The DPRK Express – Victory Day Special – 3 Nights

DAY 1 – DEPART FOR PYONGYANG

At 09:30am, meet us inside Terminal 2 of the Beijing Capital International Airport to check in for our scheduled departure of 12:00pm. 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 Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery, a striking site featuring a large bayonet monument. This cemetery was built to memorialize the most decorated ‘Heroes of the Republic’ from the Korean War.

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 on flight, 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.

On our return to Pyongyang, we’ll see the iconic Arch of Reunification built to commemorate the proposals of reunification.

We’ll then tour 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.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 3 – VICTORY DAY!

Our first stop will be 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 visit the monument on important holidays to bow and lay flowers. Today is Victory Day, and we expect to see join large numbers of locals here!

We’ll then visit Pyongyang’s central square, Kim Il Sung Square, home to many of North Korea’s military parades broadcast internationally.

Take a city walk along Victory (Sungri) Street and stop at the Foreign Languages Bookshop, the best chance in the DPRK to pick up souvenirs such as books, stamps, DVD/CDs and posters. We’ll continue walking across the Okryu Bridge with beautiful views of the Taedong River leading us to the Tower of the Juche Idea. Here we’ll learn about North Korea’s national ideology, the Juche philosophy, and take the lift 150-meters to the top for the best views in Pyongyang city!

After lunch, visit Moran Hill, a central park buzzing with festivities as locals celebrate Liberation Day over a picnic with music and dancing, a great opportunity to join the fun!

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. We’ll alight at Kaeson Station and visit the Arch of Triumph, the world’s largest triumphal arch.

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!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 4 – 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 15:35pm 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.