• Overall

  Travel to North Korea for Victory Day will give you a deep insight into the country and the culture. Not only will you get to enjoy all the must-see sights of the capital Pyongyang, but you’ll also be there for North Korea’s Victory Day celebrations. July 27th 1953 was the day the Korean War armistice was signed which was the formal ending of fighting in the Korean War, and is a major annual holiday.
  
  This year will mark the 72^nd anniversary and we will make sure that you’re in Pyongyang on the day for one of the most unique holidays. Join the celebrations with the locals, who are all in high spirits. This includes picnicking in Moranbong Park, attending (and taking part in) mass dances, and enjoying any other events planned for this day.
  
  As well as a city tour of Pyongyang including the Juche Tower, Kim Il Sung Square, and the local Kwangbok Supermarket, you will also have the opportunity to visit the DMZ North-South Korea border and stay in traditional Korean accommodation.

  This tour will then continue north to visit Mt Myohyang where you will tour the cave vault of the International Friendship Exhibition and will spend a night at North Korea's best hotel - the 7-star Hyangsan Hotel. On the way back to Pyongyang we will stop at rarely visited Anju.

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

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  Highlights

  • Victory Day celebrations on July 27th, the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice
  • Kaesong on the North-South border, and Sariwon City
  • Tour the International Friendship Exhibition in Mt Myohyang and stay at North Korea's top hotel

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. July 23 | Wednesday

     *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. July 24 | Thursday

     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 JS252 at 14.05. 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 17:05. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.
        
     • Victory (Sungni) Street | Walk from Kim Il Sung Square to the Pyongyang Grand Theatre along one of post-war Pyongyang's oldest 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 and beer brewed on-site.

  3. July 25 | Friday

     Kaesong & the DMZ

     (*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 Truce Village (*Currently suspended) | Located in the middle of the 4 km wide Demilitarised Zone, Panmunjom is the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice at the end of the Korean War. This is the only location where visitors can directly view soldiers from both sides and the demarcation line dividing Korea. On some days it is possible to enter the hut straddling both Koreas and cross temporarily into the south.
        
     • Traditional Korean Royal Meal | Also known as pansanggi, the meal is made up of different dishes served in small brass bowls. The more dishes, the more distinguished the guest!

     PM

     • Old City Walk and South Gate | A stroll through Kaesong’s historic district lined with homes dating back to the Ri Dynasty from the city’s historic South Gate.
        
     • Kaesong Koryo Museum & Stamp Shop | A former Confucian education school, now a museum on the Koryo Dynasty exhibiting historical objects, statues, pagodas, and porcelain from the time. One of Kaesong’s many UNESCO World Heritage Site.
        
     • Tomb of King Kongmin | Stunning UNESCO-listed 14th-century tomb of one of the ey kings in Korean History. Just outside Kaesong in a lovely picturesque area.
     Overnight | Minsok Folk Hotel, Kaesong. Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city, structures date back to the Ri Dynasty. Basic bathroom facilities. Hot water not guaranteed and erratic electricity supply – please bring a torch.

  4. July 26 | Saturday

     Sariwon, Return to Pyongyang
     
     AM

     • Pakyon Waterfall | Light walking in a relaxing wooded area. Local people commonly visit here for picnics and sometimes swimming in the series of pools above the falls.
        
     • Drive to Sariwon, the provincial seat of North Hwanghae Province and a centre of agriculture and industry. This is a 1.5-hour drive. Lunch in Sariwon at the March 8th Hotel.

     PM

     • Migok Co-Operative Farm | Learn about rural life in the DPRK at this farming community on the bucolic plains of Sariwon. Visit the farm's museum, viewpoint, and local home.
        
     • Sariwon Folk Village and City View | Mock-up of a traditional Korean town which includes a history museum, food street, and pavilions. There is a small tavern selling Makkoli, a traditional rice wine. Climb a nearby hill for a view of Sariwon City and the surrounding plains.
        
     • Return to Pyongyang.
        
     • Taedonggang Boat No. 1 | Dinner tonight will be on a boat and will feature a cruise on the Taedong River and performance by one of Pyongyang's greatest live bands!

     Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang.

  5. July 27 | Sunday

     Victory Day, the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.
     
     AM

     • Kumsusan Palace of the Sun | Mausoleum of the DPRK leadership where President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il lie in state and the most solemn location on the itinerary. Please note formal dress is required. Men require collared shirt with 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.
        
     • 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 Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and bow by the group is customary here (5 EUR). Here we will also see the Chollima, or ‘thousand ri [400 mile] horse’ – a symbol of speed- commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950’s following the Korean War.
        
     • Moranbong Park | We’ll take a stroll and have 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

     • VICTORY DAY EVENTS (expected) - big events are anticipated in Pyongyang - this may involve a military parade, mass rallies, and so on. Such events are never confirmed until they happen but on such a major occasion there will be something big happening, and Koryo Tours will get you as much access as possible - stay tuned for updates on what will be happening
        
     • Mass Dance (expected) | We'll watch as hundreds of locals, many in brightly coloured national dress, join together in a beautiful choreographed dance in the heart of the city (and maybe even join in ourselves!)

     Overnight | Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang.

  6. July 28 | Monday

     Pyongyang
     
     AM

     • Mangyongdae Native House | Birthplace of and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in beautiful natural surroundings.
        
     • Tram Ride | A ride through Pyongyang on one of the city’s trams from Kwangbok Street. A Koryo exclusive!
        
     • 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.
        
     • Tower of the Juche Idea | Iconic tower dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy on the Taedong River. Take the elevator to the top for 5 EUR for great views of the city.

     PM

     • Monument to the Party Foundation | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, 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 guides. Renovated in 2012 and its exhibits of Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing 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.
        
     • 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

  7. July 29 | Tuesday

     Mt Myohyang

     AM

     • Drive to Mt. Myohyang early in the morning (2.5-3 hours).
        
     • International Friendship Exhibition | A semi-subterranean exhibition hall displaying gifts of all kinds given to the DPRK leaders by foreign states, leaders, and organizations. The exhibition is a fascinating look into material culture in the second half of the 20th century. Highlights include a plane given by the Soviet Union, basketball signed by Michael Jordan from the US State Department, and vodka given by Dennis Rodman. The visit takes most of the morning. Presentable dress required.
        
     • Check-in and lunch at hotel.

     PM

     • Pohyon Buddhist Temple | A peaceful temple dating back to 1042 CE with stone pagoda and repository of print blocks and historic text of the Tripitaka Koreana, Buddhist scriptures first produced to invoke divine assistance from foreign invasions during the Koryo Dynasty.
        
     • Manpok Valley Hike | Various options for hikes of a range of distances/difficulties. Passing waterfalls, hermitages, interesting rocks, lovely wooded areas, and viewing points.

     Overnight | Hyangsan Hotel, Mt Myohyang. The fanciest hotel in North Korea with '7-star' facilities. Renovated in 2010. Excellent swimming pool, great location and reliable electricity & hot water.

  8. July 30 | Wednesday

     Anju and drive back to Pyongyang

     AM

     • A 45-minute drive to Ryongmun Caves | A subterranean complex of limestone caves and grottoes. Led by an experienced local guide, you will see weirdly (and suggestively) shaped rocks and stalactites/stalagmites and hear a wealth of stories and legends about each - some not appropriate for young audiences.
        
     • Drive to Anju (1 hour) a mid-sized industrial city located on the road and rail line north of Pyongyang on the Chongchon River. During the Korean War, major battles were fought near here between North Korean-Chinese forces and UN-South Korean forces. Coal is mined nearby.
        
     • Paeksang Pavilion and Anju City Walls | The greatest pavilion in Kwanso (Pyong’an Province,) which overlooks the Chongchon River. Rebuilt after destruction in the Korean War.

     PM

     • Continue driving to Pyongyang (1-1.5 hours).
        
     • Munsu Water Park | We’ll take a break at this outdoor and indoor water park with water slides, lap pools, and hot tubs. Bar, coffee shop, and shops for non-swimmers (Entry fee 2 EUR; swimming fee 10 EUR with suit rental).
        
     • Taedonggang Bar No. 3 | Upscale bar across the street from the Tower of the Juche Idea. There are a variety of beers on tap produced at Pyongyang’s Taedonggang Brewery outside of town (2-2.5 EUR per glass).
        
     • Farewell dinner at Duck BBQ Restaurant | Famous restaurant in south Pyongyang specializing in duck meat barbecue on a grill. Southcentral does it like nobody does!

     Overnight | Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

  9. July 31 | Thursday

     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 JS251 at 09:00 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 10:20.

     OR

     • Train departure by train to Beijing at 10:25 with transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is to Beijing Station on Friday August 1 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 apart from the meals on the train
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Koryo Tours tour leader
  • Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
  • All transportation in North Korea

  NOT INCLUDED

  • North Korean visa fee 60 EUR
  • Optional Air Koryo flights (one-way: 199 EUR; round-trip: 299 EUR)
  • Optional single room supplement (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 slightly 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 the DPRK 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 10th July, 2025.