PYONGYANG MARATHON TOUR - APRIL 11-14/15
3 nights in the DPRK (plus one on the train, optional)
Register today for the event of a lifetime !
Contact us here.
Race details
There will be a full marathon, a half-marathon and a 10 km run, all at the same time. All three races start and finish at Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Stadium. Last year the stadium was full of spectators and we would expect the same again, so if you have ever wanted to run in a stadium with around 50,000 people watching and cheering then this is your chance!
Please check the expected finishing times for each of the three races. If you would like to register for this amazing event, then be sure to register for a race that you can complete in the time set. Bear in mind also that the local Korean runners will all be at a high level, so if you want to run in the pack of locals then you would need a fast pace at least at first, or to run the shorter distances.
This is, at this point in time, the only opportunity that foreigners have to run freely in the streets of Pyongyang. A very unique way to see this very spacious and green city, and an incredible opportunity to high-five the thousands of spectators who line the route to the Kim Il Sung stadium !
Runners may be allowed to carry cameras, phones, iPods, water bottles etc. while on the run. We hope to have this confirmed soon. Moreover, there will be water stations approximately every 2 km along the route.
The race is planned to start at 09:30 on Sunday April 12th. Registration procedures will need to have everyone there an hour in advance (to receive a number etc). We will ensure that breakfast is available early that day so that runners can prepare. We will also make it possible to get some carbs in before the race the night before at one of Pyongyang’s Italian restaurants. If you have your own foods that you eat before a race then please bring them along with you.
The marathon winners will receive a medal and prize. Be reminded that in 2014 the marathon was won in a time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, so get training now!
Tour itinerary
Please note that the itinerary may differ slightly to what is shown below. However, your tour leader will do their best to ensure that as much is covered as possible and will also add in extras when there is time, such as a visit to a local bar or a funfair. We visit the DPRK regularly and know all the best places to go to make your trip even more unique. We will make the most of your time in the DPRK to guarantee the experience of a lifetime.
Fri 10th April
4PM - the group assembles in the Koryo Tours office in Beijing 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 who live in Hong Kong can attend a pre-tour briefing in Hong Kong - time and venue to be announced.
Sat 11th April
AM: This morning we will meet outside the Koryo Tours office (time to be confirmed) and together we will head to Beijing Airport Terminal 2 for our flight from Beijing to Pyongyang (1.5 hrs) - the showcase capital of the DPRK with a population of approximately 2 million.
PM: Upon arrival in Pyongyang (approximately 4pm - the 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 Arch is, put simply, much like the famous Parisian monument, but bigger. This is an Important landmark in Korean history as it is built on the place where Kim Il Sung gave a speech to the Korean people after the surrender of the Japanese. We will also visit the Mansudae Grand Monument - the 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 local customs, which include placing a bouquet of flowers at the monument and bowing in front of the statues.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (one of the deluxe-class hotels in the country located on an island in the Taedong River, which flows right through the centre of the city.
Sun 12th April
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 ! Whether you are watching or taking part, this is the highlight of the tour. You can do a full marathon, a half-marathon or a 10 km run, right through the streets of Pyongyang and in the company of hundreds of local runners, an amazing experience guaranteed ! After completing the run a shower at the hotel will be in order ! During the Marathon event those who are not running can either watch from the streets or attend a local football match inside the Kim Il Sung stadium (this is also where the marathon events start and finish). There is usually a large crowd at this time of year so a good atmosphere and some amazing photos can be expected !
PM: First stop of the afternoon is the Tower of the Juche Idea. At 150 metres, and topped with a flickering red torch, it is the highest stone monument in the world. Take the lift to the top for stunning views over Pyongyang (costs EUR 5). After this we head to the nearby Party Foundation Monument - an iconic sculpture of a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush commemorating 50 years of the Workers' Party rule. We will enjoy a great view towards the Mansudae Grand Monument and on to the Ryugyong hotel. We then visit the Foreign Languages Bookstore 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 where the military parades pass through. Last visit of the day is the Mangyongdae Native House - the native birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. If time allows, then we'll also walk up the hill to a pavillion that overlooks the Taedong River.
In the evening there may be time for some relaxation at the Golden Lane Bowling Centre where Pyongyangers go for their ten-pin fix. It also has some early 90s arcade games. Even if you do not play, it is worth grabbing a seat and watching the locals have some fun. It is one of the most popular places for boys and girls to meet or take their dates. There is also a brand new Shooting Range here that you are welcome to try out, test your skills against the off duty soldiers who often hang out here. Finally we’ll head for a local bar to relax after this epic day!.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Mon 13th April
AM: After an early breakfast we take a 2.5-hour drive south to Kaesong, which is a historical city near the DMZ. After arriving in Kaesong 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 demarcation line 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 : After lunch we take a walk through the old part of Kaesong up to Janam Hill for a beautiful view over Kaesong City. We drive back to Pyongyang and take a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, which isthe 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. Our farewell dinner is in the Duck BBQ Restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (one of the deluxe-class hotels in the country)
Tues 14th April
Today is departure day.
For those flying out, the flight departs Pyongyang at 09:00 and arrives in Beijing at approximately 10:00am. The tour ends here.
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 80).
OVERNIGHT: On train
Wed 15th April
AM: The train arrives into Beijing Central Railway Station just after 08:30am - this is the end of the tour.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
We also offer a 2-night tour for participants who need to return back home (or to work !) soon after the run.
CAN'T MAKE THE 3-NIGHT SCHEDULE ? NO WORRIES. YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE !
If our 3-night schedule does not fit your diary, then don't worry. As an alternative, you can fly into the DPRK on Saturday, run on Sunday, and leave the country on Monday morning. You will reach Beijing at 10 am, leaving you plenty of time to take an onward flight to your home country that same day. Participants from Hong Kong in particular will find this option very convenient, and will be able to be back at work or in school on Tuesday morning.
Please contact us for more details.
And if you are part of a larger group that wants to travel together, then we can help you set up an independent tour, including the option where you fly to Pyongyang on Saturday, run on Sunday, and return to Beijing (and onwards) on Monday.
Participants from Hong Kong : it is very feasible to arrive back in Hong Kong by Monday late afternoon. Send us a message and we will help you forward !
For the cost of this tour, please click here.
3 nights in the DPRK (plus one on the train, optional)
Register today for the event of a lifetime !
Contact us here.
Race details
There will be a full marathon, a half-marathon and a 10 km run, all at the same time. All three races start and finish at Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Stadium. Last year the stadium was full of spectators and we would expect the same again, so if you have ever wanted to run in a stadium with around 50,000 people watching and cheering then this is your chance!
Please check the expected finishing times for each of the three races. If you would like to register for this amazing event, then be sure to register for a race that you can complete in the time set. Bear in mind also that the local Korean runners will all be at a high level, so if you want to run in the pack of locals then you would need a fast pace at least at first, or to run the shorter distances.
This is, at this point in time, the only opportunity that foreigners have to run freely in the streets of Pyongyang. A very unique way to see this very spacious and green city, and an incredible opportunity to high-five the thousands of spectators who line the route to the Kim Il Sung stadium !
Runners may be allowed to carry cameras, phones, iPods, water bottles etc. while on the run. We hope to have this confirmed soon. Moreover, there will be water stations approximately every 2 km along the route.
The race is planned to start at 09:30 on Sunday April 12th. Registration procedures will need to have everyone there an hour in advance (to receive a number etc). We will ensure that breakfast is available early that day so that runners can prepare. We will also make it possible to get some carbs in before the race the night before at one of Pyongyang’s Italian restaurants. If you have your own foods that you eat before a race then please bring them along with you.
The marathon winners will receive a medal and prize. Be reminded that in 2014 the marathon was won in a time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, so get training now!
Tour itinerary
Please note that the itinerary may differ slightly to what is shown below. However, your tour leader will do their best to ensure that as much is covered as possible and will also add in extras when there is time, such as a visit to a local bar or a funfair. We visit the DPRK regularly and know all the best places to go to make your trip even more unique. We will make the most of your time in the DPRK to guarantee the experience of a lifetime.
Fri 10th April
4PM - the group assembles in the Koryo Tours office in Beijing 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 who live in Hong Kong can attend a pre-tour briefing in Hong Kong - time and venue to be announced.
Sat 11th April
AM: This morning we will meet outside the Koryo Tours office (time to be confirmed) and together we will head to Beijing Airport Terminal 2 for our flight from Beijing to Pyongyang (1.5 hrs) - the showcase capital of the DPRK with a population of approximately 2 million.
PM: Upon arrival in Pyongyang (approximately 4pm - the 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 Arch is, put simply, much like the famous Parisian monument, but bigger. This is an Important landmark in Korean history as it is built on the place where Kim Il Sung gave a speech to the Korean people after the surrender of the Japanese. We will also visit the Mansudae Grand Monument - the 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 local customs, which include placing a bouquet of flowers at the monument and bowing in front of the statues.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (one of the deluxe-class hotels in the country located on an island in the Taedong River, which flows right through the centre of the city.
Sun 12th April
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 ! Whether you are watching or taking part, this is the highlight of the tour. You can do a full marathon, a half-marathon or a 10 km run, right through the streets of Pyongyang and in the company of hundreds of local runners, an amazing experience guaranteed ! After completing the run a shower at the hotel will be in order ! During the Marathon event those who are not running can either watch from the streets or attend a local football match inside the Kim Il Sung stadium (this is also where the marathon events start and finish). There is usually a large crowd at this time of year so a good atmosphere and some amazing photos can be expected !
PM: First stop of the afternoon is the Tower of the Juche Idea. At 150 metres, and topped with a flickering red torch, it is the highest stone monument in the world. Take the lift to the top for stunning views over Pyongyang (costs EUR 5). After this we head to the nearby Party Foundation Monument - an iconic sculpture of a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush commemorating 50 years of the Workers' Party rule. We will enjoy a great view towards the Mansudae Grand Monument and on to the Ryugyong hotel. We then visit the Foreign Languages Bookstore 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 where the military parades pass through. Last visit of the day is the Mangyongdae Native House - the native birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. If time allows, then we'll also walk up the hill to a pavillion that overlooks the Taedong River.
In the evening there may be time for some relaxation at the Golden Lane Bowling Centre where Pyongyangers go for their ten-pin fix. It also has some early 90s arcade games. Even if you do not play, it is worth grabbing a seat and watching the locals have some fun. It is one of the most popular places for boys and girls to meet or take their dates. There is also a brand new Shooting Range here that you are welcome to try out, test your skills against the off duty soldiers who often hang out here. Finally we’ll head for a local bar to relax after this epic day!.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Mon 13th April
AM: After an early breakfast we take a 2.5-hour drive south to Kaesong, which is a historical city near the DMZ. After arriving in Kaesong 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 demarcation line 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 : After lunch we take a walk through the old part of Kaesong up to Janam Hill for a beautiful view over Kaesong City. We drive back to Pyongyang and take a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, which isthe 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. Our farewell dinner is in the Duck BBQ Restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang (one of the deluxe-class hotels in the country)
Tues 14th April
Today is departure day.
For those flying out, the flight departs Pyongyang at 09:00 and arrives in Beijing at approximately 10:00am. The tour ends here.
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 80).
OVERNIGHT: On train
Wed 15th April
AM: The train arrives into Beijing Central Railway Station just after 08:30am - this is the end of the tour.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
We also offer a 2-night tour for participants who need to return back home (or to work !) soon after the run.
CAN'T MAKE THE 3-NIGHT SCHEDULE ? NO WORRIES. YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE !
If our 3-night schedule does not fit your diary, then don't worry. As an alternative, you can fly into the DPRK on Saturday, run on Sunday, and leave the country on Monday morning. You will reach Beijing at 10 am, leaving you plenty of time to take an onward flight to your home country that same day. Participants from Hong Kong in particular will find this option very convenient, and will be able to be back at work or in school on Tuesday morning.
Please contact us for more details.
And if you are part of a larger group that wants to travel together, then we can help you set up an independent tour, including the option where you fly to Pyongyang on Saturday, run on Sunday, and return to Beijing (and onwards) on Monday.
Participants from Hong Kong : it is very feasible to arrive back in Hong Kong by Monday late afternoon. Send us a message and we will help you forward !
For the cost of this tour, please click here.