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    Pyongyang Marathon and Day of Sun CLASSIC tour


     7 nights in the DPRK
    Pyongyang Sariwon Kaesong Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Pyongsong Pyongyang

    Embark on an unforgettable journey that seamlessly blends the excitement of the Pyongyang International Marathon, the Day of the Sun celebrations, and the exploration of North Korea's most captivating highlights. Mark your calendars for April 14, 2024, to participate in the Pyongyang International Marathon, set against the enigmatic backdrop of North Korea's capital.
    Whether you're an avid runner or a casual enthusiast, this marathon offers a range of options, including 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon events. Run alongside both Korean and international professional athletes and passionate amateur runners. The marathon isn't just a race; it's a unique opportunity for foreigners to connect with locals and gain an authentic understanding of this fascinating country.
    If you prefer not to participate in the race, you can still soak in the electric atmosphere at Kim Il Sung Stadium. Watch the marathon and catch an exhilarating soccer match between local Korean teams. Before and after the marathon, enjoy an extensive sightseeing program throughout Pyongyang.
    On the Day of the Sun, immerse yourself in the festivities and join the colorful Mass Dance at one of Pyongyang's central squares.
    Head to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a narrow strip of land where South and North Korea have maintained a standoff for 70 years. Explore Kaesong, the ancient capital of Korea during the Koryo Dynasty, and soak in its rich history.
    Continue your journey in Sariwon, Pyongyang's Southern gateway, where you'll stroll down Folk Custom Street and visit a cooperative farm.
    Discover Pyongsong, the DPRK's primary scientific center, dedicated to cutting-edge space research. In Pyongsong, you will visit a school for gifted children and have a chance to engage with students.
    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): Pyongyang Sariwon Kaesong

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to Sariwon - the southern gateway to Pyongyang. With population well above 300,000 Sariwon is one the most densely populated cities of the DPRK and it is famous for its Maccoli - Korean traditional rice wine
    • Mt.Jongbang - 481m high mountain near Sariwon famous for its many spots to enjoy beautiful landscapes and historical fort dated back to Koryo Dynasty
    • Sariwon Folk Customs Street - opened in 2007, it is aimed to show traditions and customs of Korean people
    • Migok Cooperative Farm - a great opportunity to visit a greenhouse to see how vegetables are grown using snails for environmental pest control and tour into one of the houses of the people working on the fields to experience farmer's life
    • Lunch
    • Drive to Kaesong - capital of Korea up to the 15th century. Kaesong is the only city in Korea which has preserved its original historical make up as it hasn't been destroyed during the Korean war. It is a home for 12 historic sites from the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kaesong is considered to be home of Koryo insam (ginseng) don't miss the opportunity to buy some of the best insam in the Far East
    • Tomb of King Kongmin - UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the original mausoleum of the 31st king of the Koryo Dynasty - King Kongmin and his Queen dated back to 14th century
    • Sonjuk Bridge - a small stone bridge dating back to 1216, UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Walk in the old streets of Kaesong from Nam gate - southern gate of ancient Kaesong wall city to Minsok Hotel
    • Dinner at traditional Korean restaurant

    OVERNIGHT: Minsok Folk Hotel **
    Apr 17 (Wed): Kaesong Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Kaesong Pyongyang

    • Breakfast
    • Kaesong Ginseng Processing Factory
    • Janamsan Park - located on a hill overlooking the city it is a great place to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the old Kaesong
    • Drive to Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) - a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, it is one of the most militarized area on our planet
    • Panmunjom - a village where in 1953 Armistice Talks were held between the DPR Korea and the United Nation Command. Visit the blue tent-like building located exactly on the borderline between Koreas. You can walk around the conference room and hop from South to North Korea while you are in this building. This is one of the few places where you can take pictures of the DPRK military
    • Drive back to Kaesong
    • Lunch at Tongil restaurant - "Tongil" means "Reunification" in Korean, it is one of the most famous restaurants in Kaesong where you will enjoy Traditional Royal Korean Lunch with 12 side-dishes served in brass bowls fit for the kings. For anyone wanting to supplement their lunch, there will be an opportunity to sample Korea’s famous ginseng chicken soup (at extra charge)
    • Drive back to Pyongyang
    • Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification - the monument representing the desire of Korean people for reunification. It is shaped in form of two Korean women holding Korean peninsula over the Thongil highway from Pyongyang to DMZ
    • Grand People’s Study House - located at the Kim Il Sung Square it is one of the most famous buildings in Pyongyang. It was built in a traditional Korean style over a period of 21 months and opened in April of 1982 to honor Kim Il Sung’s 70th birthday. From the balcony you will enjoy a breathtaking view on Kim Il Sung Square, Taedong River and Juche Tower
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 18 (Thu): Pyongyang Pyongsong Pyongyang

    • Breakfast
    • Kumsusan Palace of Sun - Mausoleum of president Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il. To visit the Mausoleum tourists should be at least 17 years old and follow a strict dress code: no shorts, T-shirts and sandals, no blue jeans and mini-skirts.
    • Drive to Pyongsong - Korea's Silicon Valley focusing on leading space researches. Only in 2014 this city was opened for foreign visitors
    • Visit Pyongsong Central square
    • Lunch
    • Paeksong Revolutionary Site - the place to which Kim Il Sung University was moved during the Korean War
    • Kim Jong Suk Middle School - named after the mother of Kim Jong Il it is one of the best schools in the DPRK for talented children from the whole country. For some English-language learners in this school you can be the first opportunity to converse with foreign visitors
    • Drive back to Pyongyang
    • Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace - recently renovated center for local children's extra curricular education. The palace was opened in 1989 and it features striking post-modern piece of design. In 2016 it was re-opened after massive reconstruction and now it is one of the most striking building in the country. After excursion you will have a chance to enjoy amazing children’s performance
    • Dinner

    OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo International Hotel ****
    Apr 19 (Fri):

    DEPARTURES FROM PYONGYANG

      BY FLIGHT TO VLADIVOSTOK:
      Departure by Air Koryo flight JS 271 at 08.30 am from Pyongyang Sunan Airport. Arrival in Vladivostok at 11.00 am local time

      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 19: 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 20: 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.

    Tour prices for different transport options:

    • train Dandong-Pyongyang-Dandong 1248€
    • train Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing 1368€
    • flight Vladivostok-Pyongyang-Vladivostok 1398€
    • flight Vladivostok-Pyongyang, train Pyongyang-Beijing 1528€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang, train Pyongyang-Beijing or vv 1608€
    • flight Beijing-Pyongyang-Beijing 1658€

    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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