Kim Il Sung Birthday Short Tour Itinerary 2015
Apr 11 – 16/17 (Sat – Thurs/Fri)
5 nights + 1 on train (flight – train)
Ideal for anyone wanting to see both the giant celebrations for the anniversary of the birth of eternal President Kim Il Sung as well as getting out of the city to some of the highlights of the country. We’ll see all we can see of the holiday festivities in the capital, mix it up with the people on their days off (bowling, visiting a local bar, spending time in the parks which are the best places for mingling). We then head away from the city to get a taste of what there is to see in other areas of the DPRK. Participants in this tour will also be able to participate in or watch the Pyongyang Marathon event (with half-marathon and 10 km run also).
Detailed itinerary :
Friday 10th April – TOUR BRIEFING 4PM - group assembles in the Koryo Tours office for a pre-tour briefing which will last approximately 1 hour and is designed so that you will get the best out of your tour. Please be punctual - you can even come early, pay any outstanding tour fees and browse our art gallery and merchandise. Participants from Hong Kong may attend a pre-tour briefing in Hong Kong - date, time and venue to be announced.
Saturday 11th April – ARRIVAL DAY
AM: This morning we will meet outside the Koryo office (time to be confirmed) and together head to Beijing Airport Terminal 2 for our flight Beijing to Pyongyang (1.5 hrs) - the showcase capital of the DPRK
PM: Upon arrival in Pyongyang (approximately 4pm - DPRK is one hour ahead of China), we proceed through immigration and customs and meet our guides who will accompany us during our stay. On our way to the hotel we will visit the Arch of Triumph built in 1982 to commemorate Korean independence from Japan, this is – put simply – much like the famous Parisian monument, but bigger.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Sunday 12th April – PYONGYANG MARATHON & CITY TOUR
AM: This morning we head straight for Kim Il Sung Stadium for the highlight of the day: the PYONGYANG MARATHON. This is only the second year that the marathon has been open to amateur runners so get your shorts on, limber up, and start running! You can do a 10km run, half marathon or a full marathon. Running through the streets of Pyongyang with hundreds of local runners is guaranteed to be an amazing experience. Those who are not running can either watch from the streets and cheer on those participating, or – alternatively – attend a local football match inside Kim Il Sung Stadium (where the marathon also starts and finishes). There is often a large crowd at this time of year so a good atmosphere and some amazing photos can be expected!
PM: First stop after we’ve been back to the hotel for lunch and a shower is The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, where you can learn the history of the Korean War from the North Korean perspective. The museum’s different rooms explain the origins of the conflict, and include highly impressive dioramas, tanks, planes, and much more. Then it’s on to the USS Pueblo – an American spy ship captured by the DPRK navy in 1968. We then visit the Foreign Languages Bookshop and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Pyongyang. On our journey, we walk through the heart of the city, and stop by Kim Il Sung Square, which is Pyongyang’s largest. This is where the capital’s mass dances take place and the military parades pass through. After a long day we drive to the historical city of Kaesong in time for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Minsok Folk Hotel, Kaesong (beautiful courtyard hotel with Li dynasty housing where guests sleep on heated floors in traditional Korean style; basic - sporadic hot water and frequent power cuts but a great experience as you are living literally next door to the local inhabitants.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION: If you would rather sleep in a proper bed then there is the option of choosing the 1970s socialist style JANAMSAN HOTEL, interestingly decorated and with a much better chance of hot water! Please confirm upon booking which of these hotels you would prefer – there is no difference in cost.
Please note that the area around Kaesong is considered to be a malarial area by the WHO, however, provided tourists take proper precautions (use good mosquito repellant and mosquito nets – these are provided in the hotel we use) there is very little risk of contracting the disease from the places that we visit. The WHO state that there is no need to take malaria prophylaxis when visiting and in any case, this is not recommended for visits of less than 1-2 weeks. We have never had any cases of our tourists contracting the disease. However, please be warned that most travelers to an area with malaria are deferred from donating blood for 1 year after their return so this may affect you if you are a regular blood donor.
Monday 13th April – KAESONG & THE DMZ
AM: This morning we’ll walk from the hotel though the old streets of Kaesong up to Janam Hill for views over Kaesong City. Then we take a short drive (approx 20 minutes) to Panmunjom/DMZ where North and South Korea continue their decades-old face-off. It is possible to go into one of the huts that straddle the demarcationline and actually cross over into South Korea! This is one of the few places where you can take pictures of (and even with) members of the DPRK military. Next, we head back to Kaesong and visit the Kaesong Koryo Museum, a beautiful old Confucian University, to learn about the history of the area. The stamp shop here is excellent too. Lunch is a traditional pansanggi meal – something like Korean tapas. For anyone wanting to supplement their lunch, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample Korea’s famous delicacy: ‘sweetmeat soup’ (aka dog meat; costs EUR 5).
PM: This afternoon we drive back to Pyongyang via the Juche Tower. At 150m, topped with a flickering red torch, this is the highest stone monument in the world. Take the lift to the top for stunning views over Pyongyang (entrance costs EUR 5). Next stop: we go deep underground for a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, which is the deepest subway system in the world. The designs of the main stations are stunning, and particularly notable for their superb lighting and mosaics. This is a great chance to interact with local people, especially if you are prepared to learn some basic greetings in Korean. We then drive 40 mins north to the town of Pyongsong in time for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Jangsusan Hotel, Pyongsong (basic but comfortable – bring a torch!)
Tuesday 14th April – PYONGSONG
AM: After an early breakfast we head out to the Central Square, then to Paeksong Revolutionary Site, which is where Kim Il Sung University was moved to in 1952 during the Korean War; a hidden academic base! Take a walk through the old classrooms and kitchens. Next stop is Pyongsong Provisions Production Factory – a foodstuffs factory that produces everything from popcorn to beer and soju (a Korean rice wine). Visitors can watch the production line and taste the array of snacks made in this place. Last stop before lunch is a visit to the local Ponghak beer factory,which has only very recently opened to foreign visitors. Be among the very first tourists to visit this factory!
PM: After lunch we have a short drive to Kim Jong Suk Higher Middle School (named after the mother of Kim Jong Il). The headmaster here is very welcoming and will take us on a tour of the school, where you can see what middle-school students typically study in the DPRK. If you are brave enough then you are encouraged to jump in and chat to students in their English class! This can often be a valuable first opportunity for English-language learners in Pyongsong to converse with a native English speaker. We drive back to Pyongyang and head to the Party Foundation Monument – an iconic sculpture of a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush – was constructed to celebrate 50 years of Workers’ Party rule. Before dinner it’s time to head to the Golden Lane Bowling Centre where Pyongyang’s residents go for their ten-pin fix. This is a great chance to mix with local people. Even if you don’t end up playing, it’s worth grabbing a seat here to watch everyone have some fun. There is also a shooting range next door where you can fire 20 rounds for $6. We’ll have dinner in a local restaurant before trying out the rides at Kaeson Youth Funfair - one of the most popular nightspots in Pyongyang. It was renovated in 2010. All the rides are from Italy. Even if you can’t summon up the courage to go on a rollercoaster or two, this is still a great place for people watching, and the locals are generally more than happy to have their photos taken here!
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Wednesday 15th April – BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT KIM IL SUNG
DPRK HOLIDAY: 103rd Birthday of President Kim Il Sung - we start off the holiday with a visit to the Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun where North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state. This is a place of utmost importance for Koreans and tourists should behave accordingly. Men should wear a shirt and tie; women should dress smartly. Next we visit the Mansudae Grand Monument – giant bronze statues of North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. This is a very important place for Koreans and visitors are requested to follow the local custom and bow infront of the statues after placing down a bouquet of flowers. As it is a national holiday we expect to see more people here than usual. Next we go to the outskirts of Pyongyang (approx 20 min drive) to Mangyongdae Native House - the native birthplace of North Korean President Kim Il Sung. The rest of the day will be dedicated to events commemorating the holiday. The exact nature and timing of these events will not be confirmed until we get to the DPRK but based on our experience of being in the country for this holiday in previous years we expect the following: Kimilsungia Flower Show (free to enter) - this greenhouse is dedicated to the cultivation of the Kimilsungia (orchid) and the Kimjongilia (begonia) - today the displays will be focused on the former flower. This place is usually packed on this special day; Pyongyang Symphony Orchestra - usually held in the afternoon, this concert of Korean and western music is stunning (EUR 20); Pyongyang Circus - also in the afternoon, this is another stunning performance showcasing the talents of the DPRK's acrobats and other entertainers (EUR 20). For these events that require additional payment, we will always offer a free alternative such as a walk in the city or visiting a coffee shop - the itinerary will be confirmed on the spot in Pyongyang. We will also take a walk in Moranbong Park - located in the centre of Pyongyang, this is a favourite place for locals and during the holiday periods it is not unusual to come across a group of Koreans dancing. Make sure to learn basic Korean - the guides can help - to meet and greet people and you might even get the opportunity to join in. Also popular places to visit on a holiday are our next two stops. As today is a national holiday we expect to see a mass dance taking place. University students dress in their finest and gather together in various public spots around Pyongyang to dance together (a great time for young couples to meet for the first time) - an impressive spectacle indeed. We’ll round off the day with a drink at Taedonggang Bar No.3 before our farewell dinner in the Duck BBQ restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang.
Thursday 16th April – DEPARTURE DAY
AM: Today is departure day.
For those flying out the flight departs Pyongyang at 09:00 and arrives in Beijing at approx 10:00am.
Those taking the train option depart Pyongyang station at 10:40. The journey to Sinuiju (border city) takes around 5 hours and lunch is served in the dining car for those who want it (EUR 5). The immigration/customs procedures on the DPRK side take between 1.5 to 2.5 hrs and there is no need to get off the train at any time. The international carriages then continue over the Friendship Bridge which spans the Yalu River (as you cross look to the left to see the bridge damaged in the Korean War) and on to Dandong, China. The immigration/customs procedures here are much quicker - around 30 minutes.
Those doing the Dandong option alight here and the train (the carriages attach onto a Chinese domestic train) departs at 18:30 local time. Dinner can be eaten in the Chinese dining car (costs RMB 60).
End of Tour.
TOUR COST: EUR 1490
VISA FEE: EUR 50
FLIGHT EXIT SUPPLEMENT : EUR 50
Apr 11 – 16/17 (Sat – Thurs/Fri)
5 nights + 1 on train (flight – train)
Ideal for anyone wanting to see both the giant celebrations for the anniversary of the birth of eternal President Kim Il Sung as well as getting out of the city to some of the highlights of the country. We’ll see all we can see of the holiday festivities in the capital, mix it up with the people on their days off (bowling, visiting a local bar, spending time in the parks which are the best places for mingling). We then head away from the city to get a taste of what there is to see in other areas of the DPRK. Participants in this tour will also be able to participate in or watch the Pyongyang Marathon event (with half-marathon and 10 km run also).
Detailed itinerary :
Friday 10th April – TOUR BRIEFING 4PM - group assembles in the Koryo Tours office for a pre-tour briefing which will last approximately 1 hour and is designed so that you will get the best out of your tour. Please be punctual - you can even come early, pay any outstanding tour fees and browse our art gallery and merchandise. Participants from Hong Kong may attend a pre-tour briefing in Hong Kong - date, time and venue to be announced.
Saturday 11th April – ARRIVAL DAY
AM: This morning we will meet outside the Koryo office (time to be confirmed) and together head to Beijing Airport Terminal 2 for our flight Beijing to Pyongyang (1.5 hrs) - the showcase capital of the DPRK
PM: Upon arrival in Pyongyang (approximately 4pm - DPRK is one hour ahead of China), we proceed through immigration and customs and meet our guides who will accompany us during our stay. On our way to the hotel we will visit the Arch of Triumph built in 1982 to commemorate Korean independence from Japan, this is – put simply – much like the famous Parisian monument, but bigger.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Sunday 12th April – PYONGYANG MARATHON & CITY TOUR
AM: This morning we head straight for Kim Il Sung Stadium for the highlight of the day: the PYONGYANG MARATHON. This is only the second year that the marathon has been open to amateur runners so get your shorts on, limber up, and start running! You can do a 10km run, half marathon or a full marathon. Running through the streets of Pyongyang with hundreds of local runners is guaranteed to be an amazing experience. Those who are not running can either watch from the streets and cheer on those participating, or – alternatively – attend a local football match inside Kim Il Sung Stadium (where the marathon also starts and finishes). There is often a large crowd at this time of year so a good atmosphere and some amazing photos can be expected!
PM: First stop after we’ve been back to the hotel for lunch and a shower is The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, where you can learn the history of the Korean War from the North Korean perspective. The museum’s different rooms explain the origins of the conflict, and include highly impressive dioramas, tanks, planes, and much more. Then it’s on to the USS Pueblo – an American spy ship captured by the DPRK navy in 1968. We then visit the Foreign Languages Bookshop and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Pyongyang. On our journey, we walk through the heart of the city, and stop by Kim Il Sung Square, which is Pyongyang’s largest. This is where the capital’s mass dances take place and the military parades pass through. After a long day we drive to the historical city of Kaesong in time for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Minsok Folk Hotel, Kaesong (beautiful courtyard hotel with Li dynasty housing where guests sleep on heated floors in traditional Korean style; basic - sporadic hot water and frequent power cuts but a great experience as you are living literally next door to the local inhabitants.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION: If you would rather sleep in a proper bed then there is the option of choosing the 1970s socialist style JANAMSAN HOTEL, interestingly decorated and with a much better chance of hot water! Please confirm upon booking which of these hotels you would prefer – there is no difference in cost.
Please note that the area around Kaesong is considered to be a malarial area by the WHO, however, provided tourists take proper precautions (use good mosquito repellant and mosquito nets – these are provided in the hotel we use) there is very little risk of contracting the disease from the places that we visit. The WHO state that there is no need to take malaria prophylaxis when visiting and in any case, this is not recommended for visits of less than 1-2 weeks. We have never had any cases of our tourists contracting the disease. However, please be warned that most travelers to an area with malaria are deferred from donating blood for 1 year after their return so this may affect you if you are a regular blood donor.
Monday 13th April – KAESONG & THE DMZ
AM: This morning we’ll walk from the hotel though the old streets of Kaesong up to Janam Hill for views over Kaesong City. Then we take a short drive (approx 20 minutes) to Panmunjom/DMZ where North and South Korea continue their decades-old face-off. It is possible to go into one of the huts that straddle the demarcationline and actually cross over into South Korea! This is one of the few places where you can take pictures of (and even with) members of the DPRK military. Next, we head back to Kaesong and visit the Kaesong Koryo Museum, a beautiful old Confucian University, to learn about the history of the area. The stamp shop here is excellent too. Lunch is a traditional pansanggi meal – something like Korean tapas. For anyone wanting to supplement their lunch, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample Korea’s famous delicacy: ‘sweetmeat soup’ (aka dog meat; costs EUR 5).
PM: This afternoon we drive back to Pyongyang via the Juche Tower. At 150m, topped with a flickering red torch, this is the highest stone monument in the world. Take the lift to the top for stunning views over Pyongyang (entrance costs EUR 5). Next stop: we go deep underground for a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, which is the deepest subway system in the world. The designs of the main stations are stunning, and particularly notable for their superb lighting and mosaics. This is a great chance to interact with local people, especially if you are prepared to learn some basic greetings in Korean. We then drive 40 mins north to the town of Pyongsong in time for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Jangsusan Hotel, Pyongsong (basic but comfortable – bring a torch!)
Tuesday 14th April – PYONGSONG
AM: After an early breakfast we head out to the Central Square, then to Paeksong Revolutionary Site, which is where Kim Il Sung University was moved to in 1952 during the Korean War; a hidden academic base! Take a walk through the old classrooms and kitchens. Next stop is Pyongsong Provisions Production Factory – a foodstuffs factory that produces everything from popcorn to beer and soju (a Korean rice wine). Visitors can watch the production line and taste the array of snacks made in this place. Last stop before lunch is a visit to the local Ponghak beer factory,which has only very recently opened to foreign visitors. Be among the very first tourists to visit this factory!
PM: After lunch we have a short drive to Kim Jong Suk Higher Middle School (named after the mother of Kim Jong Il). The headmaster here is very welcoming and will take us on a tour of the school, where you can see what middle-school students typically study in the DPRK. If you are brave enough then you are encouraged to jump in and chat to students in their English class! This can often be a valuable first opportunity for English-language learners in Pyongsong to converse with a native English speaker. We drive back to Pyongyang and head to the Party Foundation Monument – an iconic sculpture of a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush – was constructed to celebrate 50 years of Workers’ Party rule. Before dinner it’s time to head to the Golden Lane Bowling Centre where Pyongyang’s residents go for their ten-pin fix. This is a great chance to mix with local people. Even if you don’t end up playing, it’s worth grabbing a seat here to watch everyone have some fun. There is also a shooting range next door where you can fire 20 rounds for $6. We’ll have dinner in a local restaurant before trying out the rides at Kaeson Youth Funfair - one of the most popular nightspots in Pyongyang. It was renovated in 2010. All the rides are from Italy. Even if you can’t summon up the courage to go on a rollercoaster or two, this is still a great place for people watching, and the locals are generally more than happy to have their photos taken here!
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Wednesday 15th April – BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT KIM IL SUNG
DPRK HOLIDAY: 103rd Birthday of President Kim Il Sung - we start off the holiday with a visit to the Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun where North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state. This is a place of utmost importance for Koreans and tourists should behave accordingly. Men should wear a shirt and tie; women should dress smartly. Next we visit the Mansudae Grand Monument – giant bronze statues of North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. This is a very important place for Koreans and visitors are requested to follow the local custom and bow infront of the statues after placing down a bouquet of flowers. As it is a national holiday we expect to see more people here than usual. Next we go to the outskirts of Pyongyang (approx 20 min drive) to Mangyongdae Native House - the native birthplace of North Korean President Kim Il Sung. The rest of the day will be dedicated to events commemorating the holiday. The exact nature and timing of these events will not be confirmed until we get to the DPRK but based on our experience of being in the country for this holiday in previous years we expect the following: Kimilsungia Flower Show (free to enter) - this greenhouse is dedicated to the cultivation of the Kimilsungia (orchid) and the Kimjongilia (begonia) - today the displays will be focused on the former flower. This place is usually packed on this special day; Pyongyang Symphony Orchestra - usually held in the afternoon, this concert of Korean and western music is stunning (EUR 20); Pyongyang Circus - also in the afternoon, this is another stunning performance showcasing the talents of the DPRK's acrobats and other entertainers (EUR 20). For these events that require additional payment, we will always offer a free alternative such as a walk in the city or visiting a coffee shop - the itinerary will be confirmed on the spot in Pyongyang. We will also take a walk in Moranbong Park - located in the centre of Pyongyang, this is a favourite place for locals and during the holiday periods it is not unusual to come across a group of Koreans dancing. Make sure to learn basic Korean - the guides can help - to meet and greet people and you might even get the opportunity to join in. Also popular places to visit on a holiday are our next two stops. As today is a national holiday we expect to see a mass dance taking place. University students dress in their finest and gather together in various public spots around Pyongyang to dance together (a great time for young couples to meet for the first time) - an impressive spectacle indeed. We’ll round off the day with a drink at Taedonggang Bar No.3 before our farewell dinner in the Duck BBQ restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang.
Thursday 16th April – DEPARTURE DAY
AM: Today is departure day.
For those flying out the flight departs Pyongyang at 09:00 and arrives in Beijing at approx 10:00am.
Those taking the train option depart Pyongyang station at 10:40. The journey to Sinuiju (border city) takes around 5 hours and lunch is served in the dining car for those who want it (EUR 5). The immigration/customs procedures on the DPRK side take between 1.5 to 2.5 hrs and there is no need to get off the train at any time. The international carriages then continue over the Friendship Bridge which spans the Yalu River (as you cross look to the left to see the bridge damaged in the Korean War) and on to Dandong, China. The immigration/customs procedures here are much quicker - around 30 minutes.
Those doing the Dandong option alight here and the train (the carriages attach onto a Chinese domestic train) departs at 18:30 local time. Dinner can be eaten in the Chinese dining car (costs RMB 60).
End of Tour.
TOUR COST: EUR 1490
VISA FEE: EUR 50
FLIGHT EXIT SUPPLEMENT : EUR 50