• Overall

  Run in the Pyongyang Marathon 2025 and enjoy a trip around Pyongyang sites with Koryo Tours on this Pyongyang Marathon tour! 

  This 5-night tour will take you to partake in the Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday 6th April 2025. Plus, enjoy some of the best sites Pyongyang has to offer. 

  Be one of the few guests of the DPR Korea Athletic Association as a member of an Amateur Runners' Delegation. As guests, you have the opportunity to run in the 31^st Pyongyang International Marathon. North Korea's largest international sporting event held for the first time since 2019. You will also have the chance to visit some of Pyongyang's highlights.

  The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals and explore the city in a way that most visitors rarely get to. An experience truly like no other. 

  It is one of the few international sporting events held in North Korea when runners from all over the world gather to race through the streets of Pyongyang. 

  The route takes participants past iconic landmarks and streets such as the Arch of Triumph, Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace, Mirae Future Scientists' Street, and Pyongyang's Sports Street. 

  A view of Pyongyang foreigners seldom see!

  This trip is open only to amateur runners. All participants of this Pyongyang Marathon tour must sign up to run in the Pyongyang Marathon.

  Highlights

  • Return of the 31^st Pyongyang International Marathon after a 5 years hiatus
  • Pyongyang Metro and other Pyongyang highlights
  • One of Pyongyang's newest streets and the new Taedonggang Beer Bar on Hwasong Street

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. April 2 | Wednesday

     *Pre-Trip Briefing | We require all participants to attend a pre-trip briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for visiting North Korea. 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 runners, and pay any outstanding fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of visiting North Korea.

     For Pyongyang Marathon Delegations, we will hold several briefings in the morning.

     AM

     • Briefings will be held at Novotel Beijing Peace at these times. You only need to attend one briefing (exact times offered to be confirmed).

     PM

     • We may need you in person for visa issuance at the DPRK Embassy in Beijing. please do not initially plan any other activity this afternoon.

     Overnight | Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour. Contact us for recommendations.

  2. April 3 | Thursday

     Arrival day in Pyongyang

     AM

     • Independent travel to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2.
        
     • 11:00 | 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 JS252 at 14:05. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch (vegetarian option is subject to availability).
     • Flight arrival at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 17:10. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides, and transfer to the hotel.
        
     • Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

     
     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang | A sports-themed hotel located in West Pyongyang’s Sports Village. Sports shop, bookstore, numerous bars, spa and small gym. Renovated in 2015.

  3. April 4 | Friday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Early Morning Run in Pyongyang | This is your chance for a pre-marathon run in Pyongyang! You will have to be up early for this, a good opportunity to give yourself some preparation for the tour's big event. This is an optional activity; for those who don't participate, you can enjoy a sleep-in.
     • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum | Tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 it exhibits the Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing 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 a highlight of the trip.
        
     • Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient and modern architecture from different eras.
        
     • Mansudae Grand Monument | Enormous bronze statues of the DPRK leadership overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and a bow by the group is customary here. Visitations are by special request only and decent dress is required. No shorts or flip-flop sandals are allowed here

     PM

     • Okryugwan | A meal at Pyongyang’s most famous restaurant. Housed in a huge traditional building on the banks of the Taedong River. Okryugwan specializes in Pyongyang Cold Noodles.
        
     • 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.
        
     • Kim Il Sung Square | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House, Korea’s national library. See the centre of it all!
        
     • Grand People’s Study House | Huge national library and public university housed in a large neo-traditional Korean building overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and downtown Pyongyang.
        
     • 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).
        
     • Party Foundation Monument | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle & writing brush which make up the emblem of the Worker’s Party of Korea and represent workers, farmers, and intellectuals.
        
     • Dinner at Chongryu Hot Pot Restaurant.

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  4. April 5 | Saturday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Early Morning Run in Pyongyang (optional).
        
     • 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 and mementoes.
        
     • 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 | A massive archway made for the 70th anniversary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung in 1982 and commemorating the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Larger than its counterpart in Paris.
        
     • Wolhyang Souvenir Shop
        
     • Mangyongdae Native House | Birthplace and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a beautiful natural surrounding.

     PM

     • Pizza Restaurant | Lunch at one of Pyongyang’s Italian eateries (there are three) for some carbs before the run. Pizzas range between 10-15 USD each.
        
     • Taesong Department Store
        
     • Kim Il Sung Stadium & Marathon Route Preview | Visit the stadium where you will start and finish your race, and then drive the marathon route to familiarise yourself with the roads, turning points and restroom stops.
        
     • Dinner at the hotel and calling it a day early to be rested for the big event tomorrow.

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  5. April 6 | Sunday

     The big event! The Pyongyang Marathon 2025!

     AM

     • The 2025 Pyongyang Marathon | This is your chance to run the streets of Pyongyang in the DPRK’s largest annual sports event! Join the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km or 5km race — all of which follow a return course that starts and ends in Kim Il Sung Stadium in front of a 50,000-strong capacity crowd of local Koreans. (Runner's Guide to Kim Il Sung Stadium)

     The full route, which has been certified by both World Athletics and AIMS, leads right through the city centre, past a number of iconic landmarks, and then out into Pyongyang's less urban districts. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see more of the capital and interact with people along the course. Prizes are available for the winners of each race.

     PM

     • Shower, resting time, and lunch | After the marathon's closing ceremony, we'll be heading back to the hotel to recharge, shower and rest.
     • Munsu Water Park | We’ll recharge 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).
        
     • Walk on Hwasong Street | A stroll on one of the newest streets of the North Korean capital opened in April 2023 after 14 months of construction. These new buildings in Pyongyang finally became a new landmark of the city.
        
     • Hwasong Beer Bar | A popular site among local Koreans this Taedonggang beer bar features two large bottles at the entrance and the staircase inside a transparent draught beer bottle. The restaurant offers various pitchers of Taedonggang beer ($1-$5) and an open-air service area on the second floor for rooftop bar enthusiasts.

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  6. April 7 | Monday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Kumkop General Foodstuff Factory for Sportspersons | Located on Pyongyang's Sports Street this foodstuff factory is a model and standard for all other factories in the country of its kind. It produces ca. hundred kinds of food products, including beverages to help sportspersons recover from fatigue. Besides the automated production lines and control room, the factory also has a recreational facility reminiscent of a palm house for its workers.
        
     • Kangdong Greenhouse Farm | Built within a year despite environmental challenges, the project is designed to supply produce to Pyongyang, aiming to enhance food production and availability. It features over 1,050 structures, including greenhouses, production facilities, public buildings, and residences. The greenhouses use cylindrical cultivation devices to maximise nutrient absorption and light efficiency, allowing for harvests within 20 days of seedling transplantation.

     PM

     • Lunch on Ryomyong Street
        
     • Stroll on Ryomyong Street
        
     • Taekwondo Demonstration | Taekwondo is the national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school.
        
     • Pyongyang International Football Academy | Premier football school for young and promising athletes. Tour the facilities and learn about the history of football in the DPRK. Has multiple training pitches where you can test yourself against some students here. Michael Palin also visited here; bring your inflatable globe to step in his footsteps.
        
     • Golden Lanes Bowling Centre | Where Pyongyang locals go for their ten-pin fix. Also has billiards and arcade games. Non-bowlers can head next door to the Kumrung Leisure Centre for an airgun shooting range and some of the best coffee in Pyongyang.
        
     • Dinner at Taedonggang Ship Restaurant.

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  7. April 8 | Tuesday

     Departure Day from Pyongyang

     AM

     • Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS151 at 08:35 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 09:55.

     End of Tour

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room — marathon tour

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself during the extremely busy Pyongyang Marathon period then you can upgrade for an extra 80 EUR per night.

  • Pyongyang Marathon — official race entry

    The Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is now open to foreign amateur runners. You can run the 5k, 10k, Half or Full Marathon. All four take place on the same day in April, and follow the same course, which is fully recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations. We are the EXCLUSIVE travel partner for foreign amateurs. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to become one of the few people in the world to have run the Pyongyang Marathon. We'll see you at the start line!

• What is / is not included?

  • Air Koryo flight Beijing–Pyongyang—Beijing
  • All meals on the tour except for the lunch at the pizza restaurant
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader, two local Korean hosts, and a driver
  • All transportation in the DPRK
  • Finisher's medal, and race certificate

  • Marathon race fee that is to be paid in cash (clean USD notes only) before the race in Pyongyang. Entry fees are 5 km: $70 USD / 10 km: $70 USD / Half Marathon: $100 USD / Full Marathon: $150 USD
  • North Korean (DPRK) visa fee – to be paid directly at the Beijing DPRK Embassy, varies by nationality
  • Optional single room supplement of 80 EUR per night
  • Tips for the Korean hosts and driver (approx 75 EUR total per person)
  • Optional activities such as the lift up the Juche Tower (5 EUR) or a visit to the funfair (approx. 2 EUR entrance fee per person)
  • Entry tickets for special events if applicable. For example, Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person)
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Spending money on souvenirs

Please apply by 14th March, 2025.

• Overall

  Run in the Pyongyang Marathon 2025 and enjoy a trip around Pyongyang sites with Koryo Tours on this Pyongyang Marathon tour! 

  This 5-night trip will take you to partake in the Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday 6th April 2025. You will arrive a day before the marathon, and spend the rest of the days exploring Pyongyang.

  Be one of the few guests of the DPR Korea Athletic Association as a member of an Amateur Runners' Delegation. As guests, you have the opportunity to run in the 31^st Pyongyang International Marathon. North Korea's largest international sporting event held for the first time since 2019. You will also have the chance to visit some of Pyongyang's highlights.

  The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals and explore the city in a way that most visitors rarely get to. An experience truly like no other. 

  It is one of the few international sporting events held in North Korea when runners from all over the world gather to race through the streets of Pyongyang. 

  The route takes participants past iconic landmarks and streets such as the Arch of Triumph, Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace, Mirae Future Scientists' Street, and Pyongyang's Sports Street. 

  A view of Pyongyang foreigners seldom see!

  This trip is open only to amateur runners. All participants of this Pyongyang Marathon tour must sign up to run in the Pyongyang Marathon.

  Highlights

  • Return of the 31^st Pyongyang International Marathon after a 5 years hiatus
  • Pyongyang Metro and other Pyongyang highlights
  • One of Pyongyang's newest streets and the new Taedonggang Beer Bar on Hwasong Street

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. April 4 | Friday

     *Pre-Trip Briefing | We require all participants to attend a pre-trip briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for visiting North Korea. 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 runners, and pay any outstanding fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of visiting North Korea.

     For Pyongyang Marathon Delegations, we will hold several briefings in the morning.

     AM

     • Briefings will be held at Novotel Beijing Peace at these times. You only need to attend one briefing (exact times offered to be confirmed).

     PM

     • We may need you in person for visa issuance at the DPRK Embassy in Beijing. please do not initially plan any other acivity this afternoon

     Overnight | Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour. Contact us for recommendations.

  2. April 5 | Saturday

     Arrival day in Pyongyang

     AM

     • Independent travel to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2.
        
     • 09:00 | 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 at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 15:30. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides, and transfer to the hotel.
        
     • Kim Il Sung Stadium & Marathon Route Preview | Visit the stadium where you will start and finish your race, and then drive the marathon route to familiarise yourself with the roads, turning points and restroom stops.
        
     • Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

     
     Overnight:

     Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang | A sports-themed hotel located in West Pyongyang’s Sports Village. Sports shop, bookstore, numerous bars, spa and small gym. Renovated in 2015.

  3. April 6 | Sunday

     The big event! The Pyongyang Marathon 2025!

     AM

     • The 2025 Pyongyang Marathon | This is your chance to run the streets of Pyongyang in the DPRK’s largest annual sports event! Join the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km or 5km race — all of which follow a return course that starts and ends in Kim Il Sung Stadium in front of a 50,000-strong capacity crowd of local Koreans. (Runner's Guide to Kim Il Sung Stadium)

     The full route, which has been certified by both World Athletics and AIMS, leads right through the city centre, past a number of iconic landmarks, and then out into Pyongyang's less urban districts. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see more of the capital and interact with people along the course. Prizes are available for the winners of each race.

     PM

     • Shower, resting time, and lunch | After the marathon's closing ceremony, we'll be heading back to the hotel to recharge, shower and rest.
     • Munsu Water Park | We’ll recharge 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).
        
     • Walk on Hwasong Street | A stroll on one of the newest streets of the North Korean capital opened in April 2023 after 14 months of construction. These new buildings in Pyongyang finally became a new landmark of the city.
        
     • Hwasong Beer Bar | A popular site among local Koreans this Taedonggang beer bar features two large bottles at the entrance and the staircase inside a transparent draught beer bottle. The restaurant offers various pitchers of Taedonggang beer ($1-$5) and an open-air service area on the second floor for rooftop bar enthusiasts.

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  4. April 7 | Monday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum | Tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 it exhibits the Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing 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 a highlight of the trip.
        
     • Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient and modern architecture from different eras.
        
     • Mansudae Grand Monument | Enormous bronze statues of the DPRK leadership overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and a bow by the group is customary here. Visitations are by special request only and decent dress is required. No shorts or flip-flop sandals are allowed here

     PM

     • Okryugwan | A meal at Pyongyang’s most famous restaurant. Housed in a huge traditional building on the banks of the Taedong River. Okryugwan specializes in Pyongyang Cold Noodles.
        
     • 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.
        
     • Kim Il Sung Square | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House, Korea’s national library. See the centre of it all!
        
     • Taekwondo Demonstration | Taekwondo is the national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school.
        
     • Mangyongdae Native House | Birthplace and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a beautiful natural setting.
        
     • Grand People’s Study House | Huge national library and public university housed in a large neo-traditional Korean building overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and downtown Pyongyang.
        
     • Dinner at Taedonggang Ship Restaurant. 

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  5. April 8 | Tuesday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Early Morning Run in Pyongyang (optional).
        
     • Kumkop General Foodstuff Factory for Sportspersons | Located on Pyongyang's Sports Street this foodstuff factory is a model and standard for all other factories in the country of its kind. It produces ca. hundred kinds of food products, including beverages to help sportspersons recover from fatigue. Besides the automated production lines and control room, the factory also has a recreational facility reminiscent of a palm house for its workers.
        
     • Kangdong Greenhouse Farm | Built within a year despite environmental challenges, the project is designed to supply produce to Pyongyang, aiming to enhance food production and availability. It features over 1,050 structures, including greenhouses, production facilities, public buildings, and residences. The greenhouses use cylindrical cultivation devices to maximise nutrient absorption and light efficiency, allowing for harvests within 20 days of seedling transplantation.

     PM

     • Lunch on Ryomyong Street
        
     • Stroll on Ryomyong Street
        
     • Taesong Department Store
        
     • Pyongyang International Football Academy | Premier football school for young and promising athletes. Tour the facilities and learn about the history of football in the DPRK. Has multiple training pitches where you can test yourself against some students here. Michael Palin also visited here; bring your inflatable globe to step in his footsteps.
        
     • Golden Lanes Bowling Centre | Where Pyongyang locals go for their ten-pin fix. Also has billiards and arcade games. Non-bowlers can head next door to the Kumrung Leisure Centre for an airgun shooting range and some of the best coffee in Pyongyang.
        
     • Dinner at Chongryu Hotpot Restaurant

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  6. April 9 | Wednesday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery
        
     • 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 and mementoes.
        
     • 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 | A massive archway made for the 70th anniversary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung in 1982 and commemorating the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Larger than its counterpart in Paris.
        
     • Wolhyang Souvenir Shop

     PM

     • Jongsung Revolutionary Site
        
     • 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).
        
     • Party Foundation Monument | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle & writing brush which make up the emblem of the Worker’s Party of Korea and represent workers, farmers, and intellectuals.
        
     • Taedonggang Beer Bar
        
     • Farewell Dinner | At Haeyang Restaurant. 

     Overnight | Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

  7. April 10 | Thursday

     Departure Day from Pyongyang

     AM

     • Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS251 at 10:15 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 11:35.

     End of Tour

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room — marathon tour

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself during the extremely busy Pyongyang Marathon period then you can upgrade for an extra 80 EUR per night.

  • Pyongyang Marathon — official race entry

    The Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is now open to foreign amateur runners. You can run the 5k, 10k, Half or Full Marathon. All four take place on the same day in April, and follow the same course, which is fully recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations. We are the EXCLUSIVE travel partner for foreign amateurs. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to become one of the few people in the world to have run the Pyongyang Marathon. We'll see you at the start line!

• What is / is not included?

  • Air Koryo flight Beijing–Pyongyang—Beijing
  • All meals on the tour except for the lunch at the pizza restaurant
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader, two local Korean hosts, and a driver
  • All transportation in the DPRK
  • Finisher's medal and race certificate

  • Marathon race fee that is to be paid in cash (clean USD notes only) before the race in Pyongyang. Entry fees are 5 km: $70 USD / 10 km: $70 USD / Half Marathon: $100 USD / Full Marathon: $150 USD
  • North Korean (DPRK) visa fee – to be paid directly at the Beijing DPRK Embassy, varies by nationality
  • Optional single room supplement of 80 EUR per night
  • Tips for the Korean hosts and driver (approx 75 EUR total per tourist)
  • Optional activities such as the lift up the Juche Tower (5 EUR) or a visit to the funfair (approx. 2 EUR entrance fee per person)
  • Entry tickets for special events if applicable. For example, Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person)
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Spending money on souvenirs

Please apply by 14th March, 2025.

• Overall

  For more information contact us on [email protected] 

  
  Koryo Tours are happy to announce one of the first trips back to North Korea since the borders closed in January 2020. 

  This tour will take you to the must-see sites in Rason, North Korea's Special Economic Zone. It is an all-inclusive tour to North Korea including return transportation to Yanji (domestic flight) from Beijing, as well as chartered transportation to and from Rason. 

  It also includes a hotel stay of 2 nights in Beijing and 2 nights in Yanji, before and after travel. 

  Read more about Rason on our detailed Rason Travel Guide page. 
   

  ---

   

  Rason is North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China (Jilin Province).

  It is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

  Rason is used for testing new economic and social policies. The first mobile phone network, the first legal marketplace, and the first card payment system in the country were all tested here.

  Your North Korea tour to Rason will begin in Yanji, China. You will then take a drive to the DPRK border and finally enter North Korea, in the Rason Special Economic Zone.

  Rason is an area that operates differently from the rest of North Korea.

  We will visit various factories, see a Taekwondo demonstration at the Rason Taekwondo School, and make a stop at the Golden Triangle Bank to learn about Rason’s unique economic system. Here, you can even open your very own North Korean bank account.

  We will take a walk along the seaside at Hae’an Park and visit the scenic Pipha Island. Here, we will relax by the waterfront or take an optional boat ride to see seals.

  You can learn about local industries at, among others, the Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm and Ryongysong Beer Factory producing various footwear styles. Other stops include the Foreign Language School, where students learn multiple languages. A highlight is the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China, Russia, and North Korea.

  We will also have the opportunity to visit some newly opened sites previously not open to tourists. This includes the Chonghak Sanatorium, Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace, and the Paduk House. 

  Highlights

  • Be one of the first to visit North Korea after the borders have been closed since January 2020.
  • Visit Rason, one of the least visited places in North Korea. 
  • Visit Ryongysong Beer Factory where one of the leading North Korean beer brands is produced.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 8

  1. April 12 | Saturday

     Arrive in Beijing

     PM

     • Latest recommended arrival in Beijing is this afternoon.
        
     • Check-in at the hotel in Beijing from 14:00.

     Overnight | Novotel Beijing Peace, Beijing

  2. April 13 | Sunday

     Flight to Yanji and Pre-tour Briefing

     AM

     • Morning in Beijing at own leisure.

     PM

     • Pre-tour briefing at the hotel at 12:00 | A pre-tour briefing is an essential part of all trips to North Korea that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.
        
     • 14:00 | Free bus to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from the hotel. Check-in for the flight to Yanji, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
        
     • Air China flight CA9515 from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 17:10 with scheduled arrival time at Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ) at 19:15. Transfer to the airport.

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  3. April 14 | Monday

     Yanji to Rason – 2 different worlds!

     AM

     • Drive from Yanji to Wonjong Bridge on the Sino-Korea border. After Chinese exit- and Korean entry formalities you will find yourself in the Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) Special Economy Zone. Although Rason is part of the DPRK it is administered differently, so even if you are in the DPRK you are still separated from the rest of the country by an internal border.

     PM

     • Drive to Rajin the bigger of the sister cities in Rason SEZ.
        
     • Hae’an Park | A coastal featuring manicured lawns, benches, and a large paved walkway leading to a roller skating track, with a giant television displaying news.  In good weather, locals will gather here.
        
     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Greenhouse | Every city in the DPRK has a hothouse for cultivating and growing the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, and Rajin is no exception. Visit the main hall, which has large portraits of the ‘Three Generals’, flower displays, and the greenhouse areas where the flowers are grown.  You can buy a Kimjongilia bulb here, but consider getting a guide on how to cultivate it properly.
        
     • Rason Taekwondo School and demonstration | The national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school. The performance features schoolchildren who you simply would not want to tangle with – high kicks, smashing bricks and other feats of agility and strength abound.
        
     • Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace | Opened just five years ago in central Rason City, this modern building has multi-functionalized training rooms, a theatre, and a stadium to train future scientists, artists, and athletes. Schoolchildren's palaces all over the DPRK are the centre of extracurricular education where future generations can excel in their talent.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin. Centrally located and locally famous. Right in the heart of Rajin city.

  4. April 15 | Tuesday

     DPRK National Holiday — the 113th Birthday of President Kim Il Sung. Besides the sites listed on the itinerary, we will make sure to attend as many festive activities as possible. This will almost definitely include a Mass Dance organised by university students on one of the main squares of Rajin City.
     
     AM  

     • 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.
        
     • Rajin Fine Art Gallery | A small windowless two-storey building that holds the best art exhibition in the area; the pictures downstairs are normally not for sale while upstairs is actually a shop. The posters and paintings on display here are not as good as the ones in Pyongyang but still it is worth a short visit.
        
     • Drive from Rajin to the nationally famous Pipha Island Area, a scenic spot known to all North Koreans for its beauty.
        
     • Pipha Island | A narrow road links it to the mainland. From here you can take an optional boat ride to see some seals who populate some rocks nearby, relax at the waterfront, or try some local seafood.

     PM

     • Foreign Language School | Here local children learn English, Chinese, and other languages. Step in and help out with some lessons!
        
     • Rason School Uniform Factory | Refurbished in 2023, this factory produces various types of school uniforms for the students of the Rason area.
        
     • Golden Triangle Bank | Here we will learn about the different economic systems of Rason, change money into local won (yes, it is legal, not to be taken out of the country though, you are supposed to spend it), and see actual banking going on, the only place you get to witness this in the DPRK!
        
     • Rason Paduk House | Paduk, or as you might know it 'Go', is a board game that originated in China and is popular all around East Asia. In this game, the two opponents are positioning black and white stones on a grid to establish territories and seize the opponent's stones. Paduk Houses are professional paduk training institutes that have been established in Pyongyang and all provincial seats throughout the DPRK.
        
     • A short stroll in Rason city centre followed by kimchi making | A staple food in Korean cuisine that is a part of all meals in Korean. There are more than 200 varieties of kimchi but the most well-known is the one made of cabbage. It is so important in Korean culture and everyday life that working women get days off during the kimchi-making season. Now you have the opportunity to make your own kimchi!

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  5. April 16 | Wednesday

     AM

     • Drive to Tumangang Town, right up on the Russian and Chinese borders.
        
     • Visit the Russia-DPRK Friendship house | Exhibit of photos of visits by key figures from the neighbouring countries.
        
     • 3 Countries Border Viewpoint | This picturesque pavilion offers views into China and Russia. From here, you can see how the river divides the nations and also hear about a historical naval battle that a famed Korean admiral directed from this hilltop.
        
     • Swan House at Pupho Duck Farm | Inaugurated on 28 May, 2024 this newly built complex breeds black swans.
        
     • Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm | One of the many aquaculture farms in North Korea, this particular one specialises in sea cucumber, a delicay in Korea.

     PM

     • Drive to the nearby city of Sonbong, the smaller of the sister cities in this zone.
        
     • Stop for photos in the centre of Sonbong town | Here there is a theatre, some monuments and mosaics, and an immortality tower too.
        
     • Hiking on Mt. Shahyang.
        
     • Return to Rajin.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  6. April 17 | Thursday

     Rason to Yanji

     AM

     • Ryongysong Beer Factory | A factory producing one of the leading beer brands in North Korea, established in the 1980s.
        
     • Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory | One of the factories in North Korea that produces local brands of snacks and drinks.
        
     • Chonghak Sanatorium | Remodeled and reopened in December 2024, this medical facility cures chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis by using the mineral water from Mt. Chonghak.

     PM

     • Next is our final drive in the DPRK, where we head across the northern part of the Rason zone and end up at Wonjong Bridge, the frontier between the DPRK and the PRC. We pass through customs here on the Korean side, take a short ride or walk across the bridge, and then we are back in China, just like that!
        
     • Drive to Yanji | We will get picked up after we enter China. We have a 3-hour drive (with scenic stops) to the Chinese city of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region. We'll end up here for dinner, drinks to celebrate the end of this adventure, and an overnight stay to bring our tour to a close. Congratulations to you for being with us on this amazing journey!

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  7. April 18 | Friday

     Flight back to Beijing

     AM

     • Air China flight CA1614 to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 09:30 from Yanji. Transfer to the hotel.

     PM

     • Afternoon in Beijing at own leisure.

     Overnight | Novotel Beijing Peace, Beijing

  8. April 19 | Saturday

     End of the tour

     • Breakfast at the hotel
        
     • How you depart from here is up to you; there are trains, planes, buses, etc. Koryo Tours can assist in planning onward travel. Drop us a line with how you plan to finish this trip and we’ll help you out!

     Overnight | N/A

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours 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.

    See more

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Beijing — Yanji — Beijing Chinese domestic flight
  • Yanji — Rason — Yanji bus transfer
  • Rason SEZ Entry Permit
  • All meals on the tour in the DPRK, breakfast at hotel in Beijing and Yanji
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK and 2-2 nights in Beijing and Yanji
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15 USD or 100 RMB per day)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Meals in China other than breakfast at hotels
  • Spending money on souvenirs

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced 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 also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there 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.

Please apply by 27th March, 2025.

• Overall

  For more information contact us on [email protected] 

  
  Be one of the first people to travel to North Korea since the borders closed in January 2020. We will also be in North Korea for Kim Il Sung's Birthday, one of the biggest holidays in North Korea! 

  This budget tour to North Korea will take you to the must-see sites in Rason, North Korea's Special Economic Zone. This tour includes accommodation and transport in Yanji, and the Rason Entry Permit. 

  It also includes a hotel stay of 2 nights in Yanji, before and after travel.

  Read more about Rason on our detailed Rason Travel Guide page. 
   

  ---

   

  Rason is North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China (Jilin Province).

  It is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

  Rason is used for testing new economic and social policies. The first mobile phone network, the first legal marketplace, and the first card payment system in the country were all tested here.

  Your North Korea tour to Rason will begin in Yanji, China. You will then take a drive to the DPRK border and finally enter North Korea, in the Rason Special Economic Zone.

  If you would rather travel to Yanji from Beijing with us, check out our North Korea from Beijing and Beijing Budget options. 

  Rason is an area that operates differently from the rest of North Korea.

  We will visit various factories, see a Taekwondo demonstration at the Rason Taekwondo School, and make a stop at the Golden Triangle Bank to learn about Rason’s unique economic system. Here, you can even open your very own North Korean bank account.

  We will take a walk along the seaside at Hae’an Park and visit the scenic Pipha Island. Here, we will relax by the waterfront or take an optional boat ride to see seals.

  You can learn about local industries at factory visits and enjoy a stop at the Foreign Language School, where students learn multiple languages. A highlight is the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China, Russia, and North Korea.

  We will also have the opportunity to visit some newly opened sites previously not open to tourists. This includes the Chonghak Sanatorium, Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace, and the Rajin Fine Art Gallery. 

  Highlights

  • Our longest trip to Rason. Take time getting to know the country, take photos, and enjoy a more relaxed trip to North Korea. 
  • Visit Rason, one of the least visited places in North Korea. 
  • Visit Ryongysong Beer Factory where one of the leading North Korean beer brands is produced.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. April 13 | Sunday

     Arrive in Yanji and Pre-tour Briefing

     PM

     • Latest recommended arrival in Yanji, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture is this evening.
       
       Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ) is served by several daily flights from Beijing (PEK and PKX), Shanghai (PVG), and Seoul (ICN).
       
       There is also a daily high-speed train service from Beijing to Yanji West Railway Station (Yanjixi), while several train services are available daily from the cities of Shenyang, Changchun, and Harbin in the Northeast region of China that are more connected to the Chinese railway network and has a wider variety of flight options.
        
     • Late evening pre-tour briefing at the hotel | A pre-tour briefing is an essential part of all trips to North Korea that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.

     Overnight | IBIS Yanji Renmin Road Hotel, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  2. April 14 | Monday

     Yanji to Rason – 2 different worlds!

     AM

     • Drive from Yanji to Wonjong Bridge on the Sino-Korea border. After Chinese exit- and Korean entry formalities you will find yourself in the Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) Special Economy Zone. Although Rason is part of the DPRK it is administered differently, so even if you are in the DPRK you are still separated from the rest of the country by an internal border.

     PM

     • Drive to Rajin the bigger of the sister cities in Rason SEZ.
        
     • Hae’an Park | A coastal featuring manicured lawns, benches, and a large paved walkway leading to a roller skating track, with a giant television displaying news.  In good weather, locals will gather here.
        
     • Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace | Opened just five years ago in central Rason City, this modern building has multi-functionalized training rooms, a theatre, and a stadium to train future scientists, artists, and athletes. Schoolchildren's palaces all over the DPRK are the centre of extracurricular education where future generations can excel in their talent.
        
     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Greenhouse | Every city in the DPRK has a hothouse for cultivating and growing the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, and Rajin is no exception. Visit the main hall, which has large portraits of the ‘Three Generals’, flower displays, and the greenhouse areas where the flowers are grown.  You can buy a Kimjongilia bulb here, but consider getting a guide on how to cultivate it properly.
        
     • Rason Taekwondo School and demonstration | The national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school. The performance features schoolchildren who you simply would not want to tangle with – high kicks, smashing bricks and other feats of agility and strength abound.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin. Centrally located and locally famous. Right in the heart of Rajin city.

  3. April 15 | Tuesday

     DPRK National Holiday — the 113th Birthday of President Kim Il Sung. Besides the sites listed on the itinerary, we will make sure to attend as many festive activities as possible. This will almost definitely include a Mass Dance organised by university students on one of the main squares of Rajin City.
     
     AM  

     • 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.
        
     • Rajin Fine Art Gallery | A small windowless two-storey building that holds the best art exhibition in the area; the pictures downstairs are normally not for sale while upstairs is actually a shop. The posters and paintings on display here are not as good as the ones in Pyongyang but still it is worth a short visit.
        
     • Drive from Rajin to the nationally famous Pipha Island Area, a scenic spot known to all North Koreans for its beauty.
        
     • Pipha Island | A narrow road links it to the mainland. From here you can take an optional boat ride to see some seals who populate some rocks nearby, relax at the waterfront, or try some local seafood.

     PM

     • Foreign Language School | Here local children learn English, Chinese, and other languages. Step in and help out with some lessons!
        
     • Rason School Uniform Factory | Refurbished in 2023, this factory produces various types of school uniforms for the students of the Rason area.
        
     • Golden Triangle Bank | Here we will learn about the different economic systems of Rason, change money into local won (yes, it is legal, not to be taken out of the country though, you are supposed to spend it), and see actual banking going on, the only place you get to witness this in the DPRK!
        
     • Rason Paduk House | Paduk, or as you might know it 'Go', is a board game that originated in China and is popular all around East Asia. In this game, the two opponents are positioning black and white stones on a grid to establish territories and seize the opponent's stones. Paduk Houses are professional paduk training institutes that have been established in Pyongyang and all provincial seats throughout the DPRK.
        
     • A short stroll in Rason city centre followed by kimchi making | A staple food in Korean cuisine that is a part of all meals in Korean. There are more than 200 varieties of kimchi but the most well-known is the one made of cabbage. It is so important in Korean culture and everyday life that working women get days off during the kimchi-making season. Now you have the opportunity to make your own kimchi!

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  4. April 16 | Wednesday

     AM

     • Drive to Tumangang Town, right up on the Russian and Chinese borders.
        
     • Visit the Russia-DPRK Friendship house | Exhibit of photos of visits by key figures from the neighbouring countries.
        
     • 3 Countries Border Viewpoint | This picturesque pavilion offers views into China and Russia. From here, you can see how the river divides the nations and also hear about a historical naval battle that a famed Korean admiral directed from this hilltop.
        
     • Swan House at Pupho Duck Farm | Inaugurated on 28 May, 2024 this newly built complex breeds black swans.
        
     • Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm | One of the many aquaculture farms in North Korea, this particular one specialises in sea cucumber, a delicay in Korea.

     PM

     • Drive to the nearby city of Sonbong, the smaller of the sister cities in this zone.
        
     • Stop for photos in the centre of Sonbong town | Here there is a theatre, some monuments and mosaics, and an immortality tower too.
        
     • Hiking on Mt. Shahyang.
        
     • Return to Rajin.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  5. April 17 | Thursday

     Rason to Yanji

     AM

     • Ryongysong Beer Factory | A factory producing one of the leading beer brands in North Korea, established in the 1980s.
        
     • Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory | One of the factories in North Korea that produces local brands of snacks and drinks.
        
     • Chonghak Sanatorium | Remodeled and reopened in December 2024, this medical facility cures chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis by using the mineral water from Mt. Chonghak.

     PM

     • Next is our final drive in the DPRK, where we head across the northern part of the Rason zone and end up at Wonjong Bridge, the frontier between the DPRK and the PRC. We pass through customs here on the Korean side, take a short ride or walk across the bridge, and then we are back in China, just like that!
        
     • Drive to Yanji | We will get picked up after we enter China. We have a 3-hour drive (with scenic stops) to the Chinese city of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region. We'll end up here for dinner, drinks to celebrate the end of this adventure, and an overnight stay to bring our tour to a close. Congratulations to you for being with us on this amazing journey!

     Overnight | IBIS Yanji Renmin Road Hotel, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  6. April 18 | Friday

     End of the tour

     • Breakfast at the hotel
        
     • How you depart from here is up to you; there are trains, planes, buses, etc. Koryo Tours can assist in planning onward travel. Drop us a line with how you plan to finish this trip and we’ll help you out!

     Overnight | N/A

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours 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.

    See more

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Yanji — Rason — Yanji bus transfer
  • Rason SEZ Entry Permit
  • All meals on the tour in the DPRK, breakfast at hotel in Yanji
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK and 2 nights in Yanji
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15 USD or 100 RMB per day)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Spending money on souvenirs

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced 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 also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there 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.

Please apply by 1st April, 2025.

• Overall

  For more information contact us on [email protected] 

  
  Budget tour to North Korea from Beijing. Be one of the first people to travel to North Korea since the borders closed in January 2020. Travel to Rason, North Korea, on a group tour this April! 

  This budget tour to North Korea from Beijing will take you to the must-see sites in Rason, North Korea's Special Economic Zone. It is an all-inclusive tour to North Korea including return transportation to Yanji (domestic flight) from Beijing, as well as chartered transportation to and from Rason and the North Korea visa. We will also be in North Korea for Kim Il Sung's Birthday, one of the biggest holidays in North Korea! 

  It also includes a hotel stay of 2 nights in Yanji, before and after travel.

  Read more about Rason on our detailed Rason Travel Guide page. 
   

  ---

   

  Rason is North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China (Jilin Province).

  It is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

  Rason is used for testing new economic and social policies. The first mobile phone network, the first legal marketplace, and the first card payment system in the country were all tested here.

  Your North Korea tour to Rason will begin in Yanji, China. You will then take a drive to the DPRK border and finally enter North Korea, in the Rason Special Economic Zone.

  If you would rather travel to Yanji from Beijing with us, check out our North Korea from Beijing and Beijing Budget options. 

  Rason is an area that operates differently from the rest of North Korea.

  We will visit various factories, see a Taekwondo demonstration at the Rason Taekwondo School, and make a stop at the Golden Triangle Bank to learn about Rason’s unique economic system. Here, you can even open your very own North Korean bank account.

  We will take a walk along the seaside at Hae’an Park and visit the scenic Pipha Island. Here, we will relax by the waterfront or take an optional boat ride to see seals.

  You can learn about local industries at factory visits and enjoy a stop at the Foreign Language School, where students learn multiple languages. A highlight is the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China, Russia, and North Korea.

  We will also have the opportunity to visit some newly opened sites previously not open to tourists. This includes the Chonghak Sanatorium, Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace, and the Paduk House. 

  Highlights

  • Be one of the first to visit North Korea after the borders have been closed since January 2020.
  • Visit Rason, one of the least visited places in North Korea. 
  • Visit Ryongysong Beer Factory where one of the leading North Korean beer brands is produced.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 6

  1. April 13 | Sunday

     Flight to Yanji and Pre-tour Briefing

     AM

     • Latest recommended arrival in Beijing is early this morning.

     PM

     • Pre-tour briefing at Novotel Beijing Peace at 12:00 | A pre-tour briefing is an essential part of all trips to North Korea that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.
        
     • 14:00 | Free bus to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from the hotel. Check-in for the flight to Yanji, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
        
     • Air China flight CA9515 from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 17:10 with scheduled arrival time at Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ) at 19:15. Transfer to the airport.

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  2. April 14 | Monday

     Yanji to Rason – 2 different worlds!

     AM

     • Drive from Yanji to Wonjong Bridge on the Sino-Korea border. After Chinese exit- and Korean entry formalities you will find yourself in the Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) Special Economy Zone. Although Rason is part of the DPRK it is administered differently, so even if you are in the DPRK you are still separated from the rest of the country by an internal border.

     PM

     • Drive to Rajin the bigger of the sister cities in Rason SEZ.
        
     • Hae’an Park | A coastal featuring manicured lawns, benches, and a large paved walkway leading to a roller skating track, with a giant television displaying news.  In good weather, locals will gather here.
        
     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Greenhouse | Every city in the DPRK has a hothouse for cultivating and growing the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, and Rajin is no exception. Visit the main hall, which has large portraits of the ‘Three Generals’, flower displays, and the greenhouse areas where the flowers are grown.  You can buy a Kimjongilia bulb here, but consider getting a guide on how to cultivate it properly.
        
     • Rason Taekwondo School and demonstration | The national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school. The performance features schoolchildren who you simply would not want to tangle with – high kicks, smashing bricks and other feats of agility and strength abound.
        
     • Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace | Opened just five years ago in central Rason City, this modern building has multi-functionalized training rooms, a theatre, and a stadium to train future scientists, artists, and athletes. Schoolchildren's palaces all over the DPRK are the centre of extracurricular education where future generations can excel in their talent.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin. Centrally located and locally famous. Right in the heart of Rajin city.

  3. April 15 | Tuesday

     DPRK National Holiday — the 113th Birthday of President Kim Il Sung. Besides the sites listed on the itinerary, we will make sure to attend as many festive activities as possible. This will almost definitely include a Mass Dance organised by university students on one of the main squares of Rajin City.
     
     AM  

     • 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.
        
     • Rajin Fine Art Gallery | A small windowless two-storey building that holds the best art exhibition in the area; the pictures downstairs are normally not for sale while upstairs is actually a shop. The posters and paintings on display here are not as good as the ones in Pyongyang but still it is worth a short visit.
        
     • Drive from Rajin to the nationally famous Pipha Island Area, a scenic spot known to all North Koreans for its beauty.
        
     • Pipha Island | A narrow road links it to the mainland. From here you can take an optional boat ride to see some seals who populate some rocks nearby, relax at the waterfront, or try some local seafood.

     PM

     • Foreign Language School | Here local children learn English, Chinese, and other languages. Step in and help out with some lessons!
        
     • Rason School Uniform Factory | Refurbished in 2023, this factory produces various types of school uniforms for the students of the Rason area.
        
     • Golden Triangle Bank | Here we will learn about the different economic systems of Rason, change money into local won (yes, it is legal, not to be taken out of the country though, you are supposed to spend it), and see actual banking going on, the only place you get to witness this in the DPRK!
        
     • Rason Paduk House | Paduk, or as you might know it 'Go', is a board game that originated in China and is popular all around East Asia. In this game, the two opponents are positioning black and white stones on a grid to establish territories and seize the opponent's stones. Paduk Houses are professional paduk training institutes that have been established in Pyongyang and all provincial seats throughout the DPRK.
        
     • A short stroll in Rason city centre followed by kimchi making | A staple food in Korean cuisine that is a part of all meals in Korean. There are more than 200 varieties of kimchi but the most well-known is the one made of cabbage. It is so important in Korean culture and everyday life that working women get days off during the kimchi-making season. Now you have the opportunity to make your own kimchi!

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  4. April 16 | Wednesday

     AM

     • Drive to Tumangang Town, right up on the Russian and Chinese borders.
        
     • Visit the Russia-DPRK Friendship house | Exhibit of photos of visits by key figures from the neighbouring countries.
        
     • 3 Countries Border Viewpoint | This picturesque pavilion offers views into China and Russia. From here, you can see how the river divides the nations and also hear about a historical naval battle that a famed Korean admiral directed from this hilltop.
        
     • Swan House at Pupho Duck Farm | Inaugurated on 28 May, 2024 this newly built complex breeds black swans.
        
     • Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm | One of the many aquaculture farms in North Korea, this particular one specialises in sea cucumber, a delicay in Korea.

     PM

     • Drive to the nearby city of Sonbong, the smaller of the sister cities in this zone.
        
     • Stop for photos in the centre of Sonbong town | Here there is a theatre, some monuments and mosaics, and an immortality tower too.
        
     • Hiking on Mt. Shahyang.
        
     • Return to Rajin.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  5. April 17 | Thursday

     Rason to Yanji

     AM

     • Ryongysong Beer Factory | A factory producing one of the leading beer brands in North Korea, established in the 1980s.
        
     • Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory | One of the factories in North Korea that produces local brands of snacks and drinks.
        
     • Chonghak Sanatorium | Remodeled and reopened in December 2024, this medical facility cures chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis by using the mineral water from Mt. Chonghak.

     PM

     • Next is our final drive in the DPRK, where we head across the northern part of the Rason zone and end up at Wonjong Bridge, the frontier between the DPRK and the PRC. We pass through customs here on the Korean side, take a short ride or walk across the bridge, and then we are back in China, just like that!
        
     • Drive to Yanji | We will get picked up after we enter China. We have a 3-hour drive (with scenic stops) to the Chinese city of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region. We'll end up here for dinner, drinks to celebrate the end of this adventure, and an overnight stay to bring our tour to a close. Congratulations to you for being with us on this amazing journey!

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  6. April 18 | Friday

     Flight back to Beijing

     AM

     • Air China flight CA1614 to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 09:30 from Yanji with scheduled arrival in Beijing at 11:40.

     PM

     • The earliest recommended departure from Beijing is early evening.

     Tour Ends

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours 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.

    See more

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Beijing — Yanji — Beijing Chinese domestic flight
  • Yanji — Rason — Yanji bus transfer
  • Rason SEZ Entry Permit
  • All meals on the tour in the DPRK, breakfast at the hotel in Yanji
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK and 2 nights in Yanji
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15 USD or 100 RMB per day)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Meals in China other than breakfast at hotels
  • Spending money on souvenirs

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced 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 also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there 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.

Please apply by 31st March, 2025.

• Overall

  For more information contact us on [email protected] 

  
  Koryo Tours are happy to announce one of the first trips back to North Korea since the borders closed in January 2020. 

  This tour will take you to the must-see sites in Rason, North Korea's Special Economic Zone. It is an all-inclusive tour to North Korea including return transportation to Yanji (domestic flight) from Beijing, as well as chartered transportation to and from Rason. 

  It also includes a hotel stay of 2 nights in Beijing and 2 nights in Yanji, before and after travel. 

  Read more about Rason on our detailed Rason Travel Guide page. 
   

  ---

   

  Rason is North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China (Jilin Province).

  It is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

  Rason is used for testing new economic and social policies. The first mobile phone network, the first legal marketplace, and the first card payment system in the country were all tested here.

  Your North Korea tour to Rason will begin in Yanji, China. You will then take a drive to the DPRK border and finally enter North Korea, in the Rason Special Economic Zone.

  Rason is an area that operates differently from the rest of North Korea.

  We will visit various factories, see a Taekwondo demonstration at the Rason Taekwondo School, and make a stop at the Golden Triangle Bank to learn about Rason’s unique economic system. Here, you can even open your very own North Korean bank account.

  We will take a walk along the seaside at Hae’an Park and visit the scenic Pipha Island. Here, we will relax by the waterfront or take an optional boat ride to see seals.

  You can learn about local industries at, among others, the Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm and Ryongysong Beer Factory producing various footwear styles. Other stops include the Foreign Language School, where students learn multiple languages. A highlight is the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China, Russia, and North Korea.

  We will also have the opportunity to visit some newly opened sites previously not open to tourists. This includes the Chonghak Sanatorium, Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace, and the Paduk House. 

  Highlights

  • Be one of the first to visit North Korea after the borders have been closed since January 2020.
  • Visit Rason, one of the least visited places in North Korea. 
  • Visit Ryongysong Beer Factory where one of the leading North Korean beer brands is produced.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 9

  1. April 22 | Tuesday

     Arrive in Beijing

     PM

     • Check-in at the hotel in Beijing from 14:00.

     Overnight | Novotel Beijing Peace, Beijing

  2. April 23 | Wednesday

     Pre-tour Briefing and Flight to Yanji

     AM

     • Morning in Beijing at own leisure.

     PM

     • Pre-tour briefing at Novotel Beijing Peace at 14:00 | A pre-tour briefing is an essential part of all trips to North Korea that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.
        
     • 16:00 | Free bus to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from the hotel. Check-in for the flight to Yanji, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
        
     • Air China flight CA1615 from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 19:10 with scheduled arrival time at Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ) at 21:15. Transfer to the airport.

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  3. April 24 | Thursday

     Yanji to Rason – 2 different worlds!

     AM

     • Early morning drive from Yanji to Wonjong Bridge on the Sino-Korea border. After Chinese exit- and Korean entry formalities you will find yourself in the Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) Special Economy Zone. Although Rason is part of the DPRK it is administered differently, so even if you are in the DPRK you are still separated from the rest of the country by an internal border.

     PM

     • Drive to Rajin the bigger of the sister cities in Rason SEZ.
        
     • Rason Taekwondo School and demonstration | The national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school. The performance features schoolchildren who you simply would not want to tangle with – high kicks, smashing bricks and other feats of agility and strength abound.
        
     • Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace | Opened just five years ago in central Rason City, this modern building has multi-functionalized training rooms, a theatre, and a stadium to train future scientists, artists, and athletes. Schoolchildren's palaces all over the DPRK are the centre of extracurricular education where future generations can excel in their talent.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin. Centrally located and locally famous. Right in the heart of Rajin city.

  4. April 25 | Friday

     Military Foundation Day. Today marks the 93^rd anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army, the guerrilla force fighting the Japanese during the colonial period. We expect some festive activities today.

     AM  

     • 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.
        
     • Rajin Fine Art Gallery | A small windowless two-storey building that holds the best art exhibition in the area; the pictures downstairs are normally not for sale while upstairs is actually a shop. The posters and paintings on display here are not as good as the ones in Pyongyang but still it is worth a short visit.
        
     • Drive from Rajin to the nationally famous Pipha Island Area, a scenic spot known to all North Koreans for its beauty.
        
     • Pipha Island | A narrow road links it to the mainland. From here you can take an optional boat ride to see some seals who populate some rocks nearby, relax at the waterfront, or try some local seafood.

     PM

     • Foreign Language School | Here local children learn English, Chinese, and other languages. Step in and help out with some lessons!
        
     • Rason School Uniform Factory | Refurbished in 2023, this factory produces various types of school uniforms for the students of the Rason area.
        
     • Golden Triangle Bank | Here we will learn about the different economic systems of Rason, change money into local won (yes, it is legal, not to be taken out of the country though, you are supposed to spend it), and see actual banking going on, the only place you get to witness this in the DPRK!
        
     • Rason Paduk House | Paduk, or as you might know it 'Go', is a board game that originated in China and is popular all around East Asia. In this game, the two opponents are positioning black and white stones on a grid to establish territories and seize the opponent's stones. Paduk Houses are professional paduk training institutes that have been established in Pyongyang and all provincial seats throughout the DPRK.
        
     • A short stroll in Rason city centre followed by kimchi making | A staple food in Korean cuisine that is a part of all meals in Korean. There are more than 200 varieties of kimchi but the most well-known is the one made of cabbage. It is so important in Korean culture and everyday life that working women get days off during the kimchi-making season. Now you have the opportunity to make your own kimchi!

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  5. April 26 | Saturday

     AM

     • Drive to Tumangang Town, right up on the Russian and Chinese borders.
        
     • Visit the Russia-DPRK Friendship house | Exhibit of photos of visits by key figures from the neighbouring countries.
        
     • 3 Countries Border Viewpoint | This picturesque pavilion offers views of China and Russia. From here, you can see how the river divides the nations and also hear about a historical naval battle that a famed Korean admiral directed from this hilltop.
        
     • Swan House at Pupho Duck Farm | Inaugurated on 28 May 2024 this newly built complex breeds black swans.
        
     • Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm | One of the many aquaculture farms in North Korea, this particular one specialises in sea cucumber, a delicacy in Korea.

     PM

     • Drive to the nearby city of Sonbong, the smaller of the sister cities in this zone.
        
     • Stop for photos in the centre of Sonbong town | Here there is a theatre, some monuments and mosaics, and an immortality tower too.
        
     • Return to Rajin.
        
     • Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory | One of the factories in North Korea that produces local brands of snacks and drinks.
        
     • Ryongysong Beer Factory | A factory producing one of the leading beer brands in North Korea, established in the 1980s. The factory also has a bar where you can sample the locally brewed beer and even corn juice.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  6. April 27 | Sunday

     AM

     • Hiking on Mt. Sahyang | Sahyangsan is a tourist zone, scenic hike, a revolutionary site, and home to many slogan trees where the guerillas imprinted revolutionary slogans during the anti-Japanese guerilla movement.

     PM

     • Hae’an Park | A coastal park featuring manicured lawns, benches, and a large paved walkway leading to a roller skating track, with a giant television displaying news. In good weather, locals will gather here.
        
     • Rason International Exhibition | A market selling imported goods and where locals shop.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  7. April 28 | Monday

     Rason to Yanji

     AM

     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Greenhouse | Every city in the DPRK has a hothouse for cultivating and growing the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, and Rajin is no exception. Visit the main hall, which has large portraits of the ‘Three Generals’, flower displays, and the greenhouse areas where the flowers are grown.  You can buy a Kimjongilia bulb here, but consider getting a guide on how to cultivate it properly.
        
     • Chonghak Sanatorium | Remodeled and reopened in December 2024, this medical facility cures chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis by using the mineral water from Mt. Chonghak.

     PM

     • Next is our final drive in the DPRK, where we head across the northern part of the Rason zone and end up at Wonjong Bridge, the frontier between the DPRK and the PRC. We pass through customs here on the Korean side, take a short ride or walk across the bridge, and then we are back in China, just like that!
        
     • Drive to Yanji | We will get picked up after we enter China. We have a 3-hour drive (with scenic stops) to the Chinese city of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region. We'll end up here for dinner, drinks to celebrate the end of this adventure, and an overnight stay to bring our tour to a close. Congratulations to you for being with us on this amazing journey!

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  8. April 29 | Tuesday

     Flight back to Beijing

     AM

     • Air China flight CA1614 to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 09:30 from Yanji. Transfer to the hotel.

     PM

     • Afternoon in Beijing at own leisure.

     Overnight | Novotel Beijing Peace, Beijing

  9. April 30 | Wednesday

     • Breakfast at the hotel.

     End of the tour

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours 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.

    See more

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Beijing — Yanji — Beijing Chinese domestic flight
  • Yanji — Rason — Yanji bus transfer
  • Rason SEZ Entry Permit
  • All meals on the tour in the DPRK, breakfast at hotel in Beijing and Yanji
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK and 2-2 nights in Beijing and Yanji
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15 USD or 100 RMB per day)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Meals in China other than breakfast at hotels
  • Spending money on souvenirs

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced 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 also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there 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.

Please apply by 11th April, 2025.

• Overall

  For more information contact us on [email protected] 

  
  Budget tour to North Korea from Beijing. Be one of the first people to travel to North Korea since the borders closed in January 2020. Travel to Rason, North Korea, on a group tour this April! 

  This budget tour to North Korea from Beijing will take you to the must-see sites in Rason, North Korea's Special Economic Zone. It is an all-inclusive tour to North Korea including return transportation to Yanji (domestic flight) from Beijing, as well as chartered transportation to and from Rason and the North Korea visa. We will also be in North Korea for Kim Il Sung's Birthday, one of the biggest holidays in North Korea! 

  It also includes a hotel stay of 2 nights in Yanji, before and after travel.

  Read more about Rason on our detailed Rason Travel Guide page. 
   

  ---

   

  Rason is North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China (Jilin Province).

  It is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

  Rason is used for testing new economic and social policies. The first mobile phone network, the first legal marketplace, and the first card payment system in the country were all tested here.

  Your North Korea tour to Rason will begin in Yanji, China. You will then take a drive to the DPRK border and finally enter North Korea, in the Rason Special Economic Zone.

  If you would rather travel to Yanji from Beijing with us, check out our North Korea from Beijing and Beijing Budget options. 

  Rason is an area that operates differently from the rest of North Korea.

  We will visit various factories, see a Taekwondo demonstration at the Rason Taekwondo School, and make a stop at the Golden Triangle Bank to learn about Rason’s unique economic system. Here, you can even open your very own North Korean bank account.

  We will take a walk along the seaside at Hae’an Park and visit the scenic Pipha Island. Here, we will relax by the waterfront or take an optional boat ride to see seals.

  You can learn about local industries at factory visits and enjoy a stop at the Foreign Language School, where students learn multiple languages. A highlight is the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China, Russia, and North Korea.

  We will also have the opportunity to visit some newly opened sites previously not open to tourists. This includes the Chonghak Sanatorium, Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace, and the Paduk House. 

  Highlights

  • Be one of the first to visit North Korea after the borders have been closed since January 2020.
  • Visit Rason, one of the least visited places in North Korea. 
  • Visit Ryongysong Beer Factory where one of the leading North Korean beer brands is produced.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 7

  1. April 23 | Wednesday

     Pre-tour Briefing and Flight to Yanji

     AM

     • Latest recommended arrival in Beijing is early this morning.

     PM

     • Pre-tour briefing at Novotel Beijing Peace at 14:00 | A pre-tour briefing is an essential part of all trips to North Korea that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.
        
     • 16:00 | Free bus to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from the hotel. Check-in for the flight to Yanji, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
        
     • Air China flight CA1615 from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 19:10 with scheduled arrival time at Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ) at 21:15. Transfer to the airport.

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  2. April 24 | Thursday

     Yanji to Rason – 2 different worlds!

     AM

     • Early morning drive from Yanji to Wonjong Bridge on the Sino-Korea border. After Chinese exit- and Korean entry formalities you will find yourself in the Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) Special Economy Zone. Although Rason is part of the DPRK it is administered differently, so even if you are in the DPRK you are still separated from the rest of the country by an internal border.

     PM

     • Drive to Rajin the bigger of the sister cities in Rason SEZ.
        
     • Rason Taekwondo School and demonstration | The national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school. The performance features schoolchildren who you simply would not want to tangle with – high kicks, smashing bricks and other feats of agility and strength abound.
        
     • Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace | Opened just five years ago in central Rason City, this modern building has multi-functionalized training rooms, a theatre, and a stadium to train future scientists, artists, and athletes. Schoolchildren's palaces all over the DPRK are the centre of extracurricular education where future generations can excel in their talent.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin. Centrally located and locally famous. Right in the heart of Rajin city.

  3. April 25 | Friday

     Military Foundation Day. Today marks the 93^rd anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army, the guerrilla force fighting the Japanese during the colonial period. We expect some festive activities today.
     
     AM  

     • 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.
        
     • Rajin Fine Art Gallery | A small windowless two-storey building that holds the best art exhibition in the area; the pictures downstairs are normally not for sale while upstairs is actually a shop. The posters and paintings on display here are not as good as the ones in Pyongyang but still it is worth a short visit.
        
     • Drive from Rajin to the nationally famous Pipha Island Area, a scenic spot known to all North Koreans for its beauty.
        
     • Pipha Island | A narrow road links it to the mainland. From here you can take an optional boat ride to see some seals who populate some rocks nearby, relax at the waterfront, or try some local seafood.

     PM

     • Foreign Language School | Here local children learn English, Chinese, and other languages. Step in and help out with some lessons!
        
     • Rason School Uniform Factory | Refurbished in 2023, this factory produces various types of school uniforms for the students of the Rason area.
        
     • Golden Triangle Bank | Here we will learn about the different economic systems of Rason, change money into local won (yes, it is legal, not to be taken out of the country though, you are supposed to spend it), and see actual banking going on, the only place you get to witness this in the DPRK!
        
     • Rason Paduk House | Paduk, or as you might know it 'Go', is a board game that originated in China and is popular all around East Asia. In this game, the two opponents are positioning black and white stones on a grid to establish territories and seize the opponent's stones. Paduk Houses are professional paduk training institutes that have been established in Pyongyang and all provincial seats throughout the DPRK.
        
     • A short stroll in Rason city centre followed by kimchi making | A staple food in Korean cuisine that is a part of all meals in Korean. There are more than 200 varieties of kimchi but the most well-known is the one made of cabbage. It is so important in Korean culture and everyday life that working women get days off during the kimchi-making season. Now you have the opportunity to make your own kimchi!

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  4. April 26 | Saturday

     AM

     • Drive to Tumangang Town, right up on the Russian and Chinese borders.
        
     • Visit the Russia-DPRK Friendship house | Exhibit of photos of visits by key figures from the neighbouring countries.
        
     • 3 Countries Border Viewpoint | This picturesque pavilion offers views of China and Russia. From here, you can see how the river divides the nations and also hear about a historical naval battle that a famed Korean admiral directed from this hilltop.
        
     • Swan House at Pupho Duck Farm | Inaugurated on 28 May 2024 this newly built complex breeds black swans.
        
     • Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm | One of the many aquaculture farms in North Korea, this particular one specialises in sea cucumber, a delicacy in Korea.

     PM

     • Drive to the nearby city of Sonbong, the smaller of the sister cities in this zone.
        
     • Stop for photos in the centre of Sonbong town | Here there is a theatre, some monuments and mosaics, and an immortality tower too.
        
     • Return to Rajin.
        
     • Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory | One of the factories in North Korea that produces local brands of snacks and drinks.
        
     • Ryongysong Beer Factory | A factory producing one of the leading beer brands in North Korea, established in the 1980s. The factory also has a bar where you can sample the locally brewed beer and even corn juice.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  5. April 27 | Sunday

     AM

     • Hiking on Mt. Sahyang | Sahyangsan is a tourist zone, scenic hike, a revolutionary site, and home to many slogan trees where the guerillas imprinted revolutionary slogans during the anti-Japanese guerilla movement.

     PM

     • Hae’an Park | A coastal park featuring manicured lawns, benches, and a large paved walkway leading to a roller skating track, with a giant television displaying news. In good weather, locals will gather here.
        
     • Rason International Exhibition | A market selling imported goods and where locals shop.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  6. April 28 | Monday

     Rason to Yanji

     AM

     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Greenhouse | Every city in the DPRK has a hothouse for cultivating and growing the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, and Rajin is no exception. Visit the main hall, which has large portraits of the ‘Three Generals’, flower displays, and the greenhouse areas where the flowers are grown.  You can buy a Kimjongilia bulb here, but consider getting a guide on how to cultivate it properly.
        
     • Chonghak Sanatorium | Remodeled and reopened in December 2024, this medical facility cures chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis by using the mineral water from Mt. Chonghak.

     PM

     • Next is our final drive in the DPRK, where we head across the northern part of the Rason zone and end up at Wonjong Bridge, the frontier between the DPRK and the PRC. We pass through customs here on the Korean side, take a short ride or walk across the bridge, and then we are back in China, just like that!
        
     • Drive to Yanji | We will get picked up after we enter China. We have a 3-hour drive (with scenic stops) to the Chinese city of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region. We'll end up here for dinner, drinks to celebrate the end of this adventure, and an overnight stay to bring our tour to a close. Congratulations to you for being with us on this amazing journey!

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  7. April 29 | Tuesday

     Flight back to Beijing

     AM

     • Air China flight CA1614 to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 09:30 from Yanji with scheduled arrival in Beijing at 11:40.

     PM

     • The earliest recommended departure from Beijing is early evening.

     Tour Ends

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours 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.

    See more

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Beijing — Yanji — Beijing Chinese domestic flight
  • Yanji — Rason — Yanji bus transfer
  • Rason SEZ Entry Permit
  • All meals on the tour in the DPRK, breakfast at the hotel in Yanji
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK and 2 nights in Yanji
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Fees to be paid at the border (ca. 35 RMB)
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15 USD or 100 RMB per day)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Meals in China other than breakfast at hotels
  • Spending money on souvenirs

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced 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 also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there 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.

Please apply by 11th April, 2025.

• Overall

  For more information contact us on [email protected] 

  
  Be one of the first people to travel to North Korea since the borders closed in January 2020.

  This budget tour to North Korea will take you to the must-see sites in Rason, North Korea's Special Economic Zone. This tour includes accommodation and transport in Yanji, and the Rason Entry Permit. 

  It also includes a hotel stay of 2 nights in Yanji, before and after travel.

  Read more about Rason on our detailed Rason Travel Guide page. 
   

  ---

   

  Rason is North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China (Jilin Province).

  It is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

  Rason is used for testing new economic and social policies. The first mobile phone network, the first legal marketplace, and the first card payment system in the country were all tested here.

  Your North Korea tour to Rason will begin in Yanji, China. You will then take a drive to the DPRK border and finally enter North Korea, in the Rason Special Economic Zone.

  If you would rather travel to Yanji from Beijing with us, check out our North Korea from Beijing and Beijing Budget options. 

  Rason is an area that operates differently from the rest of North Korea.

  We will visit various factories, see a Taekwondo demonstration at the Rason Taekwondo School, and make a stop at the Golden Triangle Bank to learn about Rason’s unique economic system. Here, you can even open your very own North Korean bank account.

  We will take a walk along the seaside at Hae’an Park and visit the scenic Pipha Island. Here, we will relax by the waterfront or take an optional boat ride to see seals.

  You can learn about local industries at factory visits and enjoy a stop at the Foreign Language School, where students learn multiple languages. A highlight is the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China, Russia, and North Korea.

  We will also have the opportunity to visit some newly opened sites previously not open to tourists. This includes the Chonghak Sanatorium, Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace, and the Rajin Fine Art Gallery. 

  Highlights

  • Our longest trip to Rason. Take time getting to know the country, take photos, and enjoy a more relaxed trip to North Korea. 
  • Visit Rason, one of the least visited places in North Korea. 
  • Visit Ryongysong Beer Factory where one of the leading North Korean beer brands is produced.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. April 23 | Wednesday

     Arrive in Yanji and Pre-tour Briefing

     PM

     • Latest recommended arrival in Yanji, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture is this evening.
       
       Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ) is served by several daily flights from Beijing (PEK and PKX), Shanghai (PVG), and Seoul (ICN).
       
       There is also a daily high-speed train service from Beijing to Yanji West Railway Station (Yanjixi), while several train services are available daily from the cities of Shenyang, Changchun, and Harbin in the Northeast region of China that are more connected to the Chinese railway network and has a wider variety of flight options.
        
     • Late evening pre-tour briefing at the hotel | A pre-tour briefing is an essential part of all trips to North Korea that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session.

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  2. April 24 | Thursday

     Yanji to Rason – 2 different worlds!

     AM

     • Early morning drive from Yanji to Wonjong Bridge on the Sino-Korea border. After Chinese exit- and Korean entry formalities you will find yourself in the Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) Special Economy Zone. Although Rason is part of the DPRK it is administered differently, so even if you are in the DPRK you are still separated from the rest of the country by an internal border.

     PM

     • Drive to Rajin the bigger of the sister cities in Rason SEZ.
        
     • Rason Taekwondo School and demonstration | The national martial art which all children learn to a certain degree in school. The performance features schoolchildren who you simply would not want to tangle with – high kicks, smashing bricks and other feats of agility and strength abound.
        
     • Rason Pupils' and Schoolchildren's Palace | Opened just five years ago in central Rason City, this modern building has multi-functionalized training rooms, a theatre, and a stadium to train future scientists, artists, and athletes. Schoolchildren's palaces all over the DPRK are the centre of extracurricular education where future generations can excel in their talent.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin. Centrally located and locally famous. Right in the heart of Rajin city.

  3. April 25 | Friday

     Military Foundation Day. Today marks the 93^rd anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army, the guerrilla force fighting the Japanese during the colonial period. We expect some festive activities today.
     
     AM  

     • 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.
        
     • Rajin Fine Art Gallery | A small windowless two-storey building that holds the best art exhibition in the area; the pictures downstairs are normally not for sale while upstairs is actually a shop. The posters and paintings on display here are not as good as the ones in Pyongyang but still it is worth a short visit.
        
     • Drive from Rajin to the nationally famous Pipha Island Area, a scenic spot known to all North Koreans for its beauty.
        
     • Pipha Island | A narrow road links it to the mainland. From here you can take an optional boat ride to see some seals who populate some rocks nearby, relax at the waterfront, or try some local seafood.

     PM

     • Foreign Language School | Here local children learn English, Chinese, and other languages. Step in and help out with some lessons!
        
     • Rason School Uniform Factory | Refurbished in 2023, this factory produces various types of school uniforms for the students of the Rason area.
        
     • Golden Triangle Bank | Here we will learn about the different economic systems of Rason, change money into local won (yes, it is legal, not to be taken out of the country though, you are supposed to spend it), and see actual banking going on, the only place you get to witness this in the DPRK!
        
     • Rason Paduk House | Paduk, or as you might know it 'Go', is a board game that originated in China and is popular all around East Asia. In this game, the two opponents are positioning black and white stones on a grid to establish territories and seize the opponent's stones. Paduk Houses are professional paduk training institutes that have been established in Pyongyang and all provincial seats throughout the DPRK.
        
     • A short stroll in Rason city centre followed by kimchi making | A staple food in Korean cuisine that is a part of all meals in Korean. There are more than 200 varieties of kimchi but the most well-known is the one made of cabbage. It is so important in Korean culture and everyday life that working women get days off during the kimchi-making season. Now you have the opportunity to make your own kimchi!

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  4. April 26 | Saturday

     AM

     • Drive to Tumangang Town, right up on the Russian and Chinese borders.
        
     • Visit the Russia-DPRK Friendship house | Exhibit of photos of visits by key figures from the neighbouring countries.
        
     • 3 Countries Border Viewpoint | This picturesque pavilion offers views of China and Russia. From here, you can see how the river divides the nations and also hear about a historical naval battle that a famed Korean admiral directed from this hilltop.
        
     • Swan House at Pupho Duck Farm | Inaugurated on 28 May 2024 this newly built complex breeds black swans.
        
     • Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm | One of the many aquaculture farms in North Korea, this particular one specialises in sea cucumber, a delicacy in Korea.

     PM

     • Drive to the nearby city of Sonbong, the smaller of the sister cities in this zone.
        
     • Stop for photos in the centre of Sonbong town | Here there is a theatre, some monuments and mosaics, and an immortality tower too.
        
     • Return to Rajin.
        
     • Paekhaksan Combined Foodstuff Processing Factory | One of the factories in North Korea that produces local brands of snacks and drinks.
        
     • Ryongysong Beer Factory | A factory producing one of the leading beer brands in North Korea, established in the 1980s. The factory also has a bar where you can sample the locally brewed beer and even corn juice.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  5. April 27 | Sunday

     AM

     • Hiking on Mt. Sahyang | Sahyangsan is a tourist zone, scenic hike, a revolutionary site, and home to many slogan trees where the guerillas imprinted revolutionary slogans during the anti-Japanese guerilla movement.

     PM

     • Hae’an Park | A coastal park featuring manicured lawns, benches, and a large paved walkway leading to a roller skating track, with a giant television displaying news. In good weather, locals will gather here.
        
     • Rason International Exhibition | A market selling imported goods and where locals shop.

     Overnight | Namsan Hotel, Rajin

  6. April 28 | Monday

     Rason to Yanji

     AM

     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Greenhouse | Every city in the DPRK has a hothouse for cultivating and growing the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, and Rajin is no exception. Visit the main hall, which has large portraits of the ‘Three Generals’, flower displays, and the greenhouse areas where the flowers are grown.  You can buy a Kimjongilia bulb here, but consider getting a guide on how to cultivate it properly.
        
     • Chonghak Sanatorium | Remodeled and reopened in December 2024, this medical facility cures chronic gastritis and rheumatoid arthritis by using the mineral water from Mt. Chonghak.

     PM

     • Next is our final drive in the DPRK, where we head across the northern part of the Rason zone and end up at Wonjong Bridge, the frontier between the DPRK and the PRC. We pass through customs here on the Korean side, take a short ride or walk across the bridge, and then we are back in China, just like that!
        
     • Drive to Yanji | We will get picked up after we enter China. We have a 3-hour drive (with scenic stops) to the Chinese city of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region. We'll end up here for dinner, drinks to celebrate the end of this adventure, and an overnight stay to bring our tour to a close. Congratulations to you for being with us on this amazing journey!

     Overnight | Hampton by Hilton Yanji Center, Yanji Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture or similar

  7. April 29 | Tuesday

     End of the tour

     • Breakfast at the hotel
        
     • How you depart from here is up to you; there are trains, planes, buses, etc. Koryo Tours can assist in planning onward travel. Drop us a line with how you plan to finish this trip and we’ll help you out!

     Tour Ends

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours 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.

    See more

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Yanji — Rason — Yanji bus transfer
  • Rason SEZ Entry Permit
  • All meals on the tour in the DPRK, breakfast at hotel in Yanji
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK and 2 nights in Yanji
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 15 USD or 100 RMB per day)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Spending money on souvenirs

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced 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 also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park). We visit the DPRK regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there 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.

Please apply by 11th April, 2025.