1. Pyongyang – The Capital of Contrasts

A city of grand boulevards, towering monuments, and socialist architecture.
Highlights:

• Juche Tower

• Mansudae Grand Monument

• Kim Il Sung Square

• Pyongyang Metro (one of the deepest in the world)
  📸 Don’t miss the massive Arch of Triumph—taller than Paris’s!

2. Mount Paektu – Sacred and Spectacular

A volcanic mountain on the China-North Korea border, and the spiritual birthplace of Korean identity.
Why visit? Crater lake views, alpine scenery, and deep cultural symbolism.

3. Mount Myohyang – Nature Meets Legacy

Located north of Pyongyang, it’s home to stunning mountain landscapes and the International Friendship Exhibition—a museum of gifts given to North Korea’s leaders.
🎒 Best for: Hikers and curious minds.

4. Kaesong & the DMZ – History at the Border

Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom, where North and South Korea meet.
Kaesong Highlights:

• Koryo Museum

• Traditional Korean hanok-style architecture
  📷 Stand face-to-face with South Korean soldiers—surreal and tense.

5. Mansudae Grand Monument

A massive tribute to the country’s late leaders, with two bronze statues towering over Pyongyang.
🕊️ Visitors are expected to bow—respectful conduct is mandatory.

6. Wonsan – North Korea’s Seaside Escape

A port city being developed as a beach resort area.
Activities:

• Visit Songdowon Beach

• Try fresh seafood (if permitted)

• See the Mangyongbong Ship

7. Juche Tower – The Icon of Self-Reliance

This 170-meter-tall monument symbolizes the state ideology of Juche.
⛳ You can even go to the top for panoramic views of Pyongyang.

8. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun – Mausoleum of Leaders

The final resting place of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
💡 Strict dress codes and no photos allowed inside.

9. Munsu Water Park

A surprisingly modern leisure spot with water slides, gyms, and saunas.
👨‍👩‍👧 One of the few places you’ll see locals relaxing.

10. Grand People’s Study House

A national library and education center overlooking Kim Il Sung Square.
📖 Foreigners can tour the classrooms and reading halls.

11. Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

Covers North Korea’s version of the Korean War, with captured U.S. military equipment on display.
🎖️ Includes the USS Pueblo—an American ship still held by North Korea.

12. Chilbosan Mountains – Scenic & Remote

Located in North Hamgyong Province, known for its beautiful cliffs, valleys, and Buddhist relics.
🌄 One of the most naturally stunning areas accessible on some special tours.

13. Ryugyong Hotel – The Phantom Pyramid

A towering unfinished skyscraper in Pyongyang that dominates the skyline.
🏨 You can’t go inside, but it’s a photogenic symbol of ambition.

14. Buddhist Temples – Silent Survivors of History

Despite the regime’s atheism, temples like Pohyon Temple in Mount Myohyang still stand.
🧘 Peaceful, serene, and full of ancient stories.

15. Rason Special Economic Zone

A rare place for foreign investment and trade. Located in the far northeast, bordering China and Russia.
📈 Visiting Rason gives a glimpse into how North Korea experiments with capitalism—under heavy control.

✈️ Travel Tips for Visiting North Korea

• Travel only through approved tour operators (like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours).

• Expect limited internet, no mobile access, and strict rules on photography.

• Obey all local customs, including dressing respectfully and not mocking leaders or monuments.

• Bring cash (Euros or RMB); credit cards are not accepted.

🛂 How to Visit North Korea

You cannot travel independently. All trips must be booked through government-approved tour operators. Common agencies:

• Koryo Tours

• Young Pioneer Tours

• Uri Tours

Requirements:

• Valid passport (most nationalities allowed)

• Pre-approved visa via your tour operator

• Travel usually enters via Beijing (China) by train or flight

🎎 Cultural Etiquette in North Korea

Respect and caution are essential:

• Never mock or question leaders.

• Always bow at statues and monuments when asked.

• Do not take photos without permission, especially of locals or construction.

• Dress modestly, especially during official site visits.

💬 Always follow your guide’s instructions—straying from the group is not allowed.

🛡️ Is It Safe to Travel to North Korea?

Yes, if you strictly follow all rules. Travelers are escorted at all times and treated well if they are respectful. However:

• No freedom to explore

• No access to internet or international calls

• Avoid discussing politics or current events

⚠️ Breaking rules can have serious consequences.

💱 Currency in North Korea

North Korea has its own official currency—the North Korean Won (KPW)—but foreigners are not allowed to use it.

💸 How Tourists Pay:

• Visitors typically pay in Euros, Chinese Yuan (RMB), or sometimes USD.

• All transactions are made in cash. Credit/debit cards are not accepted.

• Prices are often listed in foreign currencies at tourist shops and hotels.

💡 Tip: Bring small denomination Euro or RMB notes, as change can be tricky.

🔒 Important Currency Rules:

• Do not attempt to exchange money on the black market.

• You’re not allowed to take North Korean Won out of the country.

• Always buy souvenirs or snacks at approved tourist shops.

🚍 Transportation in North Korea

Tourists in North Korea don’t travel independently—you will always be escorted by government-assigned guides and drivers.

🚗 Modes of Tourist Transport:

• Private Tourist Buses: Main transport mode for all tours.

• Domestic Flights: Occasionally available (e.g., Pyongyang to Samjiyon near Mount Paektu).

• Chartered Trains: Some tours use trains for entry/exit between Pyongyang and Beijing.

• Pyongyang Metro: Tourists usually ride 1–3 stations for the experience (one of the deepest metros in the world).

✈️ Arrival & Departure:

• Most tourists enter via Beijing, China:

  • By Train: Scenic and surreal; takes ~24 hours.

  • By Flight: Air Koryo or Air China (around 2 hours).

🚫 What You Can’t Do:

• Rent cars or bikes

• Use public buses

• Travel between cities on your own

📍 All routes, stops, and durations are controlled and planned ahead of time.

📆 Sample 5-Day North Korea Tour Itinerary

Day 1:

• Enter via train from Beijing

• City tour of Pyongyang

• Juche Tower, Arch of Triumph, welcome dinner

Day 2:

• Mansudae Grand Monument

• War Museum & USS Pueblo

• Pyongyang Metro ride

• Optional beer bar experience

Day 3:

• Day trip to DMZ & Kaesong

• Visit Panmunjom & border line

• Koryo Museum

Day 4:

• Mount Myohyang or Wonsan day trip

• Visit International Friendship Exhibition

Day 5:

• Final city walk

• Visit Grand People’s Study House

• Depart by flight/train to Beijing

🔗 Trusted Tour Operators for Visiting North Korea

These agencies are internationally recognized and have years of experience organizing safe, legal, and guided tours to North Korea:

1. 🌍 Koryo Tours

Based in: Beijing, China (main gateway city)
Why choose them: Most reputable DPRK tour operator, with 30+ years of experience.
Tours offered: Classic Pyongyang, Mass Games, DMZ, Mount Paektu, Marathons
🔗 https://koryogroup.com

2. ✈️ Young Pioneer Tours (YPT)

Based in: China
Why choose them: Budget-friendly and youth-focused group tours.
Tours offered: DMZ, Chilbosan region, extreme trips, New Year’s tours
🔗 https://www.youngpioneertours.com

3. 🧳 Uri Tours

Based in: USA & South Korea
Why choose them: American-run, focuses on smooth visa handling and premium DPRK trips.
Tours offered: Customized private tours, photography tours, and study abroad programs
🔗 https://www.uritours.com

4. 🧭 Juche Travel Services

Based in: UK
Why choose them: Specializes in academic, cultural, and niche-interest tours
Tours offered: Political history, architecture, and veterans-focused trips
🔗 https://www.juchetravelservices.com

🧾 What You’ll Need to Book:

• Valid passport (some restrictions may apply—e.g., U.S. and South Korean citizens may not be permitted)

• Completed application through the tour operator

• Chinese visa if transiting via Beijing

• Visa to North Korea (handled by your tour company)

✈️ Plan Your Trip with Confidence

Book your flights on tournami.com