Young Pioneer Tours
North Korea Classic Tour – Itinerary sample
Our North Korea Classic tours has always been one of our most popular itinerary for visiting North Korea giving you the choice to enter the DPRK from Beijing by overnight sleeper train or an Air Koryo flight.
During your tour with us you’ll have the opportunity to explore all the must-see sights of Pyongyang such as the large bronze statues of the leaders, the 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.
You’ll then head north of Pyongyang with us to Mt. Myohyang where the unique International Friendship Exhibition is built into the mountain and holds gifts presented to Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un from other nations, organisations and individuals. Whilst we’re up in the mountains we’ll explore one of the very few remaining Buddhist temples in the country, a cave that’ll take us deep into the mountain, and stay overnight in one of the best hotels in North Korea.
Day 1
- 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 local guides.
- Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street.
- 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
- Drinks at the Taedongang #3 brewery with seven different beers on tap! (Beers 1.5 euro each).
- Dinner at the Korean Hot Pot restaurant
- Overnight in the Sosan hotel
Day 4
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 a panoramic view.
- Monument to the Party Foundation – built in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the worker’s party
- Visit Kwangbok department store – here we can buy locally made items and exchange our foreign currency into local DPRK Won!
- 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 5
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 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 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 2 euros, rides 3 to 5 euros extra each depending on how awesome they are).
- Overnight at the Sosan hotel.
Day 6
Morning
- Depart at 10:25am from Pyongyang Railway Station back to Beijing
Day 7
Morning
- Arrive at 9:00am at Beijing Railway Station
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