North Korea 5-night Tour
Tour
5 nights in the DPRK (North Korea)
Price
1,295 EUR (November to March)
1,395 EUR (April to October)
*In April through May 10 & September through October 15 there is a 90 EUR flight ticket surcharge imposed by Air Koryo.
Overview
This 5-night trip to North Korea offers a more in-depth look at the various highlights in Pyongyang as well as visiting the North Korean countryside in Myohyangsan.
We will spend our first few days exploring the highlights Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, has on offer. We visit the Grand People's Study House, Kim Il Sung Square, the Juche Tower, and much more!
Plus, we have the opportunity to take a tram ride, as well as take a walk on the streets of Pyongyang. You will also visit one of North Korea's UNESCO World Heritage Sites at the Tomb of King Tongmyong.
Outside the city, we spend a night in the mountains as we enjoy hiking and visiting a local Buddhist Temple.
See below for an overview of all tour options and extras.
Highlights
- Pyongyang – the center of it all. The capital and largest city of the DPRK with a history of thousands of years and is famous for grand architecture, monuments, and eponymous cold noodles.
- Mt. Myohyang – Sacred mountain region, home to temples, hiking routes, and the International Friendship Exhibition Hall.
- Tomb of King Tongmyong – a prime example of the Koguryo tombs and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Please note that the itinerary may differ slightly to what is below, but your tour leader will do their best to ensure that as much is covered as possible.
Daily itinerary
Briefing day– Friday
- *Pre-Tour Briefing | We require all travellers to attend a pre-tour briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in the DPRK. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question-and-answer session. Please be punctual for the briefing. You can come early, meet your fellow travellers, and pay any outstanding tour fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of travel to North Korea.
AM
- Recommended latest arrival in Beijing.
PM
Pre-tour briefing at a TBC location in Central Beijing.
Overnight
Hotel in Beijing not included in tour. Contact us for recommendations near the briefing location!
Day 1 – Saturday
Arrival day in Pyongyang
AM
- Independent travel to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2.
- 09:30 | Group meeting at the Air Koryo check-in counter at Beijing Airport.
PM
- Flight departure from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 on Air Koryo flight JS152 at 12:25. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch (vegetarian option is subject to availability).
- Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 15:30. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.
- Pyongyang Metro Tour | One of the deepest metro systems in the world with stunning artwork reflecting the name of each station. Ride six stations on the Chollima Line.
- Arch of Triumph | Massive archway commemorating the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule. Made for the 70th anniversary of President Kim Il Sung in 1982.
- Check-in and dinner at hotel.
Overnight
Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang | Home away from home for most (but not all!) foreign visitors to Pyongyang, this 47-story hotel is located on an island in the middle of the Taedong River and offers great views of the city. Comfortable rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities: swimming pool, spa, billiards, bowling, gift shops, tea houses, beer brewed on-site, and a Chinese-run casino.
Day 2 – Sunday
Pyongyang and drive to Mt. Myohyang
AM
- Tower of the Juche Idea | Iconic tower dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy on the Taedong River. Take the elevator to the top for great views of the city (elevator ticket is 5 EUR).
- Mansudae Grand Monument | Enormous bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and bow by the group is customary here (5 EUR). Please note this is a government-administered sight and visits are subject to cancellation. Visits are optional and require a certain dress code (close-toed shoes and covered legs and shoulders). Here we will also see the Chollima Monument, or ‘thousand ri (400 km or 250 miles) horse’ - a symbol of speed - commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950s following the Korean War.
- Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient, socialist, and modern architecture.
- Kim Il Sung Square | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House.
- Foreign Languages Bookshop | Store selling Korean publications translated into English, German, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. Also pick up DVDs, postcards, and small works of art.
- Okryugwan | A meal at Pyongyang’s most famous restaurant. Housed in a huge traditional building on the banks of the Taedong River. Okryugwan specialises in Pyongyang Cold Noodles.
PM
- Kwangbok Department Store | Exchange for Korean currency and shop with the citizens of Pyongyang! Try the snack stand on the first floor for some of Pyongyang’s best local eats.
- Mt. Myohyang | Drive north passing rivers valleys and hills to the ‘mountain of mysterious fragrance’. A 2.5 hour to 3 hour drive.
- Manpok Valley Hike | Various options for hikes of a range of distances/difficulties. Passing waterfalls, hermitages, interesting rocks, lovely wooded areas, and viewing points.
- Check-in and dinner at hotel.
Overnight
Hyangsan Hotel, Myohyangsan | The fanciest hotel in North Korea with '7-star' facilities. Renovated in 2010. Excellent swimming pool, lovely location.
Day 3 – Monday
Mt. Myohyang and drive back to Pyongyang
AM
- International Friendship Exhibition | A semi-subterranean exhibition hall displaying gifts of all kinds given to the DPRK leaders by foreign states, leaders, and organizations. The exhibition is a fascinating look into material culture in the second half of the 20th century. Highlights include a plane given by the Soviet Union, basketball signed by Michael Jordan from the US State Department, and vodka given by Dennis Rodman. The visit takes most of the morning. Presentable dress required.
- Pohyon Buddhist Temple | A peaceful temple dating back to 1042 CE with stone pagoda and repository of print blocks and historic text of the Tripitaka Koreana, Buddhist scriptures first produced to invoke divine assistance from foreign invasions during the Koryo Dynasty.
PM
Drive back to Pyongyang (2.5 to 3 hours) with a stop at Ryongmun Caves | A subterranean complex of limestone caves and grottoes. Led by an experienced local guide, you will see weirdly (and suggestively) shaped rocks and stalactites/stalagmites and hear a wealth of stories and legends about each - some not appropriate for young audiences.
Cemetery | Cemetery dedicated to the heroes of the Korean War. Opened in 2013 and centred around a monument of a rifle and red flag. A presentation flowers is customary here.
Overnight
Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 4 – Tuesday
Pyongyang City Tour
AM
- Mangyongdae Native House | Birthplace of and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a park-like setting.
- Tram Ride | A ride through Pyongyang from Kwangbok Street to Pyongyang Station on one of the city’s municipal trams.
- Grand People’s Study House | National library and public correspondence university with Neo-traditional Korean architecture and great views of the city.
PM
- Tomb of King Tongmyong | Largest of the UNESCO listed Koguryo Tombs spread through the area, this is the beautiful tomb complex of the founder of the Koguryo Dysnasty two thousand years ago. Burial mounds, a Buddhist Monastery, and scenic woodlands make this a fascinating visit. Please note tomb murals are not preserved.
- Monument to the Party Foundation | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, writing brush which represent the workers, farmers, and intellectuals that make up the Worker’s Party of Korea.
- Munsu Water Park | We’ll take a break at this outdoor and indoor water park with water slides, lap pools, and hot tubs. Bar, coffee shop, and shops for non-swimmers (Entry fee 2 EUR; swimming fee- 10 EUR with suit rental; tennis- 5 EUR).
- Walk on Future Scientists' Street | An evening stroll through one of Pyongyang's newest neighbourhoods.
Overnight
Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 5 – Wednesday
Departure Day from Pyongyang
AM
- Vegetable Farm | A taste of modern rural life just outside Pyongyang city. Visit the farm’s cultural centre, kindergarten, home, and research laboratory. Good bye, city life!
- Paekdu Architectural Academy | Major studio responsible for designing many of Pyongyang's iconic buildings. Meet architects, see urban plans and building blueprints here.
- Stamp Exhibition | Displays of stamps issued since the foundation of the DPRK featuring all manner of decorations. Some expected, some very unexpected! Part shop, part exhibition. Good for souvenirs, mementoes.
- Monument to the Party Foundation | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, writing brush which represent the workers, farmers, and intellectuals that make up the Worker’s Party of Korea.
PM
Jonsung Revolutionary Site | A system of underground tunnels and bunkers used by the DPRK government's cabinet during the 1950s exhibiting life underground during the Korean War.
Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum | Tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 and it exhibits the Korean War from the DPRK perspective with artefacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captured equipment from the US military, including the USS Pueblo. Central to the understanding of the country today and highlight of the trip.
Mansugyo Beer Bar | A standing bar serving seven types of beer (50 cents a pint, 4.5 EUR for a flight). Popular with locals after work and on weekends!
Farewell dinner at Pyongyang Duck Barbeque Restaurant | South Pyongyang’s famous fire-grilled duck restaurant that has seen many a teary-eyed farewell.
Overnight
Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 6 –Thursday
Departure Day from Pyongyang
AM
- Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS251 at 10:10 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 11:30.
- End of Tour
Extras
Upgrade to your own room
All hotel rooms feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 40 EUR per night.
What’s included?
INCLUDED
- Air Koryo flight Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing
- Hotel accommodation in Korea
- All meals on the tour
- All transportation in Korea
- All sites listed on the itinerary
- Two local English-speaking guides and a driver per group
- A Koryo Tours tour leader
NOT INCLUDED
- DPRK visa fee: 60 EUR
- Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
- Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15-20 USD per day)
- Optional activities and entry tickets for special events if applicable
- Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
- Spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Notes
Groups will be in the experienced hands of two local Korean guides and a Koryo Tours tour leader. Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ from what is advertised above. Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed.
We will ensure to make the most of your days in Korea to guarantee the experience of a lifetime. After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.
Koryo Tours
North Korea Tour Experts