This year North
Korea will be celebrating one of the largest holidays of 2021 for their Party
Foundation Day. Big celebrations are planned to take place with mass dancing,
fireworks and spectating the Mass Games, as well as any other surprises arranged
for this day.
During your tour with us in Pyongyang, you will see all the must-see sights of the capital such as the Mausoleum where both Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lay in state, explore Kim Il Sung Square, adventure down into the deep Pyongyang Metro, view Juche tower for a perfect panorama view, visit the Korean War Museum and much more. We’ve also arranged a day trip down to Kaesong city, located only 8km away from the DMZ so you can have an up-close and personal visit to Panmunjom village where we’ll have our own Korean People’s Army military officer for a detailed tour and history lesson of the site.
No trip to the DPRK is every complete without visiting the DMZ. To make this trip extra special we’ve arranged to visit the Concrete Wall – this is off the beaten track and gives us a great glimpse at the wall which was erected by the South Koreans during the 70’s. We can even see South Korean watchtowers along the hill from the DPRK post.
The Mass Games, the world’s largest performance with over 100,000 performers is expected to take place during this tour! Now is your chance to watch this grand spectacular performance. Tickets are on-top of tour cost and is paid in cash during your tour in Pyongyang. We highly recommend securing your spot on tour early as we expect spaces to fill up very quickly.
Ticket costs for Mass Games below:
Ticket Class
Original Price (Per Person)
3rd Class
€100 / 800RMB
2nd Class
€300 / 2,300RMB
1st Class
€500 / 3800RMB
VIP
€800 / 6000RMB
Be sure to book and reserve your spot on tour before it’s too late!
Meet your YPT guide at 1:30pm at the Beijing Zhong Gu Hotel near Beijing Railway Station found here. During this meeting, we’ll go through the tour’s itinerary, receive DPRK visas and tickets, as well as a great chance to meet your fellow travellers and to discuss any other questions you may have about the DPRK.
Train takers depart Beijing Central station at 5:25pm for the 24 hour sleeper ride to Pyongyang.
Thursday 7th October
Train group 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
Flight takers depart Beijing Airport Terminal 2 on Air Koryo at 12:00pm (meet the group at Air Koryo check in counter).
Flight group arrive in Pyongyang at 3:00pm to a warm welcome from your Korean guides.
Train group arrive at 6:45pm to an equally warm welcome.
Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street.
Check in and overnight at the Sosan Hotel.
In the evening your YPT guide will show you around the hotel before taking you for drinks and to get to know your Korean guides.
Friday 8th October
Morning
Drive to Kaesong City (2 hours) – this ancient city is only a stone’s throw away from the DMZ.
Panmunjon DMZ Village- see the DMZ and the treaty and conferences rooms where the armistice 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).
The concrete wall of the DMZ – this is a little off the beaten track and gives us a great glimpse at the wall which was erected by the South Koreans during the 70’s. We can even see South Korean watch towers along the hill from the DPRK post
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. You can also try locally brewed Makkoli in a local bar.
Photo opportunity of the Monument to the Three Charters of National Reunification, standing over the Thongil Highway.
Dinner at a local Korean restaurant to try the famous Pyongyang cold noodles or Korean Bibimbap.
Overnight at the Sosan Hotel.
Saturday 9th October
Morning
Walkthrough 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: small bunches are 2 euros, larger ones 4).
Foreign Language Bookshop – with a large selection of books in English and other European Languages as well as other souvenirs followed by a short walk to:
Kim Il Sung Square the central square of Pyongyang city and the place where all the action happens.
Pyongyang Metro – ride 5 stops on the famous Pyongyang Underground!
Exiting at the Arch of Triumph – the largest Victory Arch in the world, built to celebrate the triumphant return of Kim Il Sung after the Anti-Japanese war.
Afternoon
Lunch at the Gold Cup restaurant
Juche Tower – Monument to the everlasting Juche Ideology (optional 5 euro to go to the top).
Party Foundation Monument – this monument marks the 50th anniversary of the Worker’s Party of Korea built in 1995
Visit Kwangbok Department Store – here is where most of the middle class in Pyongyang shop for local goods. It’s also our chance to obtain local DPRKorean Won!
Dinner at the National restaurant
Drinks and overnight at the Sosan Hotel.
Sunday 10th October – 75th Anniversary of Party Foundation Day
Morning
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun – The mausoleum for the Great Leader President Kim Il Sung and the Dear Leader Kim Jong Il.
Revolutionary Martyr’s Cemetery – The resting place of the greatest of the anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters, each grave features a bronze bust of the hero laid to rest within.
Afternoon
Lunch at the Moran Hill Restaurant
Walk up along Moran Hill located in the heart of Pyongyang. Here the locals visit the park to celebrate today with their families and friends with BBQ, dancing, singing and drinking. Fantastic opportunity to soak up the atmosphere.
Special celebratory events (optional: approx 20 euros) – Yet to be confirmed but we will take part in any events that are possible for tourists to attend. These may include a circus performance, red orchestra, or possibly some other surprises.
Participate at Mass Dance ceremony held at the monument. A fantastic unique photo opportunity! Also don’t be shy to jump in and dance with the locals!
Dinner at a local restaurant to try the famous Pyongyang cold noodles or Korean Bibimbap with a special performance from the waitresses
Spectate the Mass Games – The world’s largest performance. Tickets can be purchased with cash only and reserved whilst on tour in North Korea.
Overnight at the Sosan Hotel.
Monday 11th October
Morning
Flight members depart at 9:00am for Beijing on Air Koryo. (Arriving at 10:00am Beijing time).
Train members depart at 10:25am for Beijing on train K28
Tuesday 12th October
Morning
Train members arrive in Beijing Railway Station at 9:00am.
• Twin share accommodation (single supplements are available for an extra 40 EUR per night).
• Train in and out Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing. Flights are extra.
• All meals in the DPRK unless specified in the itinerary.
• Korean and western guides.
• Air-conditioned bus and driver.
• All entrances (unless otherwise stated).
• Flights.
• Extra drinks and souvenirs.
• Cost of visas.
• Tips for Korean guides and the driver.
• Additional events not listed in the itinerary.
• Cost of Mass Games ticket
Contact us
We have expert guides ready to help answer any questions you may have.