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    Liberation Day SHORT tour


     5 nights in the DPRK
    Pyongyang Sariwon Kaesong Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Mt.Myohyang Pyongyang

    August 15th is a very significant date in the Korean calendar, holding great importance in both North and South Korea, as it marks 80 years since the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese colonial rule.
    Experience a remarkable journey to the DPRK within a limited timeframe and participate in the Liberation Day festivities, including a colorful Mass Dance in one of Pyongyang's main squares.
    Explore the key highlights of North Korea and acquaint yourself with the impressive capital, Pyongyang, along with its iconic landmarks.
    Travel to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a tragic symbol of the national division since 1953, and visit Kaesong, the ancient capital of Korea during the Koryo Dynasty. In Kaesong, our accommodation will be at the charming Minsok Folk Hotel, a traditional-style hotel nestled in the historic city center.
    Embark on a scenic hike in the picturesque Mt.Myohyang and visit the renowned International Friendship Exhibition, the world's largest collection of gifts presented to the leaders of the DPRK over the years
    . Explore the charming city of Sariwon, Pyongyang's southern gateway, and enjoy a stroll along Folk Custom Street.

    **TRAVEL TO THE DPRK VIA CHINA (Beijing, Dandong)
    A Chinese visa is required for most nationalities but VISA EXEMPTION can be granted for flight passengers transiting through Beijing on the way to/from Korea.
    **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.

    Aug 11 (Mon): Pyongyang

    DEPARTURES FROM BEIJING, DANDONG and VLADIVOSTOK

      BY FLIGHT FROM VLADIVOSTOK:
      Departure from Vladivostok by Air Koryo flight JS 272 at 13:30. Arrival in Pyongyang at 14:10 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:
      Aug 10: departure by domestic train to Dandong city at 17:26 local time from Beijing Main Railway Station. Overnight on the train. Aug 11: 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 14:10: lunch at the airport
    • Arrival of tourists by flight from Beijing at 3 pm
    • Museum of Metro Construction - covers the events leading to the opening of the Metro in 1973, as well as operations and future plans
    • Arrivals of remaining tourists by train from Beijing and Dandong at 18:45
    • Mirae (Future) Street - opened in 2015, this street features futuristic looking buildings. Korean government allocated apartments at this street to scientists and university teachers
    • Dinner
    • 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 ****
    Aug 12 (Tue): Pyongyang Sariwon Kaesong

    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • Lunch
    • 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
    • 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
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Minsok Folk Hotel **
    Aug 13 (Wed): Kaesong Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Kaesong Pyongyang

    • Breakfast
    • Walk on the old streets of Kaesong from Minsok Hotel to Nam Gate
    • 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
    • Kaesong Ginseng Processing Factory - rebuilt and modernized in 2015, it produces scores of high-quality medicines, health foods and other foodstuff
    • 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 back to Kaesong, lunch
    • Sungkyunkwan University - the oldest Confucian University established in 10th century. Since 1987 here is Kaesong Koryo Museum (UNESCO) exhibiting one of the largest wooden buildings to still exist in the DPRK. The stamp shop here is an excellent place to buy stamps and souvenirs
    • 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
    • Drive back to Pyongyang
    • 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

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Aug 14 (Thu): Pyongyang Mt.Myohyang Pyongyang

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to Mt.Myohyang - the Mountain of Mysterious Fragrance, one of the five celebrated mountains of Korea. It is a sacred site as, according to legend, it was the home of King Tangun, forefather of the Korean people. In 2009 UNESCO designated Mount Myohyang a world biosphere reserve
    • International Friendship Exhibition - the world's biggest treasure-house. On display are gifts received by DPRK's leaders over the years. One building stores the presents given to President Kim Il Sung, while a smaller one holds those given to Leader Kim Jong Il
    • Pohyon temple - one of the five famous Buddhist temples of Korea, it was built nearly 1,000 years ago
    • Lunch
    • Manphok valley - "Manphok" means in Korean "valley of ten thousands falls". Enjoy beautiful hermitages, rocks, caves, falls, and pavilions
    • Back to Pyongyang
    • Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace - recently renovated center for local children's extra curricular education. The palace was opened in 1989 and it features striking post-modern piece of design. In 2016 it was re-opened after massive reconstruction and now it is one of the most striking building in the country. After excursion you will have a chance to enjoy amazing children’s performance
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Aug 15 (Fri): Pyongyang

    LIBERATION DAY

    • Breakfast
    • 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, 10 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
    • Moranbong Park - a recreation area where locals have picnics and sing songs during weekends. It is a unique opportunity to socialize with local people
    • Lunch
    • 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
    • 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
    • Hwason Beer Bar - a new beer bar in Pyongyang, located on Hwason street, was completed in 2023. Here you can try all types of famous Taedonggang beer including black beer with chocolate and coffee flavor. 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 ****
    Aug 16 (Sat):

    DEPARTURES FROM PYONGYANG

      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:
      Aug 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. Aug 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.

    Tour prices for different transport options:

    • train Dandong-Pyongyang-Dandong 948€
    • train Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing 1068€
    • flight Vladivostok-Pyongyang, train Pyongyang-Beijing 1238€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang, train Pyongyang-Beijing or vv 1258€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing 1358€

    INCLUDED:

    • Return transport from Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok according to the chosen transport option above. Train: hard-sleeper class, train change in Dandong. Flight: Economy Class
    • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK (twin-shared room)
    • Three meals a day (including water and beer). 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 50 to 80 EUR depending on the place of visa issuance)
    • Transportation to/from your home to Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok
    • Your stopover expenses in Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok
    • Optional single room supplement (40 EUR per night)
    • Your private expenses
    • Ticket fee for occasional events such as circus, funfairs, opera or Juche tower lift
    • Tips for Korean guides and driver (10-15 EUR per day in total)

    GOT QUESTIONS?

    Contact us:
    WhatsApp
    E-mail postmaster@koreakonsult.com
    Phone +46(0)73981 0372, +46(0)70116 5525
     
     
    Yanggakdo International Hotel Yanggakdo International Hotel
    Международный Отель Янгакдо