Songdowon International Children’s Camp

The Songdowon International Children’s Camp, located in the Kangwon province near Wonsan city, was opened in 1960 with the aim of fostering relationships between children from different countries and promoting international friendship. It’s the largest school children’s camp in North Korea.

Following extensive renovations in 2014, the camp’s capacity expanded to 1,200, and welcomes up to 400 international visitors from nearby countries ranging from Russia and China to nations in South America, the Middle East and Africa. The camp is subsidised by the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League and costs around 350 USD to send a child up to the age of 16, which includes 1-2 weeks of leisure alongside North Korean and international peers.

The camp boasts a variety of recreational facilities, including a full size waterpark with pool, diving board and waterslides, a running track, and basketball and volleyball courts. There is a large-scale aquarium onsite, an arcade room, a rock climbing wall, art and performance halls, an archery range, and educational signage is scattered across the facility.

Practical classes such as cooking and boating are also available. Much of the recreation takes place on the camp’s private beach. The students also have an opportunity to take excursions outside the camp for activities such as as learning to ski at Masikryong Ski Resort, and orienteering on hikes in the mountains.

A primary focus of the camp is on the cultural exchange program, where students showcase their national traditions and learn North Korean songs and dances.  The dormitories are equipped with air conditioning and video games, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the children that stay here.

The Songdowon International Children’s Camp remains a unique opportunity for children to build global connections and contribute to engaging North Korea with the international community.