2025 North Korea May Day Tour II
2025 North Korea May Day Tour II - The application deadline for this tour is March 20 2025.
IMPORTANT: May Day is a busy period in China. There are no direct trains from Pyongyang to Beijing on Sundays. If we are unable to book an overnight sleeper on Sunday 3rd May from Dandong to Beijing you will have to opt for exit option 2 which entails staying overnight in Dandong and taking a speed train to Beijing South station (not Beijing central) at 7.01 am the next morning. You can also opt for this if you prefer to have a break, shower, etc regardless on whether there are night sleepers available. Please do not make any connecting flights out of China until the evening of Monday 4th May at the very earliest.
Our North Korea May Day Tour combines 4 regions in 5 nights in the DPRK: Pyongyang, Kaesong, Sariwon and Mount Myohyang, a unique chance of covering different parts of the DPRK during a national holiday.
In our humble opinion, May Day is one of the most fun times to be in North Korea. Please check our Youtube video below and you will see why this is such a great time to be in North Korea:
Day 1 - 29 April (Tuesday)
- Head to the airport and depart from Beijing at 13.05 flight JS 152 Terminal 2, Beijing Capital Airport
- Arrive in Pyongyang at 16.05 (Pyongyang time)
PM
- Arch of Triumph - impressive monument larger than the Arch of Triumph in Paris
- Brief walk around the area - we will see the enormous mural showing an image of President Kim Il Sung's speech upon returning to Korea after the liberation of the country in 1945. The Kim Il Sung Stadium is located close by too, though we will see more of this on Sunday
- Drive by Chollima Statue - built to reflect the DPRK's official policy to reconstruct the country after the Korean War at the speed of the Chollima Horse
- Hotel check-in: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
- Welcome Dinner: KITC Restaurant, Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 2 - 30 April (Wednesday)
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
- Drive south to Kaesong (Panmunjom, the DMZ) - head south towards the border between North and South Korea. The trip is 3 hours long and there will be a break by the highway where you can take pictures. If you go up the building you can take pictures of the empty Re-unification Highway. There are several military check-points when going and coming back from Kaesong. Our guides will tell us when we cannot take pictures.
- Tomb of King Kongmin (UNESCO World Heritage site) - twin tombs of King Kongmin and his Mongolian wife. The tombs have undergone very little restoration and are unique in that they are twin tombs.
- 38th Parallel (DMZ) - chance to enter the famous blue negotiation rooms where talks between North & South Korea have taken place if opened. If the rooms are not opened we will get a chance to see them from very close. A KPA Officer will join us on our coach and we will be guided around Panmunjom. The officer with us tends to ask us questions regarding our views about Korea and it is fascinating to be able to interact with them
- Koryo Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the old part of the city - unlike most of Korea, Kaesong was not destroyed during the Korean War. This museum was the first university in the Korean Peninsula. It is also quite common to see newly weds celebrating their weddings here.
- Stamp shop - chance to purchase a wide variety of DPRK stamps, post cards, artwork, etc. This is just outside of the Koryo Museum and we usually make a quick break here.
PM
- Lunch at a local restaurant (Kaesong) - dishes are served in small covered golden plated bowls. The number of small dishes served symbolised in ancient times the status of the person eating, 12 dishes being the highest number.
- Drive to Sariwon, capital of North Hwanghae Province
- Walk around the Folk Street - We drive back to Sariwon city and explore what the city has to offer. Opportunity to walk around one of the busiest streets in Sariwon and stop by a local "Sul Jib" (meaning wine house or bar) to try some of the local delicacy; makoli, a traditional Korean drink (with low levels of alcohol). Sariwon is renowned for having the best makoli in the DPRK.
- Check local models of ancient pavilions and have an explanation of ancient Korea - apart from seeing models of Korean ancient pavilions and maps of the ancient Korean peninsula, one of the main highlights here is that there are usually Koreans playing games such as shooting targets (corks used as bullets). Not many travellers visit this city and we are always welcome to have a chance at the game!
- Walk up to Mt. Kyongnam Pavilion - the whole city of Sariwon and beyond can be seen from here. The walk itself is not that long, around 5 to 10 minutes, but the views give you a chance of not only seeing people getting along with their daily lives around the city but also the landscape stretching miles away into the horizon. You can see our Youtube video above to see what Sairwon is like.
- Drive back to Pyongyang
- Dinner: Restaurant at Future Scientists Street
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 3 - 1 May (Thursday) - May 1st National Holiday (International Workers' Day)
AM
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
- Kumsusan Palace of the Sun - we start the main day of our North Korea May Day tour with an early departure to where the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il remain in state. Please note that this is one of the most important places in the DPRK. You are kindly asked to dress in formal attire (please contact us for more information regarding this).
- IMPORTANT The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun only opens on Thursday and Sunday mornings to the public and is usually closed from May until July. We will apply to visit in case it is opened on 1st May. If closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
- Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery - located near the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in the outskirts of Pyongyang, views of the whole city are offered
PM
- Taeson Park - sporting and dancing events are held here. You will be able to wonder around by yourself in the park and join in the fun with the Koreans! Interacting with Koreans is a highlight of our North Korea May Day tour and something that we encourage as much as possible in all of our trips. Having small groups enhances the chances of this greatly. Please check our short Youtube video:
- Lunch: Picnic lunch, Moran Park
- Moran Park - chance to celebrate with locals on this National Holiday. You will be able to join in the singing and dancing. Thousands, and this is no exaggeration, of people gather here today. The spirits are high and the atmosphere is incredible. Although a capital city, Pyongyang does not receive many Westerners, meaning that you will be treated as a special guest by locals who usually have limited chance to interact with foreigners given that there are not many in the country.
- Fountain Park - popular place for locals to take pictures. We will walk by the giant mosaic images of the leaders.
- Mansudae Grand Monuments - giant bronze statues of the Leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
- Ride on Pyongyang Metro - visit several stops as part of this extended ride on one of the busiest days in Pyongyang!
- Juche Tower - stunning views of Pyongyang are offered from the top of this 150 metre tall tower (170 including the flame!)
- Monument to the Foundation of the Workers' Party of Korea - if Mass Dances are held you will be able to attend, though this will only be confirmed on May 1st. Thousands of Koreans gather and dance (women wearing traditional Korean outfits and men suits) in a synchronised way. You will of course be more than welcome to join in!
- Optional: Local Evening Funfair - even if you do not want to go on the rides, this is a great time to see locals have fun on a National Holiday and they will be with no doubt very curious at the sight of foreigners. Rides are 1 to 3 Euros per person but you do not need to try any of them if you would rather simply walk and look around the park, which itself is an experience!
- Drink at local bar - pre-dinner drinks at the Taedongang Number 3 Brewery Bar
- Dinner: Ryomyong Street, Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 4 - 2 May (Friday)
AM
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel
- Walk from Pyongyang Grand Theatre to Kim Il Sung Square - take a scenic walk from the iconic Pyongyang Grand Theatre to the vast Kim Il Sung Square, walking amongst locals and enjoying the striking architecture and grandeur of Pyongyang's cityscape along the way.
- Step inside the Grand People's Study House, an architectural marvel and a hub of learning where you can explore its vast reading rooms and get a glimpse of North Korea’s intellectual life as well as the best views possible of Kim Il Sung Square.
- Stand in the centre of Kim Il Sung Square, the symbolic heart of Pyongyang, where grand parades and celebrations take place. This monumental site offers an incredible sense of scale and history.
- DPRK Foreign Language Bookstore - browse through a unique collection of books and souvenirs at the , where you can pick up North Korean literature, propaganda posters, and gifts in various languages to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
PM
- Lunch: local restaurant, Pyongyang
- Korean War Museum - the newly restored museum shows the DPRK version of the Korean War. The sheer size of the museum and amount of detail put into it is truly amazing.
- USS Pueblo - US Spy ship captured by the DPRK in 1968, it sits in North Korea as trophy shown to locals and foreigners alike.
- Kwangbok Supermarket - this is the only place where foreigners can exchange foreign currency for Korean won and purchase goods with Korean won. This place is usually packed with locals and we are allowed to wander around by ourselves. The bottom floor consists of a supermarket which mainly consists of local goods. The first floor is where clothes is sold as well as other goods such as watches, home equipment. The top floor is where we can buy snacks and meals and it is where hundreds of people tend to gather with their families for some food!
- Farewell Dinner: Pyongyang No.1 Duck BBQ Restaurant, Pyongyang
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang
Day 5 - 3 May (Saturday)
AM
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel
- Jangchon Vegetable Farm - see how farmers work and live in this farm, known for its sustainable farming methods used to supply fresh produce to Pyongyang, offering a unique perspective on North Korea's agricultural efforts.
- Drive to Pyongsong City - this satelite city of Pyongyang is known as the Silicon Valley of the DPRK. It was only opened to tourism in 2013.
- Paeksongri Revolutionary Site - a key location in North Korea’s revolutionary history, it is where Kim Il Sung Univeristy was relocated during the Korean War. See where students lived and studied during this devastating conflict that keeps the Korean peninsula divided to this day.
- Pyongsong Central Square - the heart of the city where locals gather for important events and daily activities, giving you a glimpse of life in this regional centre.
PM
- Lunch: Jangsusan Hotel, Pyongsong
- Kim Jong Suk Number 1 Middle School - chance to interact with students and see first-hand the education system and youthful energy of North Korea.
- Drive to the beautiful Mount Myohyang - nestled in South Pyongan province in the northern interior of the DPRK, this is a stunning, secluded area with significant historical, cultural and religious importance in North Korea.
- Light hike in the Manpok Valley - enjoy a light hike surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Myohyang's scenic trails, waterfalls, and peaceful landscapes.
- Check-in the Hyangsan Hotel - end the day with a luxurious stay at one of the most elegant hotels in the DPRK, where you can unwind with a delicious dinner and enjoy the serene surroundings of the mountain and the multiple facilities the hotel has to offer.
Overnight: Hyangsan Hotel, Mount Myohyang
Day 6 - 4 May (Sunday)
AM
- Breakfast: Hyangsan Hotel
- International Friendship Exhibition Centre - Hidden within the stunning Mount Myohyang are the massive, windowless halls of the International Friendship Exhibition Centre, an awe-inspiring structure blending traditional Korean architecture with the mountain itself. Inside, you’ll find an astonishing collection of thousands of gifts presented to the leadership of the country by world leaders and notable figures. We won’t spoil the surprise by naming any of the gifts—you’ll have to see them for yourself on this remarkable visit!
- Pohyon Temple - step back in time at Pohyon Temple, once the spiritual heart of Buddhism in this region. Founded in the early 11th century, this ancient temple complex showcases beautiful traditional architecture and serene courtyards. Despite the passage of time and periods of conflict, Pohyon Temple remains a peaceful testament to Korea’s rich Buddhist heritage.
PM
- Lunch: Chongchon Hotel, Mt. Myohyang
- Drive back to Pyongyang
- Munsu Water Park - as our intensive tour of the DPRK draws to a close, we’ll head back to Pyongyang for a final stop at the lively Munsu Water Park. This is your chance to unwind, have some fun, and mingle with locals in a more relaxed setting. Whether you want to take a dip in the pools, ride the waterslides, play table tennis, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere enjoying a cup of coffee, the park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. It’s the ideal way to wrap up your journey through North Korea, sharing a memorable experience with Pyongyang residents.
- Brief Walk by Ryomyong Street - before dinner, we'll take a brief stroll along Ryomyong Street, one of Pyongyang’s most modern and impressive avenues. Lined with sleek high-rise buildings and futuristic architecture, this vibrant area showcases the city’s rapid development and modern urban planning. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience a different side of Pyongyang, capturing the contrast between tradition and progress.
- Farewell Dinner: Restaurant at Ryomyong Street
Overnight: Yanggakdo Hotel
Day 7 - 5 May (Monday)
- 10.25 am Train to Beijing
PM
- Stopover at Sinuiju train station bordering China where DPRK customs takes place (customs officers will come on the train to proceed with formalities). We then cross the bridge over the Yalu River back into China.
Overnight: train
Day 8 - 6 May (Tuesday)
AM
- Arrival at the Beijing train station. The expected arrival time is 8.40 am
End of North Korea May Day Tour II
Day 7 - 5 May (Monday) - Option 2 (additional 50 Euros, includes hotel in Dandong and speed train to Beijing)
AM
- Breakfast: Yanggakdo Hotel
- 10.25 am Train to Beijing
PM
- Stopover at Sinuiju train station bordering China where DPRK customs takes place. We then cross the bridge over the Yalu River back into China.
- Hotel check-in: Dandong, China
Overnight: Dandong, China
Day 8 - 6 May (Tuesday)
AM
- Depart by speed train from Dandong to Beijing. There are several options; at 7.09 am (arriving at Beijing Chaoyang) and at 14.08 (arriving at Beijing Station, Beijing West and Beijing Chaoyang). Train trip duration is just over 5 hours.
End of North Korea May Day Tour II
Please go to our North Korea Tourism page to see more information on other tours that we offer other than our North Korea May Day Tour II.
