The Absolute DPRK – Party Foundation Day Special – 7 Nights

7 Nights – from €1580

In this comprehensive special tour of North Korea, you’ll join the festivities of Party Foundation Day on October 10 and see absolutely everything from the political sites of Pyongyang to the historical city of Kaesong, the yellow beaches of Wonsan and the famous scenery of Mt. Kumgang. This will be one life-changing week sure to satisfy the curiosity you have in this fascinating country!

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Booking Options

Dates *

Room Accommodations

Rooms come standard with two twin beds. If signing up with a companion and sharing a room, the double rate applies. If requesting your own room, single rate applies. If sharing is requested, we do our best. But if we cannot, single supplement fee applies.

Pay a deposit of 500.00 per item

DAY 1 – DEPART FOR PYONGYANG

At 11:30am, meet us inside Terminal 2 of the Beijing Capital International Airport to check in for our scheduled departure of 14:00pm. We will hand out your DPRK visas at this time. Timings to be confirmed.

We will then fly to Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, home to the most iconic monuments and political sites. Our Korean tour guides will be meet us at the airport with a warm welcome.

Our first stop will be the Arch of Triumph, the world’s largest triumphal arch. From the top, we will get our first panorama view of Pyongyang city!

Check into the Koryo Hotel, our deluxe accommodation in the heart of Pyongyang popular with local residents, foreign diplomats, delegations, NGOs. We will enjoy a welcome dinner in the revolving restaurant.

After dinner, take 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 – 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 military 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.

We’ll then begin our drive to Sariwon city. On arrival, visit the Sariwon Folklore Village, a street depicting a romanticized version of Korea’s ancient cultural heritage. Take a look around, try some local specialties such as sticky rice cakes or homebrew makgeolli, and enjoy the slow-paced atmosphere of the city. We’ll climb the stairs up Kyongam Hill to get an iconic panorama view of Sariwon and the rural surroundings from the pavilion here!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 3 – PYONGYANG

This morning we’ll make a special visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the grand mausoleum where the late leaders lie in state inside glass sarcophagi. This is one of North Korea’s most sacred sites, formal dress is strictly required.

Visit the Grand People’s Study House, North Korea’s national library and the heart of study on the revolutionary Juche ideology. Check out the local intranet, visit the music appreciation room and flick through a handful of the up-to 30 million books said to be available here!

After lunch, visit Pyongyang’s central square, Kim Il Sung Square, home to many of North Korea’s military parades broadcast internationally. We’ll walk through the city to the Foreign Languages Bookshop, the best chance in the DPRK to pick up souvenirs such as books, stamps, DVD/CDs and posters.

Head deep underground to take a 5-stop ride on the Pyongyang Metro, the deepest metro in the world and filled with mosaics, monuments, and plaques commemorating the DPRK’s revolutionary history.

Learn about North Korea’s national ideology, the Juche philosophy, on a visit to the iconic Tower of Juche Idea. We’ll take the lift 150-meters to the top for the best views in Pyongyang city! We’ll then visit the Party Foundation Monument, 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.

Take an evening walk through Ryomyong Street, an impressive boulevard home to Pyongyang’s most extravagant apartment complexes. Opened in just April 2017 to international media attention.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 4 – PARTY FOUNDATION DAY!

Begin the day with a visit to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, an elaborate museum depicting the Korean people’s fight against foreign invaders. We’ll have a guided tour of the war remnants, exhibits, and dioramas and learn about the Korean war from the North Korean perspective. We’ll also board the USS Pueblo, the “American Spy Ship” captured in 1968.

We’ll then visit the Mansudae Grand Monument, an important site famous for its large, bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il. It is customary to bow and lay flowers here, and it’s particularly busy on national holidays with locals presenting large wreaths.

Head through the Mansudae Fountain Park, serene meeting spot for students in their free time and an often used backdrop for wedding photos.

Take a stroll through Moran Hill, a central park buzzing with festivities as locals celebrate Party Foundation Day over a picnic with music and dancing, a great opportunity to join the fun!

Visit the Mangyongdae Native House, a modest straw-thatched house in a serene park setting which is the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. Pick up some supplies at the Kwangbok Department Store, a five-story department complex filled with local and imported products. It’s one of only two places in Pyongyang where tourists can exchange and use the local North Korean Won.

We’ll then catch an afternoon performance for the national holiday, typically the Pyongyang Circus, Pyongyang Theatre, or the Pyongyang Symphony. The day’s event is typically not announced until closer to departure.

As part of today’s festivities, we’ll attend an unforgettable student Mass Dance event held in Pyongyang. Join in the dancing celebration for yourself, the sea of colour makes for magnificent photos!

Get the opportunity to taste local Korean draft beers at the Taedonggang Bar Brewery No. 3.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 5 (TUES) – WONSAN

This morning, we’ll depart for the east coast port city of Wonsan. The countryside scenery becomes increasingly mountainous on the east, and we’ll pass through no less than 22 tunnels on our journey! There will be a rest stop at the Sinpyong Tea House for coffee or tea in the fresh mountain air.

After arriving into Wonsan city, we’ll walk between dozens of fishermen to the Jangdok Islet where you can buy seafood that was caught just seconds ago by local vendors. The view back of the Wonsan city skyline is fantastic here. Lunch will be at a local seafood restaurant.

Walk in the sea breeze along the Wonsan city docks to Wonsan Square, the heart of the city with grand bronze monuments to the Great Leaders. We’ll then visit the Wonsan Revolutionary Site, a railway museum with historic relevance to Kim Il Sung’s victory over Japanese colonial rule.

Drive seafront to Wonsan’s yellow sandy beaches to the Songdowon International Children’s Camp, a typical socialist-style summer camp where we’ll have a guided tour of the facilities.

We’ll then continue our journey to the jewel of the region, Mt. Kumgang (Diamond Mountain), one of North Korea’s most celebrated mountains and the second tallest! This mountain range spans the south-east coastline and it’s incredibly beautiful in the spring and autumn months.

Overnight at the Kumgangsan Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 6 (WED) – MT. KUMGANG

We’ll spend this morning hiking Mt. Kumgang to Kuryong Waterfall. This is an 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 country!

After lunch, we’ll stop at the Samil Lagoon, a beautiful lake surrounded by forest and a hiking trail offering a great view of the surrounding area.

On our return to Wonsan, we’ll visit the Chonsam Cooperative Farm, a model farming village of 1700 people where we’ll learn about socialist agriculture techniques. Often we’ll get the opportunity to meet a local farmer and see inside their home here!

We’ll then drive to our overnight accommodation, the extravagant Masikryong Hotel inside the Masikryong Ski Resort complex, built at the order of Marshal Kim Jong Un in 2013.

Overnight Masikryong Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 7 (THURS) – MASIKRYONG

Wake in the mountains and watch the sunrise from your private balcony before enjoying a hearty breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients. Before we depart, we will take the Masikryong ski lift or cableway to the near 1400m peak for an incredible morning view over the untouched mountain ranges. The ski lift or cableway is optional and there is a $15 USD fee to be paid on the spot.

We will then drive to 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.

After a stop for tea or coffee, we’ll 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! Enjoy views of Pyongyang’s most iconic landmarks and an upbeat performance as we cruise the river Taedong.

Overnight Koryo Hotel

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 8 (FRI) – FAREWELL

Morning departure to Beijing. Estimated time of arrival is 11:35am local time, although flight times are subject to final confirmation. Please reserve connecting flights departing after 15:30pm local time, to allow sufficient time for immigration/customs clearance, baggage claim and re-check-in. Timings to be confirmed.

(Meals: B)

This itinerary is subject to change at any time.

What’s included in this tour:

  • DPRK visa fees and handling
  • Round trip ticket from Beijing to Pyongyang on Air Koryo
  • 7 nights’ DPRK hotel accommodations (double occupancy, 4 stars)
  • Meals as indicated
  • Coach/car transportation in DPRK
  • Two local English-speaking Korean guides
  • One local driver
  • Admission fees (except those listed under exclusions)

What’s not included in this tour:

  • Round-trip airfare to Beijing from home country
  • Beijing hotel accommodations
  • Chinese visa fees and processing, if applicable
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
  • Souvenirs
  • Extra drinks during meals (one complimentary beer included)
  • Beer at microbreweries (1-3 EUR per mug)
  • Extra a la carte items incurred during meals
  • Tips for guides and drivers

EXCLUDED ENTRANCE FEES FOR OPTIONAL EVENTS

Entrance fees are priced in EUR but RMB and USD accepted.

  • Elevator to the top of the Juche Tower, 5 EUR
  • Elevator to the top of the Arch of Triumph, 5 EUR
  • Flowers to be laid at the Mansudae Grand Monument, 3-5 EUR
  • Pyongyang circus (if playing): 20 EUR
  • Taedonggang Dining Boat: 10 USD
  • Meari Shooting Range: rifle and per bullet fees apply
  • Kaeson Amusement park entrance and rides, 1-7 EUR per ride
  • Ski lift or cable car to Taehwa Peak in Masikryong Ski Resort: 15 USD

For more information on the booking process, see How to Book a North Korea Tour
See Terms and Conditions for our refund policy and other disclaimers.

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