Pyongyang International Film Festival Ultra Budget Tour

DESCRIPTION

The Pyongyang International Film Festival is an incredibly unique event held annually and gives the Korean locals and very few foreigners a glimpse into the world of cinema of North Korea.

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 that has you in North Korea for 2 nights and 3 days, which is inclusive of one full day of seeing all the main sites of Pyongyang such as the Grand People’s Study House, Juche tower, Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang Metro, Korean War Museum, the large bronze statues, exploring the DPRK Film Studio as well as partaking in the opening ceremony of the Pyongyang International Film Festival, and more.

This trip is perfect for those people who are already in China or those simply travelling through who do not have the time or budget to do a full trip. If you need assistance with organising accommodation in Dandong or making your way to or from Dandong city, we can assist you.

Please note: All travelers 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.

For those who are interested to submit your film to Pyongyang International Film Festival, follow our link to Pioneer Media.

ITINERARY

Friday 17^th September

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 10:00am train from Dandong.
Arrive 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 with a warm welcome by your guides
Driving city tour of Pyongyang, including a stop at Kim Il Sung Square, the central square of Pyongyang City, for a walk and pictures.
Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street.
Pyongyang International Film Festival opening ceremony and film (The film will be announced a few weeks for the ceremony – tickets are 80RMB or 10 euros per person)
Check in and overnight at Sosan hotel

Saturday 18th September

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 euros)
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.
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.
Visit the Korean Film Studio – over a thousand North Korean films were produced here with backdrops of fake locations such as Seoul, China, Japan and even Europe. Koryo dynasty costumes are available as an option to complete the scene of old Korea
Juche Tower – monument to the everlasting Juche Ideology (optional 40RMB or 5 euros to go to the top by elevator).
Monument to the Party Foundation – built in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the worker’s party
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.