Traveling in North Korea has always been a destination of interest, especially the Arirang Performance, featuring over 100,000 performers. After doing some online research, I found that independent travel in North Korea is not allowed—I’d have to take a tour or a private tour.
Joining a North Korea tour from outside of China tends to be expensive, usually around $2,000 USD. After further research, I opted for a different approach: flying to Beijing first, spending a few days there, and then taking a train to Dandong, where I could join a tour from there. While this option isn’t much cheaper, it gave me the opportunity to explore Beijing as well.
How to Join a North Korea Tour?
I joined the DDCTS, which offers affordable and safe tour services. The classic itinerary “Itinerary A: 3 nights 4 days tour: Pyongyang-Kaesong(DMZ)”. Here’s a price breakdown:
- Tourists from China: 2400 RMB
- Tourists from Southeast Asia(Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand…), Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan: 3700 RMB
- Tourists from Europe, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand: 4000 RMB (€500 / USD$580) or 4500 RMB (€550 / USD$650) depending on the hotel
What Does the Tour Price Include?
- Visa Fee
- Transportation
- Deluxe Hotel: Yanggakdo Hotel or Koryo Hotel
- All the meals in NK
- English speaking Guide
Aside from personal expenses, the tour is quite comprehensive. However, during my trip, the Arirang performance was taking place, so I had to pay an additional 800 RMB for a ticket.
Choosing Your North Korea Tour Itinerary
If this is your first time visiting North Korea, I recommend the classic “Itinerary A: 3 nights 4 days tour: Pyongyang-Kaesong(DMZ)”. It covers North Korea’s most iconic sites, is reasonably priced, and is easier to join as part of a group. You can find detailed booking information on the DDCTS website or Contact us for help with planning.
Note: When traveling to North Korea, whether by train from Dandong or by plane from Shenyang, you’ll need a multi-entry visa or travel documents for China.
Transportation to the Meeting Point
Dandong Train Station
If you’re traveling to North Korea by train, the meeting point will likely be at Dandong Train Station. I recommend flying to Beijing first, then taking a train to Dandong. K27 Train from Beijing to Dandong is a great option—it’s a 14-hour journey, and there’s a daily departure. You can sleep on the train and wake up refreshed, ready to join your tour in the morning. This option also saves on accommodation costs!
Shenyang Taoxian Airport(SHE)
If you choose to fly from Shenyang to Pyongyang, the meeting point will be Shenyang Taoxian International Airport(SHE). The airport is easily accessible via Shenyang Metro Line 2, or you can take a taxi for around 60–80 RMB from Shenyang Railway Station. The distance is approximately 30 km and takes about 40 minutes.
Meeting Tour Guide
For my trip, I departed from Dandong Train Station. Here’s how the process went:
Arriving at Dandong Train Station
I took the K27 train and arrived at around 7:30 AM. Since there was some time before the tour group meeting, I had breakfast near the station. Around 8:00 AM, I spotted a tour guide holding a flag at the ticket office entrance.
Meeting the Tour Guide
You’ll need to hand over your passport, China visa (or other travel documents) to the guide, and pay the tour fee (via cash, WeChat pay, or Alipay). Once the payment is made, you’ll receive a receipt and your North Korean visa. After registration is complete, the guide will lead the group to board the train, crossing into North Korea, and the adventure begins!
North Korea Travel Experience
Here’s a glimpse of my 4-day, 3-night North Korea tour back in 2013. The itinerary remains mostly the same, so feel free to check it out:
- North Korea Trip Day 1: Arriving in Pyongyang & Arirang Show
- North Korea Trip Day 2: Mansudae Pavilion, Youth Palace, Kim Il Sung Square
- North Korea Trip Day 3: Panmunjom(DMZ), Sungkyunkwan, Pyongyang Metro
- North Korea Trip Day 4: End the Journey, Back to Dandong, Reflections on the Trip
- Traveling in North Korea Guide: How to Join a North Korea Tour in China?
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