Young Pioneer Tours
Blog
Welcome to the Young Pioneer Tours Blog, the place where we we keep you informed about everything YPT, from current tours, to future tours and a whole lot of eclectic stuff in between.
YPT first started blogging in 2008 and are considered the best North Korean Travel blog that there is.
But, as Young Pioneer Tours have expanded our locations, so have we expanded our blog. Now we have one of the best travel blogs in the world!
And while most of our content is about the numerous destinations we go, including travel guides and what to pack, we also delve into more serious subjects such as the safety of certain destinations, as well as how LGTBQ+ friendly the places we visit are.
While the vast majority of our content is produced in-house, we are always on the look-out for guest bloggers and writers. Want to write for us? Then simply get in touch.
You can also check out our sister publication YPT Life.
Search For A Topic Here:
Check out and subscribe to the YPT Blog and travel magazine
The 5 Classic North Korean Revolutionary Operas
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
Taking its cues from Chinese Cultural Revolution period operas, North Korean revolutionary operas still see regular performances to this day. During the Pyongyang Language Study Tour, our group was able to watch a new show that recreated famous scenes …
What is the Free Papua Movement?
21 February 2020 / by Dominic Perry
Free West Papua protest in Melbourne To understand the Free Papua movement, there’s a few things to get out of the way first. First, what is Papua? Second, why does it need freedom? Third, who from? For a great deal of people, when they hear ‘Papua’ th …
Shenyang Korean War Cemetery Monument and Soviet Cemetery
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
While many readers may be familiar with the National Martyrs’ Cemetery on Mt Taesong in Pyongyang, less well known is this cemetery in Shenyang that is dedicated to Chinese and Soviet soldiers who died fighting in the Korean war from 1950-1953. The ful …
A guide to ssireum- Korean wrestling
21 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
What is ssireum? Ssireum is one of the national sports of North Korea and has existed in one form or another since the 4th century. Bouts usually take place on sand in a circle 7 meters in diameter. Contestants tie a belt known as a satba, around their …
Made in North Korea: Ginseng Chewing Gum
19 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
While most Westerners associate chewing gum with minty flavours, many North Koreans find it a little intense. And while you will find mint flavoured gum or toothpaste, they often use substitutes that are a bit more familiar- with one of these being Gin …
Pyongyang Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery – DPRK Guide 2025
19 February 2020 / by Troy Collings
The Pyongyang Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery, also known as the National Martyrs’ cemetery, sits on Mt, Taesong, on the outskirts of Pyongyang. The Martyr’s cemetery is where the graves of people important to the Anti-Japanese revolution are located. …
The ingenious Tata houses: UNESCO heritage of Togo and Benin
19 February 2020 / by Pier Doyon
If you have had an interest in visiting Togo or Benin, it is very likely that you’ve encountered photos of those atypical houses. Those small castle-like mud houses called Tata are the traditional residence of the Tammari people (also known as the Bata …
Travelling to Saudi Arabia as a woman
19 February 2020 / by Caitlin Graham
With Saudi Arabia opening up to tourism after decades closed, it is no wonder that it has become a hot topic among communities of travellers. Saudi Arabia offers something completely new a different to people from all around the world as it is the birt …
Some voodoo rituals and animist trinkets of Togo
19 February 2020 / by YPT Team
Togo is a small country indeed, but it is packed with a diverse and exciting culture. When described as the birthplace of the voodoo rites and home to many animist cults, the country quickly excites the imagination. While reality is often quite differe …
