As temperatures start to warm up, April marks the start of the North Korea’s travel season, which lasts until October. It is the perfect time to visit the DPRK, with the fresh weather and lots of activities on the country’s agenda.

1) Taeyang (Day of the Sun) holiday

President Kim Il Sung’s birthday is on April 15th. This national holiday is celebrated by mass dances and festivities across the country.

Note: As of April 2024, the 'Day of the Sun' phrase is no longer actively used in North Korea. Instead, it is now referred to only as Kim Il Sung's Birthday.

2) The April Spring Friendship Art Festival (ASFAF)

April 15th is also the day of an international gathering of cultural workers and artists from different countries of the world. It is an opportunity to exchange and co-operate among creatives from all over the world.

3) Pyongyang Marathon

The DPRK's biggest annual sporting event takes place every April (with Koryo Tours being the exclusive partner to take foreigners to the race, of course). International and local amateur runners start and finish their marathon, half marathon or 10km race in front of tens of thousands of supporters in the Kim Il Sung stadium.

4) Cheongmyong Festival (Tomb-sweeping day)

The literal meaning of cheongmyong is 'clear and bright'. It is the name of the 5th solar term of the traditional lunar calendar. Koreans families visit their ancestors’ graves to clean up the gravesites after the winter, pray to their ancestors and make ritual offerings. Offerings include traditional food dishes and the burning of joss sticks.

5) Fishing season

In April, locals start sailing to catch sweetfish, croaker and the like. As a tourist, this is the time of year when you can sample the freshest fish!

As it's the Pyongyang Marathon in April, we have plenty of tours that make the most of all these reasons to visit. Visit our Marathon page for more details.