Young Pioneer Tours
Blog
Welcome to the Young Pioneer Tours Blog, the place where we we keep you informed about everything YPT, from current tours, to future tours and a whole lot of eclectic stuff in between.
YPT first started blogging in 2008 and are considered the best North Korean Travel blog that there is.
But, as Young Pioneer Tours have expanded our locations, so have we expanded our blog. Now we have one of the best travel blogs in the world!
And while most of our content is about the numerous destinations we go, including travel guides and what to pack, we also delve into more serious subjects such as the safety of certain destinations, as well as how LGTBQ+ friendly the places we visit are.
While the vast majority of our content is produced in-house, we are always on the look-out for guest bloggers and writers. Want to write for us? Then simply get in touch.
You can also check out our sister publication YPT Life.
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COVID-19 Turkmenistan Update
21 February 2020 / by YPT Team
There has been a lot of news in the last few hours regarding Turkmenistan closing their borders due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is not officially the case, however, Turkmen authorities have begun unilaterally cancelling already issued LOI’s bet …
The Ghost City of Tkvarcheli, Abkhazia
21 February 2020 / by Joel Vostok
Where is Tkvarcheli? Located on the river Ghalidzga in the war-torn Southern region of Abkhazia, Tkvarcheli stands as a ghost town lost in time. Inside the town is Akarmara, full to the brim with abandoned apartments, factories, burnt out Ladas and deb …
Pyongyang Marathon Cancelled
21 February 2020 / by YPT Team
Friday 21st February 2020 We have received confirmation from our travel partners in North Korea that the Pyongyang Marathon (Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon) held in April has been cancelled due to the current borders of the DPRK being closed …
North Korea’s famous caves
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
When people think of North Korea natural beauty probably isn’t the first thought in their mind. Despite this, it’s a truly beautiful country with some amazing natural highlights, from its beautiful mountain areas like Mt Kumgang and Mt Paektu to a rich …
The 5 Classic North Korean Revolutionary Operas
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
Taking its cues from Chinese Cultural Revolution period operas, North Korean revolutionary operas still see regular performances to this day. During the Pyongyang Language Study Tour, our group was able to watch a new show that recreated famous scenes …
What is the Free Papua Movement?
21 February 2020 / by Dominic Perry
Free West Papua protest in Melbourne To understand the Free Papua movement, there’s a few things to get out of the way first. First, what is Papua? Second, why does it need freedom? Third, who from? For a great deal of people, when they hear ‘Papua’ th …
Shenyang Korean War Cemetery Monument and Soviet Cemetery
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
While many readers may be familiar with the National Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mt Taesong in Pyongyang, less well known is this cemetery in Shenyang that is dedicated to Chinese and Soviet soldiers who died fighting in the Korean war from 1950-1953. The ful …
A guide to ssireum- Korean wrestling
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
What is ssireum? Ssireum is one of the national sports of North Korea and has existed in one form or another since the 4th century. Bouts usually take place on sand in a circle 7 meters in diameter. Contestants tie a belt known as a satba, around their …
Made in North Korea: Ginseng Chewing Gum
19 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
While most Westerners associate chewing gum with minty flavours, many North Koreans find it a little intense. And while you will find mint flavoured gum or toothpaste, they often use substitutes that are a bit more familiar- with one of these being Gin …
