“Seeing is believing” they say in North Korea. We invite you to gain a different perspective of the country by experiencing its people, touching its landscapes and learning about its rich culture and 4,000 years of history. Our tours show you the complexity and hidden beauty of this undiscovered country.
Experience North Korea
Over 15 years of Safe and Premium Tours to North Korea
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The North Korea Experience
Featured Tours
The Absolute DPRK – National Day Special – Mt. Paektu Charter – 7 Nights
** DPRK Visa and return flights from Beijing included! Taking the train is possible and you’ll be eligible for a discount. Contact us! **
Join us for our annual trip to Mt. Paektu, North Korea’s most revered and [...]
The DPRK Weekender – New Years Eve Special – 3 Nights
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a way you never thought possible by joining us in Pyongyang for the 2021/22 countdown! We’ll be there on the iconic Kim Il Sung Square alongside thousands of locals for the festivities, which in past [...]
Ski and Snowboard North Korea – Lunar New Year & Kim Jong Il Birthday Special – 7 Nights
** DPRK Visa and return flights from Beijing included! Taking the train is possible and you’ll be eligible for a discount. Contact us! **
This is your chance to ski the fresh-power slopes of North Korea! Be there amongst the [...]
Why Book With Us?
Places We Visit
Pyongyang
North Korea is officially called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The country has the world’s recognition as “The Hermit Kingdom,” with many aspects of it kept in isolation from the outside world. The capital city,…
DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone is home to the world’s tensest, and most heavily armed border.
The establishment of the DMZ marked the end of the Korean War, with the cease fire armistice being signed on June…
Myohyangsan (Mt. Myohyang)
Located in the extremely mountainous and northern area of the DPRK, Mt. Myohyang is one of the five most celebrated mountains of North Korea. Known to the locals as the “mysterious fragrant mountain”. Famous for the…
Kaesong
Kaesong is located right by the JSA on the southern end of the DPRK. 193,000 people reside within the 1309 square kilometer area. Of which, 55% of it estimated to be forested, and 80%…
Wonsan
Wonsan is located on the east coast of the Korean peninsula. Founded in 1800, most of its history was built on functioning as the final city on a significant trade channel between North Korea and Japan.…
Nampho
Nampho is located on the west coast and on the estuary of the Taedong River, the same river that runs through Pyongyang. The city is only a 45 minute drive and 50 kilometers southwest of Pyongyang.…
Pyongysong
Pyongsong is a satellite city of Pyongyang just 40 minutes drive northeast and often nicknamed the ‘Silicon Valley’ of North Korea; it’s a major hub for science and technology research. Pyongsong opened for tourists in just…
Hayden Peters from Australia
One of the best customer experiences of my life, superb, safe and easy.
Coen Scott from Australia
To put it simply, my experience with Uri Tours was the best money I’ve ever spent on recreation. The larger part of every day was spent seeing new and unique locations, my personal favorite was the ‘Palace of the Sun’. (I mean, how many people outside of the DPRK can say they’ve seen Kim Jong Il’s mummy.. right!?) The hotel where we stayed was great! Friendly staff, clean facilities, good food and it also featured a multitude of shops and services, including but not limited to; a tailor, a bookstore, an art shop, a pool, a bar, a bowling alley and a masseuse!
Conner Brenner from USA
My trip to North Korea was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to visit the country with my grandfather who was 78 at the time. Due to his age and his physical disabilities, there were a lot of potential issues that needed to be discussed prior to the trip taking place. The team at Uri Tours were incredibly helpful and courteous during this process. Every concern was addressed, and nearly every email I sent the company was responded to on the same day. I felt like I was being treated with the utmost professionalism.
Tara Mina Bayati
The trip was amazing and far exceeded my greatest expectations. I am sure all of the local guides are great, but I truly cannot imagine anyone better than the ones assigned to us. They could not have been more phenomenal and I felt genuinely sad saying goodbye to them at the airport. This was truly an experience of a lifetime which was made possible by Uri Tours. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the DPRK!
New From the Blog
National Day in North Korea – 72nd Anniversary
National Day on September 9 is North Korea’s birthday and formally known as the Day of the Foundation of [...]
Can You Travel to North Korea From South Korea?
You’re on holiday in Seoul, South Korea and the idea of visiting North Korea has crossed your mind. Being [...]
Liberation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary
Today marks the 75th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. This is the [...]
North Korea Myths: Are All North Korea Tours the Same?
The gist of this myth, appearing often in online discussions about [...]
Victory Day in North Korea – 67th Anniversary of the Korean War
July 27th is known as Victory Day in North Korea, and this year marks the 67th anniversary of the Korean [...]
Is Air Koryo a One-Star Airline?
Air Koryo is the flag carrier of North Korea and its only airline. Over the years, Air Koryo has [...]
What Year Is It in North Korea? – the Juche Calendar
If you thought it was 2020, think again! In North Korea, the year system is different from what you [...]
Ryugyong Hotel – North Korea’s Tallest Building
The 105-story Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang is North Korea’s tallest building (330m/1080ft), and a marvel of the capital’s progressively [...]
Can You Travel Independently to North Korea?
You’ve got time to travel around Asia and a trip to North Korea has taken your fancy. Can you [...]
Pyongyang Marathon 2021 Announced – April 11, 2021
Great news! We’ve been notified that the annual Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon (Pyongyang Marathon) is expected to be [...]
Can You Take Photos in North Korea?
Contrary to popular belief, taking photos in North Korea is allowed and you’ll have plenty of opportunities during your [...]
Mt. Myohyang Travel Guide
Mt. Myohyang (‘Mysterious Fragrant Mountain’) is one of North Korea’s six celebrated mountains and is located 150km northeast of [...]
8 Reasons to Visit North Korea From Shanghai
The most well-known hub facilitating travel to North Korea may be Beijing, however, in recent years Shanghai has become [...]
What Does DPRK Stand For?
Search anything about North Korea and you’ll quickly find references to the acronym ‘DPRK’, seemingly used interchangeably with ‘North [...]
Wonsan Travel Guide
Wonsan is a port city in North Korea’s Kangwon Province on the east coast of the Korean peninsula. First [...]
North Korea Flag – What Does It Mean?
The North Korea flag was introduced on September 9, Juche 37 (1948) which is the day North Korea was [...]
How to Book a North Korea Tour
So you’ve finally decided to take that trip to North Korea (DPRK) you’ve been thinking about for a while. [...]
The Mass Games Are Back for 2020!
We’ve received word that North Korea’s incredible Mass Games is scheduled to return in 2020!
The dates are not [...]
Coronavirus: North Korea Temporarily Closes Borders
UPDATE: February 21, 2020:
We have received confirmation that the 2020 Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon (Pyongyang Marathon) has been [...]
When Is the Best Time to Visit North Korea?
While it’s possible to visit North Korea all year-round, the country experiences four distinct seasons with each offering its [...]
Banknotes of North Korea – the North Korean Won
Currency is the perfect canvas to widely circulate imagery. All over the world, banknotes illustrate national heritage and culture [...]
What Currency Does North Korea Use?
During your visit to North Korea, you’ll need to pay for incidentals such as souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, [...]
Should I Take a Flight or the Train to North Korea?
You’ve decided on a North Korea tour but aren’t quite sure which transport method suits you best. We’ve got [...]
Mt. Paektu and Samjiyon Travel Guide
Mt. Paektu is North Korea’s tallest peak, the peninsula’s most sacred mountain, and a dormant volcano. An enormous eruption [...]
Can You Visit North Korea?
Yes, it’s possible to visit North Korea as a tourist and it’s easier than you may expect! We’ve been [...]
Can Americans Visit North Korea?
Currently, it is not permitted to visit North Korea on a U.S passport for tourism.
Effective September 1, [...]
Is There Internet in North Korea?
For most of the world, the internet has taken hold as an irreplaceable learning tool and social obsession that [...]
Air Koryo Flight Update – Shanghai Pudong
Air Koryo operates a regular service between Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Pyongyang (FNJ) which we take advantage of to [...]
Update to United States Visa Waiver Program for travelers to the DPRK
On August 5, 2019, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which uses the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) [...]
The Mass Games to Return in 2019!
** UPDATE (May 24, 2019): Our partners have advised us that the 2019 Mass Games (‘People’s Country’) is scheduled to [...]
North Korea’s Ultimate Cycling Tour
Twice a year in May and September we offer the most extensive way to experience North Korea by bicycle. [...]
Arirang Mass Games 2018 – It May Be Back!
Exciting news! The word from our partners in Pyongyang is that the Arirang Mass Games, one of the most [...]
North Korea’s Best Hotels
Many hotels of varying quality are available in North Korea. You won’t find any backpackers hostels or Airbnb listings, [...]
How to get a North Korean visa
Although North Korea (DPRK) may be the most closed nation on earth, getting your North Korean visa through Uri Tours [...]
Top 5 Must Try Food in Pyongyang
North Korea has a rich culinary heritage shared with the South. Dishes originating during ancient Korea remain heavily influential [...]
20 Must-See Sights in Pyongyang
Pyongyang, translated into English, means flat land. Once the ancient capital of the Choson, Koguryo and Koryo kingdoms, Pyongyang [...]
Postcards and Stamps of North Korea
Colorful, fiercely militant and overwhelmingly ideological. Locally produced postcards and stamps are truly the definitive souvenirs of North [...]
The Five Most Celebrated Mountains of North Korea
The Korean people consider themselves mountain people. This is not much of a stretch considering that a mountain system [...]
Official Statement Regarding North Korea Travel Ban for U.S Citizens
Today the U.S Department of State has officially announced that all U.S. passports are declared invalid for travel to the [...]
Official Statement Regarding Recent News of Mr. Otto Warmbier
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Otto Warmbier’s family and friends. This was a heart-wrenching tragedy that should [...]
Is it safe to visit North Korea?
The general perception surrounding North Korean tourism is that it is unsafe. However, approximately 6-8,000 Western tourists a year [...]
Full Spread: North Korea’s Tourism Calendar
The interwebs are ablaze with talk of a “sexy” new tourism calendar coming out of North Korea. Not only [...]
North Koreans Celebrate New Years 3 times in a year, and so can you!
Every year, thousands of North Koreans come to the streets to celebrate the New Year, not only once, but [...]
U.S. Sanctions on Air Koryo: Impact on North Korea Travelers
Today, the U.S. expanded sanctions on North Korea to include Air Koryo, the national carrier of DPRK. Under [...]
Microbrewing in North Korea – It’s Actually a Thing!
Beer is quite possibly the oldest beverage in the world, other than water of course. Some studies show that [...]
What is North Korea’s Party Congress?
Want to know what all the hype is about for North Korea’s party congress? We’ll explain it here: North [...]
Should I get a Chinese visa or use the visa-free transit?
WHAT IS A CHINESE TOURIST VISA?
A tourist (Type L) visa will allow you to travel throughout most of [...]
American UVA Student Detained in North Korea
We just received news of an American student who is currently detained in North Korea for “perpetrating hostile acts” [...]
Professional snowboarders withdraw from North Korea trip amid news of DPRK nuclear test
In light of the recent news of the alleged test of a nuclear bomb by the DPRK government, Snowboarder [...]
Soon to Observe Pyongyang Standard Time
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of its liberation from Japanese occupation, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced that [...]
THE URI STORY
A pioneering Korean-American family set out to explore the other side of their roots. What they found were people similar to them with a unique culture, rich history and distinct way of living. We have been offering safe and premium tours and travel to North Korea for over 15 years for international travelers.