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    May Day LONG tour with Rason extension


     9 nights in the DPRK (including 3 nights in Rason), 1 night in China
    Pyongyang Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Kaesong Sariwon Sinchon Orang Kyongsong Chongjin Rajin Pipha Area Sonbong Tumangang Wonjong Yanji

    Experience the extended version of our May Day CLASSIC tour in the DPRK! Come and celebrate May Day while joining the locals in their festivities. You'll have the opportunity to witness traditional Korean games, enjoy captivating music and dance performances, and participate in various sports activities at Taesongsan Park.
    Our journey will take us to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel. We'll explore the ancient Korean capital, Kaesong, and the charming city of Sariwon, known as Pyongyang's southern gateway.
    We'll embark on a domestic flight to the seldom-visited northeastern part of the country, where we'll discover Chongjin, the 'City of Iron' and the third-largest city in the DPRK. From there, we'll drive to the unique Rason Special Economic Zone. After exploring Rason, we'll travel to Yanji, China, crossing the Wonjong Sino-Korean Friendship bridge, and finally, fly back to Beijing.
    During this trip, you will also have the optional opportunity to embark on the PYONGYANG AIR CITY TOUR - a 40-minute flight aboard an Air Koryo Mi-17 helicopter. This exceptional experience provides a unique bird's-eye perspective of Pyongyang, granting you numerous outstanding photo opportunities. If you wish to include this option in your itinerary, kindly inform us when booking your tour.

    **ATTENTION! Chinese visa is required for this tour.

    **TRAVEL TO THE DPRK VIA RUSSIA (Vladivostok)
    A Russian visa is required for most nationalities, but thanks to the introduction of electronic visas, it is now very easy to apply for and obtain the Russian visa ENTIRELY ONLINE.

     

    ITINERARY

    Info
    The tour itinerary is a PRELIMINARY one. Korea Konsult reserves the right to change some parts of the itinerary below if needed. Eventual itinerary changes after the group arrival in the DPRK are beyond our control. Under no circumstances can Korea Konsult be held responsible for any itinerary changes.

    Apr 29 (Mon): Pyongyang

    DEPARTURES FROM VLADIVOSTOK, BEIJING AND DANDONG

      BY FLIGHT FROM VLADIVOSTOK:
      Departure from Vladivostok by Air Koryo flight JS 272 at 12.20 pm. Arrival in Pyongyang at 13.00 local time

      BY FLIGHT FROM BEIJING:
      Departure from Beijing by Air Koryo flight JS 152 at 12.00 pm from TERMINAL 2, Beijing Capital Airport. Arrival in Pyongyang at 15.00 local time

      BY TRAIN FROM BEIJING:
      April 28: departure by domestic train to Dandong city at 17.26 local time from Beijing Main Railway Station. Overnight on the train. April 29: arrival in Dandong at 07.35 am. Departure by international train to Pyongyang at 10.00 am. Arrival in Pyongyang at 18.45 local time

      BY TRAIN FROM DANDONG:
      Departure by international train to Pyongyang at 10.00 am. Arrival in Pyongyang at 18.45 local time

    • Tourists arriving by flight from Vladivostok at 1pm: Transfer to Pyongyang - the capital city of North Korea - lunch, walking tour on Ryomyong street - opened in April 2017 it is a new posh district of the capital featuring modern architecture
    • Arrival of tourists by flight from Beijing at 3pm
    • Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs' Cemetery - built on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the Korean War (1950/53) to commemorate memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the motherland
    • Arrival in Pyongyang city center, walk in Taedong Park - a great place a few minutes away from Kim Il Sung Square to enjoy a peaceful park and a walk along the Taedong river
    • Kim Il Sung Square - Pyongyang’s central square where Korea’s massive military parades normally take place. Opened in August Juche 43 (1954) it is the 30th largest square in the world
    • Walk from Kim Il Sung Square to Pyongyang Grand Theatre
    • Arrivals of remaining tourists by train from Beijing and Dandong at 18.45
    • Dinner
    • Mirae (Future) Street - opened in 2015, this street features futuristic looking buildings. Korean government allocated apartments at this street to scientists and university teachers
    • NOTE FOR FLIGHT PASSENGERS TRAVELING FROM BEIJING! Due to peak season the Beijing flight departure time might be changed with very short notice. Therefore we strongly advise you to arrive to Beijing at least one day before your departure to Pyongyang

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 30 (Tue): Pyongyang

    • Breakfast
    • Korean Film studio - DPRK's version of Hollywood. The leader Kim Il Sung liked to be here and give on spot guidance to movie directors. You will see European, Japanese and South Korean villages set for movie production
    • Grand People’s Study House - located at the Kim Il Sung Square it is one of the most famous buildings in Pyongyang. It was built in a traditional Korean style over a period of 21 months and opened in April of 1982 to honor Kim Il Sung’s 70th birthday. From the balcony you will enjoy a breathtaking view on Kim Il Sung Square, Taedong River and Juche Tower
    • Pyongyang Foreign Language Book Shop - the popular shop where you can buy propaganda posters, books and other souvenirs
    • Lunch
    • June 9th Middle School - New Zealand friendship school, established in Pyongyang on June 9, 1969. We will visit several class rooms and attend a nice music performance prepared by school students.
    • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - unveiled in 2013 by the leader Kim Jong Un after massive renovation. This museum explains the origins of the Korean War (1950-53) between South and North. Here you will see the only US ship captured by a foreign country - the spy ship USS Pueblo, as well as American weapons and shot down planes. The museum features amazing displays and excellent dioramas
    • Kwangbok Supermarket - located at one of the biggest city's street, it is the only place in Pyongyang where visitors can shop in local currency Won and exchange money according to the market exchange rate
    • Mansugyo Beer Bar - a new beer bar in Pyongyang where you can try all types of famous Taedonggang beer including black beer with chocolate and coffee flavour. Great opportunity to meet locals
    • Dinner
    • Kaeson Youth Funfair - one of the most popular amusement parks and nightspots in Pyongyang, it was recently renovated. This is a great place to observe local people and take pictures with them

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    May 1 (Wed): Pyongyang

    MAY DAY IN PYONGYANG

    • Breakfast
    • Mansudae Fountain Park - composed of many beautifully designed in shape of dancing women fountains, this park is a place to enjoy jets of water reaching up to 80 meters
    • Mansudae Grand Monument - the huge bronze statues of the leaders standing in the center of the composition with two monuments titled "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" and "Socialist Construction" on both sides. It was renovated in April 2012 following the passing away of the leader Kim Jong Il and a new statue of Kim Jong Il was added next to Kim Il Sung's
    • Chollima Monument - named after a mythical winged horse (Chollima in Korean literally means "thousand-mile horse"). In the period of reconstruction following the Korean War Cholima was the symbol inspiring workers to rebuild their nation at ‘Chollima Speed’
    • Enjoy May Day Celebration at Taesongsan Park - "taesong" in Korean means "great fort", it is an amusement park located about 12 kilometers from Pyongyang. You will have a great chance to mingle with Koreans here. Every year May Day festivities are held in this park - singing and dancing performances, folk games and many more
    • Lunch
    • Juche Tower - at 150 m it is the highest stone monument in the world. Take elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the magnificent view of Pyongyang (optional, 5 Euro p/p)
    • Monument to Workers' Party of Korea - opened in Juche 84 (1995) the monument depicts the hammer, sickle and brush seized by a worker, a farmer and an intellectual. The round belt means the single-hearted unity of the leader, party and people
    • Pyongyang circus or revolutionary opera - enjoy real socialist art (tickets at extra charge)
    • Pyongyang Metro - one of the deepest subways in the world, it was designed to serve as a bomb shelter in case of war. The stations' interiors are stunning with superb lighting and mosaics. This is a great chance to interact with local people and explore several subway stations
    • Arch of Triumph - built in 1982 to commemorate President Kim Il Sung’s role in resisting Japanese rule, it is the second tallest triumphal arch in the world. Each of its 25,500 blocks of finely-dressed white granite represents a day of his life up to that point
    • Dinner at BBQ Duck Restaurant
    • Golden Lane Bowling Center - the huge entertainment center, a good chance to mix with locals and watch some stellar displays of local bowling talent and relax after long sightseeing day. There is also a shooting range next door

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    May 2 (Thu): Pyongyang Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Kaesong Sariwon Sinchon Pyongyang

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) - a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, it is one of the most militarized area on our planet
    • Panmunjom - a village where in 1953 Armistice Talks were held between the DPR Korea and the United Nation Command. Visit the blue tent-like building located exactly on the borderline between Koreas. You can walk around the conference room and hop from South to North Korea while you are in this building. This is one of the few places where you can take pictures of the DPRK military
    • Transfer to Kaesong - capital of Korea up to the 15th century. Kaesong is the only city in Korea which has preserved its original historical make up as it hasn't been destroyed during the Korean war. It is a home for 12 historic sites from the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kaesong is considered to be home of Koryo insam (ginseng) don't miss the opportunity to buy some of the best insam in the Far East
    • Nam gate - southern gate of ancient Kaesong wall city
    • Janamsan Park - located on a hill overlooking the city it is a great place to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the old Kaesong
    • Sonjuk Bridge - a small stone bridge dating back to 1216, UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Lunch at Tongil restaurant - "Tongil" means "Reunification" in Korean, it is one of the most famous restaurants in Kaesong where you will enjoy Traditional Royal Korean Lunch with 12 side-dishes served in brass bowls fit for the kings. For anyone wanting to supplement their lunch, there will be an opportunity to sample Korea’s famous ginseng chicken soup (at extra charge)
    • Drive to Sariwon - the southern gateway to Pyongyang. With population well above 300,000 Sariwon is one the most densely populated cities of the DPRK and it is famous for its Maccoli - Korean traditional rice wine
    • Sariwon Folk Customs Street - opened in 2007, it is aimed to show traditions and customs of Korean people
    • Drive to Sinchon - located about 30 km from Sariwon it is a quiet provincial city
    • Sinchon Museum of American Crimes - this museum charts the massacre of over 35,300 civilians during the Korean War
    • Drive to Pyongyang
    • Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification - the monument representing the desire of Korean people for reunification. It is shaped in form of two Korean women holding Korean peninsula over the Thongil highway from Pyongyang to DMZ
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    May 3 (Fri): Pyongyang Orang Kyongsong Chongjin

    • Breakfast
    • Transfer to Pyongyang airport
    • Depart from Pyongyang to Orang
    • Arrive in Orang - a tiny town, home of Chongjin's airport
    • Yombun Revolutionary site - located 4 km from Kyongsong, it is called "yonbunjin" after being the first place on the East Coast where a new way to get salt was discovered. It is a collection of memorial spots where President Kim Il Sung talked with the fishermen calling them to build a new country
    • Drive to Kyongsong - a small town on the coast famous for a series of resorts at which you will have a chance to stop by. It is also a well-known ceramic-producing center
    • Lunch
    • Kyongsong Revolutionary Museum - a house used by the President Kim Il Sung's family when they returned to Korea after Liberation from Japanese rule. It is preserved to show their lifestyle at that time
    • Kyongsong Local Hot Spa - a great chance to try silica spa (optional, extra charge) with few minerals but rich in hydrogen carbonate, sulfur and sodium
    • Jipsam Revolutionary site - a historic place where three generals (Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Suk, and young Kim Jong Il) met during the Japanese occupation to talk with fishermen how to defeat the invaders
    • Arrival in Chongjin - "city of iron", the DPRK’s third largest city, a large industrial hub on the North East coast. It is estimated to have a 24% share of the DPRK's foreign trade
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Chongjin Hotel **
    May 4 (Sat): Chongjin

    • Breakfast
    • Chongjin central square - the main city square featuring renovated in September 2014 monument to the Korean leaders
    • Chongjin Electronic Library - a place in possession of more than 300 computers connected to Pyongyang. Quite often here schoolchildren take a test exam coordinated from the capital
    • Chongjin Art Gallery
    • Chongjin steelworks kindergarten - here you will see a musical and dance performance by the local children. You may prepare some candies, food or pens to give to children after the show
    • Lunch
    • Chongjin liberation tower - monuments to the Soviet soldiers fallen in the battles for the city’s liberation from Japanese forces. The monument is located on the mountain which is the highest point of the whole area, and thus you will have a great view of the city and nearby Chongjin port. Pay a visit to nearby Korean People's Army Martyrs' Cemetery - the cemetery of Korean soldiers who fought for the city's liberation in August 1945
    • Enjoy view on Chongjin port - one of the country's main harbors
    • Susongchon General Foodstuff Factory - recently opened to foreign visitors, this factory is located outside of the city at the source of natutal mineral water which is used in production of various breads and traditional spirits
    • Dinner
    • Seaman's Club - restaurant, bar, karaoke, gym and sauna at Chongjin city center. You can try some incredible Cold Noodles (Nae-Meng). It is actually one of the few places in the DPRK where foreigners and locals can mingle

    OVERNIGHT: Chongjin Hotel **
    May 5 (Sun): Chongjin Rajin

    RASON SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to RASON SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
    • Arrival in Rajin - the biggest city in Rason
    • Lunch
    • Rajin city center - check out Monument of the Sun. The monument was unveiled in April 2015
    • Rajin City Port - a place of active Chinese and Russian investments, a home for the DPRK passenger cruise ship as well as occasional Russian cruises
    • Hiking in Mt.Sahyang - a mountain from where you can enjoy bird's eye view on Rajin Bay and main Rason cities
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Piphagak Hotel ** or similar
    May 6 (Mon): Rajin

    • Breakfast
    • Rajin Foreign Language School - a great chance to interact with local young people learning English
    • Shoes Factory - a small scale factory producing many types of shoes for all seasons
    • Rajin Textile Factory - one of the biggest textile factories in Rason. Enjoy the revolutionary music which is played in order to keep upbeat mood of the workers
    • Lunch
    • Rajin city market - the only market in North Korea where tourists are allowed to visit and buy various local products (RMB is the preferred currency)
    • Hae’an Rajin Beach Park - a recently renovated seaside/beach park, one of the most popular places in the city
    • Czech draft beer bar
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Piphagak Hotel ** or similar
    May 7 (Tue): Rajin Pipha Area Rajin

    • Breakfast
    • Rajin Golden Triangle Bank - the only place where tourists can exchange their money to Korean Won at market rate
    • Rason Soft Drinks Factory - a small factory producing different kinds of non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages. It is possible to have a look at manufacturing process and buy ready products at the factory shop
    • Daehung Seafood Processing Factory - the largest company in Rason
    • Lunch
    • Drive to Pipha Area - an island known for its stunning scenery, fishing, and boating. Sightseeing on boat (optional, 100RMB per person. If weather is favorable you will see seals - it is the only Seals Nature Reservation site in DPRK)
    • Emperor Hotel & Casino - 5* hotel where wealthy Chinese come to gamble. It is owned by Hong Kong-based investors and it is one of the best hotels in the DPRK
    • Raksan Offshore Salmon Fish Farm - run by Unit 810 of the Korean People's Army, this farm is a direct supplier of the Pyongyang Taedonggang Seafood Restaurant
    • Move back to Rajin
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Piphagak Hotel ** or similar
    May 8 (Wed): Rajin Sonbong Tumangang Wonjong Yanji

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to Sonbong - second biggest city in Rason
    • Sonbong Revolutionary Site - the place where the mother Kim Jong Suk with the 3 year old leader Kim Jong Il returned back to Korea after the end of World War II
    • Drive to Tumen river border area - this river is known for its tripoint where the China–Russia border and the North Korea–Russia border intersect. From Sonbong the road initially goes along beautiful coast of the East Sea of Korea and then it turns North, and passes through a system of blue lakes, one of which - Manpo lake - has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area because it supports populations of various birds such as swan geese, oriental storks, and cranes .
    • Arrival in Tumangang - Korean town at the border with Russia
    • Visit Korean-Russian Friendship House - located in Tumangang, it is a museum dedicated to the history of Russia-Korea relations
    • Move to Sungjon pavillion - located on a hill dominating the area, it is a traditional style pavilion next to the Victory Monument to Admiral Li Sun Sin, inventor of the legendary turtle battleship. This pavillion represents a fantastic observation platform to enjoy a breathtaking view on Tri-border area.
    • Picnic lunch with a view on Tri border area - a unique place where 3 borders (China, DPRK and Russia) meet each other and Korean-Russian Friendship Bridge - a railway bridge, the only land connection between Russia and the DPRK. The DPRK/Russia border is only 17 km long and it is the shortest border Russia has with any of its neighboring countries
    • Transfer to Tumangang Railway Station
    • Visit local shop in front of the station
    • Drive to Wonjong - Korean city at Chinese border
    • Cross Wonjong Sino-Korean Friendship bridge - China/Korea border crossing point and arrive in China (border crossing by bus 5 RMB)
    • Drive to Yanji - home for the largest Korean-Chinese community in China, the main city of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and today is an important transportation and trade hub between China and North Korea
    • Dinner at your own expense

    OVERNIGHT: Ruygyong hotel
    May 9 (Thu):

    DEPARTURES FROM YANJI

     

      BY FLIGHT TO BEIJING:
      Transfer to the airport, departure by flight at 09.30 am, arrival in Beijing at 11.40 am local time

      BY TRAIN TO BEIJING:
      Departure by train from Yanji West Railway Station at 08.32 am, arrival in Beijing Chaoyang at 16.13 (transfer to the Yanji Railway Station is not included)

    Tour prices for different transport options:

    • train Dandong-Pyongyang, train Yanji-Beijing 1958€
    • flight Vladivostok-Pyongyang, train Yanji-Beijing 1998€
    • train Beijing-Pyongyang, train Yanji-Beijing 2008€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang, train Yanji-Beijing 2078€
    • flight Vladivostok-PY, flight Yanji-Beijing 2078€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang, flight Yanji-Beijing 2158€

    INCLUDED:

    • Return transport from Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok according to the chosen transport option above. Train from China to Korea: hard-sleeper class, train change in Dandong. Train from Yanji to Beijing 2nd class. Flight: Economy Class
    • Domestic flight Pyongyang-Orang
    • Rason Entry Permit
    • Twin-share hotel accommodation in the DPRK and one night (May 8/9) in Yanji (China)
    • DPRK tour confirmation for Chinese visa
    • Three meals a day (including water and beer. Beer is not included in Rason). Craft beer in beer bars is at your own expense
    • All transfers and transport during the tour
    • English-speaking guide (guides in other languages can be booked on request)
    • All entrance fees according to the itinerary

    NOT INCLUDED:

    • The DPRK visa fee (from 30 to 80 Euro depending on the place of visa issuance)
    • China visa fee
    • Transportation to/from your home to Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok
    • Your stopover expenses in Beijing or Dandong
    • Optional single room supplement (40 Euro per night)
    • Your private expenses
    • Ticket fee for occasional events such as circus, funfairs, opera or Juche tower lift
    • Bus ticket fee for border bridge crossing between the DPRK and China (5 RMB)
    • Optional Pyongyang air tour (180 Euro p/p, min 8 persons)
    • Ev. transfer to the Yanji Railway Station
    • Tips for Korean guides and driver (8-10 Euros per day in total)

    GOT QUESTIONS?

    Send us a message: postmaster@koreakonsult.com
    Call us: +46(0)73981 0372
    +46(0)70116 5525
     
     
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