Do you remember 1993? Bill Clinton became US president; the Maastricht Treaty officially came into force — thereby formally establishing the European Union; the first face-to-face agreement between the government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization was made; oh, and Koryo Tours took its first-ever group to North Korea!

That's right, fact fans, we turn 25 this year, which makes us as old as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, who also date back to 1993. But perhaps twice as powerful. Turns out Koryo's founder, Nick Bonner, was also once a ranger — working as a countryside ranger in the UK before moving to China in the 1990s to teach at university. From there, he travelled to Pyongyang after meeting a North Korean living in Beijing; the rest, as they say, is history.

We're already looking forward to our next 25 years of helping people explore Asia's most interesting destinations and experiences, but since this year is our Silver Jubilee we hope you don't mind us pausing a moment, and taking the opportunity to shout about some of the exciting plans we've got lined up for this particularly special year.

Perhaps the most important thing for you to note at this stage is that — to celebrate 25 years of Koryo Tours — we'll be announcing a gift via social media on the 25th of every month. These special posts will range from giveaways to discounts. So make sure you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts to be in with a chance of winning some very special prizes, or benefiting from a chunky Silver Jubilee discount or two...

The other thing you might like to know — whether you've already travelled with us or not — is that our founder, Nick Bonner, will be personally leading a special 25th Anniversary Tour this October.

Nick rarely leads tours himself these days as he’s usually off working on one of his many North Korea-focused projects. For example: he’s made three documentaries there; co-directed a feature film (the first North Korean film to be shown to the public in South Korea); not to mention helping unite creatives from North and South on the award-winning Korea pavilion at the 2014 Venice Biennale.

So this is your chance to join Koryo’s founder on tour!

Sign up for a five-night experience like no other as Nick takes you to the top sights in the DPRK, as well as some of his personal favourites. Spending time with him will also allow you to gain a unique insight in to what it’s like to have worked in North Korea for 25 years — in tourism, engagement and the arts.

Tour highlights include:

- Special tour of *both lines* of Pyongyang's underground metro system with an artist from Mansudae Art Studio — a rare opportunity indeed!
- Visit Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (mausoleum of the leaders); the War Museum; plus the captured spy ship USS Pueblo
- Cold noodles (Pyongyang's specialty) at the capital's most famous restaurant
- Shop with the locals at Kwangbok Supermarket (and use local currency!)
- See historic Kaesong, Panmunjom, and the Korean DMZ up close
- Visit the provincial city of Sariwon — a centre of agriculture and industry
- Special screening of DPRK-UK movie Comrade Kim Goes Flying at the International Cinema House — an exclusive location that is opened only once every two years for the Pyongyang International Film Festival.

Sat 20 to Thur 25 Oct (2018) — 5 nights in the DPRK. From 1,199 EUR per person. Applications close on 30 Sep (2018).

Sign up here!

FACEBOOK LIVE ON TUE 13 FEB.

Follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE — then log in at 17:30 Beijing time (GMT+8) on Tue 13 Feb when, as part of our Silver Jubilee events, Koryo's founder, Nick Bonner, and its GM, Simon Cockerell, will be answering your questions via Facebook Live.

They've got experiences from more then 200 trips to the DPRK (North Korea) ready and waiting to share with you. Be there or be a plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles...