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 yet confirmed, but performances are expected most evenings between August 15 and October 10. These two dates mark major holidays in North Korea, the 75th anniversaries of Liberation Day and Party Foundation Day respectively.

What is the Mass Games?

The Mass Games is an extraordinary display of synchronized gymnastics, dance and visual performance art involving up to 100,000 participants. The show is a crash-course in North Korean history, achievement, and culture which are brought to life through music, acrobatics and drama! Most famously, the Mass Games features a massive backdrop of ‘human pixels’, each person holding flip cards to form a dynamic mural which guides the show.

The Mass Games is unlike any performance on earth, and sure to be a highlight to any visit to Pyongyang!

Where is the Mass Games held?

The Mass Games 2020 is expected to be held in Pyongyang’s Rungrado May Day Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the world. The running time is expected to be approximately 90 minutes, with showings most evenings of the week. The exact dates are not yet confirmed.

Has the Mass Games been held before?

Yes, previously known as the ‘Arirang Mass Games’ the performance was held annually between 2002 and 2013. After a five-year hiatus, the spectacle returned in 2018 under the name ‘The Glorious Country’ to coincide with the 70th anniversary of North Korea’s national day. The following year in 2019, the ‘Land of the People’ Mass Games made an extensive run between June and October.

Does the Mass Games change each year?

Yes! Beyond the basic formula of mass gymnastics and dynamic backdrop, we’re expecting a brand new performance in 2020. In 2018 we saw the exciting inclusion of choreographed drones, lasers and video projections into the show, and in 2019 this was expanded with circus and trapeze acts along with impressive solo performances! Themes such as economic development, reunification, solidarity and multilateral diplomacy rather than military might or space programs have underpinned the performance in recent years.

What will the Mass Games in 2020 bring? We’re as eager as you to find out, join us for the ride!

What will the Mass Games cost?

There are multiple seating tiers, all available to tourists. Based on recent years, the entrance fee in 2020 is expected to be as follows:

Third Class: 100 EUR
Second Class: 300 EUR
First Class: 500 EUR
VIP Class: 800 EUR

How can I see the Mass Games?

Join us on any tour to North Korea when the Mass Games are showing!

Our group tours which are expected to attend the Mass Games can be found below. We can also arrange a private, independent tour over the anticipated dates of the spectacle.

The DPRK Highlights – 75th Anniversary Liberation Day Special – 4 Nights: August 14 – 18, 2020

The Absolute DPRK – 75th Anniversary Liberation Day Special – 6 Nights: August 14 – 20, 2020

The DPRK Weekender – Shanghai Departure – 2.5 Nights: August 27 – 30, 2020

The DPRK Classic – National Day Special – 5 Nights: September 5 – 10, 2020

The Absolute DPRK – National Day Special – Mt. Paektu Charter – 7 Nights: September 5 – 12, 2020

The DPRK Weekender – China National Day Break – Shanghai Departure – 2.5 Nights: October 1 – 4, 2020

The DPRK Highlights – 75th Anniversary Party Foundation Day Special – 4 Nights: October 8 – 12, 2020

The Absolute DPRK – 75th Anniversary Party Foundation Day Special – 7 Nights: October 8 – 15, 2020

Demand is high and logistics are limited during this holiday period. We strongly recommend an early booking to avoid disappointment.