Kim Jong Il Birthday Ultra Budget & DMZ Tour

DESCRIPTION

Join YPT as we head into the DPRK to partake in the massive celebrations of Kim Jong Il’s Birthday in Pyongyang!

We’ve designed this trip to be packed full of all the must see sights of Pyongyang. You’ll be visiting Kim Il Sung Square, the Korean War museum where the captured US spy ship rests, Grand People’s Study House, riding the deep Pyongyang Metro and much more!

You’ll be able to take part in all the celebrations that’ll be taking place on this special day for the North Koreans such as the mass dance celebrations, and Kimjongilia flower exhibition.

For those who want to spend an extra day with us to explore the DMZ from the north side come join our Group B option! We’ll visit the city of Kaesong located only a few kilometres from the South Korean border. We’ll also check out another rural city halfway between Kaesong and Pyongyang to try their famous locally brewed Makkoli.

By making use of travelling from Dandong, which is the Chinese border city to the DPRK and is easily reachable from most of China, we are able to offer a great price. If you need assistance with organising accommodation in Dandong, or making your way to or from Dandong city, we’ll be happy to help book for you!

Please note: All travellers must have a re-entry visa into China as there isn’t enough time to apply for a Chinese visa in Pyongyang and the 144 hour transfer visa doesn’t permit rail use.

ITINERARY

Thursday 15^th February

Morning

Meet your YPT guide at 7:30am inside the entrance of the Dandong Railway Station to collect train ticket, DPRK visa and go through DPRK procedure.
Board the 10:10am train from Dandong.
11:15am (DPRK time) arrival in Sinuiju to go through DPRK entry procedure.
Ride on into Pyongyang and enjoy the beautiful countryside along the way.

Afternoon

Optional lunch on the train (50RMB extra)
6:45pm arrival in Pyongyang to be met by your guides
Driving city tour of Pyongyang, including us stopping at Kim Il Sung Square for a walk and pictures
Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street
Check in and overnight at the Sosan Hotel

Friday 16^th February – Kim Jong Il’s Birthday – Day of the Shining Star

Morning

Walk through Mansudae Fountain Park and see the mosaic pictures of President Kim Il Sung and the leader Kim Jong Il.
Visit Mansudae Grand Monument – the two large bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking the city (Optional extra – you can present a bouquet of flowers for 40RMB or 5 euro).
Grand People’s Study House – library and academic centre for adult learners. This grand building is built in the Korean style and affords a great view over the central square.
Foreign Language Bookshop – shopping central for books, pins, DVD’s, CD’s and periodicals in English and other foreign languages, followed by a brisk walk to:
Kim Il Sung Square – the central square of Pyongyang City.

Afternoon

Lunch in the KITC restaurant. Here’s your chance to try Pyongyang’s famous Pyongyang Cold Noodles or traditional Korean Bibimap mixed rice dish.
Visit the Kimjongilia Flower Exhibition – one of the most unique experiences during the tour.
Pyongyang Metro – ride 5 stops on the famous Pyongyang Underground!
Exiting at the Arch of Triumph – the largest Victory Arch in the world, built to celebrate the triumphant return of Kim Il Sung after the anti-Japanese war.
Visit the recently renovated Korean War Museum. Let the expert local guide show you around the enormous museum featuring dioramas, locally used weapons, tanks, etc., and captured American equipment!
USS Pueblo – the only US Naval Ship still held captive by another nation.
Juche Tower – monument to the everlasting Juche Ideology (optional 40RMB or 5 euros to go to the top).
Monument to the Party Foundation – built in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the worker’s party
Trip highlight – join the university students as they perform a mass dance to celebrate Kim Jong Il’s Birthday
Stop by Kwangbok Department store – one of the busiest stores in Pyongyang where we can buy local goods using the local currency
Dinner at the National Restaurant with performance!
Overnight at the Sosan Hotel

Saturday 17^th February

Morning

Group A – depart at 10:25am from Pyongyang Railway Station, arriving in Dandong at 4:30pm

Group B continue on:

Drive to Kaesong and the DMZ.
Koryo Museum – Korea’s first university and now a museum of history and culture and also home of the best stamp and propaganda poster shop in the DPRK, so don’t forget your wallet!
The DMZ – See one of the tensest places on earth complete with a friendly KPA officer who will not only give you a guided tour but also keep you safe. Also, the only place you can take photographs of and even with a soldier!

Afternoon

Lunch at the Thongil Restaurant in Kaesong City- try your hand at traditional Korean Pasangi – a series of dishes served in bronze bowls. (Optional extras – Dog soup 40RMB or 5 euro, Ginseng stuffed whole chicken 240RMB or 30 euro – can be split between several.)
Drop by Sariwon City (capital of North Hwanghae Province) to walk in the local folk custom park and view the city from the mountain pagoda.
Try locally brewed Makkoli from a nearby local brewhouse
Photo opportunity of the Monument to the Three Charters of National Reunification, standing over the Thongil Highway.
Dinner and drinks at the Duck BBQ restaurant
Drinks and overnight at the Sosan Hotel

Sunday 18^th February

Wake up and check out of hotel
Board the 10:25am train to Dandong

Afternoon

Optional lunch on train (50RMB extra)
4:30pm arrival in Dandong
Tour concludes – if you need to make any accommodation or a way out of Dandong please let us know!

GALLERY