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    Pyongyang Marathon and Day of Sun SHORT tour


     4 nights in the DPRK
    Pyongyang

    Discover the extended version of the Pyongyang Marathon SHORT tour! On April 14, 2024, seize the thrilling opportunity to participate in the Pyongyang International Marathon. Whether you opt for the 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, you'll traverse the enigmatic capital of North Korea alongside Korean and international professional and amateur runners. This marathon not only promises an unforgettable race but also serves as a prime opportunity for foreigners in North Korea to interact with locals and gain firsthand insights into the country.
    Those who prefer to spectate will stay at Kim Il Sung Stadium to witness the marathon action and enjoy a soccer match between local Korean teams. Both before and after the marathon, you'll embark on a comprehensive sightseeing program in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.
    On April 15, you'll have the extraordinary chance to partake in festivities commemorating the Day of the Sun, a significant Korean holiday celebrating the birthday of the eternal president, Kim Il Sung.
    Experience the spectacular Mass Dance held in the heart of Pyongyang's city center – an opportunity not to be missed! Furthermore, you'll visit a stunning Flower exhibition dedicated to blooms named after Korean leaders.
    During this trip, you will also have the optional opportunity to embark on the PYONGYANG AIR CITY TOUR - a 40-minute flight aboard an Air Koryo Mi-17 helicopter. This exceptional experience provides a unique bird's-eye perspective of Pyongyang, granting you numerous outstanding photo opportunities. If you wish to include this option in your itinerary, kindly inform us when booking your tour.

    **TRAVEL TO THE DPRK VIA CHINA (Beijing, Dandong)
    A Chinese visa is required for most nationalities but VISA EXEMPTION can be granted for flight passengers transiting through Beijing on the way to/from Korea.
    **TRAVEL TO THE DPRK VIA RUSSIA (Vladivostok)
    A Russian visa is required for most nationalities, but thanks to the introduction of electronic visas, it is now very easy to apply for and obtain the Russian visa ENTIRELY ONLINE.

     

    ITINERARY

    Info
    The tour itinerary is a PRELIMINARY one. Korea Konsult reserves the right to change some parts of the itinerary below if needed. Eventual itinerary changes after the group arrival in the DPRK are beyond our control. Under no circumstances can Korea Konsult be held responsible for any itinerary changes.

    Apr 12 (Fri): Pyongyang

    DEPARTURES FROM VLADIVOSTOK, BEIJING AND DANDONG

      BY FLIGHT FROM VLADIVOSTOK:
      Departure from Vladivostok by Air Koryo flight JS 272 at 12.20 pm. Arrival in Pyongyang at 13.00 local time

      BY FLIGHT FROM BEIJING:
      Departure from Beijing by Air Koryo flight JS 152 at 12.00 pm from TERMINAL 2, Beijing Capital Airport. Arrival in Pyongyang at 15.00 local time

      BY TRAIN FROM BEIJING:
      April 11: departure by domestic train to Dandong city at 17.26 local time from Beijing Main Railway Station. Overnight on the train. April 12: arrival in Dandong at 07.35 am. Departure by international train to Pyongyang at 10.00 am. Arrival in Pyongyang at 18.45 local time

      BY TRAIN FROM DANDONG:
      Departure by international train to Pyongyang at 10.00 am. Arrival in Pyongyang at 18.45 local time

    • Tourists arriving by flight from Vladivostok at 1pm: Transfer to Pyongyang - the capital city of North Korea - lunch, walking tour on Ryomyong street - opened in April 2017 it is a new posh district of the capital featuring modern architecture
    • Arrival of tourists by flight from Beijing at 3pm
    • Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs' Cemetery - built on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the Korean War (1950/53) to commemorate memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the motherland
    • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - unveiled in 2013 by the leader Kim Jong Un after massive renovation. This museum explains the origins of the Korean War (1950-53) between South and North. Here you will see the only US ship captured by a foreign country - the spy ship USS Pueblo, as well as American weapons and shot down planes. The museum features amazing displays and excellent dioramas
    • Arrivals of remaining tourists by train from Beijing and Dandong at 18.45
    • Dinner
    • Mirae (Future) Street - opened in 2015, this street features futuristic looking buildings. Korean government allocated apartments at this street to scientists and university teachers
    • NOTE FOR FLIGHT PASSENGERS TRAVELING FROM BEIJING! Due to peak season the Beijing flight departure time might be changed with very short notice. Therefore we strongly advise you to arrive to Beijing at least one day before your departure to Pyongyang

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 13 (Sat): Pyongyang

    • Early run before breakfast (optional)
    • Breakfast
    • Pyongyang Metro - one of the deepest subways in the world, it was designed to serve as a bomb shelter in case of war. The stations' interiors are stunning with superb lighting and mosaics. This is a great chance to interact with local people and explore several subway stations
    • Arch of Triumph - built in 1982 to commemorate President Kim Il Sung’s role in resisting Japanese rule, it is the second tallest triumphal arch in the world. Each of its 25,500 blocks of finely-dressed white granite represents a day of his life up to that point
    • Explore the area in front of the Kim Il Sung Stadium and then drive by bus along the Marathon distance to get a better understanding of the route
    • Mansudae Fountain Park - composed of many beautifully designed in shape of dancing women fountains, this park is a place to enjoy jets of water reaching up to 80 meters
    • Mansudae Grand Monument - the huge bronze statues of the leaders standing in the center of the composition with two monuments titled "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" and "Socialist Construction" on both sides. It was renovated in April 2012 following the passing away of the leader Kim Jong Il and a new statue of Kim Jong Il was added next to Kim Il Sung's
    • Chollima Monument - named after a mythical winged horse (Chollima in Korean literally means "thousand-mile horse"). In the period of reconstruction following the Korean War Cholima was the symbol inspiring workers to rebuild their nation at ‘Chollima Speed’
    • Lunch
    • Taedong Park - a great place a few minutes away from Kim Il Sung Square to enjoy a peaceful park and a walk along the Taedong river
    • Kim Il Sung Square - Pyongyang’s central square where Korea’s massive military parades normally take place. Opened in August Juche 43 (1954) it is the 30th largest square in the world
    • Kwangbok Supermarket - located at one of the biggest city's street, it is the only place in Pyongyang where visitors can shop in local currency Won and exchange money according to the market exchange rate
    • Dinner at BBQ Duck Restaurant
    • Kaeson Youth Funfair - one of the most popular amusement parks and nightspots in Pyongyang, it was recently renovated. This is a great place to observe local people and take pictures with them

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 14 (Sun): Pyongyang

    PYONGYANG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

    • Breakfast
    • Move to Kim Il Sung Stadium where the marathon starts and finishes, and get ready for the Pyongyang International Marathon - is an annual marathon race contested each April. The International Association of Athletics Federation designates the marathon as a bronze-label event and it registers the records of professional runners.
    • After Marathon Awarding Ceremony move back to the hotel, take shower and change clothes
    • Lunch
    • Juche Tower - at 150 m it is the highest stone monument in the world. Take elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the magnificent view of Pyongyang (optional, 5 Euro p/p)
    • Monument to Workers' Party of Korea - opened in Juche 84 (1995) the monument depicts the hammer, sickle and brush seized by a worker, a farmer and an intellectual. The round belt means the single-hearted unity of the leader, party and people
    • Munsu Waterpark - the first park of this kind in Pyongyang. It features indoor and outdoor pools, amazing waterslides, saunas, coffee shop, a beer bar, table tennis, billiard, massage and a beauty salon. A great place with many locals. Waterpark's entry fee is 2 Euro. Optional activities: swimming 10 Euro, table tennis 5 Euro etc.
    • Optional activity for those who don’t wish to visit Munsu Water Park: enjoy a walking tour in Pyongyang !
    • Pyongyang microbrewery and bar - try several types of locally brewed beer and wide variety of international cuisine (at your own expense)
    • Gala dinner with the presentation of commemorative medals and certificates to the participants of the Pyongyang Marathon

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 15 (Mon): Pyongyang

    DAY OF SUN

    • Breakfast
    • Flower exhibition - a show mainly dedicated to Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia, two flowers named after Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Every year there are about 30,000 flowers presented by Army forces, commissions and ministries of the cabinet and national institutions, foreign friends and overseas compatriots
    • Moranbong Park - a recreation area where locals have picnics and sing songs during weekends. It is a unique opportunity to socialize with local people
    • Lunch
    • Pyongyang Zoo - the national zoo of the DPRK. Recently renovated, it has over 5,000 wild animals. At the zoo there is a gift animal house in which are kept the animals presented to Korean leaders by zoos from different countries including the Skansen Zoological Garden in Sweden
    • Mass Dance - one of the most well known images of North Korea: students of local universities get on the main city's squares and dance dressed in traditional Korean suit
    • Pyongyang circus or revolutionary opera - enjoy real socialist art (tickets at extra charge)
    • Mansugyo Beer Bar - a new beer bar in Pyongyang where you can try all types of famous Taedonggang beer including black beer with chocolate and coffee flavour. Great opportunity to meet locals
    • Dinner
    • Golden Lane Bowling Center - the huge entertainment center, a good chance to mix with locals and watch some stellar displays of local bowling talent and relax after long sightseeing day. There is also a shooting range next door
    • Fireworks are expected on the occasion of the Day of Sun

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 16 (Tue):

    DEPARTURES FROM PYONGYANG

      BY FLIGHT TO BEIJING:
      Departure by Air Koryo flight JS 151 at 09.00 am from Pyongyang Sunan Airport. Arrive in Beijing at 10.00 am local time

      BY TRAIN TO BEIJING:
      April 16: departure by international train to Dandong at 10.25 am local time from Pyongyang Railway Station. Arrival in Dandong at 16.23 local time. Departure by domestic train to Beijing at 18.18.Overnight on the train. April 17: arrival in Beijing Main Railway Station at 08.40 am.

      BY TRAIN TO DANDONG:
      Departure by international train to Dandong at 10.25 am local time from Pyongyang Railway Station. Arrival in Dandong at 16.23 local time.

    • NOTE FOR TRAVELLERS VIA BEIJING: Please be advised that the flight schedule can be changed with very short notice. It is NOT recommended to book your flight from Beijing to the next destination on the same day. If you still have to leave Beijing on the same day please do not plan to leave before 9 pm.

    Tour prices for different transport options:

    • train Dandong-Pyongyang-Dandong 848€
    • train Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing 968€
    • flight Vladivostok-Pyongyang, train Pyongyang-Beijing 1228€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang, train Pyongyang-Beijing or vv 1308€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing 1358€
    • flight Vladivostok-Pyongyang-Beijing 1418€

    INCLUDED:

    • Return transport from Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok according to the chosen transport option above. Train: hard-sleeper class, train change in Dandong. Flight: Economy Class
    • DPRK tour confirmation for Chinese visa or letter of invitation for Russian visa
    • Hotel accommodation in the DPRK (twin-shared room)
    • Three meals a day (including water and beer). Craft beer in beer bars is at your own expense
    • All transfers and transport during the tour
    • English-speaking guide (guides in other languages can be booked on request)
    • All entrance fees according to the itinerary
    • Marathon official T-shirt, finisher's medal and race certificate

    NOT INCLUDED:

    • The DPRK visa fee (from 30 to 80 Euro depending on the place of visa issuance)
    • Marathon race fee: 50 USD for 5 km, 70 USD for 10 km, 100 USD for 21 km and 150 USD for 42 km (to be paid in cash USD before the race, damaged and old banknotes won't be accepted)
    • Soccer match ticket (20 Euro for those who don't run the Marathon)
    • Transportation from/to your home to Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok
    • Your stopover expenses in Beijing, Dandong or Vladivostok
    • Optional single room supplement (40 Euro per night)
    • Your private expenses
    • Ticket fee for occasional events such as circus, funfairs, opera or Juche tower lift
    • Optional Pyongyang air tour (180 Euro p/p, min 8 persons)
    • Tips for Korean guides and driver (10-15 Euros per day in total)

    GOT QUESTIONS?

    Send us a message: postmaster@koreakonsult.com
    Call us: +46(0)73981 0372
    +46(0)70116 5525
     
     
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