Study in Pyongyang
Learn Korean

Pyongyang Language Summer Course

Below is just a sample of a language summer course in Pyongyang (taken from our 2019 itinerary). We do not expect the DPRK borders to be opened anytime soon. Please refer to this itinerary to have an idea of what our language course in Pyongyang consists of.

Our Korean Language Summer Course in Pyongyang will last up to 25 days. This is an extremely comprehensive, well rounded way to immerse yourself into Korean language and culture.

Introduction

We will combine intensive morning classes with afternoon and weekend trips throughout the country.

No prior knowledge of Korean is required for beginners' lessons.

Teachers are all experienced North Koreans language teachers.

Apart from studying you will have the chance to practice your language skills by interacting with local students and staff. You will also have the chance to work in the fields with Korean farmers, cycle around Pyongyang, learn how to make local dishes, explore the stunning nature of the DPRK by going to the Mount Kumgang National Park, celebrate a major National Holiday in DPRK (Victory Day, 27 July).

Language Courses

Korean language courses will be held at the Pyongyang College of Tourism.

Teachers will be native Koreans and the material used will be from the prestigious Kim Hyong Jik University.

Lessons will be available for beginners, intermediary level and advanced level students.

Courses will be intensive. There will be three morning lectures from Monday to Friday.

Cultural & Touristic Activities

The evenings and weekends will be spent exploring North Korea and engaging in a variety of exciting activities with locals such as farming, sports events with Korean students and Korean cooking lessons. Other highlights include cycling around Pyongyang, taking a boat cruise on the Taedong River and celebrating a national holiday. This a truly fabulous way to discover North Korea.

If you have three weeks available in the summer and are seriously considering exploring North Korea in depth and learning the language, then we encourage you to take a look at our itinerary below.

Rate

Option 1 - Flying from Beijing on 6 July, leaving by train on 29 July (24 nights / 25 days in Korea): €2495 Euros

Option 2 - Taking the train from Beijing to Pyongyang on 6 July, arriving in Pyongyang on 7 July, leaving by train on 29 July (23 nights / 24 days in Korea): € 2295 Euros

Option 3 - Taking the train from Beijing to Pyongyang on 6 July, arriving in Pyongyang on 7 July, leaving by train on 28 July (22 nights / 23 days in Korea): € 2195 Euros

Please see exactly what our rates include at the bottom of our page.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 6 July (Saturday)

JS 152 Flight due in Pyongyang at 16.00
Kim Il Sung Square - the largest square in the DPRK and the one we see on TV when mass rallies and military parades are held
DPRK Bookstore - you will be able to purchase DPRK books in English as well as other publications such as the Pyongyang Times newspaper.
Walk to Pyongyang Grand Theatre

Hotel check-in: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel
Welcome Dinner: Local Restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 2 - 7 July (Sunday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Kumsusan Memorial Palace - where the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lay in state. The most sacred place in the DPRK. You are kindly asked to dress in proper attire. You will be sent more detailed information regarding this but please feel free to contact us for more details. This is a highlight of all of our DPRK tours.

Mansudae Fountain Park

Walk from the Mansudae Grand Monuments to the Arch of Triumph
Arch of Triumph- it marks the return of President Kim Il Sung upon returning to Korea after the liberation of Korea from Japan. This gigantic monument is taller than that of Paris
Walk around the area, see the enormous mural of President Kim Il Sung upon his return to Korea after the liberation of the country and walk by Kim Il Sung Stadium

Lunch: Koryodongpo Restaurant
Juche Tower - 170 metre tower. You can go up and have wonderful views of the capital.
Monument to the Party Foundation - consisting of a giant hammer, sickle and brush
Film studios (TBC) - see where North Korean movies are filmed!
Dinner: Local restaurant

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 3 - 8 July (Monday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

First day at school in Pyongyang! 3 morning lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Lunch: Okryu Noodle Restaurant - This is the country’s most renowned cold noodle restaurant. Noodles are served cold, a Pyongyang specialty. The noodles are truly delicious here!

Okryu cold noodle restaurant in Pyongyang, North Korea

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Ride on the Pyongyang metro with locals - one of the deepest metros in the world. The Pyongyang metro is known not only for its impressive depth, but also for its mosaic walls, chandeliers and decoration as a whole. Most wagons are from former socialist European countries, but there is one new one 100% Korean made.

Metro ride in Pyongyang, North Korea (DPRK)

Kumkob Food Processing Factory - chance for you to visit and see how a factory is run in the DPRK. You can ask the manager showing you around questions on how the facility operates.
Dinner: local restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan or Chongnyon Hotel

Day 4 - 9 July (Tuesday)

Breakfast: Sosan Hotel/Chongnyon Hotel
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Pyongyang Cycle Tour from Kwangbok Street to Munsu Waterpark! This is an extremely fun and a unique way to explore the roads of Pyongyang. Very few foreigners have had the chance to discover Pyongyang on two wheels. Please check our Youtube video below to have an idea of what the experience entails! Please note that there is no need for you to be super fit. Pyongyang is very flat, in fact it literally means "Flat Land"!

Dinner: National Restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 5 - 10 July (Wednesday)

Breakfast: Sosan Hotel/Chongnyon Hotel
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Grand People's Study House - enormous educational facility located right by Kim Il Sung Square. Students and workers attend. We are told that it holds over then 30 million foreign language books! There are foreign language lectures in English, Chinese, Russian, German... If feeling brave and if there is a lecture going on, why not have a chat with the students? If feeling even braver perhaps practice your Korean!

English lesson at the Grand People's Study House in Pyonyang, DPRK (North Korea)

Korea Art Gallery
Boating in the Taedong River - life vests on and time to paddle!
Walk by the Taedong River riverside - many locals cycle and walk here.
Daedong Gate - see some ancient aspects of the capital
Pyongyang City Bell
Dinner: KITC Number 2 Restaurant

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 6 - 11 July (Thursday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Mangyongdae Native House - this is the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung
Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace - Pyongyang’s most talented kids attend this facility after school where a wide variety of classes are taught; calligraphy, harmonica playing, embroidery, dancing, etc. You will see these lessons and then attend a performance held by the students.

Children's Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea (DPRK) with KTG

Dinner: KITC Number 1 Restaurant

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 7 - 12 July (Friday)

Breakfast: Sosan Hotel/Chongnyon Hotel
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Lunch: Mangyongdae Restaurant, Pyongyang
Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - the war museum has been moved to and now lies adjacent to the building where it used to be. The amount of detail and the size of the museum comes to show how important the Korean War is and how tangible it is today in the DPRK

USS Pueblo - US spy ship, the only US vessel in possession of a foreign country. It is shown in the DPRK to Koreans and foreigners as a trophy.
Ride on Pyongyang Metro (extended ride) - chance to take the deepest metro in the world. You will experience the busiest aspect of Pyongyang with local Pyongyangers.

Kwangbok Supermarket - perfect chance to practice your Korean! This supermarket consists of three storeys and you will be able to roam around by yourself as well as to use the local Korean won. The place is packed with locals.
The ground floor has a big supermarket on one side where you can stack up on all kinds of refreshments, snacks and food. Most products are Korean. On the other side they sell bikes, electronic goods, cosmetics and they have a small snack area where the tasty Pyongyang waffles, cold coffee and other snacks are sold. If feeling curious & brave we recommend you to ask for YINSANG!
The second floor consists mainly of a clothing department where you can buy DPRK made sports clothes, leather shoes, jumpers... If you want a DPRK made product check that the label is in Korean and not Chinese or that it reads "Made in D.P.R.K." Other products sold here include watches and jewellery and... the odd boat.
The top floor is where all the snacks are. Do not be surprised to receive glances from hundreds of locals who are enjoying their afternoon snack here!
Dinner: in the restaurant by the supermarket

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 8 - 13 July (Saturday)

Breakfast: hotel
Drive to Sariwon - we head south of Pyongyang to the lively city of Sariwon where will be able to engage in some farm work with locals!

Migok farm in Sariwon, North Korea. KTG offers farm tours

Mount Jongbang - located in a picturesque part of the country, local painters and art students usually come here to paint the landscape
Songbul Temple - a local monk will show you around
Migok Farm - this is a cooperative farm located in Sariwon. Time to wear your boots and get involved with some weeding!

Picnic lunch / lunch at hotel
Folk Street - walk by this street that shows ancient Korean model relics and where the history of Kore over the centuries is explained. You can also try Makgolli, a sweet Korean liquor. Sariwon is renowned for producing some of the best stuff in Korea.
Drive to Kaesong - head further south towards this ancient Korean city. Unlike most cities in the DPRK, Kaesong was not destroyed in the Korean War. There old part of town
Koryo Museum - the first university on the Korean Peninsula. This museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site which was first built in the 900s.
Janam Hill - two giant bronze statues of the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il loom over the city of Kaesong on Janam Hill. The hill offers excellent views of the old part of Kaesong.
Kwandok Pavilion - built in the late 1700s for archery purposes
Sonjuk Bridge - also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built in 1290. It is the point of assassination of a scholar and diplomat who was loyal to the Koryo Dynasty, Chong Mong Ju. The assassination was planned by the son of the founder of the Choson Dynasty (which overthrew the Koryo Dynasty).
Dinner: Hotel, Kaesong

Overnight at the Kaesong Folklore Hotel or Janamsan Hotel

The Kaesong Folklore Hotel is a traditional courtyard Hotel. Staying here will allow you to experience the Korean traditional way of life by eating and sleeping on the floor (you will have mattress to sleep on!)

Minsok folk hotel in Kaesong city, North Korea (DPRK). Study in North Korea with KTG!

If the sky is clear you will have an excellent chance to see and endless number of stars and to see how this contrasts with the orange sky in the south as Seoul is merely 70 kilometres away from here.

Day 9 - 14 July (Sunday)

Breakfast: Minsok Hotel / Janamsan Hotel, Kaesong
Walk from the hotel to Nam Gate - this is the ancient south gate of the city, part of the wall that protected Kaesong.
Tomb of King Kongmin - yet another UNESCO World Heritage site of Kaesong, these twin tombs belong to King Kongmin, from the Koryo Dynasty, and his wife, who was originally from Mongolia. In fact, the Mongolian embassy holds an event here each year. Don’t forget to ask your guides to tell you about the “Oh My” story!

Tomb of King Kongmin near Kaesong in North Korea (DPRK). KTG offers study tours in North Korea

The next stop is the DMZ. You will see where the Korean War Armistice was signed (a peace treaty has not been signed to this day) as well as negotiations took place during the war. A Korean People's Army soldier will escort you and act as a guide for you here. At one point you will be right in front of South Korea. The blue rooms that were used for talks between North and South Korea until the early 90s sit, literally, on the demarcation line; one half being in the DPRK and the other in South Korea. You will have the chance to enter these rooms. If they are closed when visiting, which can sometimes be the case, you will still be able to up close to them. The DMZ is also the one of the rare places where we can take pictures of (and with) North Korean soldiers.

DMZ seen from North Korea. KTG arranges study tours to North Korea

As we approach Kaesong we will be able to see the famous Kaesong Industrial Park Complex at a distance as well as the train station which's railway connects North and South Korea but which is not in use.
38th Parallel (DMZ) - chance to enter the famous blue negotiation rooms where talks between North & South Korea have taken place. This is with no doubt a highlight of all DPRK tours. A DPRK soldier will guide us here and we will be able to see the world famous 38th Parallel that divides the Korean Peninsula to this day.
Koryo Museum (Kaesong) - the first university of the Koryo Dynasty, it is now a museum where guests are explained how life was like in medieval Korea

Lunch: traditional Korean lunch Bansanggi - This consists of around a dozen dishes per person. In feudal Korea the higher the number of dishes a person was served, the higher their status.
Concrete Wall - After lunch you head through the rural areas that surround Kaesong for about a 40 minute drive to a point where a Korean People’s Army officer will show us where, according to the DPRK, South Korea have a concrete wall used for military purposes. If the day is clear you will be able to see South Korean and UN military bases on the other side of the no-man’s land that divides North and South Korea.

Traditional Korean lunch Bansanggi in Kaesong. KTG offers study tours in North Korea

Pakyon Waterfalls - check out a beautiful corner of North Korea with clear blue water
Drive back to Pyongyang
Reunification Monument - photo time at the monument of the two ladies who represent the reunification of the Korean Peninsula
Ri In Mo monument - statue dedicated to this DPRK hero who spent four decades in prison in South Korea before being released in 1988.
Dinner: local restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 10 - 15 July (Monday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Lunch in Chongryu Noodle Restaurant
Ryugyong Outdoor Ice-Skating Park - opened all year round, grab the chance to have some fun with locals and show off your ice-skating skills!
Cooking lesson! Learn how to make traditional Korean dishes such as kimchi, kimbab, noodles and green bean pancake. This fun event will take place in Ryomyong Street where the Pyongyang Culinary Festival is held.
Dinner: the food you just made, so do make sure you do a good job!

Day 11 - 16 July (Tuesday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Lunch at a local restaurant, Pyongyang
Conversation with local students
Kim Il Sung University E-library - this is the best university in the DPRK.

Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang. This is the best university in the DPRK. KTG offers study tours in North Korea!

Kim Il Sung University Campus

Pyongyang Central Zoo - this zoo was recently renovated and is huge. You will have the chance of ride a horse wagon if you wish!

Walk by Ryomyong Street - newly built street consisting of high rise buildings with peculiar architectural characteristics

Ryomyong street in Pyongyang. Visit the capital of North Korea (DPRK) with KTG

Dinner at the Ryomyong Restaurant

Driver Mr. Mun and guide Mr. Li enjoying dinner at the Ryomyong Restaurant. The young men in the background are students of Kim Il Sung University which is located nearby

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 12 - 17 July (Wednesday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Sports activities with the students and teachers of the Tourism University - great opportunity to show off your sports skills in front of Korean students and teachers!
Sauna or swimming at the Changgwang Health Complex - this complex was built in 1981 and a visit here is the perfect way to relax and end a long tiring day...
Dinner: local restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 13 - 18 July (Thursday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

6.9 Secondary School - chance to learn more about the education system in North Korea.
Circus - enjoy an acrobatics show full of locals the day before a national holiday

Microbrewery Beer Bar - have a local pint with Koreans!

North Korean lady pulling a pint of beer. Visit the DPRK with KTG!

Dinner: local restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 14 - 19 July (Friday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel
Drive to the coastal city of Wonsan (East Coast) - unique chance to be driven through second tier cities and counties as you literally cruise across the DPRK, from one side of the country to the other. The ride is around 4.5 hours long and a fascinating experience. We will have a 30 minute break on the way at a local guest house with relaxing views.
Sinpyong Guesthouse - 30 minute break by a lake. Chance to try some snake liquor!

Lunch: Seafood restaurant, Wonsan
Songdowon Children's Summer Camp - see kids enjoy their summer

Jangdok Islet - just opposite the "mainland", it offers full views of the port area and the frontline of Wonsan
Dinner: Tongmyong Hotel

Overnight: Tongmyong Hotel, Wonsan

Day 15 - 20 July (Saturday)

Breakfast: Tongmyong Hotel, Wonsan
Drive to Mt.Kumgang - absolutely stunning national park in North Korea
Samil Lagoon - beautiful lagoon, ideal place to relax and enjoy nature

Samil lagoon, Mount Kumgang, in North Korea. Trip arranged by KTG tours

Lunch: Sujongbong Restaurant
Hike in the Kuryong Area

Kuryong waterfalls in Mount Kumgang, North Korea. Trip arranged by KTG tours

Dinner: Byolgumgang Restaurant, Mount Kumgang

Overnight: Kumgangsan Hotel, Mount Kumgang

Day 16 - 21 July (Sunday)

Breakfast: Kumgangsan Hotel, Mount Kumgang
Drive to Wonsan - lunch in Wonsan

Drive back to Pyongyang
Dinner: Pyongyang Number 1 Duck Barbecue Restaurant - time to try some sizzling duck meat! Options for vegetarians available

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 17 - 22 July (Monday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Korean language practice with students - great chance to test your progress!
Dinner: Sanghung Restaurant

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 18 - 23 July (Tuesday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Jonsung Revolutionary Site
Friendship Tower - built to commemorate China’s participation in the Korean War
Walk around the city

Dinner: National Restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 19 - 24 July (Wednesday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Mangyongdae Funfair - Enjoy some retro rides in this 1980s funfair
Dinner at the Potonggang Restaurant

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 20 - 25 July (Thursday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
3 lectures at Pyongyang College of Tourism

Lunch at Zindalrae Restaurant, Pyongyang
Railway Museum - see how the railway network was built in the DPRK. They have too original trains dating back from the Japanese colonial rule. You can also see the train used by National Heroine Comrade Kim Jong Suk

Diorama at the North Korea Railway Museum in Pyongyang depicting the Leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il giving guidance regarding the construction of the national train network, Pyongyang, North Korea (picture taken by KTG)

Diorama at the Railway Museum in Pyongyang showing the Leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il giving guidance regarding the construction of the national train network

Trains at the Railway Museum in Pyongyang

Football Academy (TBC) - see where the future national superstars train!

North Korean kids playing football in Pyongyang. Discover the DPRK with KTG!

Dinner at the Gyonghung Unhasu Restaurant

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 21 - 26 July (Friday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
Examination Day

Picnic Lunch in Mount Ryongak
Graduation Ceremony - hopefully you passed your exams and will receive your diploma
3 Revolutions Exhibition Centre - you can see model rockets here as well as different types of machinery and a planetarium. This is also where the Pyongyang International Trade Fair is held every year
Drive to Mt. Myohyang - head to this beautiful part of the country in the northern interior of the DPRK.
Dinner: Chongchon Hotel / Huichon, Mt. Myohyang

Overnight: Chongchon Hotel / Huichon, Mt. Myohyang

Day 22 - 27 July (Saturday) - Victory Day

Breakfast: Chongchon Hotel / Huichon, Mt. Myohyang
Pohyon Temple - ancient buddhist temple. This used to be the an important buddhist centre in the region. You will have the chance to meet local monks.

Monk at Pohyon temple in Mount Myohyang, North Korea. Visit the DPRK with KTG. We arrange tours and study programs in North Korea

International Friendship Exhibition - this consists of two buildings that are partially built into the mountain. They each hold hundreds of thousands of gifts presented to the Leaders of the country. Some of these are truly impressive, but we would rather not spoil any surprises so will keep this a secret.

Lunch at the Hyangsan Hotel - after being renovated a few years ago, this is now one of the most luxurious hotels in the whole country and the food here is truly delicious!
Drive back to Pyongyang
Mass Dances Expected - hundreds of university students and workers dance in a synchronised way. Ladies wear traditional Korean outfits. This is a great chance for you to join and dance too!

Mass Dances on Victory Day in Pyongyang. KTG arranges Korean language tours in North Korea

Bowling Alley - it will be busy today with locals. Show off your bowling skills, enjoy a game at the arcade on the top floor or a game of pool at the Pyongyang Golden Lane Alley.
Cinema with locals (TBC) - unique chance to watch a DPRK movie with Koreans!
Beer Bar - celebrate this national holiday by having some drinks with locals!
Dinner: Local restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 23 - 28 July (Sunday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
Changchon Vegetable Farm

Lunch: Mangyongdae Songsan Restaurant
Taedonggang Fruit Farm
Mirim Equitation Club - opportunity to go horse riding in Pyongyang

Mirim Equitation club in Pyongyang, North Korea. Go horse riding in the DPRK with KTG!

Mirim Aviation Club - located across from the horse riding club, you will be able to take a mini-flight if you wish.
Moran Beer Bar - end off your Korean language study tour in Pyongyang with some drinks to celebrate 3 weeks of study and travel in North Korea
Farewell Dinner: Haeyang Restaurant, Pyongyang

Overnight: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang

Day 24 - 29 July (Monday)

Breakfast: Sosan/Chongnyon Hotel, Pyongyang
10.25 train to China - please let us know if interested in flying out

Stopover at Sinuiju train station bordering China - DPRK customs will be carried out on the train

Day 25 - 30 July (Tuesday)

Arrive in Beijing at 08:40 am

End of our Korean language study tour

Rate

Our rates include the following:

Transport costs from Beijing to Pyongyang and back (train in / train out)
Tuition fees & textbooks
All local transfer costs
Accommodation in North Korea (twin room). In the case of one solo independent traveller there is no need to pay for a single room supplement
Three meals per day (B,L,D)
Guide service in English / requested language if other
Entrance tickets to all tourist attractions
Circus entrance fee
Cycling in Pyongyang

The following is not included in our rates:

DPRK Visa fee (€50 if issued in China)
Going up the Juche Tower which is optional (€5)
Upgrading room to a single one (€35 per room per night)
Extra drinks/snacks (meals include bottled mineral water and one complimentary drink)
Meals on the train from the DPRK to Beijing (approx. €5. You can also bring your own food)
Flowers for the Grand Statues (€5 Euros for the whole group, not per person)
Optional activities that are to be paid on the spot (if you are interested in joining of course). These are optional and you are by no means obliged to partake in them: Sauna or swimming at the Changgwang Health Complex, watching a Korean movie in a local cinema, horse riding at the Mirim Equitation Club, taking a mini flight in the Mirim Aviation Club, bowling (€2.5 Euros per person), shooting at Meari Shooting Range and Kumrung fitness centre, riding fee at the funfair (fares are €1.5 to €5 Euros per ride), drinking in the bars (a pint of beer ranges from €1 to €2 Euros), skating at the outdoor ice rink.
Tips to tour guides