Join us on our East Cost Explorer’s tour as we take you
further out to North Korea’s gorgeous east coast and see the lesser seen cities.
This tour takes you to the port city of Wonsan, most famous for North Korea’s
best beach scene and incredible seafood. We’ll also take you slightly further north
to DPRK’s second largest city, Hamhung full of cultural relics, a fertilizer factory
and a co-operative farm.
You’ll also experience all the must-see sights of Pyongyang such as the large bronze statues of the leaders, visit Korean War Museum & USS Pueblo , ride the deepest metro system in the world, explore Kim Il Sung Square, visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (Mausoleum) where both previous leaders currently lay in state, shop at a local department store, visit the very top of the Juche tower and much more.
This itinerary also includes a day trip down to the DMZ to visit
the iconic area where both North & South Korea meet for talks. You’ll also
have the chance to explore the ancient city of Kaesong and a quick visit to
Sariwon city.
For those who truly want to get off the beaten track
experience and to see what North Korea’s nature has to offer, we recommend
visiting the Mt. Kumgang range.
This sample itinerary starts from €1705 per person for 2-5 people (twin room share) or €2013 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 10:00am for the extensive border control from the DPRK side.
Arrive at 6:45pm to a warm welcome from their local guides.
Dinner at a local Korean Restaurant to try cold noodles or Bibimbap as well as numerous side dishes.
Check in and overnight at the Sosan Hotel
Day 3
Morning
Walk through Mansudae fountain park and see the mosaic pictures of President Kim Il Sung and the leader Kim Jong Il.
Visit Mansudae Grand Monument – the two large bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking the city. (Optional extra- you can present flowers if you wish: 40RMB or 5 euros).
Grand People’s Study House – library and academic centre for adult learners. This grand building is built in the Korean style and affords a great view over the central square.
Pyongyang Metro! Ride from Stop 1 to Stop 2 then on to stop 6! Exiting to:
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.
Afternoon
Lunch at the KITC restaurant in Mangyongdae District – here you can have the chance to sample Pyongyang’s famous Cold Noodle dish or the Korean traditional Bibimbap amongst other dishes.
Visit the recently renovated 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.
Foreign Language Bookshop- Shopping central for books, pins, DVD’s, CD’s and periodicals in English and other foreign Languages, followed by a brisk walk to:
Kim Il Sung Square – the grand central square of Pyongyang where the military parades are held
Visit Kwangbok department store – here we can buy locally made items and exchange our foreign currency into local DPRK Won!
Dinner at the Korean Hot Pot restaurant
Overnight in the Sosan hotel
Day 4
Morning
Check out of hotel and drive to Hamhung city (6 hours) – this city has only recently been opened to foreigners and is the DPRK’s second largest city and a centre of industry on the east coast of the peninsula.
On the way stop at Sinphyong Lagoon for refreshments and photos.
Afternoon
Picnic lunch at Ulim Waterfall – one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the DPRK.
Visit the Tongbong Co-operative farm – here you’ll see how farmers out in the rural areas work with their latest machinery, visit a family’s home and join the nursery school for classes. Here’s a great chance to bring something nice for the children such as candy, stationary or toys.
Visit the Statues of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il in the grand square of Hamhung city.
Walk to the pagoda on the hill to overlook the main strip of Hamhung
Dinner, drinks and overnight at the Majon Resort – here you’ll have your own private beach with other recreational facilities such as billiards and karaoke.
Day 5
Morning
Hungnam Fertilizer Factory – one of the key factories for the agricultural sector, this factory produces much needed fertilizer for the entire east coast
Visit the Hamhung Grand Theatre (exterior) – the largest theatre in the DPRK
Ancient home of Ri Song Gye – founder of the Ri Dynasty
Afternoon
Lunch at Hamhung hotel
Drive down to Wonsan City – the best beach city in North Korea (2 hours driving)
Trip highlight! – Swim at Wonsan beach and hang out with the locals! (Entry fee of 5 euro or 40RMB per person)
Walk along the pier to Chok Islet where the locals will be fishing, drinking and enjoying BBQ – you’ll have the chance to eat some locally caught seafood on the pier if you would like. Optional 40RMB or 5 euros extra.
Dinner at the famous Wonsan seafood restaurant, a local highlight.
Drinks at a bar near the square
Overnight in Songdowon Hotel which overlooks the gorgeous bay.
Day 6
Morning
Walk around the central square and near the port in the city and see the DPRK Mangyongbong-92 cruise ship with an explanation.
Visit the former Railway Station Revolutionary site where an old Japanese built steam engine rests.
Songdowan International Children’s Union Camp- This recently renovated summer camp was designed for children both in the DPRK and for international guests. It holds a small water park, dormitories, aquatic centre, aviary, track ‘n field and much more.
Afternoon
Picnic lunch at Sinphyong Lagoon
Drive back to Pyongyang (5 hours) stopping along the way for refreshments.
Stop by the Tomb of King Tongmyong – the founder of the ancient Goguryeo kingdom.
Dinner at the famous Duck BBQ restaurant in Reunification District.
Drinks and overnight at the Sosan Hotel.
Day 7
Morning
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun – The mausoleum of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il.
Revolutionary Martyr’s Cemetery – the resting place of the greatest anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters, each grave features a bronze bust of the hero laid to rest within.
Afternoon
Lunch at the Moran Hill Chicken restaurant.
Juche Tower- The tallest stone tower in the world, it represents the eternally burning Korean Juche Ideology. 40RMB or 5 euros to visit the top for panoramic views.
Monument to the Party Foundation – built in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the worker’s party
Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s palace- The largest of the schoolchildren’s palaces (extracurricular centres) in the DPRK, you’ll first observe some lessons then watch an amazing performance
Dinner at the National Restaurant with a performance by the friendly waitresses!
Overnight at the Sosan hotel.
Day 8
Morning
Up nice and early to drive to Kaesong and the DMZ.
Koryo Museum- Korea’s first university and now a museum of history and culture. Also home of the best stamp and propaganda poster shop in the DPRK, so don’t forget your wallet!
The DMZ- See one of the tensest places on earth complete with a friendly KPA officer who will not only give you a guided tour but also keep you safe. Also the only place you can take photographs of and even with a soldier!
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 40RMB or 5 euro, Ginseng Stuffed Whole Chicken 240RMB or 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 folk custom park and view the city from the mountain top pagoda.
Try locally brewed Makkoli in the local tea house
Photo opportunity of the Monument to the Three Charters of National Reunification, standing over the Thongil Highway.
Get back to Pyongyang for dinner at the famous Duck BBQ
Kaeson Youth Park – entry 20RMB or 2 euros per person.
Overnight at the Sosan hotel.
Day 9
Morning
Depart at 10:25am for the overnight train to Beijing and enjoy the peaceful countryside of both the DPRK and China.
• 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 itinerar