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:
Sep 5: departure by domestic train to Dandong city at 17.26 local time from Beijing Main Railway Station. Overnight on the train. Sep 6: 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

• 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
• 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
• Arrivals of remaining tourists by train from Beijing and Dandong at 18.45
• Check in at the Yanggakdo International Hotel **** - one of the best Pyongyang hotels (first class and deluxe suites are also available at extra charge), it is beautifully located in the middle of Taedong river
• 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

• 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
• 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
• Lunch
• 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
• Mt.Jongbang - 481m high mountain near Sariwon famous for its many spots to enjoy beautiful landscapes and historical fort dated back to Koryo Dynasty
• Sariwon Folk Customs Street - opened in 2007, it is aimed to show traditions and customs of Korean people
• Migok Cooperative Farm - a great opportunity to visit a greenhouse to see how vegetables are grown using snails for environmental pest control and tour into one of the houses of the people working on the fields to experience farmer's life
• Return 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
• 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

• Breakfast
• Kumsusan Palace of Sun - Mausoleum of president Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il. To visit the Mausoleum tourists should be at least 17 years old and follow a strict dress code: no shorts, T-shirts and sandals, no blue jeans and mini-skirts.
• 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
• Drive 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
• 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)
• Janamsan Park - located on a hill overlooking the city it is a great place to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the old Kaesong
• Walk on the old streets of Kaesong from Nam gate - southern gate of ancient Kaesong wall city, to Minsok Hotel
• Drive to Tomb of King Kongmin - UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the original mausoleum of the 31st king of the Koryo Dynasty - King Kongmin and his Queen dated back to 14th century
• Return to Pyongyang
• Dinner

DPRK’s NATIONAL DAY, FOUNDATION OF THE REPUBLIC

• Breakfast
• 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
• 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)
• Moranbong Park - a recreation area where locals have picnics and sing songs during weekends. It is a unique opportunity to socialize with local people
• Military parade is expected, however, tourists are not allowed to attend the parade at Kim Il Sung Square. At the same time, Korean guides always do their best so that our tourists can stand along the road in the crowd of local people who welcome with flowers military trucks passing through the city after the end of the parade.
• Lunch
• 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
• National Holiday special performance at Pyongyang Circus - completed in 1989, it is located on Kwangbok Street, one of Pyongyang's largest avenues. You can enjoy a fantastic performance by the best DPRK acrobats and other artists.
• Mass Dance - one of the most well known images of North Korea: students of local universities get on the main city's squares and dance dressed in traditional Korean suit
• 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 at BBQ Duck Restaurant
• 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
• Expected fireworks on the occasion of the National Day

• Breakfast
• Drive to Wonsan - port city and naval base on the westernmost shore of the East Korean Sea. There are a lot of beautiful beaches around Wonsan making it a touristic Mekka of the DPRK
• Stop at Sinpyong Lake - the resting place right half-way between Pyongyang and Wonsan, there is a rest house with bathrooms and refreshments
• Ulim Waterfall - one of the famous waterfalls in Korea, it was discovered by Korean soldiers in 2001. The waterfall falls from 45m making thunderous sound echo as far as four kilometers around. That is why the waterfall is called "Ullim" or "echo" in Korean
• Wonsan central square - located in the city's heart it features recently renovated monuments to the leaders. A few minutes walk from the central square there is a harbor where you can see local people fishing. The Mangyongbong-92 ferry which once shuttled Koreans living in Japan back and forth across the East Sea of Korea is moored here
• Lunch at Kalmaegi fish restaurant in Wonsan
• Kaeson Revolutionary Museum in Wonsan - former Wonsan Railway Station turned into museum. In September 1945 Kim Il sung left from here to Pyongyang to meet local guerilla leaders
• Wonsan Agricultural University - the most important agricultural university in the country
• Dinner
• Optional: walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse to enjoy the fantastic view of Wonsan from the seaside and to see locals fishing and cooking seafood. Entry fee 1 Euro

• Breakfast
• Drive to Mt.Kumgang - "diamond mountain" in Korean, it is one of the most famous mountains in Korea. "If I were to die the day after seeing Kumgang, I would have no regrets", said the Chinese Song Dynasty poet Su Shi (1037-1101).
• Kuryongyon Course - the most beautiful track in Outer Kumgang, it is about 7 - 8 km walk from Mokran restaurant to Kuryong (Nine Dragon) Waterfalls
• Lunch at Mokran Restaurant - famous restaurant at the foot of Mt.Kumgang
• Samil Lagoon - widely known for its crystal-clear water, rocky hills and thick forests. According to legend, a king once visited the lake for a day but was so amazed by its beauty that he stayed there for three days, hence the name Samil (three days)
• Dinner

• Breakfast
• Drive to Wonsan via Chonsam cooperative farm - "an area of three villages where springs well out" in Korean. You will visit agricultural fields, kindergarten and local store
• Rest on the beach at Sijung Beach & Motel - one of a number of tranquil white, sandy beaches in North Korea. Sijung beach is half way between Wonsan and Mt.Kumgang
• Lunch in Wonsan
• Songdowon International Children's Union Camp - perfect place for schoolchildren between April and October not only from Korea but from other countries as well. It is situated right on the coast and boasts white, sandy beaches
• Drive back to Pyongyang
• Dinner

MT.PAEKTU - THE SACRED HEART OF THE DPRK

• Breakfast
• Transfer to the domestic airport and take charter flight to Samjiyon - a beautiful mountain town is a known ski resort in the DPRK, located 1380 m above sea level. Thanks to the large-scale reconstruction completed in December 2019, Samjiyon is now called a "model of modern mountainous city”.
• Drive to Mt.Paektu - (Paektusan in Korean) the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula (2750 m above sea level), it is situated in the border between the DPRK and China. Mt.Paektu is known for its fantastic scenery. It is also a sacred place for the Korean Revolution - a legendary birth place of Leader Kim Jong Il. Mt. Paektu belongs to the coldest zone in the DPRK and the weather is prone to sudden changes. The wind on the mountain top is often strong, so warm clothes are needed in all seasons. We recommend you to take with you:
  • waterproof footwear, good for mountain walk
  • raincoat
  • sweather
  • sun glasses (can be even used to protect against the wind mixed with the sand)
  • sun protection cream (the sunshine on the top can be very strong)
• Walking from the parking lot to the top takes (approx) 45 minutes. Sometimes it is possible to take a funicular railway to the top (10 Euro p/p for return trip) but because of frequent power cuts the funicular railway might not be working
• On the summit observe stunning views over the area and of the Chon Crater Lake - the deepest and the highest mountain lake in the World. You can take stairs (free) or cable car (5 Euro p/p one way) down to the lake from the summit
• Drive along Amnok river and make a short break to view Chongun rock - in Korean this name means "a thousand soldier rock", this rock goes along Amnok/Yalu river separating China and North Korea. It is one of the most scenic landscapes in the DPRK
• Picnic lunch with a view on China over Amnok/Yalu river
• Arrive in Korean Guerilla Secret Camp in Mt.Paektu - it is leader Kim Jong Il's Native Home. Korean People's Revolutionary Army HQ was here during the fight against the Japanese occupation
• Move to Samjiyon
• Transfer to Rimyongsu village
• Observe Rimyongsu Waterfalls - beautiful all year around falls, the water flows out from Chon Crater Lake. It never freezes in winter, there are 42 big and small falls flowing from 6m altitude
• Dinner

HOMESTAY WITH KOREAN FAMILY

• Breakfast in the hotel
• Drive back to the airport
• En route stop by Samjiyon Grand Monument - erected in 1979 on the shore of Lake Samji with Mt.Paektu as background. This huge and impressive monument was built to commemorate President Kim II Sung's revolutionary activity during the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle
• Take charter flight to Orang - a tiny town, home of Chongjin's airport
• Upon arrival transfer to Mt.Chilbo - 'the Mountain of 7 Treasures', it is one of the most famous scenic spots in the DPRK. Mt Chilbo is put on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites
• En route open air picnic lunch at mountain waterfalls
• Drive to Sea Chilbo - mountain range with multiple peaks and rock formations, stunning views and scenery and plenty of interesting stories. There is also a local beach - coast of the East Sea of Korea (known in West as the Sea of Japan)
• Arrive in Homestay Village - located at the beautiful sea shore, it is the only place in the DPRK where it is possible for tourists to stay with Korean family - expect basic facilities at Sea Chilbo
• Enjoy Activities in homestay village - play volleyball or sirim (Korean wrestling) with the villagers or help with some light chores. You may just walk around to meet the neighbors.
• Dinner

• Breakfast
• Visit Outer Chilbo - the area that extends between Inner Chilbo and Sea Chilbo. The Outer Chilbo is higher than Inner Chilbo. It offers skyscraping peaks, precipitous rocks, sheer cliffs, cascades, pools and fords.
• Drive to Inner Chilbo - the area stretches to the inland region of the Mt.Chilbo. The towering peaks are covered with pine trees viewed like green carpets
• Sungson Pavilion - literally means "ascending to heaven", the name refers to a legend about fairies who visited Mt.Chilbo and bathed in the Kuryong Pool, danced and ascended to heaven. The great observation spot to see all rocks in Inner Chilbo
• Visit Kaesim Buddhist Temple - built in 826 it is situated in the Mt.Pothak, central part of Inner Chilbo
• Lunch
• Drive to the airport in Orang
• Take charter flight back to Pyongyang
• Dinner

BY FLIGHT TO VLADIVOSTOK:
Departure by Air Koryo flight JS 271 at 08.30 am from Pyongyang Sunan Airport. Arrival in Vladivostok at 11.00 am local time

BY FLIGHT TO BEIJING:
Departure by Air Koryo flight JS 151 at 09.00 am from Pyongyang Sunan Airport. Arrive in Beijing at 10.00 am local time

BY TRAIN TO BEIJING:
Sep 16: departure by international train to Dandong at 10.25 am local time from Pyongyang Railway Station. Arrival in Dandong at 16.23 local time. Departure by domestic train to Beijing at 18.18. Overnight on the train. Sep 17: arrival in Beijing Main Railway Station at 08.40 am.

BY TRAIN TO DANDONG:
Departure by international train to Dandong at 10.25 am local time from Pyongyang Railway Station. Arrival in Dandong at 16.23 local time.