Fancy an extended weekend trip from Shanghai to Pyongyang? A chance to stretch those legs outside of big city life? An excuse to visit the largest, and arguably most exciting cities in China?

These are just a few of the reasons why joining the Shanghai to Pyongyang Marathon tour is something you shouldn’t miss out on this year.
And with very limited places available, don’t miss out on getting a place on this exclusive tour.

The Shanghai - Pyongyang Marathon Tour: 4th - 7th April

*2.5 nights in North Korea
*Pyongyang city tour
*Pyongyang marathon (extra fees apply for runners)
*DMZ day trip - visit the North-South Korean border
*2 local tour guides, one Western tour leader
*Return flights from Shanghai to Pyongyang, North Korea
*1,350 EUR ALL INCLUSIVE.
(Includes all transportation to and within North Korea, as well as all meals and accommodation in North Korea)

What does a Shanghai to North Korea tour look like?

Day 1: April 4th (Thursday)
Meet & greet your fellow passengers and tour leader
Have a pre-tour briefing
Fly to Pyongyang (late night)

Day 2: April 5th (Friday)
Arrival in Pyongyang, check in at hotel and sleep!
Day trip to the DMZ (demilitarized zone)
Visit historic town Kaesong

Day 3: April 6th (Saturday)
Pyongyang city tour

Day 4: April 7th (Sunday)
Pyongyang Marathon!
Departure on 10:10 pm flight to arrive in Shanghai at 11:30 pm.

All of this, and lots of fun in-between! Click here for the full Shanghai Pyongyang Marathon tour.

What makes this Shanghai to Pyongyang tour special?

Taking a flight from Shanghai to Pyongyang is not something you can do every day. In fact, it’s something you can only do very rarely.
Typically, tours to North Korea are offered from Beijing or Dandong, with very few tours also entering through north-east China and Russia.

The Pyongyang Marathon is one of the few times when there are scheduled, reliable flights to and from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Pyongyang. If you currently live in Shanghai or you’re there visiting, it is the perfect way to spend a long weekend outside the city and do something different!
(How many of your friends can say they flew from Shanghai to Pyongyang and ran a marathon in North Korea!)

Shanghai has a great international airport, with many cheap flights throughout the world. If you’re coming over specifically for a trip to North Korea or to enter the Pyongyang Marathon, Shanghai is a great gateway for entry from countries all over the world.

This 2.5 night tour from gives you the perfect insight into this little explored country. You will take in all of the main sites in the capital city Pyongyang, as well as a tour to the DMZ - usually only offered on longer tours!

What if you don’t want to run the marathon?

No problem. If you don’t want to run the marathon but want to be there for the experience and cheer everyone else on, you won’t have to pay the Pyongyang Marathon registration fee.

But… if you don’t want to run the full marathon, maybe you could be tempted with a shorter distance in the Pyongyang Marathon.
There are options to run 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon. If you’re not a big runner, you can also choose to walk the 5k distance and enjoy the sites of the capital city as everyone flies past you. This still gives you the experience of starting off and finishing in a stadium of over 50,000 people all cheering you on!
(They don’t need to know it took you 2 hours to finish 5k…)

What’s Shanghai like?

You’ll love Shanghai.
It’s effortlessly beautiful, cosmopolitan, and has great food.

Shanghai is your perfect introduction to China if you prefer to be eased in. It is a very modern, cosmopolitan city with lots going on. You can see the main sites in a couple of days, but you could also spend a week or two exploring everything that Shanghai has to offer.

China is a big country. Massive, actually. Because of this, each city has unique aspects to it. If you don’t feel ready for the organised chaos that often is China, visiting Shanghai will help break you into the country due to the mix of ancient and modern culture and large foreign influence.

What can I do in Shanghai?

If you’re joining the Pyongyang Marathon from Shanghai and have a few days to spare before or after your tour, make sure not to miss out on some of the main sites! With over 70 sites of historical interest and cultural relics, it’s hard to know which ones to visit if you have limited time.

Here are our favourites!

- The Bund
Go here on a good day for the best views of the Shanghai skyline as you look over the river to the CBD and Shanghai’s tallest buildings. Perfect in the day or at nighttime!

- Nanjing Road
This is the main shopping street. Whether you want to shop ‘till you drop, or just take in the atmosphere, Nanjing Road is a must-visit.

- Shanghai World Financial Centre “100 Floor Observation Deck.”
The 2nd tallest building in Shanghai, 4th tallest building in China and 8th tallest building in the world. You get some killer views from the 100th floor! Make sure to go on a clear day, since the top is so high it is often covered in clouds!

- Shanghai Tower
Want to go one better? Head to the Shanghai Tower - the 2nd tallest tower in the world.

- Yuyuan Garden
A breath of fresh air outside the bustling city, this famous classical garden was a private garden during the Ming Dynasty times. Enjoy the ancient architecture and peaceful surroundings!

If you want to make the most of your time in Shanghai, talk to the experts and book a guided tour or experience.

Why come with Koryo Tours?

Koryo Tours have been working in North Korea for over 25 years. We were the first company to introduce western tourism to the country and have built up a range of contacts and connections. Over the years, we have taken part in many unique projects, including NGO and journalism projects - and taking Michael Palin to North Korea! Our unique relationship with North Korea means we can offer you the best in tourism in North Korea, and give you the most for your money.

Koryo Tours are the official affiliates for the Pyongyang Marathon and offer exclusive access and the biggest range of Pyongyang Marathon tours. If you want to join the Pyongyang Marathon from Beijing, we have a whole range of tours from 2 - 10 nights in Pyongyang.

What are you waiting for? Contact us and start packing for your Pyongyang Marathon tour of a lifetime!

Pyongyang Marathon FAQs | Pyongyang Marathon Information Portal