North Korea Tours

BEIJING TO PYONGYANG
This morning make your own way to Beijing Capital Airport, Terminal 2, to depart at approximately 1400 (times vary slightly and 2012 schedules are TBC – flights over the years have typically departed between 1100 and 1500). The short 80 – 90 minute flight with Air Koryo, JS 252, will bring the group into Pyongyang in the late afternoon. After passing through immigration the group will formally come together for the first time and meet our guides and driver who will be with us for the rest of our time in Korea. Driving into the city transfer to the Yanggakdo Hotel, where we will be based whilst in Pyongyang. After checking in and having some time to relax enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel. (D) Please note that if you miss your flight to Pyongyang you will miss the tour, so we STRONGLY recommend that you have at least one night in Beijing before the trip departs.

PYONGYANG TO MT. MYOHYANG
This morning check out of the Yanggakdo Hotel and head into the city centre, to visit the fountains at the foot of Mansu Hill. From here visit the famous Mansudae Grand Monument, the centre piece of which is the spectacular 20 metre tall bronze statue of Kim Il Sung. Millions of Koreans visit this site each year to pay their respects to the President, and the group will be expected to lay a wreath of flowers at the foot of the statue before bowing in unison before it. From here visit the nearby Grand People's Study House, the national library home to 30+ Million volumes. Crossing the Taedong River visit the Juche Tower. The tower is a symbol of the Juche Idea (national self reliance, literally “Master of one’s self”) penned by Kim Il Sung. Those who wish can pay a small fee (5 Euros at the time of writing) and be whisked via a lift to the top of the Tower for impressive views over the central city. From the Juche Tower enjoy a walk to the famous Okryu Restaurant, where we will have lunch. This afternoon depart Pyongyang and drive north to Mt. Myohyang. Here visit the Pohyon Temple, founded in 1042 yet sadly heavily damaged in the Korean War. Overnight at the Chongchon Hotel, where you will also have dinner. (B/L/D)

MT.MYOHYANG TO PYONGYANG
Checking out of our hotel visit the fascinating International Friendship Exhibition, a massive complex housing the many thousands of diverse gifts presented to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong ll over the years. The buildings, built into the mountain-side, home endless corridors and rooms lined with diverse gifts from all over the world – keep an eye out for the gift from Regent Holidays! After a picnic lunch in the Manpok Valley we will return to Pyongyang, visiting the Mangyondae Revolutionary Site, the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung, en-route. Before returning to the Yanggakdo Hotel for dinner and a three night stay visit the USS Pueblo, a 850 ton US spy boat captured in 1968 by the Koreans. The ship is now moored on the Taedong River, near the spot were in 1866 the US trade ship the General Sherman was sunk. (B,L,D)
 

PYONGYANG
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF PRESIDENT KIM IL SUNG: This morning visit the awesome Kumsusan Memorial Palace, near the foot of Mt. Taesong. The Memorial Palace is the former residence, and now Mausoleum, of President Kim Il Sung. The Mausoleum itself is followed by exhibits showcasing medals of honour bestowed upon the President and a monument depicting the mourning of the nation after his death in 1994. For this site we will be required to dress smartly. From here visit the nearby Revolutionary Martyr’s Cemetery, home to the graves of over 200 of Korea’s leading resistance figures over the years of Japanese rule, including the grave of Kim Jong Suk, President Kim Il Sung’s wife. If the sky is clear we will be rewarded with good views over Pyongyang. Moving on visit the Kimilsungia Flower Exhibition before enjoying lunch on the Taedong River aboard the No. 1 Floating Restaurant. This afternoon enjoy a walk through the city, to see the historical sites of the Taedong Gate, Ryongwang Pavilion and the Pyongyang Bronze Bell. Also this afternoon visit Moran Hill park, the main city park in Pyongyang. Here the group can take a leisurely walk through the attractive surroundings (this is normally a good spot for people watching and trying to mingle with the locals). This evening we expect celebrations to take place in Kim Il Sung Square, if so we will strive to attend. This evening enjoy dinner in the Paradise Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Pyongyang. (B,L,D)

PYONGYANG
Today we will take a day trip from Pyongyang to visit Kaesong, Panmunjom and the DMZ. Departing the capital head south along the reunification highway towards and through Kaesong to Panmunjom - the DMZ and border with South Korea. Upon arrival at Panmunjom, which is often the highlight of any visit to North Korea, the group will meet with an army escort who will explain the background of the history of the DMZ, before you move on to the Armistice Talks Hall and the building (and attached small museum) where the Armistice was signed. From here head down to the border itself, where you will be (local conditions permitting) escorted, possibly under the watchful eye of the South Korean soldiers, into one of the huts which straddle the North-South Korean border.

Returning to Kaesong enjoy lunch in the city before we visit the attractive Koryo History Museum, and nearby Stamp Shop. Heading out of Kaesong we will visit the pleasant Tomb of King Kongmin, the 31st King of Koryo, from 1352. Beside his tomb lies the tomb of his Mongolian wife, who died in 1365. This is one of the best preserved tombs in Korea and is situated in a beautiful spot. Heading north from here back along the Reunification Highway we will return to Pyongyang, stopping for a photo opportunity at the Monument to The Three Point Charter for National Reunification just outside of Pyongyang. On arriving back in Pyongyang we will have dinner and overnight at the Yanggakdo Hotel. (B,L,D)

PYONGYANG TO NAMPO
This morning visit the fascinating Fatherland Liberation War Museum. This very large museum dedicated to the devastating war has some truly fascinating displays and exhibits, and we will have a glimpse of some of its highlights before visiting the nearby associated monuments to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War. After lunch (and a chance to visit the well stocked shop) at the Koryo Hotel visit the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital. Moving on visit the Mangyondae Schoolchildren’s Palace (always one of the tour highlights). This is a centre for the most talented of Pyongyang’s youth, where they partake in extra-curricular activities in various fields such as music, sports and computer skills – we will tour the building and see a range of classes taking place before enjoying a performance put on by the children. From here depart Pyongyang and head along the Youth Hero Motorway to and through the port and naval city of Nampo to the Ryonggang Hot Spa Hotel. At the Ryonggang Hot Spa Hotel the group will overnight and have dinner. (B,L,D)

NAMPO TO PYONGYANG
This morning visit the West Sea Barrage, a most impressive 8km long barrage built in the 1980’s along the estuary of the Taedong River. This immense building project is of great pride to the Koreans, and we will likely enjoy a video in the visitors centre showing the massive undertaking that this project was. Moving on head back to Pyongyang, visiting the Nampo Orphanage en-route. After a picnic lunch near Pyongyang on Mt.Ryongak visit the Pyongyang Embroidery Institute. We are also scheduled to visit the Korean Film Studio, where the majority of North Korea’s films are made, and also visit the circus. On arriving back in Pyongyang we will have dinner and overnight at the Yanggakdo Hotel. (B,L,D)

PYONGYANG TO WONSAN
This morning depart Pyongyang and make the long drive east to the coastal city of Wonsan. The group will stop en-route for lunch at the Ullim (Echo) Waterfall before checking into the Tongmyong Hotel. This afternoon spend time exploring in and around Wonsan, with visits to Jangdok Islet, the Kaeson Museum and the Provincial Art Gallery. We will have dinner in the Kalmaegi Restaurant and (conditions permitting) enjoy a brief evening walk in the city before returning to the Tongmyong Hotel for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

WONSAN TO MT. KUMGANG
This morning depart early from Wonsan and drive south to Mt. Kumgang. Mt. Kumgang has been off limits to tourists in North Korea for some years, after it was leased / developed by the South Korean Hyundai Asan company, administered as a special tourist region exclusively for persons coming overland from South Korea on special package tours, whom could only stay within the Kumgang region on these “border tours.” After declining relations between North and South, this area “opened” to visitors from the North in Summer 2010, currently visits cannot be made from the South (although this could well change). This area is spectacularly beautiful, and we will be staying in the south Korean developed resort, spending the night at the Kumgangsan Hotel.

On entering the Kumgang area we will visit the Samil Lagoon before having lunch at the Moknan Restaurant, at the foot of the path to the Kuryong Waterfall. This afternoon we will have time to walk up a path to the Kuryong Waterfall (a round trip on a good path of around 3-4 hours). Those who wish can, time permitting, take an alternative track (a steep climb for the fit only) to view the “Fairy Pools,” for a stunning view of the rock pools below, a site of famous Korean legends. For persons who do not wish to make this walk they can relax at or near the bottom of the path, or take a short walk up the path as far as they wish to travel. After this long day check into the Kumgangsan Hotel for an overnight stay. (B/L/D)

MT. KUMGANG TO HAMHUNG
This morning depart Mt. Kumgang and drive back to Wonsan, where we will visit the Chonsam Ri Co-Operative Farm and Sondowon Children’s Union Camp before having lunch in the city. From here drive North to Hamhung, North Korea’s second most populous city and a major industrial hub. On arriving in Hamhung we will visit Donhung Hill and Hamhung’s statue of President Kim Il Sung. This evening check into the centrally located Sinhungsan Hotel for a two night stay, and have dinner here also. (B,L,D)

HAMHUNG
Today we will spend the entire day in/around Hamhung. We will visit the Provincial Museum, Hamhung Bongung (house where Ri Song Gye, the founder king of the Ri dynasty resided), the pleasant Dongbong Co-Operative Farm, the Hungnam Fertlizer Complex and the exterior of the Hamhung Grand Theatre (it cannot be guaranteed, but we hope to arrange for a tour of this very impressive theatre. Additionally, if a performance is taking place at the Theatre on the 21st or 22nd we will have the opportunity to attend – this can only be confirmed locally.) We are also in discussions to arrange for the inclusion of one or two other sites in and around Hamhung. The night will be spent back in Hamhung. (B,L,D)

HAMHUNG TO PYONGYANG 



Today depart the east coast and make the long drive back to Pyongyang, stopping for lunch in Wonsan. Before arriving in Pyongyang visit the UNESCO site of the Tomb of King Tongmyong. On arrival back in Pyongyang return to the Yanggakdo Hotel, checking in for a three night stay, having dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

PYONGYANG
For our last two full days in North Korea we will be in Pyongyang, starting the day with a visit to the Monument to the Foundation of The Workers Party of Korea. We will then enjoy a walk (local conditions permitting) from the outside of the Pyongyang Grand Theatre to Kim Il Sung Square, from here moving onto the Foreign Language Bookshop. This bookshop has the best selection of North Korean published English language books in the country – there are many interesting books available ranging from pamphlets on various aspects of the political system in the DPRK to large coffee table publications on fields such as art, history and the military.

After lunch we will visit the June 9th Secondary School, where we will tour the facilities and likely have the opportunity to meet with students. We will also today visit the Korean Art Gallery. This evening enjoy dinner in one of the few western style restaurants in Korea – the “Pizzeria,” which opened in 2009. After dinner visit the Kaeson Youth Funfair, where those who wish can go on various rides and see Pyongyang’s citizens at leisure. (a locally paid fee will apply to enter the park and go on any rides). (B,L,D)

PYONGYANG
ARMY FOUNDING DAY: Today is Army Founding Day, an important national holiday. We will start the day by heading underground for a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, one of the most architecturally impressive metro systems in the world. Arriving back above ground near the Arch of Triumph, visit this impressive 60 metre monument, from where we can enjoy a walk through the city to the Children’s Department Store (which will not be visited). Driving into the Mangyondae district of the city visit the Pyongyang Shooting Range, where those who wish can enjoy target shooting (for a small fee), and those who don’t can enjoy a drink / rest in the adjoining bar, which is normally frequented by locals. From here enjoy a walk in the Sports Village. This afternoon it is expected that special celebratory performances will take place (such as a circus or theatre performance) and we will strive to attend any such events. If we have not as yet seen a performance of the Arirang Mass Games (expected to take place in April) we will tonight attend a performance (ticket prices not included). The itinerary for today and the 24th has some spare time, to allow for any additional sightseeing, or to visit any sites which were not possible for any reason earlier in the trip. This evening we will have a farewell dinner at the National Restaurant. (B,L,D)

PYONGYANG TO BEIJING
This morning transfer to the Train Station and depart Pyongyang on the 1010 train to Beijing. The train will head north and reach the border in the late afternoon, and after border formalities on the Korean and Chinese side you will speed through the night towards Beijing. You will be accommodated (sharing) in four berth compartments. Meals are not provided on the train, but a restaurant car serves reasonably priced meals if required. (B)

Other Departure Options:
•    For a supplement of £50 you can today depart Pyongyang on the 1030 flight to Beijing, this will arrive at around 1130 (TBC)
•    For a supplement of £50 you can depart Pyongyang in a superior quality four berth compartment to Beijing (same train).
•    You can disembark the train in Dandong or Shenyang, reducing the cost of the tour per person by £70 / £40 respectively.

BEIJING
For those who have departed Pyongyang on the train to Beijing, you will this morning arrive into the Chinese capital at 08:33. All arrangements will end with your arrival in Beijing.