KTG® Blog
Welcome to KTG's blog! Please see our latest posts in this section.
We have been going to North Korea since 2008 and will use this section to share our experiences, updates and, in some cases, opinions about anything related to tourism in North Korea. If you have travelled with us to DPRK and would like to post anything here please let us know!
Join our Mailing List for Updates!
Thousands of gifts given by Koreans from North & South Korea and abroad are housed here.
Unveiling the Enigma | The National Gifts Exhibition House
Date: 24 November, 2023
The National Gifts Exhibition House is situated just outside of Pyongyang, the vibrant capital of North Korea, by Mt. Mt. Ryonggak, surrounded by pine trees a setting that strongly contrasts with...
Fancy a dip? You can see the Kalma-Wonsan resort in the background.
North Korean Beaches | Sea, Sun, Singing, Soju Sipping & Seafood BBQ
Date: 23 November, 2023
Welcome to the lesser-known paradise of North Korean beaches, where the pristine waters, sandy shores and banter with locals provide a strong contrast to any preconceived notions one might have of...
Air Koryo plane in Beijing
North Korean Borders Reopening! | Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Date: 30 August, 2023
As we announced on our Facebook page several weeks ago saying that North Korea was to resume international flights and train routes by the end of August, the DPRK has finally opened its borders...
Cycle through Shanghai while enjoying its culinary delights
Shanghai Bike & Food Tour | Cycle through Shanghai's Savoury Delights
Date: 22 March, 2023
As China embraces tourism again, and the DPRK remains closed, we will be updating our China tours. Delve in deep into Shanghai's gastronomic culture, savouring its culinary pleasures, bite by bite!
Locals celebrating President Kim Il Sung's Birthday, the Day of the Sun, in Moran Hill
Fun, Fun, Fun in the Heart of Pyongyang | Welcome to Moran Park!
Date: 30 December, 2022
A new year approaches, another year with the DPRK closed almost gone. We can't help but remember the fun times we've spent celebrating big holidays with locals and Moranbong Park immediately comes to mind.
North Korean tour guide being kissed by a dolphin
Rungna Dolphinarium | Kissing Dolphins, Seals from the East Coast and Water from the West Coast
Date: 31 March, 2022
Kissing Dolphins, Seals from the East Sea of Korea and Water Pumped 50 km directly from the West Coast. What's it like to be there with 1,400 North Koreans?
Booths used at the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital for relatives to chat with women who have just given birth
Pyongyang Maternity Hospital | Triplets, Silver Daggers & Golden Rings
Date: 18 December, 2021
One of the most renowned medical facilities in the DPRK, over 70% of its staff are female. Let's see what it is like inside and why they are fascinated at a national level in North Korea with triplets.
Tibetan lady
Tibet | Land of Spirituality | Join one of our tours if you are based in China
Date: 30 September, 2021
Nestled in between the largest mountains on Earth lies what was once a mysterious and almost completely sealed off part of the world. Explore this enigmatic land, its people, traditions and its history.
Locals smile as a KTG traveller shows a little girl a picture she just took
The Pyongyang Metro | German Graffiti & Stunning Art 100 Metres Under
Date: 24 August, 2021
One of the most beautiful subway systems in the world, the Pyongyang metro is also one of the deepest. Lavish chandeliers, marvellous mosaic murals, imposing marble columns, is it all just a big show?
Mass Dances outside the Pyongyang Grand Theatre
Pyongyang Grand Theatre | Revolutionary Opera in the Heart of Pyongyang
Date: 2 August, 2021
Finished in 1960, it is the first post-war building to be built in traditional Korean architectural style. See mass dances outside the theatre and join us on a bike ride from the theatre to Kim Il Sung Square.
KTG group by the Monument to Three Charters for National Reunification aka The Arch of Reunification
The Arch of Reunification | A Symbol of Peace and of Korean Reunification
Date: 12 July, 2021
The Monument to Three Charters for National Reunification is a 30 metre tall structure over the Reunification Highway that could potentially connect Pyongyang and Seoul one day, symbolises a reunified Korea.
KTG's Tim shows you what it is like to enter the May Day Stadium with over 90,000 people cheering you on
Rungrado May Day Stadium | Welcome to the Largest Stadium on Earth
Date: 16 June, 2021
What’s it like to be in a stadium packed with over 150,000 people? On the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK we were able to see the Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in a completely full May Day Stadium.
Statue of Chairman Kim Jong Il at Kim Il Sung University where he studied from 1960 to 1964
Kim Il Sung University | A Training Centre for National Cadres in the DPRK
Date: 9 June, 2021
Take a virtual tour of the most prestigious university in the country. See what the campus is like and discover the secret destination where the university was transferred to during the Korean War in the early 1950s.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match at Kim Il Sung Stadium between the DPRK and Japan
Kim Il Sung Stadium | FIFA Football Matches, Fun Runs and 40,000 Fans
Date: 22 May, 2021
What's it like to be cheered at a stadium by 40,000 people before running an amateur marathon in Pyongyang? Mexican waves, goals, parachutists, marathon runners and planes - this stadium has it all!
Entrance of the Korea Central Zoo (aka Pyongyang Zoo). The zoo was completely renovated and re-opened in 2016.
What is it like inside the Korea Central Zoo aka Pyongyang Zoo?
Date: 7 May, 2021
Pyongyang zoo was completely renovated and re-opened in 2016. This impressive complex hosts “hero” animals and it is a terrific place to mingle with locals. You can explore the grounds of the zoo on camelback.
The tallest residential building in North Korea is located in Ryomyong Street (려명거리). The Ryugyong Hotel is the largest building but it is currently empty.
Ryomyong Street | Retro-futuristic Ecologically Friendly Architecture
Date: 28 April, 2021
Shaping the new skyline of the capital, Ryomyong street has energy efficient sky-scrapers, a lotus shaped establishment and the largest inhabited building in the DPRK rising 270 metres high in the skies of Pyongyang.
Future Scientists Street (Mirae Scientists Street | 미래과학자거리); where retro-futurism and socialism blend into one
Future (Mirae) Scientists Street | A trip to the Past and to the Future
Date: 18 April, 2021
Cycle with us through Future Scientists Street, a retro-futuristic 6 lane avenue where colourful atom-themed high rise buildings strongly contrast with the soviet architecture that dominates the capital city.
North Korean guide at the Masikryong Ski Resort
Masikryong Ski Resort | Ready to try out some North Korean slopes?
Date: 7 April, 2021
The only ski resort available to foreigners. It has one of the most luxurious hotels in the DPRK. KTG were one of the first to have travellers go, back in early 2014. See what it is like to ski in North Korea!
Pyongsong Central Square when it opened to tourism in 2013
Pyongsong, Capital of South Pyongyan | A Satellite City of Pyongyang
Date: 21 March, 2021
Opened to tourism in 2013, we visit a Revolutionary Site where Kim Il Sung University was moved to in the Korean War, several schools, factories and the city square. It is home to several scientific institutions.
KTG Tours traveller dancing with locals at Moran Park in Pyongyang on 15th April, the birthday of President Kim Il Sung
Public Holidays in North Korea | What are the main dates in the DPRK?
Date: 1 March, 2021
List of the main public holidays in North Korea. When are they? Any mass dances? Military parades? What celebrations take place then? See pictures and videos of the main holidays in the DPRK calendar.
Japanese journalist with his guide in Mt. Paektu
DPRK Movie: The Country I Saw Part 1 | A Japanese Man in North Korea
Date: 12 January, 2021
A Japanese journalist, Takahashi Minoru, who spent time with the Japanese military in Korea and China, goes to Korea 40 years later to see if the Juche Idea has been successful and to see how life is like in the DPRK.
Top guide Kim Sung Mi about to eat some Pyongyang cold noodles at the Okryu restaurant
Okryugwan - the Best Pyongyang Cold Noodles in the World!
Date: 16 December, 2020
Massive and very popular amongst locals, they serve the best Pyongyang cold noodles on Earth at the Okryu restaurant. Leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean president Moon Jae In had lunch together here in 2018.
Korean guides in Sariwon city, late December
Top 5 Reasons to Visit North Korea in Winter
Date: 8 December, 2020
It's winter and time for us to explore the main reasons why we should consider visiting the DPRK during its below freezing months. Celebrating major holidays with thousands of locals, budget tours, ice sculptures...
Fun, fun, fun! The Pyongyang Children's Traffic Park provides children with an entertaining way to learn about traffic. See what our pioneering visit there was like!
The first foreigner ever at the Children's Traffic Park in Pyongyang
Date: 11 November, 2020
Our claim to fame in DPRK tourism. Back in 2017 we were the first foreigners to check out this park where kids drive around a "mini-city" and learn about traffic regulation and history in a fun and interactive way.
We encourage visits to places where travellers can see and experience local Pyongyites' daily lives
What is the capital of North Korea like?
Date: 14 October, 2020
A visit to the capital of North Korea is not solely about mesmerising monuments, large boulevards and communist styled buildings mixed with modern looking high rise flats...
All you need to know about taking pictures and videos in North Korea
Can I take photos and videos in North Korea?
Date: 4 October, 2020
In short, yes, it is ok to take pictures, use DSLR cameras, phones, etc. But we do have to follow some rules. Read all you need to know about taking pictures and videos in the DPRK.
KTG staff member with a North Korean soldier at the DMZ
Can I visit North Korea? What if I’ve been to South Korea?
Date: 9 August, 2020
“Can you visit North Korea? I’ve been to Japan, the US and South Korea, is it an issue? Can I go from the South?” Check out some common questions we receive regarding travelling to the DPRK!
Air Koryo have two flights per week between Vladivostok and Pyongyang
Vladivostok - North Korea: When and How to take this Option
Date: 28 July, 2020
Not the most convenient way to fly into North Korea, but a great option for anyone based there or travelling around Russia. How are visas and tickets arranged? It is possible to join a group tour?
The most sacred place in the DPRK. It is not to be called a mausoleum in Korea.
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: the Most Sacred Place in North Korea
Date: 24 July, 2020
The most sacred place in the North Korea. It is where the Leaders President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il lie in state. This place is not a tourist spot and is not be called a mausoleum.
London? The Imperial Hotel & Casino in Rason is just one example of how different this fascinating Special Economic Zone is to the rest of the country
Rason Special Economic Zone: Welcome to the Far Northeast
Date: 6 July, 2020
Casinos, Giant Markets, Economic Experiments, Domestic Borders... this is the first and largest SEZ in North Korea. It borders both China and Russia. Check out our updated Rason Travel Guide.
Korean guide having lunch by the Friendship Bridge that connects Sinuiju to China
Sinuiju: A Major Trade Hub and The Gateway to the DPRK
Date: 9 June, 2020
This border city is a major trade hub in North Korea. It is located just across from Dandong in China and will be your point of entry/exit if you go to Pyongyang from China by train.
All the information you need about this port city on the east coast of North Korea!
Wonsan - Venture out to the East Coast!
Date: 2 June, 2020
Check out our Wonsan Travel Guide! Drive across the DPRK through isolated parts of the country, swim with locals, visit a summer camp...
See what this traditional Korean style hotel has to offer. Part of the old town of Kaesong was actually used to host guests in original courtyard room.
Kaesong Folk Hotel - a Journey to the Past
Date: 25 May, 2020
Part of the Old Town of Kaesong was turned into this hotel which is divided into courtyard rooms in their original state...
Named after International Women's Day, right now it is the only hotel where foreigners can stay at in North Korea. See pictures, pluses and minuses of this hotel
March 8 Hotel - Soviet Simple Outside, Barroque Extravagent Inside
Date: 8 May, 2020
Second class hotel with great views of the lively city of Sariwon. Conditions aren't the best but...
This 6 star rated DPRK hotel is the most luxurious in North Korea
The Hyangsan Hotel: 6* Luxury in the Midst of Nature
Date: 30 April, 2020
See how through our eyes how it changed from being a retro, 1970s looking low budget hotel to one of the crown jewels of DPRK tourism.
Entrance of the Pyongyang Hotel. It located just across the Pyongyang Grand Theatre in the city centre.
Welcome to the Pyongyang Hotel where the best coffee in town is served!
Date: 24 April, 2020
Despite its prime location and name, the Pyongyang Hotel is a second class hotel economy hotel, used mainly by long-term guests such as business people.
Check our updated interactive map of North Korea!
Interactive Map of North Korea: Click Away and Explore!
Date: 21 April, 2020
We have updated our North Korea interactive map! Check information about provinces and see pictures of places that are opened to tourism in North Korea
Click to see a 360° image with sound, as if you were there!
Kim Il Sung Square - Ultimate Guide of the Heart of Pyongyang
Date: 31 March, 2020
Known for its Military Parades and Mass Rallies, there is much more to this place. An Austrian coffee shop? Underground market? See great pictures, a 360° interactive image with sound, videos and how it has changed over the years...
Currently holding the Guiness World Record of the Largest Unoccupied Building, the Ryugyong Hotel lights up at night as it has an LED display fitted on one entire side. How did it change from being a concrete shell to becoming this sci-fi looking mammoth of a building? Check pictures of it changing throughout time.
The Ryugyong Hotel: It wasn't always Bling Bling
Date: 25 March, 2020
How did the most iconic building in North Korea change from a concrete beast to a crystal beauty? See pictures we have taken of the Ryugyong Hotel since 2008 and find out about its 30 year plus history.
KTG traveller poses with KPA Officer at the Panmun Pavilion in Panmunjom. The building you see in the background is Freedom House in South Korea
Kaesong - Ancient Treasures, The Cold War and Exotic Dishes
Date: 12 March, 2020
Having swapped sides in the Korean War it was not completely destroyed in the war meaning that traditional Korean houses are still used by locals. The former capital of the Koryo Dynasty, Kaesong boasts 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is just 8 km North of the DMZ.
KTG traveller poses with KPA Officer at the Panmun Pavilion in Panmunjom. The building you see in the background is Freedom House in South Korea
Panmunjom - The Scariest Place on Earth?
Date: 6 March, 2020
The last Cold War Front, the place where North and South meet, where their military officers stand meters apart, it was allegedly once described by former US President Bill Clinton as the “scariest place on Earth.” But how scary is it to visit Panmunjom in the DMZ? Find out what a trip there is like...
South Korean military post seen from the North Korean side of no-man's land
The Concrete Wall: A Symbol of Conflict & Division
Date: 1 March, 2020
We set off from Kaesong city and head east for about 50 minutes, driving through remote rural areas on a narrow dirt road. Our destination; a military post in a quiet location where a Korean People's Army Officer smokes away as he awaits our arrival...
The Mass Games are held in the largest seater stadium in the world
Mass Games
Date: 15 December, 2019
The Mass Games were held again in 2018 and 2019. A backdrop of over 17,000 students, more than 100 thousand people involved... what is this spectacular event all about?
Sonjuk Bridge in Kaesong
UNESCO Site: Sonjuk Bridge
Date: 2 October, 2019
Kaesong boasts no less than 12 UNESCO sites. Sonjuk Bridge is one of them. The site where Jong Mong Yu was assassinated when the Koryo Dynasty was overthrown in 1392...
Get your 20% discount on your Bradt Guide by quoting KTG!
Bradt Guide discount with KTG!
Date: 10 December, 2018
KTG has partnered with Bradt Guide, one of the most renowned independent travel guides, to offer our readers a 20% discount. This book will be out in just over a week and its author has been to DPRK 20 times, a feat not many guidebook authors can boast about.
Children near Nampo city
Humanitarian Work in North Korea
Date: 9 December, 2018
We enable organisations and individuals representing these to visit orphanages and farms and hand them products purchased in North Korea. Last year we visited orphanages throughout the country asking them what they required.
Featured Blog Posts
Northeastern adventure in North Korea’s Special Economic Zone
Northeastern adventure in North Korea’s Special Economic Zone
KTG Bike Tour in Pyongyang!
Helmets on! Pyongyang Bike Tour
Unique chance to study Korean in Pyongyang
Summer Language Course in Pyongyang
Day 2 of our Pyongyang - Northeastern Adventure
Northeastern Adventure in North Korea's Special Economic Zone
The Haebangsan Hotel is a small hotel located in the city centre of Pyongyang
Haebangsan Hotel - Second Class Hotel in the Central District of Pyongyang
Very Retro Budget Hotel in Pyongyang
Going Retro; The Youth Hotel
Pondering about which option is best for you?
Group Tour vs Private Tour
China / DPRK border boat ride
China / DPRK Border Tour - into the Mist...
Hungnam Fertiliser Factory near Hamhung city
Hamhung City
KTG® Official DPRK Travel Guide!
North Korea Travel Guide
2015 Pyongyang Marathon Report
PY Marathon Report
Want to check more of our blog posts? Then please click on the button above!
Please get in touch if you have been with us to North Korea and if you would like to share your experiences and views with our readers!