Depart from Beijing at 13.00 flight JS 252 Terminal 2, Beijing Capital Airport
Arrive in Pyongyang at 16.00 (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
Please check our Youtube video below. It was shot during one of our Kim Jong Il Birthday Tours and will give you a fair idea of what to expect on this tour. We recommend you to watch in HD!
Day 2 - 16 February - National Holiday - Chairman Kim Jong Il's Birthday
AM
Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun - where the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state, one of the most sacred places in the DPRK
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is the most sacred place in DPRK
Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery - views of the whole of Pyongyang are available atop the hill where this cemetery is located
PM
Fountain Park - walk by the giant mosaic images of the leaders
Mansudae Grand Monument - giant bronze statues of the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. There will be many locals here today
Kimjongilia Flower Exhibition - thousands of locals go to see flowers given to Kim Jong Il on occasion of his birthday. There is usually local media interviewing Koreans
People gathering at the Kimjongilia Flower Exhibition - this place is literally crowded with locals the days surrounding 16th February
Juche Tower - chance to go up the 150 metre tower (170 metres including the torch) that offers a panoramic view of Pyongyang
Views of the Juche Tower in February
KTG travellers taking pictures from the top of the Juche Tower. We strongly recommend going up.
Pyongyang Metro ride - travel alongside thousands of locals celebrating this national holiday. Immerse yourself in the festive energy as the stations come alive with colorful decorations and a sense of unity, offering a rare glimpse into daily life and the vibrant spirit of the city on one of its most important days.
Pyongyang Metro on 16 February
Monument to the Workers' Party - monument consisting of a hammer, sickle and brush that rise 50 metres in the sky
Expected Mass Dances - thousands of Korean students dance in a synchronised way and we will have the opportunity to join in!
There will likely be optional extra activities available such as Music Concerts, the Acrobatic Circus or Synchronised Swimming shows. These will be offered on the spot once in the DPRK
Local beer bar - chance to have a few drinks before dinner
Golden Lane Bowling Alley - bowl alongside enthusiastic locals enjoying the festivities. In addition to bowling, try your hand at pool or take a nostalgic trip back to the 90s with their vintage arcade machines. This fun and energetic stop offers a unique way to connect with locals and experience a festive side of Pyongyang life.
Dinner: Pyongyang Golden Lane Bowling Alley
Expected Fireworks Display after dinner
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 3 - 17 February (Monday)
AM
Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Depart to Kaesong (Panmunjom, the DMZ) - this city was not destroyed during the Korean War and we can therefore see some traditional Korean architecture. We will then visit the DMZ, the last area where the consequences of the Cold War are still very alive.
Preparations in Kaesong for 16 February
38th Parallel (DMZ) - chance to enter the famous blue negotiation rooms where talks between North & South Korea have taken place. If these are closed we will have a close-up look.
PM
Lunch at Tongil 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!
KTG Traveller takes a picture of the Old Town of Kaesong
Koryo Museum (Kaesong) - the first university in the Korean Peninsula, it dates from the 900s and is located in extremely peaceful surroundings
Wedding Celebration in the Koryo Museum, Kaesong
Stamp shop - just outside of the Koryo Museum, we usually make a quick stop here. A wide variety of stamps, postcards, artwork, etc can be purchased.
Drive to Sariwon City - capital of North Hwanghae Province, this lively city is one of the largest in North Korea.
Folk Street & Ancient Model Pavilions - we will see how Koreans lived in ancient times and see some model pavilions showing this. Walking around this street give us the chance to check a local Sul-Jib (alcohol house) and try some delicious Makoli (Korean rice wine with very low levels of alcohol) if available.
The walk around here is always interesting. There are usually street games and activities too where we can of course join in!
Walk up Mt. Kyongnam - the walk itself is only 5 to 10 minutes but we will have views of the whole city and of the surrounding region.
Drive back to Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 4 - 18 February (Tuesday)
AM
Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
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. It has been displayed in Pyongyang as a trophy for decades.
Explore the majestic Grand People's Study House where you’ll witness stunning architecture and get a glimpse of local intellectual life with views over Kim Il Sung Square.
The Grand Poeple's Study House seen from Kim Il Sung Square
Stand in the heart of Pyongyang at Kim Il Sung Square the iconic venue for national parades and celebrations, offering an impressive perspective on North Korean history and power. 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 foreign Language Bookstore - chance to read & purchase DPRK publications in English and in other languages
Pyongyang City Walk - enjoy a pleasant city walk through the heart of Pyongyang, from Kim Il Sung Square to the Grand Theatre, where you’ll experience the pulse of the capital and its grand socialist architecture.
PM
Lunch by the Pyongyang Grand Theatre - savour a traditional Korean meal at a local restaurant, offering an authentic taste of North Korean cuisine and a unique cultural experience.
Mangyongdae Native House - visit the humble birthplace of Kim Il Sung set in a peaceful, rural landscape, and learn about the early life of North Korea's founding leader.
Kwangbok Department Store - the only place where foreigners can use local currency, you’ll mingle with locals shopping for everyday goods, and even have the chance to purchase North Korean products yourself. Try the food courtyard at the top floor for some food and beer or the ground floor for some snacks!
Drive to Mt. Myohyang - embark on a scenic drive to the serene Mt. Myohyang in the northern interior of the DPRK, a site of both natural beauty and spiritual significance, where lush mountain landscapes await.
Hotel check-in & dinner: The Hysangsan Hotel- after a long day of travel, unwind at the luxurious Hyangsan Hotel, nestled in the tranquile beauty of North Korea's winter landscape. As you arrive on a crisp evening, enjoy a warm, comforting dinner followed by a relaxing stay in one of the DPRK's finest hotels. Surrounded by the peaceful mountains of Mount Myohyang, the Hyangsan Hotel offers the perfect retreat, with modern amenities and tranquil views that make it an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee on a winter day surrounded by mountains in the northern interior of North Korea
Overnight: Hyangsan Hotel, Mt. Myohyang
Day 5 - 19 February (Wednesday)
AM
Breakfast: Hyangsan Hotel, Mt. Myohyang
International Friendship Exhibition Centre - showing thousands of presents given to the founder of the country President Kim Il Sung, his son Chairman Kim Jong Il and his wife Kim Jong Suk. There is now too a section for the Leader Kim Jong Un. See what people and organisations from your country have sent! These buildings actually have no windows and are partly built inside the mountains!
Pohyon Temple - ancient Buddhist temple. This used to be one of the centres of buddhism in the region. Chance to meet a local monk.
PM
Lunch at the Chongchon Hotel - views of the Chongchon river, it is located in a tranquile location
Walk by Hyangsan Town - chance to explore the streets of this small town.
Drive back to Pyongyang
Children's Palace - witness a vibrant showcase of North Korean talent as children perform a variety of extracurricular activities in different class rooms such as dancing, singing, and drawing. This visit offers a heartwarming glimpse into the artistic and academic dedication of the nation's youth, set in one of the DPRK's most prestigious centers for education and culture.
Farewell Dinner: Pyongyang No. 1 Duck BBQ Restaurant - what better way to end your DPRK trip than enjoying some sizzling duck with Korean soju. Vegetarian options are available in all of our meals.
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 6 - 20 February (Thursday)
AM
Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Drive to the Masikryong Ski Resort - a luxurious ski resort located about 3 hours away from Pyongyang
View of the Masikryong Ski Resort
PM
Lunch - Masikryong Ski Resort
Time to ski! - get your gear on and check out those slopes!
Please note that the ski pass is not included and is to be paid on the spot as is the case with any equipment that you may like to rent. You can also bring your equipment with you. Air Koryo allow 23 kilos of luggage.
Excited or nervous? Korean guide Mr. Kim ready to hit the slopes!
Evening break - why not have a hot coffee or check out the facilities in the hotel, one of the most luxurious in DPRK
Coffee shop at the Masikryong Ski Resort Hotel
Dinner: Masikryong Hotel
Overnight: Masikryong Hotel
Day 7 - 21 February (Thursday)
AM
Breakfast: Masikryong Hotel
Skiing / snowboarding - or just relax at the resort if you prefer!
PM
Lunch - Masikryong Ski Resort
Drive back to Pyongyang
Dinner: local restaurant in Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel - last night rest in one of the capital's best hotels
Day 8 - 22 February (Friday)
AM
Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel
10.25 am train to Beijing
PM
Stopover at Sinuiju train station bordering China - customs procedures will be carried out on the train
