Korea North 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day North Korea Itinerary

Day 1: Pyongyang Arrival and City Tour

  • Arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Visitors can only travel to North Korea with a licensed tour operator. Most tours depart from Beijing, China.

  • Morning: Visit the Arch of Triumph, larger than its counterpart in Paris, and the Kim Il Sung Square, the main public square in Pyongyang.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Mansudae Grand Monuments, including the statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il. Visit the Korean War Museum for a unique perspective on the war.

  • Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Pyongyang Circus or the famous Arirang Mass Games (depending on the season).

Day 2: Pyongyang Sightseeing

  • Morning: Visit the Tower of Juche Idea, the Museum of the Korean Revolution, and the Kim Il Sung Stadium.

  • Afternoon: Explore the city’s unique architecture, including the Ryugyong Hotel and the Grand People’s Study House.

  • Evening: Relax at the Taedonggang Brewery and enjoy a traditional North Korean dinner.

Day 3: Day Trip to Nampo

  • Morning: Travel by train to Nampo, North Korea’s third-largest city. Visit the Chongsan Cooperative Farm, one of North Korea’s agricultural showcases.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Chollima Statue, a symbol of speed and miraculous development in North Korea, and the Sunan Water Park.

  • Evening: Return to Pyongyang.

Day 4: Visit Kaesong (Demilitarized Zone) and Kumgang Mountain

  • Morning: Travel to Kaesong, the ancient capital of Korea during the Koryo Dynasty. Visit the Panmunjom Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.

  • Afternoon: Head to Kumgang Mountain (Mount Kumgang) for a hike, taking in beautiful landscapes and historical sites like the Buddhist temple complex of Pomun Temple.

  • Evening: Return to Pyongyang.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last hours in North Korea shopping for souvenirs or exploring any sights you missed.

  • Afternoon: Depart from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.

Visa Requirements: Tourists need to obtain a tourist visa through a licensed tour operator. The visa process can take several weeks, so it’s important to start the application process well in advance.

Things to Know:

  • English is not widely spoken, so having a guide is essential.
  • Internet access is heavily restricted and monitored.
  • Cash is king; credit cards are rarely accepted.
  • Respect for the leadership and local customs is crucial.
  • Photography restrictions apply, especially around military and political sites.