The DPRK Weekender – National Day Special – 3 Nights (MASS GAMES CONFIRMED!)

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 (flight times to be confirmed but usually Air Koryo flights depart at 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.

En route to the hotel, our guides will point out the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery with its striking monument of a bayonet before 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! Check into the Koryo Hotel, our deluxe accommodation in the heart of Pyongyang popular with local residents, foreign diplomats, delegations, NGOs. Visit the Kaeson Youth Amusement Park where the thrillseekers among us can brave the rides with Pyongyang locals on a night out. Our welcome dinner will be in style at the Koryo Hotel’s top floor revolving restaurant!

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: L, D)

DAY 2 – 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. Afterward, we will 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. Afterward, stop at the original Sonjuk Bridge, a UNESCO site. On our return to Pyongyang, we will visit the newly renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and the USS Pueblo in its new spot (the “American Spy Ship” captured in 1968).

For dinner, enjoy Korean bibimbap and get the chance to taste local Korean draft beers at the Taedonggang Microbrewery.

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 3 – NATIONAL DAY

We will start the morning off with a walk in Kim Il Sung Square, the 3rd largest public square in the world and home to many of the North Korean military parades broadcast 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 Mansudae Fountain Park, a serene meeting spot for students in their free time and often used as a backdrop for wedding photos. 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 is customary to bow and lay flowers here. Visit the Grand People’s Study House, an extensive library used to further education and the heart of study on the national Juche ideology. We will then visit the Mangyongdae Native House, the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung.

After lunch, we will go walking on Moran Hill, a park place buzzing with festivities as locals celebrate the National Day with picnics and dancing! Learn about the DPRK’s defining ideology, the Juche philosophy, on a visit to the iconic Tower of Juche Idea for the best views in Pyongyang city! Then visit the massive Monument to Party Founding, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Afterward, we’ll witness (and take part in!) National Day festivities, usually including an unforgettable mass dance event where you can join in if you wish!

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. Dinner will be at a local Korean BBQ restaurant, a favorite among locals where we will cook our own meats at the table!

** Tonight we will attend the MASS GAMES 2019! **

Overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

(Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 4 – FAREWELL

Morning departure to Beijing. Estimated time of arrival is 10:00 a.m. local time. Please reserve any connecting flights departing after 1pm 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.