• Overall

  Head into the DPRK during Liberation Day for what promises to be one of the best travel experiences you’ll have ever had!

  During this short but action-packed tour, we have a city tour of Pyongyang, visiting all of the must-see attractions, including the Juche Tower and Mansudae Grand Monument.

  Liberation Day 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of Japanese occupation. It is a major public holiday in North Korea and we give you the chance to spend the day joining in the celebrations by hanging out and dancing with the locals in Moranbong Park.

  As well as the Liberation Day festivities and a city tour of Pyongyang, this tour also includes a day trip to Kaesong where we visit the DMZ! This is the North-South Korean border, labelled as one of the "most dangerous" borders in the world. See for yourself!

  Got more time to spare? Stay a couple of days longer for either our Liberation Day and East Coast Tour or our even longer Liberation Day and Mt. Paektu Tour and more of North Korea including remote areas, little-visited cities, and some stunning scenery.

  Scroll down for an overview of our Liberation Day Tour package highlights, tour itinerary, transport options, DPRK tourist visa information, and extra add-ons.

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  Highlights

  • Liberation Day celebrations on August 15th!
  • Panmunjom and the Demilitarized Zone: signing hall of the 1953 armistice and Joint Security Area, patrolled by soldiers from both sides. 
  • Mt. Kuwol - scenic mountain area interspersed with temples.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. August 10 | Sunday

     *Pre-Tour Briefing | We require all travellers to attend a pre-tour briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session. Please be punctual for the briefing. You can come early, meet your fellow travellers, and pay any outstanding tour fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of travel to North Korea.
     
     For this tour, we will hold two briefings. One in the morning for those departing by train this afternoon and the other in the afternoon for those departing by flight the next day.

     AM

     • Recommended latest arrival in Beijing.
     • 10:00 | Briefing for those departing by train.

     PM

     • 16:00 | Briefing for those departing by flight.  
     • 17:26 | Train travellers depart Beijing Station by Chinese domestic sleeper train to Dandong, the Chinese city on the border with North Korea. Please arrange independent travel to the train station and arrive at least an hour and a half early for the train departure.

     Overnight | Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour for those taking the flight the next day. Contact us for recommendations near our office! Those travelling by train will spend the night on the train.

  2. August 11 | Monday

     Arrival day in Pyongyang

     AM

     • Train transfer at Dandong Station from overnight sleeper train to Dandong-Pyongyang local. Our local representative in Dandong will assist with the transfer. Train crosses the China-North Korea border followed by North Korean customs and immigration.

     PM

     • Flight departure from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 on Air Koryo flight JS152 at 12:05. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch (vegetarian option is subject to availability). Check-in starts 3 hours prior to departure.
        
     • Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 15:05. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.
        
     • Walk on one of Pyongyang's newest streets.
        
     • Train arrival at Pyongyang Railway Station at 18:45.

     Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang. Home away from home for most (but not all!) foreign visitors to Pyongyang, this 47-story hotel is located on an island in the middle of the Taedong River and offers great views of the city. Comfortable rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities: swimming pool, spa, billiards, bowling, gift shops, tea houses, beer brewed on-site, and a Chinese-run casino.

  3. August 12 | Tuesday

     Kaesong City and DMZ Tour (*Please note that due to the current political situation and recent changes, it is our understanding that visits to Panmunjom and the JSA as well as to the Concrete Wall are not possible at least until further notice. If that is the case at the time of our visit we will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kaesong as well as a ginseng factory.)

     AM

     • Drive south on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (formerly known as Reunification) Motorway to Kaesong, the historic capital of the medieval Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). Once located in South Korea, the city changed hands during the Korean War. It is now located just north of the DMZ.

     • Panmunjom Armistice Village and DMZ (*Currently suspended) | Perhaps the most famous place in the entire country. The iconic manifestation of the tragic division between North and South Korea. The ‘truce’ village where several huts straddle the Central Military Demarcation Line (de facto border) with soldiers from each side standing guard. A tour here starts with a briefing at the edge of the DMZ, a visit to the Armistice Negotiation Hall and Armistice Signing Hall, seen as symbols of victory over foreign aggression on this side of the line. Then to Panmunjom itself – cross the border inside one of the blue huts, experience the uncanny feeling of crossing the front line of a sad and needless division of one society, and then take a higher view from the Panmun Pavilion looking over the line from above. A Korean People’s Army officer will be there to explain their side of things and will willingly pose for some photos too. A completely and utterly unmissable place.

     • Kaesong Koryo Museum | Once the Songgyung Academy, a Confucian school, and now a museum on the Koryo Dynasty exhibiting historical objects, statues, pagodas, and porcelain from that era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     • Kaesong Korean Stamp Exhibition Hall | Store selling stamps, postcards, local ginseng, souvenirs, art, and more! One of the best postcard collections in/ the country and has friendly staff.

     • Traditional Royal Korean Lunch (pangsanggi) | A meal consisting of 12 dishes served in brass bowls fit for the kings of old. The more dishes, the more distinguished the guest! Traditional Korean 'sweet-meat soup' is also an option here (+5 EUR).

     PM

     • Janam Hill and Old City View | Statues of the DPRK leadership on a hill overlooking Kaesong city and historic pavilion used for archery demonstrations in days of yore.

     • Concrete Wall and view of DMZ (*Currently suspended) | View of a complex fortification system erected on the southern boundary of the DMZ accompanied by a military guide. The wall is seen as evidence of intent to permanently divide the nation. A 45-minute drive each way from Kaesong through scenic countryside.
        
     • Drive back to Pyongyang. 3-hour drive.
        
     • Kaeson Funfair | We’ll take on the rides of Pyongyang’s newest funfair with the locals: pirate ship, vominator, rollercoaster, bumper cars, arcades, and more. Tickets are purchased on the spot (1 EUR entry, 2-7 EUR for rides).

     Overnight | Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

  4. August 13 | Wednesday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     AM

     • Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient, socialist, and modern architecture.
        
     • Mansudae Grand Monument | Enormous bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and a bow by the group is customary here (5 EUR). Please note this is a government-administered sight and visits are subject to cancellation. Visits are optional and require a certain dress code (close-toed shoes and covered legs and shoulders). Here we will also see the Chollima Monument, or ‘thousand ri (400 km or 250 miles) horse’ - a symbol of speed - commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950s following the Korean War.
        
     • Grand People’s Study House | Huge national library and public university housed in a large neo-traditional Korean building overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and downtown Pyongyang.
        
     • Foreign Languages Bookshop | Store selling Korean publications translated into English, German, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. Also pick up DVDs, postcards, and small works of art.
        
     • Kim Il Sung Square | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House.
        
     • Okryugwan | A meal at Pyongyang’s most famous restaurant. Housed in a huge traditional building on the banks of the Taedong River. Okgyuwan specialises in Pyongyang Cold Noodles.

     PM

     • Tower of the Juche Idea | Iconic tower on the Taedong River dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy. Take the elevator to the top for 5 EUR for great views of the city.
        
     • Monument to the Party Foundation | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, and writing brush which make up the emblem of the Worker’s Party of Korea and represent workers, farmers, and intellectuals.
        
     • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and USS Pueblo | We’ll tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 its exhibits of the Korean War from the DPRK perspective contain artifacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captured equipment from the US military, including the spy ship USS Pueblo. Central to the understanding of the country today and a highlight of the trip.
        
     • Mansugyo Beer Bar | A beer bar serving seven types of beer. Popular with locals after work and on weekends. Best place to drink pints with local people.
        
     • Dinner at Potonggang Lamb Barbecue Restaurant.

     Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

  5. August 14 | Thursday

     Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and Nampo

     AM

     • Kumsusan Palace of the Sun | Mausoleum of the DPRK leadership where President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il lie in state and the most solemn location on the itinerary. Please note formal dress is required. Men require a collared shirt with a tie, dark non-jean pants, and dark shoes. Women require covered shoulders, knee-length dress or pants, and closed-toed shoes. The visit will take most of the morning and visitors are asked to bow a number of times inside. This is a state-administered site and visits are subject to local conditions. Cancellations are rare but possible.
        
     • Drive to Nampo along the old River Taedong Road.
        
     • Tae’an Glass Factory | Factory producing glass and glass products for the domestic market. Watch the glass-making process from smelting to sheet-cutting and even try to break a sheet of strengthened glass.

     PM

     • West Sea Barrage | An 8 km concrete, steel, and earthen barrage constructed between the Taedong River estuary and the West Sea for land reclamation, irrigation, flood prevention, and power generation. It also acts as a ship lock and fish ladder. One of the DPRK’s greatest engineering feats.
        
     • Pi Island | A local beach next to the West Sea Barrage. Go for a swim or join the locals for a karaoke.
        
     • Chongsan-ri Co-Operative Farm | The DPRK’s most famous and iconic model farm. Visited hundreds of times by Kim Il Sung (there is a bronze statue of him and various farm workers here), the place where the ‘Chongsam-ri Method’ was developed (they will explain on-site). See how the farming system works, visit a farmhouse and the local shop and kindergarten. See the fields and greenhouses.
        
     • Return to Pyongyang on the ‘Youth Hero Highway’.
        
     • Kwangbok Department Store | Exchange for Korean currency and shop with the citizens of Pyongyang! Try the snack stand on the first floor for some of Pyongyang’s best local eats.

     Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

  6. August 15 | Friday

     Liberation Day | The 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. On August 15^th there will be holiday celebrations in Pyongyang. We expect student-organised mass dances at prominent locations throughout the city, people heading to parks for a leisurely picnic, and performances in the afternoon. Given that today is the quinquennial anniversary of a significant event that marked a turn in Korea's history, we also expect a military parade. Tourists are usually not allowed the attend the parade per se but can join local Pyongyang residents along one of Pyongyang's major roads as the troops and military equipment exit the city.

     AM

     • Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery | Hilltop cemetery with dozens of bronze busts of those who took part in the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule. It is customary to present flowers here.
        
     • Mangyongdae Native House | Birthplace and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a beautiful natural surrounding.
        
     • A ride through Pyongyang from Kwangbok Street to Pyongyang Station on one of the city’s municipal trams.
        
     • Pyongyang Metro Tour | One of the deepest metro systems in the world with stunning artwork reflecting the name of each station. We’ll ride six stations on the Chollima Line.
        
     • Arch of Triumph | Massive archway made for the 70th anniversary of President Kim Il Sung in 1982 and commemorating the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule. Larger than its counterpart in Paris. Ascend to the roof of the arch for a rare birds-eye view over this part of the city.
        
     • Moranbong Park | We’ll take a stroll and have a picnic lunch in Pyongyang’s central park popular with locals for picnics, dances, and sports. The park is filled with historic pavilions, walls, and monuments - modern and ancient, a few of which are among the traditional ‘Eight Great Sights of Pyongyang’.

     PM

     • Pyongyang Circus (or other available performance) | We will leave time this afternoon to try and catch a local performance — either of the Pyongyang Circus, theatre, or a revolutionary opera. Schedules are typically announced only a few weeks before the trip. If no performances are available, we will find an alternative activity in the city. Tickets are to be paid on the spot (from 5-25 EUR) depending on the available performance.

     • Mass Dance | As it's a national holiday, we expect to see large student-organised dances held around Pyongyang on major holidays (weather dependent). Join in the fun!

     • Dinner and sunset boat cruise along the Taedong River | We will take a cruise on the Taedong River while having dinner with live music performances and waiting for the fireworks.

     Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

  7. August 16 | Saturday

     Departure Day from Pyongyang and Return to Beijing by flight or train. Please confirm your preferred transport method upon booking*

     AM

     • Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS151 at 08:30 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 09:50.

     OR

     • Train departure by train to Beijing at 10:25 with a transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is at Beijing Station on Sunday, August 17 at 08:40. For this tour the default option is hard sleeper (six beds per berth).

     End of Tour

• Extras

  • Transport | Train and Flights to North Korea (Standard)

    This tour travels between Beijing-Pyongyang by train each way in a hard-sleeper carriage (6 bunks per compartment). The train journey takes 24 hours with a transfer at the city of Dandong. One-way or round-trip flights are also available. The flight takes around 90 minutes. For an extra 199 EUR you can upgrade to a one-way flight. A round-trip ticket costs an additional 299 EUR.

  • Visit the DPRK border town of Sinuiju

    If you're heading back to Beijing by train this option lets you get off for an overnight in Dongrim before the next day's tour of Sinuiju — the border city with China. Spend an extra 24 hours in the DPRK seeing the sites of North Pyongan province. You will then continue on through to Beijing.

    See more

  • Visit Dandong — the Chinese gateway to the DPRK

    Instead of immediately returning to Beijing when your tour ends you can take some extra time to visit this fascinating border city, which directly faces the DPRK town of Sinuiju, but lies on the Chinese side of the Yalu River. We offer both one-night and two-night fully guided extensions that take in all the sights of Dandong, with a special North Korea theme.

    See more

  • Upgrade to your own room

    All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 40 EUR per night.

    See more

  • Insurance for up to six nights

    We're unable to take you on one of our tours if you do not have medical insurance that covers the destination in question. Issues of isolation and infrastructure where we go mean it would be irresponsible of us to do so. We can provide this if you do not have it — or you can use your own.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED 

  • Train Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing with transfer at Dandong
  • All meals on the tour except the meals on the train
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Koryo Tours tour leader
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • All transportation in the DPRK

  NOT INCLUDED

  • North Korean (DPRK) visa fee 60 EUR
  • Optional Air Koryo flights (one-way: 199 EUR; round-trip: 299EUR)
  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx 10-15 EUR per day)
  • Optional activities such as the lift up the Juche Tower (5 EUR) or a visit to the funfair (approx. 2 EUR entrance fee per person)
  • Entry tickets for special events if applicable – for example Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person)
  • Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
  • Spending money for souvenirs
  • Sinuiju Extension: RMB 50 for the bus across the bridge to Dandong to be paid on the spot to the local guides

• Notes

  Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced Koryo Tours tour leader. Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ to what is advertised above. Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed. We will also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park).

  We visit North Korea regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there to guarantee the experience of a lifetime. After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.

Please apply by 27th July, 2025.