Since 2021, North Korea has entered a new boom in residential construction. Among the most notable projects is the Hwasong District, which happens to share its name with the country’s ICBMs. This area now lies along the main route connecting Pyongyang International Airport to the city centre. After the YPT delegation was invited to visit […]

While East Asian beer can often be hit and miss that is not the case in the DPRK where both the craft and bottled beer tends to be pretty good, something we were to confirm when we visited Tumanggang Brewery in the Rason SEZ. This though was not actually the first time we had tried […]

Have you ever imagined taking part in a trade fair in North Korea, a country under heavy international sanctions and operating a socialist economic system? This is not mere fantasy but a reality. North Korea hosts international trade exhibitions in various cities, and this blog will serve as your most comprehensive guide to the Pyongyang […]

Rason, located in the far northeast of North Korea, is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with borders stretching across Russia, China, and the East Sea of Korea (Sea of Japan). This area stands out in the country due to its more experimental nature in terms of economic and social practices, and it’s here that you’ll […]

Changbai Mountain, known as Mt. Paektu in Korean, is located in the northeast of China and forms the border between China and North Korea. As a majestic and awe-inspiring natural landscape, Changbai Mountain also holds significant cultural importance. In North Korea, Mount Paektu is considered the birthplace of the nation, the holy ground of revolution, […]

Kimchi. If you’ve ever eaten Korean food, chances are you’ve encountered this staple of the Korean diet. But for those of you unfamiliar, let’s break it down: Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish, typically made with cabbage or radishes, and flavored with chili, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and other spices. It’s tangy, spicy, and with […]

Is Rason boring? My unwavering answer to this is that no, it is not boring. In fact, if you have any interest in the DPRK, then it is an essential place to visit. It is, though, not Pyongyang, not for everyone, and somewhere that you have to seriously manage your expectations. And I am writing […]

Prior to the closure of North Korea due to Covid-19, the birthday of Kim Jong Il was one of the most important holidays for tourists to visit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Alas, this all changed when the country closed due to the pandemic over 5 years ago. This year, though, through some major […]

While we did not stay here (this time), we spent a lot of time at the Namsan Hotel in Rason during our recent business trip to the country. Why did we spend so much time here, and why is it so iconic? All of that and more in our Namsan Hotel Guide. Hotels in Rason […]

Nestled in the far northeast of North Korea, at the crossroads of Russia and China, Rason is the DPRK’s Special Economic Zone and one of its most unique destinations. Often overlooked, this lesser visited region offers a fascinating and unique glimpse into a side of North Korea few foreigners ever see. Your tour with us […]