• Overall

  For the more adventurous traveller and those looking to get the most out of their time in North Korea, this 7-day Pyongyang Marathon tour from Shanghai is one of the best value marathon tours available.

  As well as an in-depth tour of Pyongyang, on this tour we will visit the lively city of Pyongsong where you’ll tour a local school and assist students with their English studies, the beautiful mountain range of Mt Myohyang where the cave vault of the International Friendship Exhibition is located, drop in on a local factory in the industrial city of Nampo and visit the rarely visited cities of Anju and Huichon. All this, as well as not missing out on a trip to Kaesong city and experience Panmunjom and the DMZ.

  Only on this marathon tour do you have the opportunity to cycle through Pyongyang! North Korea’s most popular transportation method, it’s a great opportunity to blend in with the locals and see the sights of Pyongyang.

  Notably, joining us on this tour means you’ll get to join the local North Koreans in celebrating one of the most important dates in the Korean calendar; Kim Il Sung’s Birthday. Officially known as the ‘Day of the Sun’. Expect mass dances and even the possibility of a military parade and a firework display over the Taedonggang River. We will also get a chance to see the orchid named after the President, the Kimilsungia.

  ➤ Pyongyang Marathon 2025

  Koryo Tours are the official partners of the Pyongyang Marathon.

  The marathon is a World Athletics’ Bronze Label Road Race, and also has AIMS Certification. Join the race and receive the most unique finisher's medal, running shirt, and race certificates available.

  Even if you're not a serious runner, the Pyongyang Marathon is an event like no other. It starts and ends in Kim Il Sung Stadium - a stadium filled with over 50,000 North Koreans cheering you on as you finish your race. It's an experience like no other. 

  The Closest Experience to Being in the Olympics
  What do North Koreans Think of the Pyongyang Marathon?
  More on the Pyongyang Marathon 

  Pyongyang Marathon tour highlights, full tour itinerary,
  add-ons, and notes on the tour
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  Highlights

  • 2025 PYONGYANG MARATHON!
  • Join in on Day of the Sun celebrations Tour 
  • Explore the cave labyrinth that is the International Friendship Exhibition in stunning Mt Myohyang and get to the rarely visited cities of Anju and Huichon 

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Briefing Day

  1. April 10 | Thursday

     Briefing Day
     
     Meet your Koryo Tours tour guide and fellow travellers at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for a pre-tour briefing and check-in (Air Koryo check-in desk in Terminal 1 at 20:00) for your late night flight to Pyongyang. This briefing will last approximately one hour and is designed so that you will get the most out of your tour. It will cover travel etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in the DPRK. Have your last minute questions answered and meet your fellow travellers.

  2. April 11 | Friday

     Arrival day in Pyongyang - Kaesong and DMZ Tour

     AM

     • Flight departure from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) Terminal 1 on Air Koryo flight JS158 at 00:20.
        
     • Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 03:20. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to hotel.
        
     • Koryo International Hotel | After the very early arrival, this will be our first stop for an early check-in, time for a short sleep, freshen-up, breakfast and then on with the day!
     • Kaesong | Drive 160 km south the 'Reunification Highway ' to the historic capital of the Koryo Dynasty (918-1392) and today located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. A 3-hour drive.
     • Panmunjom Armistice Village and DMZ | The site of the signing of the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War and the demarcation line between north and south. On some days it is possible to visit the hut straddling the line, where negotiations between both sides once took place. Here we will be accompanied by military guides from the Korean People's Army.
     • 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 friendly staff.
     • Traditional Royal Korean Lunch (pangsanggi) | A meal made 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 an option here (5 EUR).

     PM

     • Return to Pyongyang (2.5-3 hours).
     • Monument to the Three Charters of Reunification | A large stone archway over the highway memorializing joint agreements between north and south.
        
     • City Walk | Optional activity for those feeling energetic or keen to explore Pyongyang more we'll have a walk through Pyongyang from the hotel to Kim Il Sung Square and finishing at the Taedong River. For those who would prefer to rest you can relax at the hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel tonight.

     Overnight | Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. Pyongyang’s premier hotel, built in 1985, and located in the heart of downtown, near Pyongyang Station. The go-to for visiting delegations, both foreign and domestic. Shops, bookstore, cafes, a revolving restaurant, beer brewed on-site.

  3. April 12 | Saturday

     Nampo

     AM

     • Drive west along the ‘Youth Hero Highway’ to this port city of Pyongyang on the Taedong River estuary. A 45 minute to 1-hour drive.
     • Chongsam-ri Co-operative Farm | The DPRK’s most famous and iconic model farm. Visited hundreds of times by Kim Il Sung, the place where the ‘Chongsam-ri Method’ was developed (they will explain on-site). See how the farming system works, visit a farmhouse, the local shop, kindergarten and see the fields and greenhouses.
     • Local Factory | Nampo is a major industrial area of the DPRK, we'll visit one of the local factories to see and learn more about the industrial side of the country. We will visit either a glass factory, mineral water bottling plant or if we're lucky the famous Chollima Steelworks. Please note that factory visits may depend on on-site activities/conditions.
     • 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.
     • Lunch | At a local restaurant in Nampo

     PM

     • Return to Pyongyang. A 45 minute to 1-hour drive.
        
     • Pyongyang Metro Tour | One of the deepest metro systems in the world with stunning artwork reflecting the name of each station. Ride six stations on the Chollima Line.
        
     • Arch of Triumph | A massive archway made for the 70th anniversary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung in 1982 and commemorating the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Larger than its counterpart in Paris.
        
     • Kim Il Sung Stadium & Marathon Route Preview | Visit the stadium where you will start and finish your race, and then drive the marathon route to familiarise yourself with the roads, turning points and toilet stops.
        
     • Yanggakdo International Cinema | Optional screening of Run and Run. A DPRK film about marathon runner Yong Ho who faces the physical and mental struggles of marathon participation. After both his father and work unit manager tell him to stop running, he becomes more determined to achieve his marathon dream (80 RMB entry fee paid on the spot). A Koryo Tours exclusive and sure to provide you with motivation ahead of the big event!

     Overnight | Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang

  4. April 13 | Sunday

     The big event! The Pyongyang Marathon 2025!

     AM

     • The 2025 Pyongyang Marathon | This is your chance to run the streets of Pyongyang in the DPRK’s largest annual sports event!
       Join the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km or 5km race — all of which follow a return course that starts and ends in Kim Il Sung Stadium in front of a 50,000-strong capacity crowd of local Koreans. (Runner's guide to Kim Il Sung Stadium)

     The full route, which has been certified by both World Athletics and AIMS, leads right through the city centre, past a number of iconic landmarks, and then out into Pyongyang's less urban districts. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see more of the capital and interact with people along the course.

     PM

     • Shower, resting time and lunch | After the ending ceremony of the marathon, we'll be heading back to the hotel to recharge, shower and rest.
     • 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; tennis- 5 EUR).
     • Beer Bar | Visit a local beer bar for a well-deserved locally brewed beer.
     • Pyongyang Marathon Banquet | Dinner tonight will be at the annual Pyongyang Marathon Banquet. Celebrate your run and toast the marathon with your fellow runners, guides and local event organisers. A casual affair, no dress code requirements.

     Overnight | Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang

  5. April 14 | Monday

     Pyongsong

     AM

     • Drive 45 minutes north to Pyongsong, a satellite city of Pyongyang, a centre of science and technological research, and the provincial seat of South Pyong’an province.
     • Pyongsong City Square | Central square of Pyongsong City with statues of the DPRK leadership and flanked by the provincial revolutionary museum. Presentation of flowers customary.
     • Tok Song Primary School | The area's top primary school for gifted students. Tour the school's classrooms & facilities, watch music & dance performances by the students, and test your ping pong skills against them in the gymnasium.
     • Konji-ri Revolutionary Site | Location of the headquarters of the Korean People's Army & home of Kim Il Sung during the Korean War. Tour the renovated buildings and learn about life there during the war.

     PM

     • Return to Pyongyang after lunch in Pyongsong

     • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum | Tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 and it exhibits the Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing artefacts, 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 USS Pueblo. Central to the understanding of the country today and highlight of the trip.
        
     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongillia Flower Exhibition | Exhibit of the two flowers named after the DPRK’s leaders and held on the occasion of their respective birthday anniversaries in February and April. See organizations and groups from across society compete to put on the best floral display.
        
     • Grand People's Study House | National library and public correspondence university with Neo-traditional Korean and great views of the city

     Overnight | Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang

  6. April 15 | Tuesday

     Pyongyang City Tour

     The Day of the Sun – one of the DPRK's largest holidays. April 15, 2025, is the 113th anniversary of President Kim Il Sung's birth

     On April 15th there may be large-scale celebrations in Pyongyang. A Military Parade is possible, in which case the itinerary for the day will be subject to change. Foreign travellers are typically allowed to view military units as they exit the city from the parade course and the city's residents come out en masse to greet them. Be prepared to potentially wait around for a few hours, but it will be well worth it. For The Day of the Sun we also expect student-organised mass dances at prominent locations throughout the city and the possibility of evening fireworks. Whatever happens this holiday, it will be impressive and unforgettable. Not to be missed!

     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 Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and 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 mile) horse’ -a symbol of speed- commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950s following the Korean War.
     • 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 great views of the city (elevator ticket is 5 EUR).
     • Party Foundation Monument | 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.
     • Kim Il Sung Square | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House.
     • 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.

     PM

     • Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient and modern architecture from different eras.
     • 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). 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).
     • Chollima Monument | or ‘thousand ri (400 km or 250 mile) horse’ -a symbol of speed- commemorating the quick rebuilding of the country in the 1950s following the Korean War.
        
     • Kimilsungia and Kimjongillia Flower Exhibition | Exhibit of the two flowers named after the DPRK’s leaders and held on the occasion of their respective birthday anniversaries in February and April. See organizations and groups from across society compete to put on the best floral display.
        
     • 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.
        
     • Mass Dance | Large student organised dances held around Pyongyang on major holidays (weather dependent). Join in the fun!
        
     • 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 to be paid on the spot (from 5-25 EUR) depending on the available performance.
        
     • Dinner and sunset boat cruise along the Taedong River | We will take a cruise on the Taedong River while having dinner with live music performance and waiting for the fireworks.

     Overnight | Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang.

  7. April 16 | Wednesday

     Mt Myohyang

     AM

     • Drive to Mt. Myohyang (approx. 3hrs)
        
     • International Friendship Exhibition | A 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.
        
     • Pohyon Buddhist Temple | A peaceful temple dating back to 1042 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 invasion during the Koryo Dynasty.

     PM

     • Drive back to Pyongyang via Anju | 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. Rarely visited by foreigners.
     • 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.
     • Return to the capital city. A 1-hour drive.
     • Golden Lane Bowling Centre | Where Pyongyang locals go for their ten-pin fix (2.5 EUR per person per game). Also has billiards and arcade games. Non-bowlers can head next door to the Kumrung Leisure Centre for an airgun shooting range (approximately 6 EUR per 20-round cartridge) and some of the best coffee in Pyongyang.

     Overnight | Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang

  8. April 17 | Thursday

     Pyongyang & Departure Day

     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.
     • Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery | Hilltop cemetery with dozens of bronze busts of those who took part in the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule.
     • Check out and lunch at hotel.

     PM

     • City Walk | We'll be taking it easy this afternoon, going for a leisurely walk through Pyongyang City to take in some more of the capital's sights – from the obscure to the normal – focusing on the lesser-visited east side of Pyongyang.
        
     • Kwangbok Department Store | Opportunity to use 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.
     • We make our way to Pyongyang Sunan Airport for dinner in one of the very best restaurants in the country, a rare treat and somewhere almost never used by tourists.
        
     • Air Koryo flight JS157 from Pyongyang to Shanghai departing at 21:40 with scheduled arrival to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) Terminal 1 at 23:00 – end of this unforgettable adventure!

     End of Tour

• Extras

  • Pyongyang Marathon — official race entry

    The Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is now open to foreign amateur runners. You can run the 5k, 10k, Half or Full Marathon. All four take place on the same day in April, and follow the same course, which is fully recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations. We are the EXCLUSIVE travel partner for foreign amateurs. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to become one of the few people in the world to have run the Pyongyang Marathon. We'll see you at the start line!

  • Pyongyang Marathon - running shirt size

    Koryo Tours will provide free running shirts to everyone signed up for a Koryo Tours Pyongyang Marathon Trip. Male shirts are a regular fit, while female shirts are a slim fit. Please pay attention to the sizes as they are smaller than western shirt sizes.

  • Insurance (7 to 9 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.

  • 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

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Return flight Shanghai (Pudong) - Pyongyang - Shanghai (Pudong)
  • All meals on the tour
  • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK
  • A Koryo Tours tour leader, two local Korean guides and a driver (per group)
  • All transportation in DPRK
  • Official running shirt, finisher's medal, and race certificate

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Marathon race fees - to be paid in cash (clean USD notes only) before the race in Pyongyang, amounts are 5 km: $50 USD / 10 km: $70 USD / Half Marathon: $100 USD / Full Marathon: $150 USD
  • DPRK visa fee 60 EUR
  • Optional single room supplement of 40 EUR per night
  • Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx. 70-90 EUR total per tourist)
  • The lift up the Juche Tower (optional activity at EUR 5)
  • Entry tickets for special events if applicable – for example, a visit to the funfair
  • Meals will have a complimentary beer (and water), but you will have to pay for extra drinks above those provided.
  • Spending money for drinks and souvenirs

• 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 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 28th February, 2025.