North Korea Summer Adventure – Coast to Coast – 9 Nights

DAY 1 – DEPART FOR PYONGYANG

At 10am, meet us at Terminal 2, Air Koryo counter E, of the Beijing Capital International Airport to check in for our flight departing 1pm. We will hand out your DPRK visas at this time.

We will then fly to Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK and home to many of the most iconic monuments and political sites. Our Korean tour guides will be meet us at the airport with a warm welcome. First, we stop at the Arch of Triumph, the world’s largest triumphal arch. From the top, we will get our first panorama view of Pyongyang city! Head over to the Mansudae Grand Monument, an important site famous for its large, bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il. It’s customary to bow and lay flowers here. Check into the Koryo Hotel, a deluxe accommodation in the heart of Pyongyang popular with local residents, foreign diplomats, delegations, NGOs. We will enjoy a welcome revolving restaurant dinner before an optional visit to the Kaeson Youth Amusement Park where the thrillseekers among us can brave the rides with Pyongyang locals on a night out!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel

(Meals: L, D)

DAY 2 – PYONGYANG CITY TOUR

In the morning, take a walk in the Kim Il Sung Square, the 3rd largest public square in the world and home to many of the North Korean military parades broadcasted internationally during important holiday events. Take a stroll through the city to the Foreign Languages Bookshop which provides the best chance in the DPRK to pick up postcards, publications, posters and other trinkets that make perfect souvenirs. stroll through the Mansudae Fountain Park, a serene meeting spot for students and an often used backdrop for wedding photos. Nearby, visit the Grand People’s Study House, an extensive library and the heart of study on the national Juche ideology. The viewing deck here provides a great photo opportunity of the Kim Il Sung Square and Taedong River! We will then visit the newly renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and the USS Pueblo in its new spot (the “American Spy Ship” captured in 1968).

After lunch, learn about the DPRK’s defining ideology, the Juche philosophy, on a visit to the iconic Tower of Juche Idea. For those who wish to take the lift 150-meters to the top, you’ll enjoy the best views in Pyongyang city! We will also have a photo stop at the massive Monument to Party Founding, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea, recognizable by the communist hammer and sickle but with an added North Korean twist! Head deep underground to take a 5-stop ride on the Pyongyang Metro, the deepest metro in the world also filled with mosaics, monuments, and plaques commemorating the DPRK’s revolutionary history. We’ll then join the locals and make use of the lovely summer weather with a unique bicycle ride through the capital! This will take us down the elaborate Mirae (Future) Scientists and Changjon Streets and even right through the Kim Il-Sung Square.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 3 – KAESONG & THE DMZ

Take a morning drive through the countryside to the historic city of Kaesong. We will head for the DMZ where we’ll hear from our guides a perspective of the Korean War that often gets discredited or unheard. At the DMZ, explore Panmunjom, shake hands at the exact place that the Armistice Agreement was signed between UN forces and the DPRK, and wave hello to the South at the blue houses in the Joint Security Area. Head to the Koryo History Museum, a UNESCO site, to learn about the Koryo Dynasty (where the name Korea originates). You’ll also have a chance to pick from the most varied range of postcards in the country at the Koryo Stamp Shop.

For lunch, enjoy Pansanggi, a historic Kaesong cuisine traditionally served for royalty. Stop at the original Sonjuk Bridge, a UNESCO site. Return to the capital where we’ll visit the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace and witness an incredible performance in their theatre!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 4 – NAMPHO

Begin the day by joining the locals with a fun and refreshing visit to the Munsu Water Park. This is an indoor/outdoor complex with water slides, wave and lap pools, and saunas. For the non-swimmers, there is a range of activities such as rock climbing, tennis, volleyball or trampolining, or simply visit the coffee shop, or get a haircut! We’ll then depart for the western industrial port city of Nampho. Our first stop will be the Chongsanri Cooperative Farm, part of a system of collective farms catering to the agriculture needs of surrounding communities. We will meet a local caretaker to learn of their role here, see inside their home, and also visit the impressive bronze monument of President Kim Il-Sung with local farmers. We will stop at the Kangso Mineral Water Factory, a famous name in North Korea, to get a glimpse into the workings of the local industry.

For lunch, we will enjoy a famous Nampho specialty, Gray Mullet Soup. Then it’s onward to the jewel of Nampho, the West Sea Barrage, a massive dam and tidal wall built in five years across an 8-kilometer section of the rough sea. This is a major achievement well known to all North Koreans and a common backdrop in official state media. Return to the capital where we’ll test our skills at the Meari Shooting Range, pistols and rifles are available here. Taste a range of local Korean draft beers at the Taedonggang Microbrewery.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 5 – PYONGYANG & MASIKRYONG

First up, visit the Mansudae Art Studio, the most prestigious fine arts studio and gallery in North Korea. This studio is the only one given permission to depict the Great Leaders in monuments, murals and mosaics. We recommend getting the ink block paintings here. Visit Mangyongdae Native House, the sacred birthplace of President Kim il-Sung. Afterward, take a look inside Kwangbok Supermarket, a five-story department complex filled with local and imported product and the only place in Pyongyang where foreigners are able to exchange and use the local North Korean Won.

After lunch, we’ll begin our 4-hour drive towards the east coast fishing and leisure city of Wonsan. There will be a short stop at the Sinpyong Tea House for coffee or tea in the fresh mountain air. We’ll arrive at the grand Masikryong Hotel located within the Masikryong Ski Resort complex, all built at the order of Marshal Kim Jong-Un in 2013 to international media attention. After check-in we’ll explore the grounds and take the Masikryong ski lift to the peak for an incredible view to watch the sunset over untouched mountain ranges (the ski lift is optional and there is a $15 fee to be paid at the ski lift.)

Overnight Masikryong Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 6 – MT. KUMGANG

This morning, continue our journey to Mt. Kumgang (Diamond Mountain), one of North Korea’s most celebrated mountains and its second tallest! Our first stop will be the Samil Lagoon, a beautiful lake surrounded by forest and a hiking trail offering a great view of the surrounding area.

After lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon hiking to Kuryong Waterfall. This is 8km winding path amidst scenic valleys of emerald streams, unique rock formations, towering cliffs, and rich green foliage. This landscape is exceedingly famous in Korea and artworks depicting the area can be found all over the North. After our return, visit the Kumgangsan Hot Springs for a well-deserved relax with a spa or a massage (extra cost).

Overnight Kumgang Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 7 – SEA OF KUMGANG & WONSAN

We’ll continue our exploration of the Kumgang area with a picturesque hike to the Sea of Kumgang, a dramatic coastline with rock pillars battered by the ocean. Afterward, begin our drive back to Wonsan.

After reaching the east coast port city of Wonsan, we’ll visit the Songdowon International Children’s Camp, a distinctly socialist summer camp, to get a tour of the facilities and interact with the children. Then visit important revolutionary sites to learn of Kim Il-sung’s exploits in this city followed by a walk along the Jangdok Islet between dozens of fisherman, the perfect spot to buy seafood that was caught just seconds ago by local vendors! Enjoy an iconic view back at Wonsan city from here. Join local life as we take a seaside walk through the city to Wonsan Central Square on the harbor, containing monuments to the Great Leaders. The day wouldn’t be complete without a fresh seafood dinner! Overnight will be at the Dongmyong Hotel, a retro hotel with a popular billiards room and a killer ocean view.

Overnight Dongmyong Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 8 – HAMHUNG & MAJON

This morning, we’ll drive to North Korea’s second largest city, Hamhung, where we will visit the Tonghungsan Revolutionary Site, Hamhung Grand Theatre, Hamhung Old Royal Palace and the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex!

We’ll check-in to our accommodation at the deluxe 5-star Majon Hotel (not to be confused with the Majon Beach Guesthouse!). Majon Hotel is the hotel our travelers historically never want to leave. It’s a resort-style accommodation secluded on an extensive private beach. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, going for a long walk on the beach, sunbaking or interacting with the locals over a game of Frisbee or volleyball! In the evening, we’ll light up the bonfire and have dinner which includes the local specialty of clam bake, soju and Taedonggang beer on the beach!

Overnight at the Majon Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 9 – ULIM WATERFALL, NAM RIVER AND RETURN TO PYONGYANG

We depart early this morning for Pyongyang, making nature stops along the way. Expect to be in the bus for 7 hours today. We will stop to take in the stunning Ullim Waterfall discovered relatively recently by the Korean People’s Army, a waterfall you’ll hear well before you see! If it’s a nice day we will enjoy a picnic lunch here. Feel free to throw our frisbees around, it’s a great way to interact with the locals. We’ll stop at the Sinpyong Tea House for tea or coffee and then continue to the Tomb of King Tongmyong, a UNESCO site with unique wall paintings showcasing the Buddhist influence of this time.

On return to Pyongyang, we’ll visit the Koryo Stamp Museum, a great place not only for stamps but any last-minute souvenirs. Our farewell dinner will be aboard the Taedonggang Dining Boat which cruises the Taedong River taking in many of Pyongyang’s major highlights by night!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 10 – FAREWELL

Morning departure to Beijing. Estimated time of arrival is 11:30 a.m. local time. Please reserve any connecting flights departing after 3pm local time to allow sufficient time for immigration/customs clearance, baggage claim, re-check-in and security.

(Meals: B)

This itinerary is subject to change at any time.

Testing