NORTH KOREA FROM A NEAR DISTANCE

See all the key inter-Korean sites, meet key people working on DPRK issues, and be accompanied by leading specialists.

Leveraging their unique perspectives on all things DPRK, NK News and Koryo Tours' manager Gergő Váczi are proud to present the third-ever North Korea From a Distance tour.

With North Korea closed for tourism for over four years due to COVID-19 – and no certainty about when visits can resume – this itinerary is designed for anyone wanting to see and learn more about the DPRK.

 Featuring a combination of border-location tours, briefings and Q&As, the North Korea From a Distance tour sharpens your interest in all things Korea – also providing exclusive opportunities to cultivate new connections within the North Korea-watching community.

EAST COAST TRIP

With two nights on the East Coast, you'll go right to the border with North Korea and see its stunning Kumgang mountain range. An array of border walks, museum visits and a village tour will give in-depth context about Gangwon province and its close ties to the DPRK.
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New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

EXPLORE THE KOREAN BORDER WITH LEADING SPECIALISTS

SEPT 21 - SEPT 30, 2024

ACCOMPANIED BY SPECIALISTS

DAILY MEETINGS WITH EXPERTS

On several days of the itinerary, you can look forward to at least one meeting or lunch/dinner briefing from an outside North Korea specialist based in Seoul. Take in a diverse range of perspectives and ask all the questions which come to mind.
Over the week, you'll be accompanied by  Chad O'Carroll (NK News founder and CEO) and Gergő Váczi (Koryo Tours). Guest experts will join for multi-day portions of the door, such as Andrei Lankov, Jeongmin Kim, Jacco Zwetsloot and others.
You'll have two days in Seoul with visits to key museums, political sites, and even mountain hikes around the Blue House. You'll also get a chance to meet the NK News team and learn first-hand how news on North Korea is written and produced.

WESTERN ISLANDS/COAST TRIP

Take a ferry to spend a night on Yeonpyeong island, just seven miles from North Korea, and scour the beaches for items found from DPRK.  Then, in Ganghwa, you'll get a chance to observe several North Korean villages and hamlets from close up.

CENTRAL BORDER TRIP

Dependent on whether or not the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the DMZ opens up to tourists by September, you'll either visit it or Cheorwon - a county located in the central inter-Korean area where a former Workers' Party of Korea building still stands. 

Itinerary features:

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ADDITIONAL NOTES

- Groups will be in the experienced hands of local guides and Koryo Tours manager Gergő Váczi. 

- Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ to what is advertised above.

- Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed.

- We will also add in extras when there is time.

- After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Presented by:

NORTH KOREA IN SEOUL

  • Recommended latest arrival in Seoul (AM)
  • Check-in at hotel in Seoul (from 2PM)
  • Welcome dinner and orientation

Overnight: 
Ibis Ambassador Insadong (or similar), Seoul

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SEOUL

ACCOMPANYING SPECIALIST GUIDES:

SAT. SEPT. 21:

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 3: YEONPYEONGDO, YELLOW (WEST) SEA AND RETURN TO SEOUL

MON. SEPT. 23:

  • Exploring Yeonpyeong | We'll tour the full circumference of the island, including the main vista towards North Korea and an opportunity to search for DPRK trash washed into local beaches.

  • Island lunch | Before we sail back to the mainland, we'll get a farewell meal near the port.
  • Ferry back to Incheon port | We'll get the afternoon ferry back to Incheon, a sailing of around two hours.

  • Drive back to Seoul | Upon arrival back to Incheon, we'll drive directly to the capital (1-1.5 hour drive).
  • Dinner at own leisure | After check-in you'll have the opportunity to get dinner at your own leisure.

  • Overnight:
    Ibis Ambassador Insandong (or similar), Seoul 

DAY 7: GOSEONG, GANGWON PROVINCE

FRI. SEPT. 27:

  • Drive to Goseong | An approx. 1 hour drive North to the inter-Korean area of Goseong County.

  • North Korea gift shop | Buy real 'Made in DPRK' items like liquor and official North Korean currency at a shop in the security area.
  • Unification observatory | Stunning views of North Korea's Kumgang mountain and adjacent beaches.

  • Lunch and free-time | Free time for lunch at the Tongil Security Park.

  • DMZ Museum | Located within the Civilian Limit Line in Tongil Security Park the DMZ Museum tells the story of the past, present, and future of the Demilitarized Zone in four exhibition room
  • Kim Il Sung beach house | Tour the former North Korean president's summer house, which was lost when Korean borders changed during the 50-53 war.

  • Treasure hunt for North Korean debris | Search for washed up trash from DPRK and see which products are currently 'hot' in the North.
  • Dinner discussion | We'll get dinner and hear from a second expert familiar with North Korean affairs.

  • Overnight at Kumgangsan Condo | A hotel very close in resemblance to those you'll stay in during a visit to DPRK.

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 8: RETURN TO SEOUL

SAT. SEPT. 28:

  • Drive back to Seoul | Drive West across the Korean Peninsula back to Seoul, arriving mid-day. (3-4 hrs drive).
  • National Museum of Contemporary Korean History | Learn about the tumultuous 1960s when South Korea was under a military dictatorship. It's also the time of the 'Miracle on the Han River' when the country transformed from a developing country to one of the most developed economies. Pic: 
  • Dinner at own leisure | Enjoy dinner at one of the dozens of amazing local restaurants Insadong has to offer.

  • Overnight: 
    Ibis Ambassador Insadong (or similar), Seoul

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 5: CHEORWON DMZ TOUR

WEDS. SEPT. 25:

  • Cheorwon Workers' Party HQ | A regional political headquarters used by North Korea until the Korean war changed frontier locations.

  • Memorial Tower of Baengmagoji Battlefield and Memorial Museum | The site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Korean War. 
  • Key Observatory | The observatory symbolizes national unification potential, offering views of the DMZ's natural beauty, fences, and guard posts, alongside an exhibition on the Korean War and DMZ military life.

  • Typhoon Observatory | Named after the ROK Army's Typhoon Battalion, the observatory stands 800 meters from the MDL and 1.6 kilometers from the nearest North Korean checkpoint, making it the closest observatory to the MDL.
  • Drive back to Seoul | An approx. 2 hour drive back to South Korea's capital.

  • Freetime for dinner | Free time for dinner after a relatively late arrival in Seoul on Thursday.

  • Overnight: Ibis Ambassador Insadong (or similar), Seoul

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 2: INCHEON AND YEONPYEONGDO, YELLOW (WEST) SEA

SUN. SEPT. 22:

  • Yeonpyeong-do Security Education Center | See property destroyed by North Korea's Nov. 2010 artillery attack on Yeonpyeong-do and take in an exhibition about the incident.
  • Lunch | Go to a restaurant for local delicacies before boarding for Yeonpyeong-do.

  • Ferry to Yeonpyeong-do | Check-in for the 2.5-hour sailing to Yeonpyeong island. Sailing at 13.00.


  • Overnight in Minbak - The group will divide across 2-3 'minbak' guesthouses. Late-night Karaoke may also be possible, if the local facility is open!

  • Group dinner | We'll visit a local restaurant and take in a group meal, followed by a briefing by a top North Korea expert.

SUN. SEPT. 29:

  • Drive to Kyodong Island | Early morning we'll drive out to Kyodong Island, one of the most furthest westerly islands accessible by land from the main peninsula. 

  • Manghyangdae | At Kyodong Island we'll goto an observatory that offers views into North Korea's Yonan Town.
    Note: Long-range zoom camera is recommended.
  • Lunch at Daeryong Market | Originally founded by DPRK refugees, this market has a 60s/70s retro feel.

  • Ganghwa Observatory | A fantastic observation area for looking into North Korean farms and rural villages. Includes a small museum and gift shop.
  • Aegibong Peace Ecopark | We'll then drive directly to the Aegibong Peace Ecopark -- a fantastic and newly renovated look-out point in Ganghwa province. The observatory provides stunning views of North Korea and suburban Seoul -- all in one take.

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 9: GANGHWADO + GIMPO

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM SEOUL

MON. SEPT. 30:

  • Departure from Seoul | After hotel check-out, you can catch a flight, bus or train back to your home city/location.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Two meals a day, unless stated

- Accommodation in hotel, and in minbak (Yeonpyeong-do)

- Entry fees

- Transportation while on tour

- Ferry (Incheon-Yeonpyeong-do-Incheon)


NOT INCLUDED

- A Koryo Tours leader – Gergő Váczi – and local guide

- At least five specialists accompanying multi-night segments throughout trip

- K-ETA or visa fee

- Travel insurance

- Spending money for souvenirs, etc.

- Optional single supplement (USD $50 per night)

- Flights to/from South Korea

- Optional airport transfers



NORTH KOREA FROM A NEAR DISTANCE

THE FULL ITINERARY

ANDREI LANKOV

One of the world's leading experts on DPRK and author of multiple best-selling books. Lankov will accompany the West Sea itinerary (two nights).
Jeongmin Kim is the Lead Correspondent at NK News and Editorial Director at KOREA PRO, based in Seoul.  Kim has covered the two Koreas since 2017.

JEONGMIN KIM

CHAD O'CARROLL

Founder of Korea Risk Group, the company behind NK News and NK Pro. O'Carroll will accompany both East and West Sea itineraries.
Apply to attend
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Host of the NK News Podcast and a regular tour guide in both North and South Korea, Zwetsloot will share historical context of key locations.

JACCO ZWETSLOOT

For your benefit, the following people will accompany the tour for different multi-night stages:

PRICING

STANDARD

$2,595.00

+ Credit card processing

- For standard bookings
- Up to 15 places only

LAST SPACES

$2,895.00

+ Credit card processing

- For last min. bookings
- Last five places only

Note: Tour is limited to 20 guests maximum!

In cooperation with Koryo Tours Manager Gergő Váczi

Apply to attend
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply to attend
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply to attend
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ready to book?

Date: Sept. 21, 2024 - Sept. 30, 2024
For: Anyone with a deep interest in North Korea
Presented by: NK News and Koryo Tours' manager Gergő Váczi
Produced by: Semin International Tour Co. Ltd

Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Time: 9.00am-3.30pm (lunch and coffee will be served)
For: Government, Business & Media Professionals
Venue: Park Hyatt Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Pick-up after winter with the latest on-the-ground views & specialist insights on DPRK

  • Transfer to Incheon port area | Drive to Incheon port, around 1 or 1.5 hours.

  • Memorial for Incheon Landing Operation | Visit a museum dedicated to the history of the Incheon Landing, a pivotal development in the Korean War.

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 4: DMZ AND JSA TOUR

THUR. SEPT. 26:

  • War Memorial of Korea | Visit the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul and see things from a different perspective. The War Memorial of Korea features both indoor and outdoor exhibition halls containing approx. 33,000 artefacts.
  • Drive to Sokcho on the East Coast of Korea | We will drive approximately 200 km east across the Korean Peninsula. A drive that takes approximately the same time in the ROK and the DPRK: due to traffic in the South, and bad roads in the North.
  • Dinner and briefing | We will gather for dinner followed by a lecture and discussion with a North Korea expert.

  • Overnight:
    Ramada Plaza Hotel Sokcho

New year, new approach: 
What's next for DPRK affairs in 2020?

DAY 6: EASTBOUND TO SOKCHO

TUES. SEPT. 24:

  • Drive to Camp Bonifas | During the approximately one hour drive to Camp Bonifas, an expert will provide commentary about the security features north of Seoul and the history of the Joint Security Area.
  • Joint Security Area | Visit the Joint Security Area (Truce Village) from the south. It is the closest you’ll be getting to North Korea from the South side.
  • Odusan Observatory | A well known spot for looking into North Korea, due to its relatively close location to Seoul. 

    You'll be able to see DPRK farms, workers and military guard posts.
  • Imjingak Resort | Located on the river separating the two Koreas, you can experience a range of North Korea-related sights: the remains of the last train to cross the border at the start of the War, a gondola that takes visitors across the river, and a newly opened museum in a former U.S. Army bowling alley.
  • Return to Seoul, dinner at own leisure | After arriving you'll have the opportunity to get dinner at your own leisure.

  • Overnight:
    Ibis Ambassador Insandong (or similar), Seoul
  • Drive to Cheorwon area | Approx. 2 hours.

  • Cheorwon History Culture Park and Soisan Monorail | This open-air museum is opposite to the WPK Headquarters housing traditional Korean hanoks and buildings from the Japanese colonial era.
  • Beach walk to see electric fences and protection against North Korean infiltration | The Korean coast is heavily fortified, and so we will look at these electric fences and other means of protection.

NOTE: The Kumgangsan hotel is a bit worn down and might be below international standards according to some – on the other hand, it is one of our favourite –, but a real treat if you want to live the North Korean hotel experience outside the DPRK.

  • Drive back to Seoul | After a long day in Ganghwa/Gimpo, we'll drive back to Seoul.

  • Farwell dinner | Join the guides for a farewell dinner evening in central Seoul.

  • Overnight: 
    Ibis Ambassador Insadong (or similar), Seoul

+ 2 SPECIAL GUESTS

Also joining for portions of the trip will be two VIP guests who will offer unique insights about the country from very different backgrounds. 


Important Note: Minbaks offer very basic accommodation -- similar to a budget youth hostel (hotels don't exist on Yeonpyeong-do).

Also, single supplements are not available at Yeonpyeong Minbaks: Two guests of the same gender must share.

Apply to attend
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.