Young Pioneer Tours
Surf ‘n Turf Gastronomic DPRK Holiday
Looking for a unique spot in the sun to spend your summer this year? How about laying, swimming or surfing on a remote beach that we can guarantee none of your friends have yet to visit? Come join us as we run our exclusive Surf ‘n Turf Gastronomic tour in North Korea this summer.
During this adventure you’ll visit the gorgeous beach of Wonsan and Hamhung located on the east coast, go for a camping trip up the iconic Mt Kumgang where the North and South Korean families unite, take a dip in Pyongyang, check out all the major sites of Pyongyang and the DMZ, as well as visit some of the most amazing countryside that the DPRK has to offer.
This trip is absolutely perfect for the DPRK veteran that loves being in the country, but would like to do it at a slower pace, or even the first time visitor that would like to see Pyongyang’s main sites, but also something resembling a “holiday”. We will be enjoying some great food, BBQs and drinks throughout the trip, with us also having many opportunities to freestyle some meals by buying local produce from hard to reach sources.
And if simply sitting on the beach is not enough we will be supplementing the trip with chances to surf, hike, swim, play football, volleyball and generally giving you the vacation you want to mingle with local Koreans.
We strongly recommend bringing your swimmers! We hire surfboards for 50 euros extra for those wanting to catch some waves up in Hamhung! The camping tents will be provided by us but please bring a blanket, pillow and a portable inflatable mattress.
If you want to try something absolutely unique this year, this is the trip for you. And if this was not enough we are also offering a Scuba Diving extension in the north-east of the country to follow on directly from this tour.
Monday 6th July
- Meet your YPT guide at 1:30pm at the Beijing Zhong Gu Hotel near Beijing Railway Station found here. During this meeting, we’ll go through the tour’s itinerary, receive DPRK visas and tickets, as well as a great chance to meet your fellow travellers and to discuss any other questions you may have about the DPRK.
- Train takers depart Beijing Central station at 5:25pm for the 24 hour sleeper ride to Pyongyang.
Tuesday 7th July
- Train group arrive at Dandong at 7:00am for Chinese border control then depart for Sinuiju at 10:30am for the extensive border control from the DPRK side
- Flight takers depart Beijing Airport Terminal 2 on Air Koryo at 1:00pm (meet group at Air Koryo check in counter).
- Flight group arrive in Pyongyang at 4:00pm to a warm welcome from your Korean guides.
- Train group arrive at 6:45pm to an equally warm welcome.
- Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street
- Check in and overnight at the Sosan Hotel.
Wednesday 8th July
Morning
- Breakfast at hotel and drive to the west coast city of Nampo (1 hour)
- On the way stopping at Chollima Steel Complex – One of the DPRK’s most famous industrial sites – named after the Chollima movement it helped lead. Here we’ll see workers in action as we watch the steps on how Koreans forge steel.
- West Sea Barrage – An astounding example of socialist construction, the barrage was built to keep the salty water of the West sea from rendering parts of the Taedonggang river and surrounding farmland useless as well as to tame the local sea.
Afternoon
- Swim at Nampo beach and mingle with the locals! Karaoke and Volleyball available on the beach.
- BBQ picnic on the beach with famous Korean petrol clam BBQ.
- Check into Ryonggang Hot Spa Resort – a mineral spa is available in each room! Great place for billiards and ping pong.
- Dinner and overnight at resort
Thursday 9th July
Morning
- Breakfast in resort and begin drive to Wonsan city (4 hours) stopping at Sinpyong Lagoon along the way for a quick rest and refreshments
- Stopping at Kangso Mineral water factory for refreshments for the drive – home to the DPRK’s most famous sparkling water
Afternoon
- Picnic lunch at Ulim Waterfall – one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the DPRK
- Arrive in Wonsan, check into Songdowon Hotel overlooking Wonsan Bay
- Visit Songdowon International Children’s Union Camp – This recently renovated summer camp was designed for children in both the DPRK and for international guests. Its facilities include a waterpark, dormitories, aquatic centre, aviary, track & field and a beach
- Walk along the pier to Chok Islet where the locals will be fishing, drinking and enjoying their own BBQs with friends and family. Here you have the option of trying the fresh catch of the day, this will give you a good mix of everything
- Dinner at a nearby famous seafood restaurant along the waterfront
- Overnight at Songdowon Hotel
Friday 10th July
Morning
- Hamhung overnight Majon, check out the coop farm
Saturday 11th July
Morning
- Kumgang with hiking and overnight
Sunday 12th July
Morning
- Kumgang sites return to Pyongyang
Monday 13th July
Morning
- Depart
Afternoon
- Lunch at Moran Hill Restaurant
- Walk along Moran Hill where Korean families gather for outdoor BBQ, singing and dancing.
- Special celebratory events (optional: approx 20 euros) – Yet to be confirmed but we will take part in any events that are possible for tourists to attend. These may include a circus performance, red orchestra, or possibly some other surprises.
- Dinner at the New Hope Restaurant
- Spectate the Mass Games – The world’s largest performance. Tickets can be purchased with cash only and reserved whilst on tour in North Korea.
- To be confirmed: We’ll gather in Kim Il Sung Square to watch the fireworks amongst the locals to celebrate today’s event.
- Overnight at Sosan Hotel
Monday 16th August
Morning
- Group A flight members depart at 8:50am for Beijing on Air Koryo. (Arriving in Beijing at 9:50am Beijing time).
- Group A train members depart at 10:25am for Beijing on train K28. (Arriving in Beijing Railway Station at 9:00am on Tuesday the 17th).
Group B continue on:
Morning
Afternoon
Tuesday 17th August
Morning
- Take a walk around Wonsan Central Square and the nearby port to see DPRK’s very own cruise ship named the Mangyongbong-92
- Visit the former Railway Station which has now been converted into a Revolutionary site with an old Japanese stream engine left over by the Japanese during the Korean occupation
- Trip highlight – Visit Wonsan Beach for a swim, sunbathe, or to play beach games with the locals (optional seafood BBQ on the beach is available for 40RMB or 5 euros per person)
Afternoon
- Lunch at a local Wonsan restaurant to sample famous local dishes
- Drive back to Pyongyang
- Stop by the Tomb of King Tongmyong – the founder of the ancient Goguryeo Kingdom
- Dinner at KITC Restaurant in Mangyongdae District to try Pyongyang’s famous Cold Noodle Dish or the traditional Korean Bibimbap dish with Korean performance
- Overnight at the Chongnyon Hotel to experience another hotel in Pyongyang! This hotel was built for the World Youth Games back in 1989, recently renovated, and has Pyongyang’s only outdoor swimming pool!
Wednesday 18th August
Morning
- Drive to Mt. Myohyang, one of Korea’s most beautiful mountain ranges located two and a half hours north of Pyongyang
- Visit the International Friendship Exhibition – Two large gift houses holding the gifts presented to both Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un from people, governments and institutions all over the world. Something not to be missed!
- Pohyon Temple – One of the 5 famous temples of Korea and one of the largest Buddhist temples in the DPRK.
Afternoon
- Lunch at the Chongchun hotel
- Head back to Pyongyang and on the way stopping at Ryongmun cavern – one of the most famous cave structures in Korea, it’s well known for its size and the uniqueness of its rock formations.
- Stop by the Mansudae Art Studio where all the art works, portraits and monuments from the government are produced
- Stop by Mansugyo Beer Bar – a local bar to join the locals for refreshments
- Dinner and farewell drinks at Moran Hill Restaurant
- Overnight at the Chongnyon Hotel
Thursday 19th August
Morning
- Group B flight members depart at 10:30am for Beijing on Air Koryo. (Arriving in Beijing at 11:30am Beijing time).
- Group B train members depart at 10:25am for Beijing on train K28.
Friday 20th August
Morning
- Group B train members arrive at 9:00am at Beijing Railway Station
Further Reading Contents Not Available.
Tour Extensions
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