National Day & North East Tour

What's it all about?

This tour includes the rural north east Korea which is way off the usual tourist trail!

We combine the must see sights of Pyongyang and the DMZ with a connecting domestic flight – something that is certainly unique for an experience in North Korea.

Our journey first starts in Beijing where we’ll board our overnight sleeper train to Pyongyang.

During our tour in Pyongyang we’ll be visiting Kim Il Sung Square, exploring the Pyongyang Metro, visiting the Mausoleum where Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lay in state, checking out the Korean War Museum, and much more!

Next on our agenda, we’ll fly domestically to North Korea’s third largest city; Chongjin. Here we’ll visit a local kindergarten where the workers of the Kim Chaek steelworks factory send their children to study. We’ll also explore the recently renovated square and the revolutionary museum that tells the history of the battle for liberation against the Japanese during the Second World War.

Our next destination is Mt Chilbo, famous for it’s incredible beauty. Here we’ll stay in the only home-stay available in the country. This is a one of a kind experience will lead us to spend our day’s and night’s eating, drinking, playing sports and exchanging photos with our Korean hosts. We’ll also take advantage of the mountains here and go for gentle hikes along the peaks for spectacular views over the ocean. We’ll have a night in remote Gyongsong before making our way back to Orang Airport for our flight back to Pyongyang! This concludes our tour of the rural north east of Korea.

Once arriving in Pyongyang we’ll meet our old guides again to end the tour in style with a day trip to the DMZ to see where both North and South Korea are divided.

And there you have it! All the must-see sights of North Korea in one very convenient and not to be missed North East Korea tour.

Where?

Beijing – Pyongyang – Orang – Chongjin – Mount Chilbo – Pyongyang – Kaesong – Sariwon – Pyongyang – Beijing.

When?

September 6th – 17th, 2021

Visa?

We will take care of every detail of the North Korea visa application and we’ll hand you the physical visa card at the pre-tour meeting in Beijing.

We’ll also help you with your China visa application by supplying an invitation letter. If you are planning to apply for the 144 hour China transit visa on arrival then we will send you your DPRK visa and flight ticket to Pyongyang so you can apply on arrival in Beijing.

The Itinerary

September 6th - Beijing

Meet your Rocky Road guide at 2pm at a Beijing Hotel near Beijing Railway Station. During this meeting, we’ll go through the tour’s itinerary, receive your North Korean visas and tickets, and meet your fellow travellers. It’s a great opportunity to ask any last questions you may have.
The train departs Beijing Central station at 5:25pm. There will be a chance to stock up on supplies for the journey. There’s also a restaurant car on the train.
The train is a full sleeper with all bedding and pillows provided
Overnight on the train.

September 7th - Dandong / Pyongyang

Train group arrive in Dandong at 7:00am for Chinese border control then departs again for Sinuiju at 10:00am.
Flight takers depart Beijing Airport Terminal 2 on Air Koryo at 12:00pm (Meet group at Air Koryo check in counter).
Flight group arrive in Pyongyang at 3:00pm to a warm welcome from your Korean guides.
Train group arrive at 6:45pm to an equally warm welcome and transfer directly to the hotel.
In the evening your guide will show you around the hotel before taking you for drinks and to get to know your Korean guides
Dinner and overnight at the Yanggakdo Hotel.

September 8th - Pyongyang

Morning

Stroll through Mansudae fountain park taking in the Grand Peoples Study House and see the mosaic pictures of the leaders.
Visit Mansudae Grand Monument – the two large bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il.
Ride the Pyongyang Metro! See three of the stations and Exit to:
The Arch of Triumph – This celebrates the victory over the Japanese and the triumphant return of Kim Il Sung to his home town.

Afternoon

Lunch at a Korean Hot Pot restaurant.
Kim Il Sung Square – The central square of Pyongyang City and a popular meeting point.
Foreign Language Bookshop – right next to the square and the best place for pins, stamps, books and other souvenirs!
Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. This incredible museum features dioramas, captured weapons, the Victory Monument, and the USS Pueblo: the only American military vessel captured by another nation.
Mangyingdae Schoolchildren’s Palace – here we’ll watch a spectacular kids performance!
Stop by a local department store – here we can buy local made items and use the local North Korean currency! You can take some home as a souvenir.
Dinner at a local restaurant complete with a special performance from the waitresses.
Special celebratory events (optional: approx €20) – We will take part in any events that are possible to attend.
Spectate and join in university students performing a mass dance near an iconic Pyongyang monument!
Drinks at the Taedongang #3 brewery with seven different beers on tap!
Dinner at the Duck BBQ Restaurant.
Overnight in the Sosan Hotel.

September 9th - Pyongyang - National Day!

Morning

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun – This is where the Leader’s Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lay in state.
Grand People’s study House– main academic center for adult learners. This grand building is built in the Korean style and affords a great view over Kim Il Sung Square.

Afternoon

Lunch
The Juche tower (€5 extra to go all the way to the top) Amazing views over Pyongyang!
Monument to the Party Foundation – The hammer sickle and brush built in 1995.
Special celebratory events (optional: €20) – Yet to be confirmed but we will take part in any holiday events that are possible to attend.
Gentle stroll on Moran Hill and mingle with the celebrating locals.
Expected mass dance for Victory Day, join in or just watch for excellent photography opportunities!
Drop into the Mangsugyo beer bar for a pint or three! Lots of local and cheap beers, coffee’s and tea’s available.
Dinner at the National Restaurant with performance
See the Mass Games (TBC)
Fireworks display (TBC)
Overnight at the Sosan hotel.

September 10th - Pyongyang / Chongjin

Depart 10:00am on an Air Koryo flight to Orang Airport in the North East– this is a unique opportunities to fly domestically within North Korea!
Arrive at Orang Airport at 10:50am and drive to Chongjin (2 hours) – North Korea’s third largest city.
Check-into Chongjin Hotel and have lunch at the seaman’s club.
Visit the renovated city square and pay respects at the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il
We’ll walk around the square to visit the newly built E-Library.
Visit the Revolutionary Museum of Chongjin
Visit the local Kim Chaek Steel Complex Kindergarten for a Children’s Performance
Chongjin Foreign Languages school – Here we will have the chance to practice English with the students.
Visit the Soviet Martyrs Cemetery – this cemetery was built to commemorate the Russians who landed in Chongjin to help battle the Japanese Aggressors during WW2. The Cemetery has a fantastic view of Chongjin’s port.
Dinner and drinks at Namgang Restaurant with a performance.
Overnight at Chongjin Hotel

September 11th - Homestay

Morning

Visit the Foodstuffs Factory – where bread, soju and other sweets are made locally in Chongjin.
North Hamgyong Mushroom Factory
Drive to Mt. Chilbo national park stopping along the coastal road for some amazing scenic views
Arrive at the entrance to Mt. Chilbo for an explanation of the area using the world’s largest mineral painting map as a guide.

Afternoon

Lunch at the Outer Chilbo hotel.
We’ll begin our easy hike through the mountains of Chilbo – this region is the most famous part of North Hamgyong province.
We’ll stop by Kaesim Buddhist Temple and meet the local monk here
We’ll drive to the homestay village where we’ll be greeted by our families and then taken to our homes.
Dinner and overnight at Homestay village

September 12th - Mt Chilbo

We’ll begin another hike, this time up to Tokgol and Gangsonmun areas – these are the highest peaks of the Mt. Chilbo area.
Picnic lunch once we reach the top!

Afternoon

Jump on a local fisherman’s boat and drive out to see to see the magnificent Mt. Chilbo from afar (€5 extra)
Spectate or play volleyball with the locals, help with some light chores or walk around to meet the neighbors!
Optional Korean wrestling tournament with the villagers.
Bonfire party on the beach with the villagers, singing songs and dancing.
Dinner and overnight at the village – two guests per family.

September 13th - Gyongsong

Drive north to Yombun revolutionary site – On the way we’ll stop at some very scenic salt farms
Gyongsong Revolutionary Museum
Jipsam Revolutionary Site with picnic lunch along the stunning coastline

Afternoon

Explore the Gyongsong City Walls dating back to the Koryo Dynasty
Gyongsong Health Spa (50 RMB) – Public sauna and bathing facilities. This is famous around North Korea for its health benefit.
Dinner and overnight at the Gyongsong Hotel

September 14th - Pyongyang

Morning

Gyongsong Revolutionary site – A house once used by the North Korean President Kim Il Sung. Here we will learn about his revolutionary exploits in the region.
Explore Changyon lake with stunning views

Afternoon

Picnic lunch along the lake – here we’ll meet with local fishermen and prepare freshly caught seafood over the BBQ!
Drive to Orang airport and board our 3:00pm flight to Pyongyang
Arrive at 3:50pm
Walk along the new Scientist Street to see one of the newest residential areas in town
Dinner
Overnight in the Chongnyon Hotel. Home to the only outdoor swimming pool in Pyongyang!

September 15th - DMZ

Morning

Early drive south to Kaesong.
The DMZ – tour Panmunjom with a friendly army officer who will give you the look around. You can even take photos with the army here! We should be the first ones here thus avoiding all the crowds!
Koryo Museum – Korea’s first university and now a UNESCO museum of history and culture. There’s also a wonderful stamp and postcard shop here so you can send postcards to your friends and family. Don’t forget to write down the address before you travel!

Afternoon

Lunch in Kaesong City – on the menu will be traditional Korean Pansangi, a series of dishes served in bronze bowls. (Optional extras- Dog Soup €5)
Visit the concrete wall section of the DMZ – this is off the usual tourist route and gives us a glimpse at the wall which was erected by the south side during the 70’s. We can even spy on the South Korean watch towers along the DMZ.
Stop by Sariwon city and check out the stunning view point from a hilltop pagoda.
Stop at the Monument to the Three Charters of National Reunification that stands over the Thongil (reunification) Highway.
Back to Pyongyang in time for dinner at the Duck BBQ restaurant.
Overnight in Chongnyon Hotel.

September 16th - Pyongyang

Morning

Flight takers depart at 10:00am for Beijing on Air Koryo arriving at 10:55am local Beijing time.
Train members depart at 10:30am for Beijing, arriving in Dandong at 16:30 local Chinese time. We’ll have time to stock up on supplies before our 18:30 onward departure to Beijing.

September 17th - Beijing

Train takers arrive in Beijing Railway Station at 9:00am.
End of Tour

Inclusions

Exclusions

Hotels in Korea

Twin share accommodation (single supplements are available for an extra €40 per night).
Train travel

Return train in and out from Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing. Contact us if you want to join the tour from the border town of Dandong.
All Meals

Three meals per day in the DPRK unless specified in the itinerary. (food on the train in & out not supplied).
Guides

Korean guides in North Korea and a western guide all the way from Beijing to guide you through border customs & immigration.
Transport

Air-conditioned bus and driver.

Flights

Optional extra flight from Beijing to Pyongyang or Pyongyang to Beijing. (Conditions apply, more info below)
Extra purchases

All meals are included (unless otherwise stated) with water and some beer. Any extra drinks or souvenirs that you buy are extra cost.
Visa

We arrange the DPRK visa for you at a cost of €50.
Tips

Tips are expected for your Korean local guides and driver. Normally this is calculated at €10 per day. For example, on a 5 day tour the total tip expected is €50. All tips go directly to both guides & driver.
Events

Sometimes special events pop up on when we are on tour and we may decide to attend. It's up to you whether or not to attend but usually these are extra cost. Examples include the circus or a music concert.

You’ll be in the experienced hands of our expert English speaking North Korean guides and Rocky Road Travel guide. Your itinerary may change slightly but we will always go above and beyond with added extras to the itinerary. We always put an emphasis on visiting real everyday life places such as local cafes, bars and amusement parks, bowling alleys etc.

Before & after each tour we will add you to dedicated email and social media groups so you can share photos easily with your travel mates. Let us know if you want to opt out of this.

To book simply get in touch below to start the conversation today.

by train

September 6th - 17th (Beijing - Beijing)

flight option

Extra €255 one way & €420 return

standard hotel

9 nights in North korea

the price

Only €1695 + visa €50 all inclusive

Dates don’t work?

More great options

August 13 – 22nd

Liberation Day tour

september 6 – 12th

national day tour

october 8 – 14th

party foundation day

Description
Itinerary
Inclusions
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National Day & North East Tour

What's it all about?