Entering North Korea by plane vs. by train and when to go
by KTG
Hi everyone!
Below are some questions regarding how taking the train both ways vs. entering by plane and exiting by train affects your North Korea tour price and when the main festivities in the DPRK are. Hope it is of help!
Q. Regarding transportation, is it cheaper to go in and out with train instead of flying?
A. Yes, but we only charge 50 Euros more if you fly in vs. taking the train in for our private tours and around 60 Euros more for our group tours. If you would like to enter by train we strongly recommend you to leave Beijing on Monday, Wednesday or Friday arriving the next day in Pyongyang as there are more carriages then and there has been an increase of Chinese tourists entering by train.
Q. For my girlfriend and i it would be very interesting to experience some of North Korea’s celebration days. If you should recommend the best time to go to North Korea, what would that be?
The main holidays are as follows:
15 April - Birthday of President Kim Il Sung - there are usually Mass Dances and fireworks in the evening at the square with thousands of people.
16 February - Birthday of Chairman Kim Jong Il - there are usually Mass Dances and fireworks in the evening at the square with thousands of people.
May Day - there are usually mass dances on 1st May. Plus many people celebrate in the park and we can dance, drink and have fun with them. Weather is also good. The only risk is that the Palace of the Sun usually closes from the end of April / beginning of May.
27 July Victory Day - Victory over the Korean War. There are usually mass dances on 27 July.
15 August - Liberation Day from Japan - there are usually Mass Dances, but not always.
9 September - National Day, there are usually mass dances.
10 October - Party Foundation Day, there are usually mass dances. Please check our Youtube video below:
New Year's - thousands of people usually gather at the square for firework displays on New Year’s Eve.
In terms of weather spring and autumn are the best seasons. The rainy season is July. Winter is interesting because there are very few tourists in the country but if you plan to go to the east coast then it is best to go when warmer. Please refer to our following link regarding weather and festivities in North Korea:
Climate & Fesitivities in North Korea
Do please let me know if either of you may have any other questions, whichever these may be.
Kind regards,
Rayco / KTG
