Korea (North)-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Pyongyang

Morning

  • Arrive at Sunan International Airport, the only international airport in North Korea
  • Go through customs and immigration, where you’ll need to declare any electronic devices and media storage
  • Meet your Korean guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your trip

Afternoon

  • Visit the Arch of Triumph, a monumental arch dedicated to Kim Il-sung’s leadership
  • Stop by the Grand People’s Study House, a grand library and study center with a striking design
  • Take a stroll through Kim Il-sung Square, the heart of Pyongyang’s city center

Evening

  • Check-in at your hotel, such as the Yanggakdo International Hotel or Ryugyong Hotel
  • Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at a local restaurant
  • Be prepared for a possible mass dance event or military parade, which may take place in the evening (subject to change)

Things to Know

  • North Korea has strict rules on photography; avoid taking pictures of military personnel, checkpoints, and certain government buildings
  • Respect for the Kim family is paramount; refrain from making any negative comments or jokes
  • The local currency is the North Korean won, but it’s recommended to use euros or Chinese yuan instead

Day 2: Pyongyang

Morning

  • Visit the Mansudae Grand Monument, a grand monument dedicated to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il
  • Stop by the Korean Revolutionary Museum, which showcases the country’s history and revolutionary struggle
  • Take a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, one of the deepest metro systems in the world

Afternoon

  • Visit the USS Pueblo, an American spy ship captured by North Korea in 1968
  • Explore the Kwangbop Shopping Center, a popular shopping mall with a wide range of goods
  • Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at a local restaurant

Evening

  • Watch a performance at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre or Mansudae Art Theatre
  • Take a stroll along the Taedong River, which runs through the heart of Pyongyang

Transportation

  • Travel around Pyongyang using your designated guide and driver, as public transportation is limited for tourists
  • Be prepared for occasional traffic jams and road closures due to military parades or events

Day 3: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Kaesong

Morning

  • Drive to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea (approx. 2 hours)
  • Visit the Joint Security Area, where you can see the Military Demarcation Line and the blue conference rooms
  • Stop by the Third Tunnel of Aggression, a tunnel dug by North Koreans during the Korean War

Afternoon

  • Drive to Kaesong (approx. 1 hour), a historic city with many ancient relics
  • Visit the Panmunjom, the site where the Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953
  • Explore the Sonjuk Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist pagoda from the Goryeo Dynasty

Evening

  • Return to Pyongyang (approx. 2 hours) and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
  • Take a stroll around the city, enjoying the evening atmosphere

Day 4: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Depart for Sunan International Airport and fly out of North Korea

Visa Requirements

  • Obtain a North Korean visa before arriving in Pyongyang; this can be done through a tour operator or embassy/consulate
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from North Korea

Other Things to Know

  • Internet access is limited, and social media platforms are blocked; consider purchasing a local SIM card for data access
  • Credit cards are not widely accepted; bring sufficient cash in euros or Chinese yuan
  • Respect the local culture and customs, especially when visiting monuments and museums dedicated to the Kim family