Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Pyongyang via Air Koryo and begin your introduction to the DPRK with foundational monuments and an overview of the city's layout.
Morning
Arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Land at Pyongyang's international airport where you'll meet your assigned Korean guides and tour group. Complete immigration procedures and transfer to the city center. The drive provides first glimpses of the countryside and outskirts of the capital, with guides providing initial orientation about DPRK history and protocols.
2-3 hours including transfer
Included in tour package
All visitors must be part of an authorized tour group booked months in advance through approved agencies
Lunch
A restaurant serving Korean cold noodles and traditional dishes
North Korean
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the massive bronze statues at Mansudae, where you'll participate in the customary flower-laying ceremony. This is one of the most important sites in Pyongyang. Continue to
Kim Il Sung Square, the central plaza used for military parades and mass rallies, learning about its significance in DPRK political life and public gatherings.
3 hours
$20-30 for flowers and entrance fees
Respectful behavior and proper photography protocols are mandatory
Evening
Welcome dinner and orientation briefing
Group dinner at a hotel restaurant with traditional Korean dishes, followed by briefing on tour rules and etiquette
Where to Stay Tonight
Yanggakdo Island or central Pyongyang (Designated tourist hotel with amenities for foreign visitors)
Tourist hotels are specifically assigned for foreign visitors and provide controlled accommodation with dining and recreational facilities
Always carry your passport and follow your guides' instructions precisely. Photography restrictions are strict at certain locations.
Day 1 Budget: $180-220
Explore museums dedicated to the Korean War and the revolutionary history of the DPRK leadership.
Morning
Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
Spend the morning at this extensive museum documenting the Korean War from the DPRK perspective. The museum features dioramas, captured military equipment including the USS Pueblo, and detailed exhibitions about the conflict. Guides provide comprehensive commentary on the war's history and its significance to national identity.
3-4 hours
$15-20
Lunch
A restaurant specializing in Korean barbecue and banchan side dishes
Korean BBQ
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the mausoleum where Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state. This is the most sacred site in the DPRK, requiring formal dress and strict adherence to protocols. The elaborate palace features marble halls and the preserved bodies of the former leaders. Photography is prohibited inside, and the visit is conducted with great solemnity.
2-3 hours
$25-35
Formal attire required; no jeans, sandals, or casual wear permitted
Evening
Supervised group walk along the illuminated riverfront, viewing the city skyline and monuments at night
Where to Stay Tonight
Yanggakdo Island or central district (Tourist hotel with evening amenities)
Centrally located for continued exploration of key monuments
The Kumsusan visit requires careful preparation; ensure your clothing meets standards and follow all photography restrictions.
Day 2 Budget: $170-200
Discover the
Juche Tower and explore monumental architecture representing DPRK ideology and achievements.
Morning
Visit the 170-meter
Juche Tower, symbolizing the state ideology of self-reliance. Take the elevator to the observation platform for panoramic views of Pyongyang. The surrounding park features stones gifted by international Juche study groups. Learn about Juche philosophy and its role in DPRK governance and society.
2-3 hours
$10-15 including elevator
Lunch
Korean traditional
Mid-range
Afternoon
Arch of Triumph and Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery
Visit the Arch of Triumph, built to commemorate Korean resistance to Japanese occupation. At 60 meters, it's larger than
Paris's Arc de Triomphe. Continue to the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mount Taesong, where bronze busts commemorate anti-Japanese fighters. The hilltop location offers city views.
3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Attend an acrobatic and animal performance at the circus, showcasing North Korean performing arts
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Pyongyang hotel district (Tourist hotel with recreational facilities)
Convenient for evening cultural activities and central monument access
The view from
Juche Tower is excellent for photography; this is one location where photos are generally permitted.
Day 3 Budget: $160-190
Visit schools and children's facilities to observe the DPRK educational system and youth activities.
Morning
Mangyongdae Children's Palace
Tour this extracurricular facility where talented children study music, dance, art, and sports. Watch impressive performances by student ensembles, including traditional Korean dance, instrumental music, and acrobatics. The palace showcases the emphasis on collective achievement and artistic development in DPRK education.
2-3 hours
$15-20
Lunch
A cafeteria-style restaurant serving Korean comfort food
Korean home-style
Budget
Afternoon
Visit the prestigious university campus (exterior views and selected areas), then tour the
Grand People's Study House, a massive library and educational center overlooking
Kim Il Sung Square. The traditional Korean architecture houses millions of volumes and study rooms where citizens conduct research and reading.
3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Traditional Korean dinner experience
Group dinner featuring multiple courses of Korean specialties with cultural explanation from guides
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Continued central access for cultural and educational sites
Performances at the Children's Palace are genuinely impressive; students train extensively in their specialties.
Day 4 Budget: $155-185
Explore exhibitions showcasing DPRK achievements in science, technology, and space exploration.
Morning
Sci-Tech Complex
Visit this modern facility featuring exhibitions on science and technology, including displays on space exploration, computing, and scientific achievements. The futuristic building includes a library, exhibition halls, and interactive displays. The complex represents the DPRK's emphasis on technological self-reliance and scientific education.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Lunch
A modern restaurant in the scientific complex area
Korean fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Three Revolution Exhibition and Monument to Party Founding
Tour the Three Revolution Exhibition showcasing industrial, ideological, and cultural achievements. The massive complex features machinery, technology, and products from DPRK factories. Continue to the Monument to Party Founding, a striking sculpture symbolizing workers, peasants, and intellectuals united under the Workers' Party.
3-4 hours
$15-20
Evening
Bowling or recreation at hotel facilities
Evening leisure time with group activities at hotel recreational facilities
Where to Stay Tonight
Yanggakdo or central area (Tourist hotel with sports and leisure amenities)
Hotels offer controlled recreational opportunities for foreign visitors
The Sci-Tech Complex is one of Pyongyang's newer attractions and shows a different side of the city's development priorities.
Day 5 Budget: $165-195
Experience the famous
Pyongyang Metro with its palatial stations and observe local commuters in their daily routines.
Morning
Descend into the world's deepest metro system, with stations doubling as bomb shelters. Tour elaborately decorated stations featuring chandeliers, mosaics, and murals depicting revolutionary themes. Ride several stops to experience the system alongside local commuters. The metro showcases socialist realism art and provides rare interaction with ordinary Pyongyang residents.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Lunch
A restaurant near the metro stations serving quick Korean meals
Korean fast casual
Budget
Afternoon
Mangyongdae Native House and Revolutionary Sites
Visit Kim Il Sung's birthplace at Mangyongdae, a preserved traditional Korean house where the founding leader was born. The site includes the family home, well, and surrounding grounds. Learn about his childhood and early revolutionary activities. The pastoral setting contrasts with central Pyongyang's monumentalism.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Korean beer tasting experience
Visit a local beer bar to sample Taedonggang and other North Korean beers with the tour group
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Central location for metro access and continued city exploration
The metro is a genuine local experience; observe but don't photograph passengers without permission.
Day 6 Budget: $145-175
Experience authorized shopping areas and markets to observe commerce and acquire souvenirs.
Morning
Kwangbok Department Store visit
Tour this state-run department store where locals shop for consumer goods, clothing, and food items. Observe the shopping process using the North Korean won and see what products are available to citizens. The store provides insight into daily life and consumer culture in Pyongyang, albeit in a curated setting.
2 hours
$20-50 for souvenirs
Lunch
A restaurant in the shopping district serving Korean noodle dishes
Korean noodles
Budget
Afternoon
Foreign Language Bookshop and souvenir shopping
Visit the bookshop selling propaganda materials, stamps, posters, and books in multiple languages. Purchase unique souvenirs including DPRK stamps, artwork, and literature. Continue to authorized souvenir shops for additional items like ginseng products, traditional crafts, and commemorative items unavailable elsewhere.
3 hours
$30-100 for purchases
Evening
Diplomatic restaurant dinner
Dinner at a restaurant frequented by the diplomatic community, offering international cuisine options
Where to Stay Tonight
Yanggakdo Island (Tourist hotel with shops and facilities)
Hotel shops offer additional souvenir options and evening amenities
Stamps and propaganda posters make unique, lightweight souvenirs; negotiate prices at souvenir shops as some flexibility exists.
Day 7 Budget: $175-250
Explore the DPRK's film industry and propaganda production facilities showcasing media arts.
Morning
Korean Film Studio tour
Visit the state film studio where DPRK movies are produced. Tour outdoor sets recreating different historical periods and foreign locations. Learn about North Korean cinema, its themes, and production methods. The studio showcases the importance of film in ideological education and entertainment, with guides explaining the film industry's role.
3 hours
$15-25
Lunch
A restaurant near the film studio serving Korean set menus
Korean traditional
Mid-range
Afternoon
Korean Art Gallery and Mansudae Art Studio
Visit galleries displaying socialist realism paintings, sculptures, and traditional Korean art. The Mansudae Art Studio produces much of the DPRK's official artwork and monuments. View works depicting revolutionary themes, leadership portraits, and idealized scenes of socialist life. Purchase artwork directly from the studio if desired.
2-3 hours
$20-30 plus artwork purchases
Evening
North Korean film screening
Watch a DPRK film with English subtitles to understand local cinema and storytelling traditions
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Central location for cultural institutions and evening activities
Artwork from Mansudae Art Studio is authentic and can be shipped internationally, though prices vary widely based on size and artist.
Day 8 Budget: $170-220
Experience North Korean sports culture through stadium visits and recreational activities.
Morning
Visit the
May Day Stadium, one of the world's largest stadiums and venue for the Mass Games. Tour the facility and learn about its role in national celebrations. Continue to Kim Il Sung Stadium for football matches or other sporting events if scheduled. Sports play a significant role in DPRK culture and national pride.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Lunch
A sports complex cafeteria serving energizing Korean meals
Korean comfort food
Budget
Afternoon
Rungrado Dolphinarium or recreational activities
Visit the dolphinarium for a marine animal show, or participate in recreational activities such as swimming, bowling, or mini-golf at designated facilities. These activities provide lighter entertainment alongside the educational and ideological sites, showing leisure aspects of Pyongyang life.
2-3 hours
$15-25
Evening
Karaoke evening at hotel
Group karaoke session at hotel facilities, a popular pastime in Korean culture
Where to Stay Tonight
Yanggakdo Island or central area (Tourist hotel with entertainment facilities)
Hotels offer controlled recreational and entertainment options
If visiting during Mass Games season (August-September), tickets should be arranged in advance through your tour operator.
Day 9 Budget: $155-185
Visit a cooperative farm to learn about agricultural practices and rural life in the DPRK.
Morning
Cooperative farm visit
Travel to a model cooperative farm on Pyongyang's outskirts. Tour agricultural facilities, meet farm workers, and learn about collective farming practices. Visit workers' housing, schools, and community facilities. The visit provides perspective on rural life, agricultural methods, and the countryside, though these are carefully selected showcase farms.
3-4 hours including travel
$15-20
Lunch
Lunch at the cooperative farm dining facility with farm-fresh ingredients
Korean rural cuisine
Budget
Afternoon
Return to Pyongyang and Tower of Immortality visit
Return to central Pyongyang and visit the Tower of Immortality and other monuments in the Mansudae area. Spend time photographing monuments in afternoon light and reviewing sites from earlier in the trip with deeper understanding gained from subsequent visits.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Traditional Korean music performance
Attend a concert of traditional Korean music featuring classical instruments and folk songs
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Return to central location for final days of urban exploration
Farm visits show an idealized version of rural life; ask thoughtful questions to learn more about agricultural practices.
Day 10 Budget: $150-180
Explore the limited religious sites and ancient historical locations within Pyongyang.
Morning
Pyongyang Orthodox Church and Bongsu Church visits
Visit the Russian Orthodox Church and Protestant Bongsu Church, among the few active religious buildings in Pyongyang. Learn about the complex relationship between religion and the state in the DPRK. While religious freedom is officially recognized, practice is heavily controlled and these churches serve limited congregations.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Lunch
A restaurant serving Korean Buddhist temple-style vegetarian cuisine
Korean vegetarian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Tomb of King Tongmyong and Taedong Gate
Visit the reconstructed tomb of the legendary founder of Koguryo kingdom, located outside central Pyongyang. The site includes a museum about ancient Korean history. Continue to Taedong Gate, one of the old city gates, representing Pyongyang's pre-modern history. These sites connect to Korean history beyond the modern political state.
3-4 hours
$15-20
Evening
Farewell dinner with tour group
Special group dinner featuring Korean specialties and reflecting on the journey
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Convenient for final days of sightseeing and preparation for departure
The ancient historical sites provide context for Korean civilization beyond the modern DPRK narrative.
Day 11 Budget: $165-195
Experience the spectacular Mass Games if visiting in season, or alternative cultural performances.
Morning
Preparation and rehearsal viewing
If Mass Games are scheduled, spend the morning learning about the production, viewing rehearsal footage, or visiting related exhibitions. If not in season, visit additional cultural sites such as the Moranbong Theatre or prepare for evening performances. Use morning for final souvenir shopping or revisiting favorite locations.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Lunch
A restaurant near the stadium serving hearty Korean meals
Korean traditional
Mid-range
Afternoon
Rest and preparation for evening performance
Return to hotel for rest before the evening's main event. Use afternoon for final photography, journal writing, or exploring hotel facilities. Prepare cameras and ensure proper attire for the evening performance, which represents the pinnacle of DPRK choreographed spectacle.
3-4 hours
$0
Evening
Attend the spectacular Mass Games featuring thousands of performers in synchronized gymnastics, dance, and card displays, or attend a performance at the
Grand Theatre
Where to Stay Tonight
Yanggakdo or central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Convenient return after late evening performance
Mass Games tickets are expensive ($100-300) but represent a truly unique spectacle found nowhere else in the world.
Day 12 Budget: $220-380
Revisit favorite sites, complete souvenir shopping, and consolidate impressions of the DPRK experience.
Morning
Visit
Moranbong Park, a recreational area where locals gather for leisure activities. See the Chollima Statue symbolizing rapid economic development. The park offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to formal monuments. Observe locals enjoying the green space, though interactions remain supervised.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Lunch
A final meal at a favorite restaurant from earlier in the trip
Korean specialties
Mid-range
Afternoon
Final shopping and photography session
Return to souvenir shops for any final purchases. Revisit photogenic locations for final photographs, particularly
Kim Il Sung Square and riverfront areas. Organize and review photos with guides to ensure all images comply with photography regulations before departure.
3-4 hours
$20-50
Evening
Final group dinner and reflection session
Farewell dinner with tour group sharing experiences and impressions from the two-week journey
Where to Stay Tonight
Near airport or central Pyongyang (Tourist hotel)
Convenient for morning departure or final night in the capital
Review all photos and materials with guides before departure to avoid any issues at airport customs.
Day 13 Budget: $160-200
Final morning in Pyongyang before departure, with time for last impressions and journey to the airport.
Morning
Final hotel breakfast and preparation
Enjoy final breakfast at the hotel and complete packing. Ensure all souvenirs are properly packed and any prohibited items are not being carried. Meet with guides for final briefing on departure procedures and customs regulations. Transfer to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport with your tour group.
2-3 hours
$0
Lunch
Airport departure area refreshments or packed meal
Light snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Departure procedures and flight
Complete departure procedures at the airport, including customs and immigration. Expect thorough checks of photos, videos, and materials. Board your Air Koryo flight or train to Beijing. Reflect on the unique two-week experience in one of the world's most isolated and controlled societies.
3-4 hours
Included in tour package
Arrive at airport with ample time for thorough security procedures
Evening
In transit or arrival at next destination
Arrive in Beijing or next destination, concluding the DPRK tour
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A - departure day (N/A)
Departure from Pyongyang
Keep your tour guides' contact information; they can assist with any post-trip questions about materials or photos.
Day 14 Budget: $50-100