Pyongyang Language & Study Tour
- July 9 -27th / August 8th
- 1595 / 2595
- 17 / 29 Days
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What's it all about?
Be part of an tiny group of foreigners to study at the Kim Chol Ju University of Education!
Get a truly unique North Korean experience with three hours of class time daily on weekdays and an hour of extra-curricular activities with other students.
On weekends we take trips out of the city including excursions to the DMZ and relaxing getaways to Masikryong resort, Wonsan and Mt Myohyang. We also make daily trips to some of Pyongyang’s most famous sites.
We’ve also added an optional extension to Korea’s iconic Paektu Mountain. During the 2 day add on you will join up the Victory Day & Mt Paektu tour group and fly internally to the North of the country and to the top of a volcano!
This is quite the experience as not only do you get to fly on an old Soviet propeller plane, but you also get to visit one of the most naturally stunning places in the world.
This kind of opportunity is a once in a lifetime experience and we’re extremely proud to be able to work with the university to put this together. We will have classes for different language levels so whether you’re just beginning your Korean language study, already fairly fluent or just want an experience that’s truly unique, this is the tour for you!
Highlights
Korean Highlights
Pyongyang Language & Study Tour
€1595 / 2595
- Group A ► July 9 -27th (€1595)
- Group B ► July 9 -Aug 8th (€2595)
- Flights from Beijing are an extra €215 one way & €295 return
July 9th - Beijing
Morning
- Meet your Rocky Road guide at 10:00am at a Hotel near Beijing Railway Station. We’ll go through the tour’s itinerary, receive DPRK visas and tickets, as well as get to know your fellow travelers and to discuss any other questions you may have about the North Korea.
Afternoon
- Take the overnight sleeper train at 1:00pm for Tumen in the north east of China.
- During the journey, your guide will be happy to answer any North Korea based questions you might have and use his Chinese ability to keep you stocked up with supplies for the journey.
- Overnight on the train.
July 10th - Dandong / Pyongyang
- Train group arrive at Dandong at 7:00am for Chinese border control then depart for Sinuiju at 10:30am for the extensive border control from the North Korean side
- Flight takers depart 12:55pm from Beijing Airport Terminal 2 on Air Koryo. (Group will meet at Air Koryo check in counter).
- Flight group arrive in Pyongyang to a warm welcome from your Korean guides.
- Train group arrive at 6:45pm to an equally warm welcome and transfer 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 Changgwangsan Hotel.
July 11th - Kaesong / DMZ
Morning
- Hit the road for the 3.5 hour drive to Kaesong and the DMZ.
- Koryo Museum – Korea’s first university and now a UNESCO museum of history and culture.
- 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!
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)
- Stop by Sariwon to view the city from the mountain top pagoda.
- Try locally brewed Makkoli in a local tea house.
- Stop by 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 at the Changgwangsan Hotel.
July 12th - Pyongyang
Morning
- We’ll have our very first class at Kim Chol Ju University of Education where we’ll be introduced to our teachers and take a tour of the entire campus to familiarize ourselves. Each day we will have three one hour classes with Breaks in between each class.
Afternoon
- Lunch on campus
- Extracurricular activities at the University – Taekwondo, dancing, calligraphy, sports and more to be announced and arranged on particular days.
- Monument to the Party Foundation – The hammer sickle and brush built in 1995.
- Juche Tower – the tallest stone tower in the world, it represents the Juche Ideology. Central to the teachings of the DPRK(optional extra €5 to go to the top).
- Dinner at the Famous Duck BBQ restaurant.
- Overnight at the Rakrang Hotel.
July 13th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Korean classes at the university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- 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.
- Dinner at a restaurant to sample Pyongyang Cold Noodles or a traditional Korean dish, Bibimbap.
- Overnight at Changgwangsan Hotel
July 14th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at the university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- 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.
- Dinner
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel
July 15th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Visit Manyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace- the top extra curricular center in the city and host to a fabulous performance.
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight in the Changgwangsan Hotel
July 16th - Weekend trip to the Coast!
- Drive three hours to Maskiryong
- Stopping on the way at Sinphyong Lagoon for refreshments
- Check into Masik Resort with a tour of the high class facilities which includes Sauna, swimming, gym, billiards, massage, hiking, ping pong and outdoor sports.
- Dinner and overnight at the Masikryong Ski resort
July 17th - Wonsan
Morning
- Breakfast at the hotel then some leisure time. Quick chance to hike in the mountains of Masik pass
- Drive out to Wonsan city on the East Coast.
Afternoon
- Lunch at the Seafood restaurant in Wonsan.
- Visit the Chonsam Co-operative farm, for an insight into local farm life.
- Songdowon Schoolchildren’s Camp- the most famous schoolchildren’s camp in the country.
- Walk along the pier at sunset to Jangdok Islet and sample some local BBQ seafood (Extra Charge)
- Dinner and overnight at the Tongmyong Hotel
July 18th - Wonsan / Pyongyang
Morning
- Hit the beach! Join the locals to beat the heat and swim, sail, play beach volleyball.
Afternoon
- Lunch – Korean style BBQ at the beach
- Take a walk around Wonsan square and see the Mangyongbyong 2 which once ferried Passengers between Wonsan and Japan.
- Drop in at the local art gallery (There are also great works for sale!)
- Drive back to Pyongyang Stopping at Ulim Waterfall on the way for a leg stretch and to see the stunning falls.
- Dinner and overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel
July 19th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Visit the new Science and Technology Park – a brand new complex which has housed all the latest scientific and warfare technology and presented it in an entertaining & interactive way.
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan hotel.
July 20th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- 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!
- Dinner
- Overnight at Changgwangsan Hotel
July 21st - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- 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.
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel
July 22nd - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Visit Mansudae Art Studio, This is where the country’s most important art work and statues are created. We will also get to meet some of the local artists too.
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight in the Chongnyon Hotel
July 23rd - **Optional add on to Mt Paektu**
- Morning classes at university
In the afternoon the group will split. Choose either to continue to Nampo or travel to Mt Paektu (€200 extra)
Mount Paektu group
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Dinner and overnight at Changwangsan Hotel
Nampo group
- Drive up to Pyongsong located 45 minutes north of Pyongyang
- Visit Kim Jong Suk Middle School Number 1 – here you can meet English students and we encourage you to speak and even teach a quick class!
- Dinner and overnight at the Jangsusan Hotel
July 24th
Mount Paektu group
Morning
- Check out of hotel and jump aboard our very own Rocky Road Travel chartered flight departing Pyongyang Airport and flying north to the small & brand new town of Samjiyon located right on the border with China – for you aviation enthusiasts this is the ultimate old Soviet experience as we fly in a small 44 seater Antonov 24! (1 hour flight time)
- Arrive in Samjiyon Airport and drive to Mt Paektu – the most famous mountain on the Korean peninsula.
- Stop an hours hike away from the top of the peak.
- Take in the spectacular views from the top of the mountain. If weather permits we can hike down to Heaven Lake that lies in the middle of the volcano.
Afternoon
- Picnic lunch on top of the peak!
- We’ll head back down the mountain and head to Mt Paektu secret base camp – the centre of the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle and reported birthplace of General Kim Jong Il.
- Visit Rimyongsu Waterfall
- Explore Chongbong – This is where the main force of the KPA camped. It features the headquarters, kitchen, barracks, and a statue of President Kim Il Sung.
- Dinner and overnight at the Begabong hotel. The hotel is most famous for its BBQ’d potatoes! We’ll enjoy a night around the bonfire.
Nampo group
- Drive to Nampo City (2 hours) – A directly Administered Port City on the West Coast.
- Chollima Steel Complex – One of North Korea’s most famous industrial sites, named after the Chollima movement it helped lead.
- Kangso Mineral water factory.
- Lunch at the Hangu Harbour Hotel
- Spend the afternoon chilling with locals on Nampo Beach.
- Dinner and overnight at the famed Ryonggang Hot Spa resort with a Mineral spa bath in each room!
July 25th
Mount Paektu group
Morning
- Visit Samjiyon Revolutionary Museum and learn more about the town.
- Head to Samjiyon Grand Monument by the stunning Lake Samji.
Afternoon
- Lunch at Begabong Hotel
- Board our own chartered flight back to Pyongyang
- Visit Taedonggang Micro Brewery #3 to sample some of the 7 brews they have available! Soft drinks, coffee, juices, and snacks are also available.
- Meet up with the Nampo group. Dinner and drinks at Dongsong restaurant.
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel.
Nampo group
Morning
- West Sea Barrage – A terrific example of socialist construction, the barrage was built to control the rising Taedong river and produce fertile farmland.
- Chongsan Co-operative farm – a great example of the DPRK farm model.
Afternoon
- Picnic lunch Mt Ryangak – the highest mountain near Pyongyang
- Gentle hiking on Mt Ryangak
- Drive back to Pyongyang.
- Dinner with the Mt Paektu group
- Overnight in the Changgwangsan Hotel.
July 26th - Group A departure
Morning
- Group A flight takers depart Pyongyang at 9:00am and arrive in Beijing at 9:55am local time.
- Group A train members departs 10:25am and arrives into Beijing Railway Station on 27th July at 9:00am
- Group B continue with class at the university.
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Visit Kwanbok department store. Here we can shop with the locals and have access to the local North Korean currency!
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight at Changwangsan Hotel
July 27th - Victory Day!
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Visit Moranbong park to dance and mingle with the locals as they celebrate one of the biggest holidays of the year!
- Special celebratory events (optional extra) – We will take part in any holiday events that are possible for tourists to attend. These may include a circus performance or concert.
- Expected mass dance for Victory Day, join in or just watch for fantastic photography opportunities!
- Stop by a beer bar to join the locals for drinks.
- Dinner.
- Join the locals on Kim Il Sung Square to watch the fireworks
- Overnight at Changwansan Hotel.
July 28th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Visit a North Korean Film Studio – We can tour the film sets and try on some costumes!
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight at the Changwangsan Hotel
July 29th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Visit the Pyongyang Center for Economics and Culture for the Deaf and Blind. This place is engaged in important work such as creating sign language subtitles for educational broadcasts on both TV and the intranet as well as braille transliteration of works for the blind.
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight in the Changwangsan Hotel
July 30th - Mt Myohyang
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Drive 2 hours north to the beautiful Mt Myohyang Region
- Hiking in the Mt Myohyang Nature reserve for incredible views.
- Dinner in Hyangsan Town and overnight.
July 31st - Pyongyang
- Visit the famous International Friendship Exhibition – two large gift houses holding the gifts presented to both Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il from people, governments and institutions all over the world.
Afternoon
- Lunch at the Hyangsan Hotel – a five star deluxe hotel situated between the mountain ranges.
- Return back to Pyongyang
- The Three Revolutions Exhibition Hall – learn about the DPRK’s achievements in the fields of technology, ideology and culture.
- Dinner at the Duck BBQ restaurant.
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel.
August 1st - Pyongyang
Morning
- Kumsusan Palace of the Sun- The mausoleum for the Great Leader President Kim Il Sung and the Dear Leader Kim Jong Il.
- Revolutionary Martyry’s Cemetery – The resting place of the greatest of the anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters each grave features a bronze bust of the hero laid to rest within.
Afternoon
- Picnic lunch along the way back to Pyongyang
- Munsu Water Park. This place has it all – indoor pools, amazing water slides, cafes, shops, beer bars, table tennis, billiards, massage, you name it. (Extra charge)
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight at the Changwangsan Hotel.
August 2nd - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Kim Jong Suk Textile factory- One of the top textile mills in Pyongyang you can tour the factory and the facilities and dormitories provided to the workers who live on site.
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel.
August 3rd - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Pyongyang Gold Lane Bowling Alley – One of the most popular spots for young people to hang out, the alley also has video games and billiards. (Extra charge for these activities)
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight at Changgwangsan Hotel
August 4th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Watch a movie at the local Taedongmun Cinema House! A rare privilege for tourists.
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel
August 5th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at university
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Pyongyang Zoo and Natural History Museum.
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Overnight in the Changgwangsan Hotel
August 6th - Pyongyang
Morning
- Class at Kim Chol Ju University
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Extracurricular activities at the University
- Special farewell party organised with teachers to celebrate the completion of the study program!
- Dinner celebration
- Overnight at the Changgwangsan Hotel
August 7th - Departure
- Group B flight takers depart Pyongyang at 9:00am and arrive into Beijing 9:55am local time
- Group B train members depart Pyongyang 10:25am
August 8th - Beijing
- Train arrives in Beijing at 9am local time. End of Tour.
What else?
Inclusions
Exclusions
Tour Notes
We will take care of the North Korea visa application for you as well as getting you to Pyongyang and back from Beijing. We’ll also help you with your China visa application by supplying an invitation letter if needed. 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.
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 such as visits to local cafes, bars and amusement parks.
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.
Group A - €1595
July 9th - July 27th, 2021
Group B - €2595
July 9th - August 8th, 2021
standard hotel
17 / 28 days in North Korea
Flight option
Beijing - Pyongyang. €195 one way & €295 return
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