5-Day Itinerary for Traveling Through North Korea
Traveling to North Korea is a unique and rare experience that gives you a glimpse into one of the most secretive countries in the world. While traveling independently here is off-limits, joining an organized tour is the only way to explore. Here’s a 5-day itinerary that offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and a few outdoor spots you can visit during your trip.
Day 1: Pyongyang – Arrival and City Exploration
You’ll most likely fly into Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, which is where your tour will start. Your guides will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel. After checking in, start the day by diving into the capital city.
Kick things off by visiting Kim Il Sung Square. This is where huge celebrations and military parades take place, and it gives you your first close-up view of Pyongyang’s large-scale architecture.
From there, head over to Mansudae Grand Monument. This spot has giant bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. It’s a highly revered area, and visitors are expected to show respect by bowing and offering a flower.
After lunch, stop by the Fountain Park and watch locals relax and enjoy the day. Take some time to visit the nearby Arch of Triumph as well, which was built to honor Korea’s resistance to Japan. It’s larger than Paris’ Arc de Triomphe!
Wrap up your first day by exploring the Pyongyang Metro. It’s one of the deepest metro systems in the world, and you can ride the subway to see a few stations decorated with huge murals and grand lighting.
Day 2: Pyongyang – War History and Juche Tower
Kick off your second day by visiting the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. This museum tells North Korea’s version of events from the Korean War and houses various tanks, airplanes, and other military artifacts. Don’t miss the captured USS Pueblo warship, the only American naval ship still held by another country.
From here, head to the Juche Tower, which gives you one of the best panoramic views of Pyongyang. The Juche Tower is a symbol of North Korea’s national philosophy, “Juche,” focusing on self-reliance.
For lunch, your tour might stop at a local restaurant, which typically serves traditional Korean food like cold noodles, dumplings, and kimchi. Afterward, visit Moran Hill, where you can stroll in the park and see how locals interact with each other, dance, and relax.
If there’s extra time in the afternoon, check out the Monument to Party Founding. Its design represents North Korea’s governance structure, and it’s a frequently visited symbol.
Day 3: Kaesong – The DMZ and Panmunjom
On Day 3, make the drive south from Pyongyang to Kaesong, a city close to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This is one of the biggest highlights of a North Korea trip.
You’ll visit Panmunjom, the joint security area between North and South Korea. This is the closest you’ll get to South Korea and a tense but fascinating place to visit. Tours here include seeing the blue negotiating rooms, where talks between both sides still happen. Your guides will explain the history, and you can even cross briefly over the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) into South Korea.
After visiting the DMZ, the next stop is the Koryo Museum, a former Confucian institution during the Goryeo Dynasty. It’s now a museum showcasing ancient relics and Korea’s long history before the Korean division.
Later, stroll through the nearby Kaesong Stamp Shop. You can find postcards and stamps here, which make for easy, memorable souvenirs to take back with you. Depending on your tour, you may also visit the Tomb of King Kongmin.
End the day by heading back to Pyongyang for dinner and some time to relax at your hotel.
Day 4: Myohyangsan – Hiking and International Friendship Exhibition
Now it’s time to leave the city and head to the mountains. Myohyangsan is about two hours north of Pyongyang, and you’ll spend the day exploring its natural beauty and North Korean history.
Start the day with a visit to the International Friendship Exhibition. This massive structure houses thousands of gifts given to the leaders of North Korea from other countries and world leaders. It’s pretty wild to see everything they’ve received – from cars to expensive furniture and unusual gifts.
After you’ve had a look around, go on a light hike in the Myohyang Mountains. The trails offer a peaceful escape with views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll come across calm streams, Buddhist temples, and some impressive carved statues along the way.
After spending the day in nature, head back to Pyongyang. If you haven’t already, make sure to visit the Pyongyang Embroidery Institute, where locals learn the art of traditional embroidery. It’s a good spot for picking up handcrafted souvenirs.
Day 5: Pyongyang – Final Day and Departure
For your last day, you’ll tie up any loose ends in Pyongyang and visit any spots you may have missed along the way. A great final stop is the Ryugyong Hotel. While this pyramid-shaped structure isn’t finished and doesn’t function as a hotel, it’s still an iconic part of Pyongyang’s skyline.
Next up, visit the Korea Art Gallery, which contains both classic and modern North Korean art. It’s an opportunity to see murals of the country’s leaders and various other forms of propaganda art.
After lunch, depending on the time of your flight, you can relax in either Moranbong Park or the Pyongyang Central Zoo. Both are great spots to experience a more relaxed side of urban life in the country.
Finally, head back to the airport for your departure. Your guides will accompany you to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Final Thoughts
North Korea may be a challenging place to visit, but it is an eye-opening and unforgettable experience. Keep in mind that all activities in your itinerary will be set by the tour company, but the above gives you an idea of what you can expect. Make sure to keep an open mind and observe as much as you can.
If you’re looking for even more adventure, consider booking a longer tour or visiting during one of the major state holidays like the “Day of the Sun” in April, when larger events are held.
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