North Korea New Year Tour II
The application deadline for our DPRK New Year Tour is 2 December 2019. What more original way is there to start 2019 than by doing so in Pyongyang?
Important: Accommodation used for our DPRK New Year Tour
- You will be able to stay in two of the capital's best hotels; the Yanggakdo Hotel and the
Koryo Hotel, considered Deluxe in the DPRK. The Yanggakdo is located by on an islet and has impressive views of the whole city, including the Ryugyong Hotel. The Koryo tends to be used more by diplomatic delegations and is located right by the train station in the city centre, allowing you to see life in Pyongyang from close up.
- Budget hotels such as the Haebangsan,, the Ryanggang , the Chongnyon , the Pyongyang , etc, can be quite chilly in the common areas in winter and hot water may not be available at all times during the winter time.
- You will also stay one night at Kaesong, bordering South Korea, in a traditional courtyard hotel. This hotel is located in the old town of Kaesong and was used by local neighbours until 1989 when it was cut off to become a hotel for domestic and foreign tourism. This quaint, folkoric courtyard hotel is fascinating, but conditions are basic. We are usually told when hot water is available for us to shower and there can be power cuts at night.
Tour Extensions
You will visit 3 different regions of the DPRK on this trip; Pyongyang, Kaesong & the DMZ and Sariwon city.
If interested in extending your tour (such as taking a skiing extension) please send us an e-mail stating how long you would like to extend for and if there are any specific places you would like to visit.
Day 1 - December 28 (Saturday)
- Depart from Beijing at 13.05 flight JS 152 Terminal 2, Beijing Capital Airport
- Arrive in Pyongyang at 16.05 (Pyongyang time)
PM
- Night drive around Pyongyang
- Arch of Triumph - walk around the area. See the giant mural showing the image of President Kim Il Sung upon his return to Korea after Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945
- Hotel check-in: Yanggakdo Hotel
- Welcome Dinner: KITC Number 1 Restaurant, Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 2 - 29 December (Sunday)
AM
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
- Kumsusan Memorial Palace - where the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il remain in state, one of the most sacred places in the DPRK. Formal attire required. We will brief you regarding this.
- Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery - views of the whole of Pyongyang are available atop the hill where this cemetery is located.
PM
- Lunch: Local restaurant, Pyongyang
- Walk around the city centre - bundle up well! This is a great chance to see the capital by foot
- Juche Tower - chance to go up the 150 metre tower (170 metres including the torch) that offers a panoramic view of Pyongyang
- Monuments to the Workers' Party - monument consisting of a hammer, sickle and brush that rise 50 metres in the sky
- Drive to Kaesong City through serene rural landscapes. As night falls and the surroundings become pitch black, you'll catch glimpses of glowing village murals of the Leaders and the solemn Eternity Statues, standing as bright symbols against the dark countryside. We'll stay overnight at the charming Minsok Folk Hotel nestled in the old and tranquil part of Kaesong, where traditional Korean architecture and cozy courtyard rooms, part of the old town and used by locals until 1989, will transport you back in time. It's the perfect way to experience the warm hospitality and unique heritage of North Korea as you welcome the New Year!
- Dinner will be at the Minsok Hotel. There is a cozy little bar right by the dining rooms, a great way to socialise with your Korean guides after a long day of travel.
- You can see the giant bronze statues atop Janam hill, brightly lit in the cold winter night, from the courtyard hotel.
Overnight: Kaesong Minsok Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 3 - 30 December (Monday)
AM
- Morning Walk through the Old Town of Kaesong - walk from the hotel up to Janam hill, with breathtaking views of the old part of the city. Kaesong was not destroyed during the Korean War and we can therefore see some traditional Korean architecture.
- Twin Tombs of King Kongmin and his Mongolian wife - a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient tombs are some of the best-preserved in Korea, having undergone minimal restoration, offering an authentic glimpse into the royal history of the Koryo Dynasty. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, this visit provides a chance to explore one of Korea's most significant historical and cultural treasures.
- DMZ Tour - one of the last places on Earth where the last area where the consequences of the Cold War are still very alive and visible. Chance to enter, or, if closed, get close to the famous blue negotiation rooms where talks between North & South Korea have taken place.
PM
- Lunch at local restaurant (Kaesong) - dishes are served in small covered golden plated bowls, with no less than 12 small dishes per person. The number of dishes served symbolised the rank of the person eating and 12 is the highest ranking of all!
- Koryo Museum (Kaesong) - the first university in the Korean Peninsula, it dates from the 900s and is located in extremely peaceful surroundings
- Stamp shop - just outside of the Yanggakdo Hotel, we usually make a quick stop here. A wide variety of stamps, postcards, artwork, etc can be purchased.
- Drive to Sariwon City - lively city, capital of North Hwanghae Province
- Kyongnam Pavilion - have views of the whole city and the surrouding region.
Click for a 360 interactive image atop Mt. Kyongnam
- Drive back to Pyongyang
- Kwangbok Supermarket - one of the biggest supermarkets in North Korea. This is the only place in Pyongyang where you can purchase local currency to purchase goods. The supermarket has an array of DPRK produced goods and is full of locals. Great chance to see an aspect of ordinary daily life in Pyongyang.
- Dinner: Kwangbok Restuarant, Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 3 - 31 December (Tuesday)
New Year's Eve
AM
- Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum enormous museum holding original vehicles used in the Korean War and explaining the DPRK version of the war. This was restored recently. The theme of the Korean War is very important in DPRK.
- USS Pueblo - US spyship captured in 1968 by the DPRK
PM
- Lunch: Local restaurant, Pyongyang
- Fountain Park - it is common to see couples here taking pictures
- Mansudae Grand Monuments - Giant bronze statues of the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. There will be many locals here today
- Grand People's Study House - study centre with over 30 million books and breath-taking views of Kim Il Sung Square
- Daytime Walk around Kim Il Sung Square - This is the square where military parades and rallies take place (the ones we usually see on TV when there are news regarding North Korea)
DPRK Ice Rocket Sculpture in Kim Il Sung Square. The Juche Tower can be seen in the background across the Taedong River.
- DPRK foreign Language Bookstore - chance to read & purchase DPRK publications in English and in other languages
- Pyongyang Metro - we will take a ride with locals. This is one of the deepest subway systems in the world and the stops are beautifully decorated.
- Gold Lane Bowling Alley - fantastic opportunity to have some fun and mingle with locals. This modern bowling alley is a popular hangout spot, and you'll get to experience an exciting side of North Korean culture as we join in the celebrations. It's the perfect way to kick off the New Year in a unique and memorable setting!
- Local beer bar - chance to have a few drinks before dinner
- Farewell Dinner: Pyongyang Number 1 Duck BBQ Restaurant
- Expected Fireworks Display & Performance for New Year's at Kim Il Sung Square
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 4 - 1 January (Wednesday)
AM
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel
Day 5 - January 1 (Wednesday)
AM
- Breakfast: Koryo Hotel
- On New Year's Day, we'll begin our journey at the Mangyongdae Native House, a serene, snow-dusted location where you'll explore the modest childhood home of Kim Il Sung. It's an inspiring glimpse into North Korea's revolutionary history, offering a peaceful contrast to the cold winter day.
- Pyongyang City Walking Tour - scenic walk through Pyongyang's city center, starting from the grand and imposing Pyongyang Grand Theatre. This majestic building, with its traditional Korean architecture, is especially striking in the crisp winter air. As we walk past, you'll feel the festive energy of New Year's coursing through the streets.
- From there, we'll continue along the central avenues ending at Kim Il Sung Square.
- Coffee break at the Austrian Coffee Shop in Kim Il Sung Square
- Moran Park you'll join locals celebrating the holiday — expect festive music, lively dances, and a warm atmosphere even in the chill of winter. It is quite common for elderly people to come here and dance on Sundays and holidays. It's a wonderful opportunity to interact with them and enjoy the New Year's spirit, DPRK-style.
PM
- Lunch: Okryuguan - one of the most popular restaurants in the DPRK, renowned nationwide and abroad for its delicious Pyongyang Cold Noodles.
Dozens of locals queueing outside the Okryuguan Restaurant on New Year's in Pyongyang
- Optional: New Year's Day Performance, such as a theatre or musical show. This is a rare opportunity to witness traditional North Korean artistry and performance, a true cultural highlight to warm up your day.
- Meari Shooting Range - chance to shoot some real DPRK guns, laser guns, bow and arrow or just have a look around. This place is located in the sports villa of Pyongyang; an area consisting of many indoor stadiums, each one of them focusing on one single sport.
- Relax at the heated Munsu Water Park - an unexpected indoor escape from Pyongyang's cold. Whether you want to enjoy the pools, saunas, or water slides, it's a great way to wrap up the first day of the year with some fun and comfort with locals. The Munsun Water Park has a wide range of facilities including coffee shops, bars, pool tables, table tennis, etc.
Taekwondo Hall in the Pyongyang Sports District seen on a winter day
- Brief walk through the futuristic Ryomyong Street, where modern high-rises glisten in the winter light, showcasing Pyongyang's architectural ambition. Despite the cold, this stroll gives you a unique chance to see the vibrant city at the start of the New Year.
- Dinner: Restaurant at Ryomyong Street, Pyongyang
Overnight: Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 6 - January 2 (Thursday)
AM
- Breakfast: Koryo Hotel
- 10.25 am train to Beijing
PM
- Stopover at Sinuiju train station bordering China - customs procedures will be carried out on the train. Please let us know if you would like to exit by plane
Day 7 - January 3 (Friday)
Arrive in Beijing at 08:40 am
End of our North New Year Tour II
Please go to our North Korea tourism page to see more information on other tours that we offer other than our North New Year Tour II.
