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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.
Check out and subscribe to the YPT Blog and travel magazine
A strategic convenience: the history of Russia-DPRK relations
24 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
With Kim Jong Un travelling to Vladivostok to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, one may wonder if ties between the two countries are about to experience a revival. DPRK-Russia relations have, unsurprisingly, a long-rooted history. However, despite …
What Is Hwanggumpyong Island?
23 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
Cute islands in the middle of rivers like Hwanggumpyong Island might have romantic overtones, but more often than not they can prove to be right royal pains in the ass! There have been more than a few conflicts over useless rocks over the years. On the …
Is it safe to travel to South Sudan?
23 April 2019 / by Pier Doyon
At YPT, our mission is to take you safely to places your mother would rather make sure you don’t go. We believe in what we do because through travel, you get to see for yourself different situations around the world without the filters of the med …
The China – North Korea border (and crossings)
23 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
Despite North Korea and China being neighbors and buddies in all things red and socialist, the China – North Korea border is not only one of the most militarized and tense on earth, but is also one of the most interesting. To say Young Pioneer Tours ar …
Football Clubs of North Korea
19 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
We recently did a blog explaining the nuances of football in North Korea, and another on the man who is possibly their best player. In June we’re planning a trip to watch the most successful North Korean club side, April 25th, take on Hang Yuen – the c …
DPRK nightlife – The Random Access Club
19 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
When I first started taking people to the Taedong Diplomatic Club over 10 years ago, many a travel guide (and travel agency) stated it was impossible to go there as a tourist. In fact this was not the case, and a visit to the Diplo is very much part of …
Imperial Hotel and Casino
19 April 2019 / by Rowan Beard
Formally known as the Emperor Hotel & Casino and owned by the Emperor Group in Hong Kong, but acquired by a new unknown owner in 2012, the Imperial Hotel & Casino is located in Rason – the Special Economic Zone of North Korea and was one of the …
Nightlife of North Korea – The Diplo
19 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
Pyongyang’s nightlife might not exactly be the Last Days of Rome, but things have drastically improved – certainly in the eleven or so years that I’ve been visiting. Nowadays there are many more bars, coffee shops, and even pizza joints popping up in P …
Views from the Borderlands – Manpo
19 April 2019 / by Gareth Johnson
Without doubt one of our most underrated tours – and for Americans at least, the closest view of North Korea you will currently get – is our North Korean Borderlands Tour. The tour starts either in Dandong or Tumen, with us taking the long journey alon …
