It’s one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the world, but not for the usual reasons.
Shrouded in mystery, and still well behind the Iron Curtain, North Korea remains untouched by mass tourism.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the perfect destination for travellers who want to go somewhere completely different and out of the ordinary, only a few thousand visitors are allowed into this isolated country every year.
Tour operator On The Go has launched two new trips (one private, one group) that let intrepid travellers peek into a world rarely seen by Western eyes and experience the country’s spectacular mountain scenery, tumultuous history, halls of treasure and ancient temples in a safe and enjoyable way.
North Korean Highlights
Pyongyang
North Korea’s surreal capital city is like something out of a Soviet era time machine with tower block apartments and statues everywhere. See the historic Arch of Triumph (modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but 10m higher) where Kim Il Sung gave his first public speech after the surrender of the Japanese and the tallest stone monument in the world, Juche Tower.
Pyongyang Schoolchildren’s Palace
Tour this centre for gifted youngsters where they’ll demonstrate their talents in music, art, taekwondo and speech-making.
Mt Myohyang
With a name that translates as the Mountain of Mysterious Fragrance, Mt Myohyang (or Myohyangsan) is a charming and unspoiled piece of scenery filled with mountain trails and waterfalls.
If you’re wondering about the name, it comes from the beautiful perfume of the many flowers that bloom in the park every summer.
Other sights are the International Friendship Exhibition (a series of subterranean halls housing a collection of gifts from various foreign dignitaries) and the ornate Pohyon Buddhist Temple.
Kaesong & the DMZ
The former capital of the Koryo Dynasty between 918 – 1392 AD, Kaesong was the only major city to change hands between North and South Korea during the war.
The DMZ (demilitarised zone) is the frontline where North and South Korea continue their decades-long stand-off. It is sometimes possible to go into one of the huts that straddle the line and actually cross over into the South.
Inside North Korea – 9 days (private)
What’s Included:
- Return economy class flights from Beijing to Pyongyang
- 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
- Services of a qualified English-speaking guide in Beijing and escorted by an official guide in North Korea
- Entrance fees to all included sites
- 8 nights 4 star hotels
- Touring and excursions as per itinerary
- Airport arrival and departure transfer day 1 and day 9
- All relevant transfers and transportation
- Tourism visa to North Korea.
Uncover North Korea – 5 days (group)
What’s Included:
- Return economy class flights from Beijing to Pyongyang
- 4 nights 4 star accommodation in Pyongyang
- All meals in North Korea (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Local transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicle
- Entrance fees applicable to all excursions
- Services of an official English-speaking North Korean guide throughout
- Tourism visa to North Korea
NOTE: Israeli, South Korean and Japanese passport holders will not be granted visas to enter North Korea.
Main Image by Mark Fahey
