The DPRK Highlights – New Years Eve Special – 4 Nights

DAY 1 – DEPART FOR PYONGYANG

At 10:30am, meet us inside Terminal 2 of the Beijing Capital International Airport to check in for our scheduled departure of 01:05pm. 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!

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. Stop at the iconic Arch of Reunification built to commemorate the proposals of reunification.

On return to Pyongyang, take a 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: B, L, D)

DAY 3 – PYONGYANG & NEW YEAR’S EVE

We’ll begin the day with a special visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the grand mausoleum where the late leaders lie in state inside glass sarcophagi (formal dress 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, 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.

Stroll to 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.

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.

Get the chance to taste local Korean draft beers at the Taedonggang Bar Brewery No. 3. Then head down to the Taedong River where we’ll take a look at the Taedong Gate and Ryongwang Pavilion, two ancient relics and national treasures of North Korea. Board the Mujigae (Rainbow) Ship where we’ll enjoy dinner and beers with river views!

We’ll then join New Year’s Eve celebrations in Kim Il Sung Square with thousands of Pyongyang locals to ring in the 2021 New Year with an unforgettable fireworks display over the Taedong River!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 4 – PYONGYANG

First up, 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.

We’ll then head down to Kim Il Sung Square, the site of most of North Korea’s televised military parades, where we’ll see special folk activities enjoyed by the children in celebration of the New Year!

Take a city walk with a 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!

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.

Join the locals and show off your curveball with a stop at the retro Golden Lane Bowling.

After lunch, we’ll visit a local family in their Pyongyang apartment home. This is a great chance to interact, see how the locals live and learn about life in Pyongyang from those living here themselves!

We’ll then catch an afternoon performance of the incredible Pyongyang Theatre.

Continue our celebrations into the evening as we visit the Rakwon Beer House to taste the craft beers. This is one of the pioneering establishments of the microbrewery craze in Pyongyang!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 5 – FAREWELL

Option 1 (Included): Morning departure to Beijing via overnight international train. We will depart Pyongyang Railway Station approximately 10am. You will arrive into Beijing +1 day on January 3 approximately 8:40am local time.

** It’s possible to take the train to Dandong instead of right through to Beijing. You would arrive in Dandong on January 2 and be clear of immigration/customs by approximately 1730. Let us know if you’d prefer this option and you will be eligible for further discount.

Option 2 (+50 EUR): Morning departure to Beijing via Air Koryo flight. Estimated time of arrival is 09:50am local time, although flight times are subject to final confirmation. Please reserve connecting flights departing after 14:00pm 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.