Ever since Pyongyang had installed new bike lanes throughout its districts, it struck us as a great idea to hold Pyongyang’s first ever leisurely city cycle tour back in 2016. These bicycle tours are also perfect for independent travellers. So for two days of our five-day tour, keep the tour bus stationary while you hit the pavement with your locally made DPRK bicycles!
Being on a bike gives you the best chance to not only commute among the locals of Pyongyang but provides for fantastic photo opportunities as well.
The tour will start off with a day visit down to the DMZ (by bus!) to meet the local KPA officers to have a rundown on the Panmunjom situation. The following day is a visit to the eerily awesome Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lay in state. Then you’ll do a quick tour of the Pyongyang Metro and then it’s time to collect your bicycles and say goodbye to your bus!
From here on you’ll do the remaining city tour pedalling yourselves through the capital as a group. Visits include such locations as the Korean War Museum, Kim Il Sung Square, Mangyondae district, Juche Tower, a shooting range, winding through many streets and districts of the city, and much more. You’ll finally conclude your cycling tour by having a dip at the new Munsu Water Park and riding the slides with the locals to cool off.
We’ve carefully planned this tour to give you time to take breaks and to enjoy the scenery around you during the cycling. It’s not a serious cycling tour that requires you to wear a helmet or spandex- it’s a casual city cycle as you make your way around Pyongyang city!
This sample itinerary starts from €1270 per person for 2-5 people (twin room share) or €1446 for a solo traveller. DPRK visas are €60 extra per person. Flights can be arranged for an additional cost, please confirm with us for flight schedules.
Meet one of our YPT staff in Beijing to go through itinerary, hand over your DPRK visas and tickets, and give you a quick briefing on what to expect during your tour as well as answer any questions you may have.
Depart Beijing Central station at 5:25pm for the 24-hour sleeper ride to Pyongyang.
Day 2
Arrive at Dandong at 7:00am for Chinese border control then depart for Sinuiju at 10:30am for the extensive border control from the DPRK side
Arrive at 6:45pm to a warm welcome from your Korean guides.
Visit Mansudae Grand Monument – the two large bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking the city.
Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street.
Check in and overnight at Sosan Hotel.
Day 3 Morning
Early wake up for a drive down to Kaesong city
Panmunjon DMZ Village- see the DMZ and the treaty and conferences rooms where the armstice was signed all in the company of a friendly KPA officer guide (You can also take pictures of soldiers here!)
Koryo Museum- the oldest university in Korea and now a converted museum of local history. Also the site of the best propaganda and stamp/postcard shop in the DPRK!
Afternoon
Lunch at the Thongil Restaurant in Kaesong City- try your hand at traditional Korean Pansangi- a series of dishes served in bronze bowls. (Optional extras- Dog soup 5 euro, Ginseng Stuffed Whole Chicken 30 euro- can be split between several).
Tomb of King Kongmin- the only original tomb of its kind still standing in the DPRK.
Drop by Sariwon City (Capital of North Hwanghae province) to walk in the local folkcustom park and view the city from the mountaintop pagoda, as well as grab a beer or Makkoli in a local bar.
Photo opportunity of the Monument to the Three Charters of National Reunification, standing over the Thongil Highway.
Drive back to Pyongyang
Dinner at the KITC Restaurant in Mangyongdae
Kaeson Youth Park (entry 2 euros, rides 3 to 5 euros extra each depending on how awesome they are).
Overnight in Sosan Hotel
Day 4– Cycling Day 1 Morning
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun- The resting place for the President Kim Il Sung and the General Kim Jong Il.
Ride the famous Pyongyang Metro – Stop 1 to Stop 2, then on to Stop 6, exiting at:
The Arch of Triumph: the largest victory arch on the planet, it celebrates the victory over the Japanese and the return of the general Kim Il Sung to his home city.
Stop by the Yanggakdo Hotel to change clothes
Visit a local department store to shop for some locally-made goods and also our chance to get some local DPRK Won to spend!
Afternoon
Lunch at Ji Ha Restaurant, located in the basement of the Kwangbok department store.
Collect our bicycles and cycle down Liberation Street – constructed in 1989, it’s a huge street where over 50,000 Korean famlies live
Cycle to Mangyongdae Funfair and visit the Birth House of President Kim Il Sung
Cycle to Meari Shooting Range located in the sports district of Pyongyang – this shooting range has recently been renovated to include indoor shooting with pistols, rifles, or archery! .50 US cents per bullet
Cycle to Mangyongdae School Children’s Palace to visit the classes children take after school and to watch a magnificent performance by the students
Cycle to KITC restaurant to sample Pyongyang’s famous Cold Noodle dish or the Korean traditional Bibimbap mixed rice dish – amongst other classic Korean dishes
Cycle back to the Sosan Hotel for some well-deserved drinks
Overnight in Sosan Hotel.
Day 5 – Cycling Day 2 Morning
On your bike and explore the brand new Mirae Scientist Street in Pyongyang with tall apartment blocks and a unique design that shows off the new-age socialist construction.
Cycling along the Taedong River – this river divides Pyongyang to east and west. It’s a beautiful ride where you’ll be able to see locals fishing along the bank and walking to work or school.
Cycle to Pyongyang Grand Theatre, and then onward to the iconic Kim Il Sung Square
Visit the Foreign Language Bookstore near Kim Il Sung Square which has a large selection of books in English and other European Languages, as well as other souvenirs.
Cycle along Changjon Street, another street scattered with high rises, while you make our way to:
Grand People’s Study House – a library and academic centre for adult learners, this grand building is constructed in the traditional Korean style and affords a great view over the central Square.
Head back by the Arch of Triumph for a few more photos on our way to:
The Korean War Museum- Let the expert local guide show you around the enormous museum featuring dioramas, locally-used weapons, tanks etc, and captured American equipment!
USS Pueblo- The only US Naval Ship still held captive by another nation.
Afternoon
Lunch at Moran Hill Chicken restaurant
Cycle over to east Pyongyang to the Juche Tower – a monument to the everlasting Juche Ideology (optional 5 euro to go to the top for some amazing panoramic views of Pyongyang city).
Cycle to the Party Foundation monument – a monument built in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the party featuring a giant hammer, sickle, and writing brush, the symbol of the Worker’s Party of Korea
Cycle to Munsu Water Park- With Indoor and outdoor pools and amazing waterslides, the park also features plenty for those who don’t want to swim, including a Haemaji coffee shop, a beer bar, table tennis, billiards, massage, or a beauty salon (various services extra charge, swimming and access to the gym, table tennis and billiards is 10 euro).
Cycle down to Taedonggang Micro Brewery #3 – a fantastic range of beers. Juices and soft drinks are also available.
Farewell dinner and drinks at the National Restaurant with a live performance from the waitresses!
• All meals unless detailed as an option on itinerary
• Hotel Accommodation
• Two Korean Guides and a Driver
• All transportation within the DPRK
• Entry Fee’s for most attractions unless specified on the itinerary