North Korea - National Day Tour

Cultural tour of North Korea

This tour is definitely a life-changing epic journey. The National Day tour is a 22 days long journey offering several hop-on, hop-off options.  This is the most indepth tour of North Korea – one that will take us through many parts of this last bastion of communism country.  North Korea is a country out of this world and it has to be seen to be believed.

Tour Information
Duration : 22 days
Minimum : N/A
Maximum : N/A
Price (From) :
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Beijing/Pyongyang
(D)
Day 02: Nampo & The West Coast
(B, L, D)
Day 03: Sinchon & Sariwon
(B, L, D)
Day 04: Panmunjom/DMZ & Kaesong
(B, L, D)
Day 05: Haeju
(B, L, D)
Day 06: Pyongyang City Tour
(B, L, D)
Day 07: National Day Celebrations!
(B, L, D)
Day 08: Pyongsong
(B, L, D)
Day 09: Mt. Myohyang
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Option B Arrives
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Hamhung
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Hamhung
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Wonsan
(B, L, D)
Day 14: Mt. Kumgang
(B, L, D)
Day 15: Option C Arrives
(B, L, D)
Day 16: Option B Departs -Mt. Paekdu
(B, L, D)
Day 17: Mt. Chilbo
(B, L, D)
Day 18: Chongjin
(B, L, D)
Day 19: Hoeryong
(B, L, D)
Day 20: Chongjin/Pyongyang
(B, L, D)
Day 21: Pyongyang City Tour
(B, L, D)
Day 22: Departure Day
(B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Beijing/Pyongyang

This morning we will meet at our office in Beijing (time to be confirmed at the pre-tour briefing the day before) and together head to Beijing Airport Terminal 2 for our flight Beijing to Pyongyang (1.5 hrs) - the showcase capital of the DPRK.   Upon arrival in Pyongyang (approximately 4pm - DPRK is one hour ahead of China), we proceed through immigration and customs and meet our guides who will accompany us during our stay. On arrival we will visit the Arch of Triumph, built in 1982 to commemorate Korean independence from Japan. This is, put simply, much like the famous Parisian monument, but bigger.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (1 night) (D)

Day 02: Nampo & The West Coast

After breakfast we take a tour of the Grand People’s Study House. Supposedly stocked with over 3 million books, this enormous library/place of study has a great view over Kim Il Sung Square. We then visit the Foreign Languages Bookshop and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Pyongyang. On our journey, we walk through the heart of the city, and stop by Kim Il Sung Square, where the capital’s mass dances take place and the military parades pass through.  In the afternoon we make our way to the west coast, stopping off for a visit to Chongsan-Ri Co-operative Farm, the DPRK’s most famous farm, which was visited a number of times by the President Kim Il Sung. We’ll have a tour of the farm, which will include a visit to a farmer’s house and a Kindergarten. Next we stop off at Kangso Mineral Water Factory, where you can see naturally-carbonated water being bottled. We also visit the Chollima Steelworks, a major heavy industry site that was built by the Japanese and is known to the Koreans as the birthplace of the Chollima movement. On the way to our hotel we go to the West Sea Barrage, an 8km-long dam separating the Taedong river from the West Sea of Korea. We then head for our overnight stop, the Dragon River Hot Spa guesthouse. This is a complex of chalets where each room has a private bath, which can be filled with water direct from the hot springs, which is said to have many medicinal benefits. It is here that we can experience the famous Nampo petrol clam BBQ (costs USD 10 per person but you can still watch for free if you don't want to have any of the clams).
Overnight: Dragon River Hot Spa Hotel, Nampo (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 03: Sinchon & Sariwon

After breakfast we drive through the stunning Kuwol mountain area until we reach Sinchon Town in South Hwanghae province. The drive will take around 2 hours and we will stop at various places for photos of the scenery. The main place to see in Sinchon is the US Atrocities Museum, and we will make a stop here. Not for the faint-hearted, this museum details the alleged massacre in this area of over 35,000 people during the Korean War when it was occupied by US military.  In the afternoon we’ll have a picnic lunch then drive through the countryside to Sariwon city where we visit the Sariwon Folk Village, a mock-up of traditional Korean architecture. You can walk up the hill for a great view over the area. We’ll have dinner in the March 8th Hotel which was furnished by generous donation from a South Korean furniture Magnate (it’s ideal for those with a penchant for the kitsch), before driving the last hour of the day down to the dynastic capital and famous city of Kaesong.
Overnight: Minsok Folk Hotel, Kaesong (1 night - sleep on heated floors in traditional Korean style. This hotel is quite basic, and has sporadic hot water and frequent power cuts, but staying here is a great experience as you are living literally next door to the local inhabitants) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Panmunjom/DMZ & Kaesong

This morning we’ll walk from the hotel though the old streets of Kaesong up to Janam Hill for views over Kaesong City. Then we take a short drive (approx 20 minutes) to Panmunjom/DMZ where North and South Korea continue their decades-old face-off. It is possible to go into one of the huts that straddle the demarcation line and actually cross over into South Korea! This is one of the few places where you can take pictures of (and even with) members of the DPRK military. Next, we head back to Kaesong and visit the Kaesong Koryo Museum, a beautiful old Confucian University, to learn about the history of the area. The stamp shop here is excellent too. Lunch is a traditional pansanggi meal, which is something like Korean tapas.   In the afternoon we’ll then drive out to the Concrete Wall, an observation post deep in the DMZ where you can view South Korean positions and see the anti-tank barrier that stretches across the peninsular. Next on our itinerary is Pakyon Waterfalls, which is 37m high and situated 25km outside of Kaesong. We’ll head back to Kaesong and check into the hotel before dinner.
Overnight: Janamsan Hotel, Kaesong (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Haeju

We head off into the countryside to the rarely-visited city of Haeju (1.5 hrs). On arrival we will first stop for photos and a brief orientation of the city centre where there is a Kim Il Sung statue. We will visit Gyenam Stock Farm, a livestock farm for cows, goats, and rabbits. Here they also process some of the main by-products of cattle, such as milk and methane. We’ll also visit the Sokdam Ravine, an area, which features remains from the 16th Century.   In the afternoon we’ll stop for lunch in the city at the Haeju Hotel, and have a look around the Central Square, before visiting Buyong Pavilion. Originally built in 1500 and renovated over time we will sightsee here and then head to the Koryo Fortress, which is situated above a split 120m waterfall, in a prime defensive position. This is an excellent place for photos. We will hear about how this area was important during the Koryo Dynasty. We then make our way back to Pyongyang (2.5 hrs) and have dinner at a hot pot restaurant.
Overnight:Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Pyongyang City Tour

This morning we visit the DPRK’s centre of artistic excellence, Mansudae Art Studio. This is where most of the country’s paintings, mosaics and statues are made. It’s possible to visit several different workshops here and see the artists at work. We’ll also visit the Railway Museum before heading to Jonsong Revolutionary Site, a system of tunnels used as a wartime base for the KPA and their commander Kim Il Sung. Here we will see the preserved rooms where soldiers and officers slept, lived and had meetings. The office of Kim Il Sung’s right-hand-man Kim Chaek is also here. Kim Chaek died of a heart attack at his desk during the conflict and has since had a city, a country, and a university named after him as one of the republic’s most venerated heroes.
Next on our itinerary is a tram ride around the city. Pyongyang’s tram system was laid down in the late 1980s and is still the way in which vast swathes of the population get to work and travel around. Koryo Tours is pleased to offer chartered trips on these magnificent retro-machines, many with interesting stories of their years of service and many kilometres travelled. See the city as the locals do and get some great photos along the way! We also visit The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, where you can learn the history of the Korean War from the North Korean perspective. The museum’s different rooms explain the origins of the conflict, and include highly impressive dioramas, tanks, planes, and much more. Then it’s on to the USS Pueblo, an American spy ship captured by the DPRK navy in 1968. Before dinner we’ll have a look around Pyongyang Maternity Hospital where you can tour the facilities including the surgery rooms. (B, L, D)

Day 07: National Day Celebrations!

Today is a very important day in the DPRK calendar, the 67th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK. We expect there to be some celebratory events but will not know exactly what until the day itself so be prepared for some itinerary changes. Rest assured, we will make sure we get access to any events that tourists are permitted to attend and we know all the best spots to be on a holiday such as this. We’ll start the day off by going to the Mansudae Fountain Park to buy some flowers before making our way to the Mansudae Grand Monument, the giant bronze statues of North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. This is a very important place for Koreans and visitors are requested to follow local customs, which include placing a bouquet of flowers at the monument and bowing in front of the statues. Next we go to Mangyongdae Native House, the native birthplace of North Korean President Kim Il Sung. Then you’ll have time to try out the rides at Mangyongdae Funfair before lunch.   In the afternoon we take a walk in Moranbong Park. Located in the centre of Pyongyang, this is a favourite place for locals and during the holiday periods it is not unusual to come across a group of Koreans dancing. Make sure to learn basic Korean (the guides can help with this), to meet and greet people and you might even get the opportunity to join in. Next stop is the Juche Tower. At 150m, and topped with a flickering red torch, this is the highest stone monument in the world. Take the lift to the top for stunning views over Pyongyang (entrance costs USD 10). Then we stop by the Party Foundation Monument, aniconic sculpture of a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush, which was constructed to celebrate 50 years of Workers’ Party rule. As today is a national holiday we expect to see a mass dance taking place. University students dress in their finest and gather together in various public spots around Pyongyang to dance together (a great time for young couples to meet for the first time). This is an impressive spectacle indeed. If time permits we’ll go to the Golden Lane Bowling Centre, where Pyongyang’s residents go for their ten-pin fix. This is a great chance to mix with local people. Even if you don’t end up playing, it’s worth grabbing a seat here to watch everyone have some fun. There is also a shooting range next door where you can fire 20 rounds for USD 10. We’ll round off the holiday celebrations with a well-deserved drink at Taedonggang Number 3 Bar! (B, L, D)

Day 08: Pyongsong

Our first visit is to the Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun, where North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state. This is a place of utmost importance for Koreans and tourists should behave accordingly. Men should wear a shirt and tie, and women should dress smartly. Next we take a short drive to the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery. Here, you will see superb individually-crafted bronze busts of the country’s anti-Japanese heroes, including one of Kim Jong Suk (the mother of Kim Jong Il). The cemetery was designed to overlook the city, the idea being that the fallen martyrs should have a view of their country being rebuilt. Next we’ll have a look around Pyongyang Zoo, which houses animals from domestic cats to elephants!   After lunch we drive 40 mins north to the town of Pyongsong and stop off at the central square for some photos. We visit Kim Jong Suk Higher Middle School (named after the mother of Kim Jong Il). The headmaster here is very welcoming and will take us on a tour of the school, where you can see what middle-school students typically study in the DPRK. If you are brave enough then you are encouraged to jump in and chat to students in their English class! This can often be a valuable first opportunity for English-language learners in Pyongsong to converse with a native English speaker. After that we head out to Paeksong Revolutionary Site, which is where Kim Il Sung University was moved to in 1952 during the Korean War - a hidden academic base! Take a walk through the old classrooms and kitchens. We end our tour of Pyongsong with a tour of Pyongsong Taedonggang Clothing Factory, which produces clothes to ship all over the world.
Overnight: Jangsusan Hotel, Pyongsong  (1 night - basic, bring a torch!) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Mt. Myohyang

Today we will drive to Mt. Myohyang, the Mountain of Mysterious Fragrance, two hours north of Pyongyang. It’s said that the air is so fresh here that, regardless of how much alcohol you drink, you won’t have a hangover the next day (provided you sleep with your window open, of course). We’ll leave that up to you to test out! Our first visit of the day is to the area’s main attraction, the International Friendship Exhibition. Built in 1978, these two huge subterranean halls are filled with gifts to the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, presented to them by people from all over the world, including heads of state, as well as ordinary citizens. It’s estimated that if you spent one minute in front of each gift it would take over a year to see the whole exhibition. Before stopping for lunch, we take a look around the nearby thousand-year-old Pohyon Buddhist Temple. It was destroyed during the Korean War, but was rebuilt as a working temple, complete with North Korean monks.   After lunch we’ll hike in Manpok Valley. We will take a 1-2 hour walk up and down the mountains, following a trail that passes waterfalls and unusual rocks, all set in a stunning landscape. It’s a popular place for locals to take a day trip. We then head back south, towards the capital, stopping en route at the Ryongmun Caves, a stunning series of grottoes and subterranean caves that we’re led around. The local guides here know how to tell a good story about the meaning of the unusually shaped rocks, and they don’t shy away from the more salacious tales! When we’re back in Pyongyang we go to the Diplomatic Club for a farewell dinner as we say goodbye to Option A.
Overnight:Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Option B Arrives

For those flying out the flight departs Pyongyang at 09:00 and arrives in Beijing at approx 10:00am.
Those continuing on will be spending the morning at Sunrise Department Store and coffee shop then relaxing at Changwangsan Health Complex where you can swim, get a haircut, massage and enjoy other leisure facilities.   After lunch we’ll have a stroll through the city along Chollima Street before heading deep underground for a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, which is the deepest subway system in the world. The designs of the main stations are stunning, and particularly notable for their superb lighting and mosaics. This is a great chance to interact with local people, especially if you are prepared to learn some basic greetings in Korean. This afternoon Option B arrives and transfers to the hotel via the Arch of Triumph and Mansudae Grand Monument before meeting the rest of the grouop for dinner in a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Hamhung

This morning after breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive to the east coast of the country. After about 2 hrs we stop at Sinpyong Lake where there is a rest house with bathrooms and refreshments. We then continue on for about 1 hour to Ulim Waterfalls, where we stop for a picnic lunch. These beautiful waterfalls were discovered in 2001 by Korean People's Army soldiers and are a popular place for locals to come and relax.  This afternoon we continue another 2.5 hrs to Hamhung , DPRK’s second largest city. It is a largely industrial area but has some beautiful coastline. We stop for pictures in the city centre of the exterior of the beautifully retro Hamhung Grand Theatre and the statues of leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Finally we visit the Ancient Home of Ri Song Gye, the founder of the Ri Dynasty. This is a beautifully restored traditional palace with some interesting stories.  Don't leave without asking the local guide to tell you the story behind the giant pair of shoes.
Overnight: Majon Guesthouse, Hamhung  (1 night - chalets with private beach; basic facilities and no running water bu with heating elements are provided) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Hamhung

After breakfast (and an early morning for swim for those who are keen) we will make our way back to Hamhung city, stopping off at the Hungnam Fertilizer Factory to see some local DPRK industry. We then drive 2.5 hours to Pujon County, which has some amazing views of the kind of North Korean countryside that doesn’t exist elsewhere in the country. We will see isolated factories, villages, and farms, and drive through some amazing mountain scenery (there will be plenty of chances to stop for photos) We will get there in time for lunch, which will be made up of local specialties such as non-pickled Kimchi and potatoes barbequed on the ground.   In the afternoon we will first see the amazing and unique Stone River, a volcanic cascade of giant rocks running all the way down the mountainside. Also around here are some of the DPRK’s famous Slogan Trees. Next we will drive to the top of the mountain to see a well-known revolutionary site. Learn the story of who stayed here while taking in the amazing view over the nearby ranges and forests. This is a stunning area ever so far from anywhere normally visited by tourists - you’ll be glad you made the effort! As it’s not possible to stay in this area overnight we will return to Hamhung over the mountain roads, and this time check into a hotel in the city centre.
Overnight: Sunhungsan Hotel, Hamhung (1 night – basic, limited hot water) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Wonsan

This morning we’ll make our way back down the east coast to Wonsan, stopping off at Tongbong Cooperative Farm, where we get an introduction to how cooperative farming works in the DPRK. There is a shop here where you can buy locally-made products (some great kitsch stationary and even wellington boots!). We will also see a kindergarten and a farmer's house here. Our next stop is Wonsan Agricultural University, the most important agricultural university in the country. It was visited by the leaders on many occasions and you can even see marks dotted around the beautiful grounds showing where they stood for photos!  After lunch in Wonsan city we visit Songdowon Schoolchildren’s Camp. This is where talented schoolchildren come between April and October to learn outdoor education skills such as camping. We’ll also have time to look around Wonsan Central Square and drop into the nearby Art Gallery. After checking into our hotel we take an optional walk along the city pier before dinner. There is a charge of USD 2 for access but is well worth it for the great views of the Wonsan skyline. This is a popular spot with fisherman and promenading locals.
Overnight: Dongmyong Hotel, Wonsan (1 night - this hotel is clean and comfortable with facilities such as bar, billiards and 24 hr hot water)
(B, L, D)

Day 14: Mt. Kumgang

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and drive south approximately 2 hours to the beautiful Mt Kumgang area. Upon arrival we take a short walk round Samil Lagoon, before having lunch at Mokran Restaurant which is located at the foot of the Kuryong (Nine Dragon) Waterfalls.  After lunch it is time to get your hiking boots on for some exercise. We will hike around 2 hours on pathways alongside waterfalls to the first main waterfall. You can take this at your own pace as we will spend a couple of hours in the area so go as fast or as slow as you like. For those who are feeling energetic there is the option to go even further up some very steep paths/steps to the highest point where you get stunning views across the area. This takes around another hour to the top. There will be several shuttles back to the hotel and also the option to go to a nearby spa if hiking is not your thing. This will be an extra charge of around USD 20 per person for basic sauna/pool.
Overnight:Kumgangsan Hotel, Mt. Kumgang (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15: Option C Arrives

After breakfast we will drive back along the coast to Wonsan for lunch, stopping at a beachside area for a swim if the weather is good. On arrival in Wonsan we will visit Wonsan Old Railway Station.   In the afternoon we drive back to Pyongyang (4 hrs with a lunch break at the Sinpyong Resthouse halfway). Upon arrival in Pyongyang we’ll visit Mangyongdae’s Schoolchildren’s Palace to watch a performance by the talented children that take extracurricular classes and have a tour of the classrooms. We’ll have farewell drinks at Paradise Micro-brewery and Bar for those departing tomorrow before dinner.
This afternoon Option C arrives and transfers to the hotel via the Arch of Triumph and Mansudae Grand Monument before meeting the rest of the group for dinner in a local restaurant..
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 16: Option B Departs/Mt. Paekdu

For those flying out the flight departs Pyongyang at 09:00 and arrives in Beijing at approx 10:00am. This morning after an early breakfast, we’ll head to the airport in time to catch our flight to Mt. Paekdu (1 hour), which is the tallest mountain in Korea (2750m), and is regarded as sacred by both North and South Koreans as it was the birthplace of the mythical founder of the Korean nation, King Tangun. It is also important to North Koreans as it is where Kim Il Sung based himself when fighting against the Japanese before Liberation and because Kim Jong Il was allegedly born here. Upon arrival at the mountain, the bus will wait at the car park and we take a hike to the top which takes around 45 minutes. Here we will have stunning views over the area and of the mirror-like Lake Chon, the highest crater lake in the world. We will spend around 2 hours in the area.  After lunch we’ll visit Paekdusan Secret Camp. This was the base of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army during the fight against the Japanese occupation. It is also, according to the DPRK, the birthplace of Kim Jong Il and we visit the log cabin where he was born. You can even see the toys he played with as a child. Next we head to a local lumberjacks' settlement to see the beautiful Rimyongsu waterfalls before heading back to Samjiyon Town where our hotel is located. Dinner is at the hotel. Make sure you try the local vodka kamchasul. This area is a big potato-growing region so they form the basis of many of the dishes and drinks.
Overnight: Pegaebong Hotel, Samjiyon (1 night - clean with limited hot water and possible power cuts) (B, L, D)

Day 17: Mt. Chilbo

This morning we make our way back to Samjiyon airport to catch our flight to Orang, stopping off at Samjiyon Monument on the way, a statue of President Kim Il Sung and sculptures of the guerillas who fought against the Japanese built in 1949 to immortalise his revolutionary exploits in the area. We then board our flight to Orang airport (around 45 mins). When we arrive we’ll drive to the Mt. Chilbo area. Meaning 'The Mountain of 7 Treasures', this area is one of the most famous scenic spots in the DPRK. We will have a picnic for lunch.   Afternoon we’ll take a tour of the mountain range, multiple peaks and rock formations, seeing stunning views and scenery and hearing interesting stories about the area. We’ll visit a local beach – perfect water for swimmers! Our day will end at the home-stay village, where we will have dinner.
Overnight: Homestay Village, Mt. Chilbo (1 night - this is the only place in the DPRK that it is possible for tourists to stay at the home of the locals; therefore, expect basic facilities.  Unfortunately US citizens are not permitted to say here overnight so must stay at the nearby Outer Chilbo Hotel, a basic hotel with limited hot water and electricity) (B, L, D)

Day 18: Chongjin

This morning we’ll drive to Chongjin, the DPRK’s 3rd largest city. This is a beautiful drive which takes around 4 hours with breaks along the way at some amazing scenic spots.  On arrival we’ll visit Chongjin Revolutionary Museum, which details the history of the area. We’ll then stop off at the Central Square and see the Kim Il Sung Statue. We also have the opportunity to visit the Steelworks Kindergarten, catering to the children of steelworkers. Here we will tour round a few classrooms and view a performance put on by the children. After dinner it’s off to the Fisherman’s Club to see what Chongjin nightlife is all about!  This is the only place in the city where you can mingle with local people having drinks or dinner. A very unexpected drinks selection awaits you here too.
Overnight: Tourist Hotel, Chongjin (1 night - basic with limited running water) (B, L, D)

Day 19: Hoeryong

This morning we head north to Hoeryong (2.5 hrs) on a very interesting drive indeed. Hoeryong has an urban population of 70,000 and is famous for being the birthplace of Mother Kim Jong Suk, the wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il. It is also well-known within the DPRK for its 'Three Beautifuls' - beautiful women, beautiful apricots and beautiful earthenware! Upon arrival we will have lunch in a local restaurant.  In thea afternoon we take a tour of the local Hoeryong sights including the statue of Kim Jong Suk, where we will lay flowers down and pay our respects. We also visit her native birthplace, a thatched cottage which is where she was born and spent the early years of her childhood. Next is the Revolutionary Museum, which tells of Kim Jong Suk's exploits during the anti-Japanese struggle. We finish the morning at a local middle school named after her younger brother Kim Ki Sung. We’ll have a look around the city centre too, do a little souvenir shopping, and have the chance to experience a city that only opened to tourists in 2012.
Overnight: Hoeryong Hotel, Hoeryong (1 night - basic with limited hot water and there may be power cuts) (B, L, D)

Day 20: Chongjin/Pyongyang

We have breakfast and then bid farewell to Hoeryong as we drive back to Chongjin. Upon arrival we’ll make a stop at the newly renovated Regional Library and Chongjin Foodstuff’s Factory and have a quick spot of lunch before heading onward to Orang airport.  In the afternoon we board our specially chartered flight for the 1 hour journey back to Pyongyang. You can get some pictures with the flight crew and visit the cockpit of the plane and when we arrive in Pyongyang we will even have the chance to see some of the Air Koryo fleet on the runway at Pyongyang Sunan Airport. This is a rare chance to photograph and have a look around their unique planes. Then we head into town for a meal in Pyongyang’s first Pizza Restaurant.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 21: Pyongyang City Tour

We start off our last day in Pyongyang with a visit to the Korean Central Art Gallery, which is located on Kim Il Sung Square. We’ll also visit the Kim Il Sung University Museum which is dedicated to Kim Jong Il’s studies there. Before lunch we go to the Paekdusan Architecture Institute, which details the construction of Pyongyang from liberation in 1945 to the present day, and features a wonderful mural depicting Pyongyang city in the entrance hall.  In the afternoon we have a tour of the Party Founding Museum, one of the very few public buildings in Pyongyang, which survived the Korean War, and one which preserves its distinctly pre-revolutionary flavour and décor both inside and out. This building acted as the headquarters of the Korean Workers’ Party’s Central Committee shortly after liberation in 1945, and it is possible to see the office which President Kim Il Sung used at that time. A truly historic place! Next is the Three Revolutions Exhibition, which consists of several halls showcasing the nation’s technological, cultural and ideological progress following the Korean War. We then go to June 9th Middle School for a tour of the classrooms and watch a performance put on by the children. Finally we visit a local Shooting Range (for sports weapons - you can try them out here in one of North Korea’s most unusual leisure activities), before our farewell dinner at a famous Duck BBQ restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 22: Departure Day

For those flying out the flight departs Pyongyang at 10:30 and arrives in Beijing at approx 11:30am. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
Departure(s) Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Estimated Airfare (FROM)+
East Coast West Coast
This is a suggested program for private tours. Please contact us for details.
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
Departure(s) Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Estimated Airfare (FROM)+
East Coast West Coast
This is a suggested program for private tours. Please contact us for details.

Notes

  • The program is subject to change without prior notice.
  • Please be advised that the tour cost does not include any services in Beijing; therefore, please contact us should you require our assistance for transfers/hotel/tours while in Beijing.
  • Non USA passport holders are allowed to take an overnight train back to Beijing on the last day of the tour; therefore, if you wish to take the overnight train instead of flying back then please let us know at the time of booking.
  • Pre-tour meeting at our representative office in Beijing (the location of the office will be provided when we email out the tour documents, which is 2 weeks prior), where visa will be picked up plus the air tickets, vouchers & etc – usually one day prior to the actual tour date at 1600 hrs.  It is a mandatory that you attend this pre-tour briefing.
  • Meals will have one complimentary beer.  If you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements please inform us beforehand.

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • All air tickets required from Beijing and back to Beijing
  • Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers on seat-in-coach basis
  • Services of local English speaking guides/drivers
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
Not Included
  • Any services in Beijing
  • International airfares
  • Visa fees (visa for North Korea is currently at USD 80.00)
  • Tip for the guides (approx USD 100.00 for shorter tour upto USD 200.00 for the longer tour)
  • If applicable entry tickets for Mass Games
  • Lift up the Juche Tower USD 10.00

Participants

N/A

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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