The DPRK Weekender – Liberation Day Special – Shanghai OR Beijing Departure – 2.5 Nights

THURSDAY – DEPART FOR PYONGYANG

Option 1: Depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

At 11:30am on Thursday, meet us inside Terminal 2 of the Beijing Capital International Airport to check in for our scheduled departure of 02:00pm (14:00). We will hand out your DPRK visas at this time. Timings to be confirmed.

Option 2: Depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

At 08:00pm (20:00) on Thursday, meet the group at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport to check in for our 10:35pm departure to Pyongyang. Approximate arrival into Pyongyang is at 01:55am (Friday). Timings to be confirmed.

Our Korean tour guides will greet us on arrival at the airport. On arrival we will check in at the prestigious Koryo Hotel.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: Dinner on flight)

DAY 1 – KAESONG & THE DMZ

Our day begins with a drive to the historical Kaesong city. Kaesong was left largely untouched during the Korean War and its traditional dwellings still stand.

Head to 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.

For lunch, enjoy pansanggi, a memorable Kaesong cuisine dished up in brass bowls, traditionally served for royalty.

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.

On our return to Pyongyang, stop at the Arch of Reunification, a massive monument spanning both sides of the motorway.

After dinner, take an optional visit to the Kaeson Youth Amusement Park, where the thrill-seekers among us can brave the rides with Pyongyang locals on a night out!

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 2 – PYONGYANG CITY TOUR

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.

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!

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 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.

Stroll through a park to the Mangyongdae Native House, a modest straw-thatched house in a serene park setting which is the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. Take a look through 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 visit the Tower of the Juche Idea to 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.

We’ll then get the chance to taste local Korean draft beers at the Taedonggang Bar Brewery No. 3.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 3 – LIBERATION DAY!

Visit 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.

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 Liberation Day, and we expect to see join large numbers of locals here!

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!

Grab your luggage and head to the airport for an evening flight back to Shanghai. Approximate time of departure is 7:55pm from Pyongyang with arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 9:35pm. Please reserve connecting flights departing after 01:30am local time (+1 day), to allow sufficient time for immigration/customs clearance, baggage claim and re-check-in. Timings to be confirmed.

(Meals: B, L, D on flight)

RETURN TO SHANGHAI PUDONG AT 19:55 ON SUNDAY NIGHT

This itinerary is subject to change at any time.