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 Itinerary
- Meet at Dandong train station at 8.00 am
PM
- Arrive in Pyongyang at 17.50 (Pyongyang time)
- 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
- 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
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
- Dinner: Local restaurant, Pyongyang
Overnight: Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 3 - October 30 (Monday)
AM
- 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.
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!
- 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):
- 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
- 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.