• KTG rep at the Pyongyang Marathon posing as Ussain Bolt

2017 Pyongyang Autumn Marathon

New! Want to explore Pyongyang by foot? Then look no further! Join KTG for the Pyongyang Autumn Marathon!

This is the first time a marathon is opened to tourists in autumn in North Korea confirmed only recently by the DPRK authorities. We’re testing the waters here and offering this unique tour at and outstandingly low rate. We're offering spaces at a first come first go basis so do hurry to sign up!

You will be able to participate in any of the following races:

Full Marathon (110 USD)

Half Marathon (90 USD)

10 km Marathon (80 USD)

Mini Marathon 5~6.5km (70 USD)

Tour Rates

Starting from and ending in Dandong: 695 Euros

Starting from and ending in Beijing by train: 780 Euros

Tour Duration: 3 nights / 4 days in the DPRK

Application deadline: October 15th - please try to apply by the deadline. We will accept later applications and will notify you within a business day if there are train seats still available.

Rates include the following:

  • Transport costs from China to Pyongyang and back
  • All local transfer costs
  • Accommodation at the Sosan Hotel (twin room)
  • Three meals per day (B,L,D)
  • Guide service in English / requested language if other
  • Entrance tickets to all tourist attractions

The following is not included:

  • DPRK visa fee (€50 if issued in China)
  • Marathon registration fee (see above for details)
  • Going up the Juche Tower which is optional (€5)
  • Upgrading room to a single one (€35 per room per night if upgraded before hand, €40 per night if upgraded on the spot). If travelling alone you can share your room with another traveller if you wish not to incur this cost.
  • Extra drinks/snacks (meals include one drink and bottled water)
  • Meals on the train between China and Korea (a set menu at the restaurant carriage is 60 Chinese Yuan. You can also bring your own food)
  • Tips to tour guides (recommended amount approx. €45 in total)

For those not interested in running it is possible to see the event or have a morning city tour of Pyongyang.

Day 1 - October 28 (Saturday)

Route Map

Pyongyang Autumn Marathon Route Map

Pyongyang Autumn Marathon Itinerary

  • Meet at Dandong train station at 8.00 am

PM

  • Arrive in Pyongyang at 17.50 (Pyongyang time)
  • Arch of Triumph -
  • Brief walk around the area - we will see the enormous mural showing an image of President Kim Il Sung's speech upon returning to Korea after the liberation of the country in 1945. The Kim Il Sung Stadium is located close by too, though we will see more of this on Sunday
  • Kim Il Sung Square - we will walk around one of most known places of North Korea, the square that hosts military parades and mass rallies.
  • Hotel check-in: Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang. This hotel is located in the Sports Villa of Pyongyang, an ideal setting for those running the marathon!
  • Welcome Dinner: KITC Restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 2 - October 29 (Sunday)

AM

  • Breakfast: Sosan Hotel
  • Arch of Triumph - this is where the marathon will start. marking the period spent by President Kim Il Sung fighting the Japanese and his return in 1945 to Korea, this collosal monument is larger than its Parisian counterpart.
  • Pyongyang Autumn Marathon - the time limit is 5 hours! Please note that the picture below is of the April Marathon. This one will start from the Arch of Triumph
Pyongyang Marathon in 2015

PM

  • Lunch: City restaurant, Pyongyang
  • Fountain Park - popular amongst locals for wedding pictures and dates.
  • Mansudae Grand Monuments - giant bronze statues of the leaders
  • Ride on Pyongyang Metro - one of the deepest in the world - we will go on an extended ride with locals, having several stops that will allow you see one of the busiest aspects of life in Pyongyang
  • Juche Tower - opportunity to go up the 150 metre tower (170 metres including the torch) that offers a panoramic view of Pyongyang.
  • Party Foundation Monuments - 50 metre high monument consisting of a giant hammer, sickle and brush
  • Beer Bar before dinner
  • Dinner: Local restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 3 - October 30 (Monday)

AM

  • Breakfast: Sosan Hotel
  • Drive to Kaesong (Panmunjom, the DMZ) - we leave Pyongyang early in the morning for this 2 and half hour drive south. As we approach Kaesong we will see the Kaesong Industrial Complex on the left hand side of our coach as well as the train station which leads to South Korea and represents the reunfication of the country.
  • 38th Parallel (DMZ) - we will see the famous blue negotiation rooms where talks between North & South Korea are held.  This has been opened the last few monA Korean People's Army Officer will hop on our coach and us on our coach and guide us around Panmunjom. This is a great chance for us to interact with a KPA officer as they tend to ask us questions regarding our views on the Korean War or impessions about their country.
Sariwon, North Korea

PM

  • Lunch at Tongil Restaurant in Kaesong - we will be served a variety of dishes in small covered golden plated bowls. The number of dishes used to symbolise in ancient times the status of the person eating, 12 bowls is the largest amount served!
  • Songjuk Bridge - a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kaesong city
  • Drive to Sariwon city- located in South Hwanghae Province, it is a lively city and one of the largest in the DPRK.
  • Walk around Folk Street - We will walk around one of the busiest streets inthe city and will have the chance to stop by a local bar, called "Sul Jib" (술집) in Korean. You can order some makoli, a week alcoholic drink. Sariwon is renowned for its makoli and wine.
  • Models of ancient pavilions - apart from seeing what Korea was like in ancient times we may have the chance to see locals playing games in the street. Locals  usually gather at stalls and shoot targets with air rifles (corks are used as bullets). We can of course have a look!
Sariwon, North Korea
  • Walk up Mount Kyongnam - this walk is not as scary as it may sound! It takes around 5 to 10 minutes to walk up to the main pavillion where we will have fantastic views of the whole city of Sariwon and of its surrounding areas. You can see a short video of the main street we walk around in Sariwon and of the views from Mount Kyongnam in our video below (feel free to visit KTG's Youtube Channel for more videos):
  • Transfer to Pyongyang
  • Three Charters Reunification Monument - consisting of two ladies that represent the reunification of the Korean Peninsula
  • Dinner: Local restaurant, Pyongyang

Day 4 - October 31 (Tuesday)

AM

  • Breakfast: Sosan Hotel
  • 10.10 am train to China - please contact us if interested in flying out.

PM

  • After crossing the Yalu River by train into China we will arrive in Dandong China, where we will get off the train and have a one hour break before continuing to Beijing. We will have the chance to see the giant statue of Mao Ze Dong.

Day 5 - November 1 (Wednesday)

AM

  • For those continuing to Beijing arrival at the Beijing train station. The expected arrival time is 8.31 am

Please click go to our North Korea Tourism page to see more information on other tours that we offer other than our 2017 Pyongyang Marathon II Tour.

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