

11. Day 11 Departure Day

    Flight Departures

    We’ll drive you to Sunan International Airport for your departure on Air Koryo flight JS251 – departing at 10:15, you’ll arrive in Beijing Capital International Airport (Terminal 2) at 11:35.

     

    Train Departures

    Your train will depart at 10:25 from Pyongyang Station – after passing through customs at Sinuiju on the DPRK side and Dandong on the Chinese side, you’ll arrive at Beijing Railway Station at 08:40 the following morning (3^rd January).

     

    END OF TOUR

A Range of Hotels in Pyongyang