DOCSLIB.ORG

Pioneering North Korea

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pioneering North Korea Pioneering North Korea Perfect for those wanting to discover North Korea in more detail, our Pioneering North Korea tour offers travellers a truly unique experience in a secret world. Chartering an aircraft to access some of the lesser, rarely and almost never visited areas, this 18 day tour reaches many places other tours and travellers do not. After an in depth tour of the fascinating capital we take in Panmunjom and the DMZ before taking a chartered train to Mt. Myohyang. Returning to Pyongyang for a national holiday the adventure steps up as we depart on a chartered aircraft to Mt. Paekdu, the highest peak in Korea. From Paekdu we fly onwards to the North East with an overnight in Chongjin before flying on to Hamhung. Parting with our aircraft in Hamhung we spend the next week slowly overlanding back to Pyongyang via Wonsan, Mt. Kumgang and Masikryong. DAY 1 This morning make your own way to Beijing Capital Airport, Terminal 2, to depart at approximately 1300 on the Air Koryo flight to Pyongyang (schedules TBC). The short flight will bring the group into Pyongyang at approximately 1530 local time. On clearing customs/immigration meet with your Korean guides and driver. From the airport head to the city and check into the Seosan Hotel, here checking in for a 3 night stay. After time to freshen up head out for a leisurely welcome dinner in the Kwangbok Circus Restaurant. (D) DAY 2 Enjoy the full day sightseeing in Pyongyang, starting with a walk in the city centre from the exterior of the Pyongyang Grand Theatre to Kim Il Sung Square and then onto the Foreign Language Bookshop, a good spot to pick up a wide range of publications, postcards and the like. From here pop into the Vienna Coffee Shop to relax over a hot drink (at your own expense) before heading to the Mansudae Fountain Park. Ascending Mansu Hill visit the Mansudae Grand Monument, the centrepiece of which are the spectacular 20-metre tall bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Here, millions of Koreans visit annually to pay their respects to the leaders, and the group will be expected to lay a wreath of flowers at the foot of the monument before bowing in unison before it (flowers purchased locally for a small fee). We will also see the nearby Chollima Monument. Last site of the morning will be to visit the Grand People’s Study House— the national library and a major centre of learning. After lunch in a city restaurant continue with our busy introductory city tour by heading underground for a journey on the impressive Pyongyang Metro, travelling one stop from Puhung to Yonggwang (arguably the two most impressive stations) before pressing on four stops to Kaeson. At Kaeson station surface beside the Arch of Triumph, 10 metres higher than its Parisian counterpart. From the Arch head into Moranbong, the main city park. Moranbong is a great location for people watching and admiring the scenery of the Taedong River below. Exit the park via the Liberation Tower. From Moranbong enjoy two more famous Pyongyang landmarks, the Monument to the Foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Juche Tower. The Juche Tower is a symbol of the Juche Idea (national self- reliance, literally “Master of one’s self”) penned by Kim Il Sung. Those who wish can pay a small fee (5 Euros at current) and be whisked via a lift to the top of the tower for spectacular views over the city. From the Juche Tower enjoy a quick drink (at your own expense) at the Taedonggang Microbrewery before returning to the hotel. After a busy full day of sightseeing dinner, this evening is scheduled in the Golden Cup No. 2 Restaurant, just a short walk from the hotel. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Start the day with a visit to the awesome Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the former residence of Kim Il Sung, and now the Mausoleum for both Kim Il Sung & Kim Jong Il. You will here see the bodies of both leaders lying in state. The Mausoleum itself is followed by exhibits showcasing medals of honour bestowed upon the leaders. (Please note for this site you will be expected to dress reasonably smartly). Moving on head to Mt. Taesong to visit the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery, home to the graves of more than 200 of Korea’s leading resistance figures over the years of Japanese rule and the Korean war, including the wife and moth-er of Kim Il Sung. If the weather is clear you will from here be afforded good views over Pyongyang. Return to the hotel for lunch and the chance to change into more casual clothes. Spend the afternoon exploring the high-lights of Pyongyang’s western suburb, starting with a visit to the Mangyondae Native House, birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. From the native house visit the Kwangbok Supermarket and the Mangyondae Schoolchildren’s Palace. Kwangbok Supermarket is the only “normal” Pyongyang supermarket that can be visited by tourists (and one of the only places in the country where one can obtain Korean currency at the “normal” exchange rate) - the best location to pick up some small items such as Korean made foodstuffs, cosmetics or clothing, for example. At the recently refurbished Mangyondae Schoolchildren’s Palace enjoy a tour/performance of this impressive facility. This is one of two centres in Pyongyang where talented youth can enjoy extra curricular activities in a variety of arts and disciplines. Last site of the day will be to let off steam in the Maeri Shooting Range, where you can (for a small fee) enjoy target shooting with pistols or rifles. After a brief walk in the nearby Sport Street (Chongchun Sport Village) enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel. (B,L,D) DAY 4 After two full days of sightseeing in Pyongyang, we depart the capital this morning, heading south-west along the Youth Hero Highway to the port city of Nampo. From Nampo we will board a private motorboat and cruise down the Taedong River, arriving after approximately one hour at the West Sea Barrage, a most impressive 8km long barrage built in the 1980’s along the estuary of the Taedong River near Nampo City. This immense building project is of great pride to the Korean people, and you will likely enjoy a video in the visitors centre showing this massive undertaking. After lunch in the Hanggu Hotel visit the Nampo Orphanage before spending the bulk of the afternoon driving north to Mt. Myohyang, a journey of approximately 200km. On arrival in the region visit the Pohyon Temple, founded in 1042 yet sadly heavily damaged in the Korean War. After a busy day check into the luxurious Hyangsan Hotel for dinner and a two-night stay. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Spend the morning touring the impressive International Friendship Exhibition, a massive complex housing the many thousands of diverse gifts presented to Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong ll & Kim Jong Un over the years. The buildings, built into the mountainside, are home to seemingly endless corridors and rooms lined with diverse gifts from all over the world – keep an eye out for the gifts from Regent Holidays! After a lamb BBQ lunch at the Hyangsan Hotel enjoy the option of a light hike in the hills. The difficulty and duration of the hike will depend on the inclination of the group, weather and quality of the paths, but we plan for a leisurely walk of around 3 hours. Those who would prefer a more sedentary Saturday afternoon may relax in the comfort of the Hyangsan Hotel, which offers all manner of facilities to keep one busy for a few hours. This evening, enjoy dinner back at the hotel. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Departing the comfort of the Hyangsan Hotel today is a long day of driving as we head south to Kaesong. We will spend the morning driving to the small city of Sariwon, south of Pyongyang, making a couple of stops en-route to stretch our legs, including a stop at the impressive Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification. After lunch in Sariwon at the March 8th Hotel press further south to the UNESCO world heritage listed Tomb of King Kongmin, one of the best preserved royal tombs in the country. Upon arrival in Kaesong check into the Janamsan Hotel for dinner and a two-night stay. (B,L,D) DAY 7 This morning pay a brief visit to Sonjuk Bridge before visiting the pleasant Koryo History Museum. Also, visit the nearby Stamp Shop – a great spot for picking up a wide range of postcards and stamps. From here head to Panmunjom - the DMZ and border with South Korea. Upon arrival at Panmunjom, which is often the highlight of any visit to North Korea, we will meet with an army escort who will explain the background to the history of the DMZ, before moving on to the Armistice Talks’ Hall and the building (and attached small museum) where the Armistice was signed. From here head right down to the border itself, where the group will be (local conditions permitting) escorted, possibly under the watchful eyes of South Korean soldiers, into one of the huts which straddle the North/South Korean border. Enjoy lunch at the Panmunjomkwan Restaurant inside the DMZ. This afternoon, visit the Concrete Wall or “Wall of Division,” an 8-metre high concrete wall built by US forces along much of the southern perimeter of the DMZ from 1976 to 1979.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • N. Korea Resumes Domestic Flights As Tourism Jumps 20 Percent
    Beat: News N. Korea resumes domestic flights as tourism jumps 20 percent -, 15.07.2014, 22:35 Time USPA News - North Korea has reopened some of its domestic flight routes for the first time in years after the number of foreign tourists arriving in the reclusive country jumped by 20 percent during the first six months of the year, representatives confirmed on Tuesday. Air Koryo, the country`s sole airline, said in an advertisement published by the state-owned newspaper Pyongyang Times that it will resume domestic flights from mid-July. "The flights will take local and foreign tourists and businesspeople to scenic attractions and economic development zones," the airline said. The advertisement said it will offer flights between the capital Pyongyang and Sondok Airport in South Hamgyong province on Mondays, flights between Pyongyang and Orang Airport near the city of Chongjin on Tuesdays, and flights between Pyongyang and Samjiyon Airport in Ryanggang province on Wednesdays. Chinese tour operator Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) said Air Koryo restarted the domestic flights on Monday. "Indicative of the changing face of tourism in North Korea, the availability of regular domestic flights is set to increase the opportunity to travel within the DPRK," the tour operator said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea. Foreigners previously had to charter aging Soviet-era aircraft to fly between cities, a journey which can take several days by rail or road. "Regular flights like this have not been scheduled before - at least not in the six years we`ve been doing this," said Troy Collings of Young Pioneer Tours.
    [Show full text]
  • North Korea, the World's Most Secretive Country
    NORTH KOREA, THE WORLD’S MOST SECRETIVE COUNTRY with Phil and Allie Dunnington 18 th - 29 th of August 2013 North Korea, or the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (in short DPRK) is one of the least visited and secret countries on the planet. Phil and I went on a mind blowing 7 day trip to North Korea only 5 years ago. Every day was packed with new incredible visits of massive mausoleums and monuments but also beautiful ancient temples or tombs set in untouched landscape. Fascinating also our private escort to the DMZ (North/South Korean border) and our stay in a traditional wooden Korean house in the lovely town of Kaesong. So, I would like to offer you the chance to join me on a new route around the country on a private charter flight up to sacred Mt Paekdu – the birthplace of all the ‘dear leaders’. Mt Paekdu is a beautiful volcano with a crater lake inside and also the base camp for military actions during the Korean war. We are now also allowed to visit the harbour town of Chongjin and Wonsan, places that have just be opened for the first time ever to foreign visitors. Expect to experience something you could not compare with anywhere else in the world! As a final highlight we will visit the Mass Games in Pyongyang with over 100,000 participants celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War (which of course – according to the North Koreans – was won in great triumph by the DPRK!). Things are changing even in such a closely monitored country and with our visit we also contribute to gentle reforms within the country (more relaxed attitudes on photography, opening of new destinations, aid projects etc).
    [Show full text]
  • The North Korea Mega Tour
    The North Korea Mega Tour TOUR September 3rd – 26th 2020 25 nights in North Korea + travel time OVERVIEW Koryo Tours' annual Mega Tour every September is the ultimate journey to North Korea, and our longest and most comprehensive tour to North Korea. We'll travel from Pyongyang, Panmunjom and the DMZ to stunning Mt Paektu, Mt Chilbo, and Mt Kumgang as well as the rarely-visited industrial cities of Chongjin, Hamhung, and Wonsan, plus much more. Updated for 2020 with new locations and activities, this is our longest tour to date. The trip covers thousands of kilometres from the capital Pyongyang to the country's far north, south, east, and west by bus and internal flights. On the way, we'll stop by all the must-see tourist attractions - from massive political structures and monuments to pristine mountains, forests, and beaches to the socialist industry and agriculture that are the backbone of the DPRK economy. We'll also be in Pyongyang for National Day, a major North Korean holiday, and see how North Koreans celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK. Get to know one of the least-understood countries in the world and its people as it stands at a crossroads in its relations with its long-time adversaries: South Korea and the United States. The best way to get to know and understand North Korea is to spend time in the country and meet and interact with local North Koreans through activities, sports, games, and serendipitous encounters. A new addition to this tour is the possibility of extending your stay in the DPRK for two more nights to visit the Rason Special Economic Zone to see North Korea to its fullest like nobody before.
    [Show full text]
  • The North Korea Mega Tour
    The North Korea Mega Tour TOUR Sept 1st – 24th or 25th 2022 23 or 24 nights in North Korea + Beijing-Pyongyang travel time OVERVIEW Koryo Tours' annual Mega Tour every September is the ultimate journey to North Korea, and our longest and most comprehensive tour to North Korea. We'll travel from Pyongyang, Panmunjom and the DMZ to stunning Mt Paektu, Mt Chilbo, and Mt Kumgang as well as the rarely-visited industrial cities of Chongjin, Hamhung, and Wonsan, plus much more! The trip covers thousands of kilometres from the capital Pyongyang to the country's far north, south, east, and west by bus and internal flights. On the way, we’ll stop by all the must-see tourist attractions - from massive political structures and monuments to pristine mountains, forests, and beaches to the socialist industry and agriculture that are the backbone of the DPRK economy. We'll also be in Pyongyang for National Day, a major North Korean holiday, and see how North Koreans celebrate the 74th anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK (North Korea). Get to know one of the least-understood countries in the world and its people as it stands at a crossroads in its relations with its long-time adversaries: South Korea and the United States. The best way to get to know and understand North Korea is to spend time in the country and meet and interact with local North Koreans through activities, sports, games, and serendipitous encounters. A new addition to this tour is the possibility of extending your stay in the DPRK for two more nights to visit the Rason Special Economic Zone to see North Korea to its fullest like nobody before.
    [Show full text]
  • ? Descargar Gratis Rocketbone's Guide to North
    Register Free To Download Files | File Name : Rocketbone'S Guide To North Korea PDF ROCKETBONE'S GUIDE TO NORTH KOREA Tapa blanda 19 septiembre 2019 Author : J.R. JaBone A spaceman's introduction to a mysterious nation Don't be fooled by the quirky spaceman on the cover: This is a real travel guide to the nation of North Korea. Throughout the pages you'll learn about the country's history, culture (including food, sports, popular films and more), landmarks to see, and - importantly - tips on how to get "beyond the border" yourself. I found it easy to read, fun, and highly informative. When I'm next in Asia, I have new ideas about where to go. More than just your typical travel guide Don't be fooled by the quirky spaceman on the cover: This is a real travel guide to the nation of North Korea. Throughout the pages you'll learn about the country's history, culture (including food, sports, popular films and more), landmarks to see, and - importantly - tips on how to get "beyond the border" yourself. A Japanese national visiting North Korea as part of an organised tour group was detained on 5 August 2018 on unspecified grounds before being released and deported on 28 August 2018. In late June 2019, it was reported that an Australian national, living as a student in Pyongyang, had been detained. He was released and left North Korea on 4 July ... North Korea invades the south and the Korean War begins. The US helps repel the Russian backed North, but China steps in to help push them back.
    [Show full text]
  • Unseen North Korea
    Unseen North Korea TOUR September 10th – September 23rd 2021 13 nights in North Korea + Beijing-Pyongyang travel time OVERVIEW Head further off the tourist trail as we not only take you to North Korea, but we also head into little-explored areas on this two-week North Korea adventure. We will explore Mt Paektu, the most sacred place in North Korea, as well as the industrial cities of Chongjin and Hamhung, as well as the country’s most scenic regions open to travellers. This is Unseen North Korea. Over this two week adventure, we spend a lot of our time on the move, making the most of what North Korea has to offer. We travel from the capital of Pyongyang and cross the width of the peninsula to North Korea's east coast and visit Hamhung, the country’s second-largest city and work our way along the beautiful coast road to major port city Wonsan and the stunning 'Diamond Mountain' area of Mt Kumgang. It’s then off to the North Korea’s far north by special domestic charter flight to the volcanic Mt Paektu before flying to the rarely-visited North Hamgyong Province to visit Chongjin, the DPRK’s ‘city of steel’ and the city of Hoeryong on the Chinese border. We then take a well- needed relax as we hit the beaches and take a hike in the Mt Chilbo area before heading to Kyongsong and Rason SEZ (Special Economic Zone) bordering China and Russia, and exit across the bridge through Yanji in North-East China. Alternatively, you can return to Pyongyang from Chongjin on a domestic Air Koryo flight and return directly to Beijing.
    [Show full text]
  • Enterprises of North Korea Defense-Industrial Complex
    Research Analyst (Waterlooville) Limited Commercial-in-Confidence ENTERPRISES OF NORTH KOREA DEFENSE-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX DIRECTORY Research Analyst Defence (Waterlooville) Limited July 2005 James C O’Halloran [email protected] www.defence-analyst.co.uk Reg. No. 05006630 Research Analyst (Waterlooville) Limited Commercial-in-Confidence RAD Research Analyst Defence Ltd. (established 1988) Head Office (Administration) 22 Highfield Avenue Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7PX, United Kingdom Telephone +44-(0)-2392-257329 Telephone +44-(0)-2392-268300 ENTERPRISES OF NORTH KOREA DEFENSE-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX DIRECTORY Research Analyst Defence (Waterlooville) Limited Last Updated 5 May 2010 James C O’Halloran [email protected] www.defence-analyst.co.uk Reg. No. 05006630 Research Analyst (Waterlooville) Limited Commercial-in-Confidence This directory collects and summarizes information on North Korean defence enterprises, scientific organizations and those industrial groups that will be of strategic importance during a time of conflict. During the 1990s, North Korea had some 134 arms factories; many of them completely or partially concealed underground. These facilities produced: (a) Ground service arms (b) Ammunition (c) Armoured vehicles (d) Naval craft (e) Aircraft (spares and subassemblies) (f) Missiles (g) Electronics (h) Chemical-related materials In addition, some 115 non-military factories have a dedicated wartime production requirement. By the late 1980s as many as eight industrial facilities capable of producing chemical agents had been identified they were located at: (a) Anju (b) Aoji (c) Ch'ngjin (d) Hamhung (e) Manp'o (f) Sinhung (g) Siniju (h) Sunch'n There were three research institutes these are located at: (a) Kanggye (b) Siniju (c) Hamhung North Korea is credited with the capability to produce nerve agents, blood agents, blistering agents, and choking agents.
    [Show full text]
  • North Korea National Day Cross-Country Train Tour
    North Korea National Day Cross-Country Train Tour TOUR September 8th – 17th 2020 8 nights in North Korea + travel time OVERVIEW One of our most unique tour packages, this North Korea tour takes you on a local train from Pyongyang across to North Korea's East Coast and then onward up to the extreme North of the country; the Rason Special Economic Zone. On this tour, we will be in North Korea for North Korea National Day - one of the biggest North Korea holidays, celebrating the foundation of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). This year, North Koreans throughout the country will be in full celebration mode as they enjoy the festivities for the 72nd North Korea National Day. During our time in Pyongyang, we will take part in celebrations with the locals, as well as seeing all of the main sites and highlights of the city including; the Mansudae Grand Monument, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, and the Pyongyang Metro. We then visit the west coast city of Nampo, as well as spending a night in Kaesong, a border city just 10 minutes away from the DMZ North-South Korean border, before we start the next part of the adventure. The next part of the tour has us travelling all across North Korea on a local train as we head from Pyongyang all the way to Rason in the North East, bordering with both China and Russia. Rason is the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of North Korea and annually sees very few international tourists. See how locals travel by train, mingle with fellow-passengers, and get fantastic access to parts of the country only a few tourists have ever seen.
    [Show full text]