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Koryo Tours

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Koryo Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Turkmenistan

North Korea

Vladivostok, south korea, the experts in travel to rather unusual destinations, countries we visit, north korea (dprk), russia  , latest news, museums of beijing #103: national museum of china.

Everything about China - in one Museum!

List of Countries Without Coronavirus

Believe it or not, there are countries without coronavirus, let's have a look and see which ones they are! (Updated: 25 NOVEMBER 2021)

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• Why choose Koryo

[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544 Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong. Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China

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• Why choose Koryo

Koryo Tours — the experts in travel to rather unusual destinations. Our mission: to facilitate responsible tourism to the world’s most isolated and least understood countries while encouraging people-to-people engagement through travel, culture, sport and humanitarian projects.

Meet our staff

Nick — founder, director, and tour leader.

Koryo’s co-founder was a tutor in Landscape Architecture at a Leeds Metropolitan University in the early 1990s and he travelled to Beijing for a study tour and to meet his friend Josh Green. Josh arranged the first Koryo trip (through a North Korean colleague he had studied Chinese with in Beijing) in 1993 and Nick was hooked and together they developed company. Josh left the company in 1997 but still leads the occasional tour and provides reflective insight and advice. Films Comrade Kim Goes Flying (2012) Crossing the Line (2006) A State of Mind (2004) The Game of Their Lives (2002) Books 'Made in North Korea: Graphics From Everyday Life in the DPRK' (Phaidon, 2017)

Simon — General Manager and Tour Leader

Simon is from the south west of England. He moved to Beijing in 2000, becoming Koryo’s General Manager two years after. Having traveled to North Korea more than 175 times — check out Simon's Instagram to see which trip he is on at the moment — he has probably been to the country more than any other westerner. He is a respected speaker on the country and appears regularly in international media . Simon’s tireless work, alongside our partners in Pyongyang, has been essential in opening up new territories within the DPRK to tourists. Apart from the DPRK he designs and leads tours in Kazakhstan , Turkmenistan , and the Russian Far East . Featured Blog Posts My First Trip to North Korea My First Mass Games - 2002 License plates of North Korea

Rebecca — Agent Tours and Tour Leader

Rebecca is a native Beijinger who has worked and studied in Singapore. Alongside fluently speaking two languages, she also has two degrees (one each from China and Singapore). At Koryo she is responsible for dealing with agents – other companies that use our expert services to help them deliver tours of the DPRK. Rebecca has successfully planned trips with close to 100 agents. She regularly travels to the DPRK to ensure she is providing the best information possible for our partners. Please contact us if you are an agent and would like to work with Koryo to offer North Korea trips to your own customers.

Elinor — Business Assistant

Elinor was born in Beijing, and completed her undergraduate at the city’s Wuzi University, where she studied English and business administration. Before joining Koryo in 2016 she worked for an international trading company. Elinor now uses her well-developed administrative skills as Koryo’s business assistant. Perhaps most importantly, her keen eye for detail, not to mention her mastery of difficult documents, means she is a perfect match for the key role of managing the thousands of DPRK (North Korea) visa applications we process each year for our tours .

Greg — Tour Leader

Greg grew up in post-socialist Hungary and has lived in the Netherlands, Israel, and China. He holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology and worked as a Maintenance Assistant in a US summer camp, on the banana plantations of an Israeli kibbutz, taught Social Statistics in Budapest, and English in rural China. He first traveled to North Koreas as a tourist in 2016 following in the footsteps of his grandparents, who visited in 1988. This trip of a lifetime that made him to dust off his Tour Guide Certificate, and join the Koryo team in 2017. He has been working since managing Koryo's North Korea group tours , developing itineraries, and leading tours. Greg studied Korean for a month in Pyongyang at the Tourism College in October 2018. Read more about Greg's journey to become a North Korean Tour Leader here. Featured Blog Posts Ostalgie: Looking Back on a 1988 Hungarian Family Vacation to the DPRK

Marcus — Tour Leader

Originally from Melbourne in Australia, Marcus joined the Koryo Tours team in 2016. Coming from a corporate work background managing call centres and customer service teams, Marcus made the move to East Asia after an eye opening trip to China and North Korea in 2015. Within Koryo he leads the organisation of the annual Pyongyang Marathon which is biggest annual event on the North Korean travel calendar. He has also become the office expert on North Korean beer which led to him developing the first ever Brewery Industry Tour of North Korea in co-operation with our local partners. Featured Blog Posts North Korean Beer – Ponghak

Peter Young - Freelance Tour Leader

Peter is a freelance tour leader who has spent the last decade living and working in Asia. He has a special interest in the history of socialist states, which he has explored through journeys to remote parts of the DPRK, China, Russia, Vietnam and Laos. In his spare time, Peter enjoys reading, cycle touring and Sichuanese food. Featured Blog Posts: The Abandoned Train Station of Kirovsk

Zoe — Tour Leader

Zoe has been an avid traveller since her teens and hasn’t stayed in one place for much longer than a year since then. Due to her love of meeting new people and exploring new cultures, she has the habit of constantly trying to learn new languages. At university, she studied German, Japanese, and Dutch, and picked up Chinese after moving to China. She has since started her next challenge; Korean. Originally from the UK, she has lived in Austria, Zimbabwe, and Japan before coming to Beijing. She first went to the DPRK for travel 4 years ago, and knew straight away that it wasn’t going to be her last time! Follow Zoe on Instagram @zoediscovers or on YouTube where she vlogs about North Korea. Find out more about Zoe

Ian — Tour Leader

Ian first travelled to North Korea in 2008, crossing the DMZ from South Korea. He has been visiting the country ever since, initially as a tourist with Koryo (of course), and later as a tour guide. He is a keen runner and never misses the Pyongyang Marathon each April. Ian travels to North Korea several times a year as a Koryo Tour guide and also in his capacity as programme manager for Choson Exchange , a charity which teaches business skills to North Korean entrepreneurs. Ian is based in London.

You're in safe hands

Everyone who travels to the DPRK with us gets an extensive pre-tour briefing at our Beijing office from one of our country experts.

Koryo Tours was established in 1993 by Joshua Green and Nick Bonner as a travel company to promote cultural exchange to DPRK (North Korea). Joshua had worked in Pyongyang for over a year setting up TNT courier company and through his contacts arranged the first tour. Nick was trained in Landscape Architecture and used his skills in design to develop the Studio and engagement side of the company. Simon Cockerell studied philosophy at University and his passion for travel led him to Koryo. He joined the company in 2002 to specialise in travel and sport exchanges whilst Nick continues to mainly work in art and film.

Why Choose Koryo

We can provide you with unparalleled access to the DPRK thanks to more than two decades spent developing long-running and deep-seated relationships with our local partners in the country. Travel with Koryo Tours and our access will allow you to go farther and see more than you ever imagined.

We’ve been running tours to the DPRK since 1993 — our staff have made hundreds of trips, and looked after tens of thousands of tourists over the years. We believe it’s important that if you travel to a country as complicated as the DPRK, you do so with people that have proven experience leading safe and successful tours.

Koryo Tours facilitated the earliest Western tourism to the DPRK and created the industry as we now know it — and since that first trip in 1993 we’ve been looking to innovate. From opening up new destinations, such as Hamhung, to introducing new activities for tourists, as seen in the country’s first-ever cycling tour, we continue to push things forward to this day.

We think the DPRK is one of the world’s most fascinating places. We also think it’s one of the least understood. Our unrivalled access, experience and passion mean that the world’s media often call upon us to share the insights gained through our many trips. But we’d much rather share this insider and expert knowledge with you in person — whether that's simply via email, or on a trip to Pyongyang and beyond.

Koryo Tours is deeply committed to responsible tourism. We take our commitments and responsibilities very seriously, both towards you, and your safety, as well as towards our partners in the DPRK and the country itself. For you, this includes an extensive pre-tour briefing at our office; for the DPRK we’re proud to support a number of humanitarian projects there, and have done so since the ’90s.

We're able to run a number of important projects thanks to your backing as someone who travels to the DPRK with us. These projects range from charity work, such as our support of eight orphanages within the country, to key cultural-engagement initiatives, such as our role in bringing architects and artists together from both sides of Korea's divided peninsula for the 2014 Venice Biennale.

Koryo Tours, its staff and its trips frequently feature in the media — whether that be as experts discussing travel to the DPRK, or coverage of one of our exciting tours. Please see below for a selection of stories about what we've been up to.

Take a train through North Korea's rarely seen countryside

This railway route passes through towns and villages historically closed off to foreigners.

There's never been a better time to visit North Korea

2018 has been a landmark year. So is the 'hermit kingdom' finally opening up?

Michael Palin in North Korea

Koryo Tours took Michael Palin to North Korea for a Channel 5 travel series.

Rare look inside DPRK (North Korea)

Explore the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in this intriguing time-lapse of a city rarely seen by foreigners.

Bringing the world closer to North Korea

A British expat who leads tours to the isolated DPRK explains why there are things to like about it.

Fostering engagement with Pyongyang

Meet the Beijing-based Briton seeking to promote ties with DPRK (North Korea) via travel and film.

New train tour to reveal DPRK's unseen corners

A Beijing-based tour company specializing in North Korea tours is offering a rare train journey that goes far beyond the country's "already exposed" capital.

Holidays in North Korea: "Safe and easily accessible"

Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, tells the BBC about why tourists want to go on holiday to North Korea.

Tourists complete a cycling tour of DPRK (North Korea)

A group of tourists have become the first to complete a cycling tour of North Korea — on a trip organised by a British-run travel company.

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[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544 Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong. Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China

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• North Korea
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• Why Uri Tours?

Experience North Korea

Over 15 years of Safe and Premium Tours to North Korea

The North Korea Experience

“Seeing is believing” they say in North Korea. We invite you to gain a different perspective of the country by experiencing its people, touching its landscapes and learning about its rich culture and 4,000 years of history. Our tours show you the complexity and hidden beauty of this undiscovered country.

Featured Tours

The dprk classic – new years eve special – 5 nights.

Join us in Pyongyang for the 2024/25 countdown on this extended tour of North Korea for New Year’s Eve and beyond! This special tour will see you on Kim Il Sung Square alongside thousands of locals for New Year festivities, which [...]

The DPRK Highlights – Party Foundation Day Special – 4 Nights

In this special 4-night tour of North Korea, join the festivities of Party Foundation Day on October 10 including a mass dance, and discover the highlights of this fascinating country! We’ll tour the major political sites in Pyongyang and take a [...]

Ski and Snowboard North Korea – Kim Jong Il Birthday Special – 7 Nights

This is your chance to ski the fresh-power slopes of North Korea! See the grand monuments of Pyongyang, visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), spend time at the Masikryong Ski Resort, and be in the capital for the major festivities [...]

Why Book With Us?

15 years of experience.

Our tours are authentic and cultural with a sense of adventure. We promote education and understanding, providing a platform for people-to-people engagement. We have brought thousands of people to experience the uncharted territory of North Korea with us.

Premium Accommodations

A tour to North Korea is certain to be packed with activities and the importance of a good nights rest and reliable facilities and amenities cannot be overstated. Our packages include prestigious accommodations at standard tour rates, not second-class lodging and basic guest houses in remote areas.

All-Inclusive Packages

There is no add-on pricing. Our published package price is what you pay. Our tours are an all-inclusive experience of return flights between Pyongyang, DPRK visa, premium accommodations, vetted meals, air-conditioned transport and driver, English-speaking Korean guides, entrance fees and unparalleled service!

Small Group Size

Our group size cap is smaller than our competitors to maximize your engagement with our local guides. Unless otherwise stated, our group tours are capped at a maximum of just 12 while maintaining standard tour rates.

Expert Local Guides

Our tours are led by some of the best local guides in the country. They are native North Koreans with a passion for showing visitors the beauty of their nation. All guides speak fluent English. We can even arrange local guides that speak Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and German!

Unprecedented Access

We offer some of the most unique tours available. We offer family visits, cycling, skiing, marathons, surfing, and golf, all designed to maximize interactions with locals. We want you to experience the culture, the people, the landscapes and the history of North Korea.

Pyongyang is North Korea’s capital and largest city. An ideological stronghold of imposing architecture and grand monuments, Pyongyang is the beating heart of politics, economy, culture, and tourism in North Korea.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone separating the Korean Peninsula, acting as the de-facto border between North Korea and South Korea.

Mt. Myohyang

Mt. Myohyang is one of North Korea’s most beautiful nature reserves, weaved with rewarding hikes and dotted with ancient relics.

Kaesong, the ancient capital of the Koryo dynasty, is abundant with well-preserved UNESCO sites and cultural treasures. Situated near the South Korean border, Kaesong has played a crucial role in inter-Korean relations.

Wonsan is a charming seaside town on North Korea’s east coast famous for its immaculate yellow-sand beaches and fresh seafood.

Nampo is an industrial port city and key trade gateway to Pyongyang located at the estuary of the Taedong River on the west coast.

Pyongsong is a satellite city of Pyongyang and a developing hub of science and technology often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of North Korea.

Hayden Peters from Australia

One of the best customer experiences of my life, superb, safe and easy.

Coen Scott from Australia

To put it simply, my experience with Uri Tours was the best money I’ve ever spent on recreation. The larger part of every day was spent seeing new and unique locations, my personal favorite was the ‘Palace of the Sun’. (I mean, how many people outside of the DPRK can say they’ve seen Kim Jong Il’s mummy.. right!?) The hotel where we stayed was great! Friendly staff, clean facilities, good food and it also featured a multitude of shops and services, including but not limited to; a tailor, a bookstore, an art shop, a pool, a bar, a bowling alley and a masseuse!

Conner Brenner

My trip to North Korea was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to visit the country with my grandfather who was 78 at the time. Due to his age and his physical disabilities, there were a lot of potential issues that needed to be discussed prior to the trip taking place. The team at Uri Tours were incredibly helpful and courteous during this process. Every concern was addressed, and nearly every email I sent the company was responded to on the same day. I felt like I was being treated with the utmost professionalism.

Tara Mina Bayati

The trip was amazing and far exceeded my greatest expectations. I am sure all of the local guides are great, but I truly cannot imagine anyone better than the ones assigned to us. They could not have been more phenomenal and I felt genuinely sad saying goodbye to them at the airport. This was truly an experience of a lifetime which was made possible by Uri Tours. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the DPRK!

New From the Blog

Day of the sun in north korea – 110th birthday anniversary of president kim il sung.

Today, April 15, 2022, is a massive day in North Korea, marking the 110th birthday anniversary of President Kim [...]

Party Foundation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary

October 10 is an important date in North Korea, marking the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party [...]

National Day in North Korea – 74th Anniversary

National Day on September 9 is North Korea’s birthday and formally known as the Day of the Foundation of [...]

Can You Travel to North Korea From South Korea?

You’re on holiday in Seoul, South Korea and the idea of visiting North Korea has crossed your mind. Being [...]

Liberation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary

Today marks the 75th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. This is the [...]

North Korea Myths: Are All North Korea Tours the Same?

The gist of this myth, appearing often in online discussions about [...]

Victory Day in North Korea – 67th Anniversary of the Korean War

July 27th is known as Victory Day in North Korea, and this year marks the 67th anniversary of the Korean [...]

Is Air Koryo a One-Star Airline?

Air Koryo is the flag carrier of North Korea and its only airline. Over the years, Air Koryo has [...]

What Year Is It in North Korea? – the Juche Calendar

If you thought it was 2024, think again! In North Korea, the year system is different from what you [...]

Ryugyong Hotel – North Korea’s Tallest Building

The 105-story Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang is North Korea’s tallest building (330m/1080ft), and a marvel of the capital’s progressively [...]

Can You Travel Independently to North Korea?

You’ve got time to travel around Asia and a trip to North Korea has taken your fancy. Can you [...]

Pyongyang Marathon 2021 Announced – April 11, 2021

Great news! We’ve been notified that the annual Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon ( Pyongyang Marathon ) is expected to be [...]

Can You Take Photos in North Korea?

Contrary to popular belief, taking photos in North Korea is allowed and you’ll have plenty of opportunities during your [...]

8 Reasons to Visit North Korea From Shanghai

The most well-known hub facilitating travel to North Korea may be Beijing, however, in recent years Shanghai has become [...]

What Does DPRK Stand For?

Search anything about North Korea and you’ll quickly find references to the acronym ‘DPRK’, seemingly used interchangeably with ‘North [...]

North Korea Flag – What Does It Mean?

The North Korea flag was introduced on September 9, Juche 37 (1948) which is the day North Korea was [...]

How to Book a North Korea Tour

So you’ve finally decided to take that trip to North Korea (DPRK) you’ve been thinking about for a while. [...]

The Mass Games Are Back for 2020!

We’ve received word that North Korea’s incredible Mass Games is scheduled to return in 2020!

The dates are not [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): North Korea Temporarily Closes Borders

UPDATE: February 9, 2024:

The first tour group since 2020 has entered the DPRK. This Russian tour group departed [...]

When Is the Best Time to Visit North Korea?

While it’s possible to visit North Korea all year-round, the country experiences four distinct seasons with each offering its [...]

Banknotes of North Korea – the North Korean Won

Currency is the perfect canvas to widely circulate imagery. All over the world, banknotes illustrate national heritage and culture [...]

What Currency Does North Korea Use?

During your visit to North Korea, you’ll need to pay for incidentals such as souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, [...]

Should I Take a Flight or the Train to North Korea?

You’ve decided on a North Korea tour but aren’t quite sure which transport method suits you best. We’ve got [...]

Can You Visit North Korea?

Yes, it’s possible to visit North Korea as a tourist and it’s easier than you may expect! We’ve been [...]

Can Americans Visit North Korea?

Currently, it is not permitted to visit North Korea on a U.S passport for tourism.

Effective September 1, [...]

Is There Internet in North Korea?

For most of the world, the internet has taken hold as an irreplaceable learning tool and social obsession that [...]

Air Koryo Flight Update – Shanghai Pudong

Air Koryo operates a regular service between Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Pyongyang (FNJ) which we take advantage of to [...]

Update to United States Visa Waiver Program for travelers to the DPRK

On August 5, 2019, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which uses the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) [...]

The Mass Games to Return in 2019!

** UPDATE (May 24, 2019): Our partners have advised us that the 2019 Mass Games (‘People’s Country’) is scheduled to [...]

North Korea’s Ultimate Cycling Tour

Twice a year in May and September we offer the most extensive way to experience North Korea by bicycle. [...]

Arirang Mass Games 2018 – It May Be Back!

Exciting news! The word from our partners in Pyongyang is that the Arirang Mass Games, one of the most [...]

North Korea’s Best Hotels

Many hotels of varying quality are available in North Korea. You won’t find any backpackers hostels or Airbnb listings, [...]

How to Get a North Korean visa

Although North Korea (DPRK) may be the most closed nation on earth, getting your North Korean visa through Uri Tours [...]

Top 5 Must Try Food in Pyongyang

North Korea has a rich culinary heritage shared with the South. Dishes originating during ancient Korea remain heavily influential [...]

20 Must-See Sights in Pyongyang

Pyongyang, translated into English, means flat land. Once the ancient capital of the Choson, Koguryo and Koryo kingdoms, Pyongyang [...]

Postcards and Stamps of North Korea

Colorful, fiercely militant and overwhelmingly ideological. Locally produced postcards and stamps are truly the definitive souvenirs of North [...]

The Five Most Celebrated Mountains of North Korea

The Korean people consider themselves mountain people. This is not much of a stretch considering that a mountain system [...]

Official Statement Regarding North Korea Travel Ban for U.S Citizens

Today the U.S Department of State has  officially announced  that all U.S. passports are declared invalid for travel to the [...]

Official Statement Regarding Recent News of Mr. Otto Warmbier

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Otto Warmbier’s family and friends. This was a heart-wrenching tragedy that should [...]

Is It Safe to Visit North Korea?

The general perception surrounding North Korean tourism is that it is unsafe. However, approximately 6-8,000 Western tourists a year [...]

Full Spread: North Korea’s Tourism Calendar

The interwebs are ablaze with talk of a “sexy” new tourism calendar coming out of North Korea. Not only [...]

North Koreans Celebrate New Years 3 times in a year, and so can you!

Every year, thousands of North Koreans come to the streets to celebrate the New Year, not only once, but [...]

U.S. Sanctions on Air Koryo: Impact on North Korea Travelers

Today, the U.S. expanded sanctions on North Korea to include Air Koryo, the national carrier of DPRK. Under [...]

Microbrewing in North Korea – It’s Actually a Thing!

Beer is quite possibly the oldest beverage in the world, other than water of course. Some studies show that [...]

What is North Korea’s Party Congress?

Want to know what all the hype is about for North Korea’s party congress? We’ll explain it here: North [...]

Should I get a Chinese visa or use the visa-free transit?

A tourist (Type L) visa will allow you to travel throughout most of [...]

American UVA Student Detained in North Korea

We just received news of an American student who is currently detained in North Korea for “perpetrating hostile acts” [...]

Professional snowboarders withdraw from North Korea trip amid news of DPRK nuclear test

In light of the recent news of the alleged test of a nuclear bomb by the DPRK government, Snowboarder [...]

Soon to Observe Pyongyang Standard Time

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of its liberation from Japanese occupation, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced that [...]

5 Reasons Why You Should Play Golf In North Korea

The Pyongyang Golf Course is an 18-hole course that spans 45 hectares (111 acres) and is located on Lake [...]

THE URI STORY

A pioneering Korean-American family set out to explore the other side of their roots. What they found were people similar to them with a unique culture, rich history and distinct way of living. We have been offering safe and premium tours and travel to North Korea for over 15 years for international travelers.

Exclusive Look at the New Districts in North Korea 2024

By Koryo Tours

An exclusive first look! North Korea has changed a lot over the past 4 years. We take a look at the new streets, districts, and architecture in North Korea! 

Koryo Tours are happy to present an exclusive first-hand insight into Pyongyang in May, 2024. We take a look at some images of the new streets in Pyongyang, new infrastructure, buildings, and North Korean daily life.

Images were provided by a Koryo Tours colleague who visited Pyongyang on a business visa not related to tourism. 

What's Been Going on in North Korea? Hwasong District Songhwa District Yongung Street Jonwi Street New Bar on Hwasong Street Kandong State Farm New North Korean Trolleybus North Korean Daily Life

What's Been Going on In North Korea? 

A lot has been going on in North Korea over the past 4 years. Most of it has been out of the public eye. The North Korean borders were closed to everyone, including North Koreans stuck abroad, for the first three years of the pandemic. 

The borders have started to open, very slowly. First, it was diplomats and official delegations of 'friendly' nations, and then some North Koreans began to return home.

More recently, we have seen some select Russian tourist groups head into the DPRK. Nevertheless, these are no regular tourist groups. And tourism to North Korea has not restarted. 

But we are seeing constant positive signs of a gradual re-opening of North Korea. And remain hopeful that some of the next ones to be allowed in will be tourists to a similar capacity to pre-pandemic levels.

This means that in the coming months, we hope to be able to take regular tourist groups to North Korea to various locations throughout the country. Nevertheless, we do expect some minor changes which we outline in our North Korea Border Updates page and will confirm once the borders have reopened. 

As part of these positive steps, we were delighted to have one of our colleagues who is a British national return to North Korea. This was on a business visa unrelated to tourism. But nevertheless, it's a positive sign that they're open to all foreigners (not just those from 'friendly' countries). 

Below, we provide some images of new streets in North Korea, some shots of daily life in North Korea, as well as some new architecture. 

Hwasong District

Hwasong District lies north of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. It seems to be being built in 3 stages, with stage 2 now complete.

This new Pyongyang district is home to a fancy new beer bar. (See below).

Songhwa Street 

Songhwa Street is located in Pyongyang's southeast.

Its architecture is interesting and reminiscent of the sloping roofs you might find in Singapore. 

Here, you will also find the old Taedonggang Factory. 

Yongung Street

Below are images of new houses on Yongung Street. They have a great view of the Pottongang River. 

These are luxury apartments. It has previously been reported that this fancy district is reserved for 'elite supporters' and 'true patriots' . 

Indeed, Ri Chun-hee, North Korea's well-known news anchor lives in these apartments. 

Jonwi Street

Whilst we have no images for this street, it is a new street located between Pyongyang and the airport. 

It is Pyongyang's newest street, as it only opened two weeks ago. 

There is a mural of Kim Jong Un here in mosaic form. This is particularly unusual as previously it was very uncommon to see images of current leader Kim Jong Un around the country. Rather, it is usually images and depictions of the previous two leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. 

New Bar on Hwasong Street

A new Taedonggang Beer Bar on the newly opened Hwasong Street.

Taedonggang Beer is one of North Korea's most popular beers, with 8 different styles of beer. All conveniently named 'Taedonggang 1', 'Taedonggang 2'... etc. 

Read more on North Korea's prize beer here , and even a bizarre story of how this beer comes from a British brewery ... 

Kangdong State Farm

Kangdong State Farm is on the site of an old military airbase. It is home to a greenhouse growing various plants. 

There are purple and green lights that speed up the growing process and the plants are gravity-fed nutrients. The wheels rotate slowly. 

New North Korean Trolleybus 

Along with  Pyongyang Metro  and the  tram network , trolley buses constitute the main means of transportation in the  North Korean capital . 

Trolley buses are also the oldest ones, they were introduced in the early 1960s.

Now, they've had a make-over, it seems. And appear to be driver-less?! 

Pyongyang Daily Life (May 2024)

What does North Korea look like in 2024? 

Well, apart from the new streets, fancy architecture, and entirely new districts, life does go on for most Pyongangers as usual.

KORYO TOURS NORTH KOREA TOURS

Related articles, fog on the dmz.

Even more fog stories from Korea and Donald Trump's cancelled visit.

An Elegy for Rex T.

Thoughts on the outgoing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Historic Inter-Korean Summit at Panmunjom

This is it!

North Korea's first rose petal spa is now open for tourists

Have an American Beauty moment at Pyongyang's floral spa

Koryo Tours Weekly Roundup - October 8-15, 2017

A recap of the past week at Koryo Tours and around the neighbourhood: North Korean maps, short Hanboks, Fred Armisen, and National Geographic

The Panmunjom Declaration

Text of the Panmunjom Declaration

Koryo Tours’ Weekly Roundup - October 22-29, 2017

The week in review: architecture and design, ginseng, a new North Korean rail journey, and 'The Ruler of the East'

Koryo Tours Weekly Roundup - October 15-22, 2017

What's neat last week and next: book launches, beat-boxing, and the Ryugyong's new view

The Pyongyang Marathon Changes its Name

The Pyongyang Marathon, previously known as the 'Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon' has officially changed its name to 'Pyongyang International Marathon'.

Koryo Tours Weekly Roundup - November 5 - November 12, 2017

Trump in Asia, 'A Pyongyang Marathon Runner's Guide', more fog, and 'even more dinosaurs'.

'Day of the Sun' in North Korea is no more as DPRK Changes Name Holiday

North Korea to change name of 'Day of the Sun' holiday

Coronavirus and North Korea: North Korea Temporarily Closes Borders to Tourism

North Korea Coronavirus

Peace for Our Time Zone

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70th Anniversary of the Start of the Korean War

On 25th June 1950 the Korean War erupted - a tragedy for all Koreans and the wider world too.

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Naa Koryoo released after hours in police detention

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, has been released after hours of detention at the Police CID Headquarters.

Naa Koryoo was detained at the Cantonments Police Station on Friday, June 7, upon invitation, which angered sympathisers of the NDC who later besieged the premises to demand her release.

NDC’s flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, condemned the detention and cautioned that it was likely to raise political tensions.

The former president in a statement that demanded Naa Koryoo’s release, urged the relevant stakeholders “to recognise that justice is not just a moral imperative but a crucial prerequisite for maintaining peace and stability in a nation.”

The National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi also slammed the leadership of the Ghana Police Service over the arrest of Naa Koryoo, alleging it was carried out by personnel controlled by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Naa Koryoo’s assistant, Delali Sewarkpor, also described the detention as a political persecution being carried out by elements within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Groups of jubilant supporters of the NDC were seen rejoicing at the Cantonments Police Station at about 12:10 pm on Saturday, supposedly celebrating Naa Koryoo’s release.

Sewarkpor confirmed to Citi News that Naa Koryoo was released around 11:30 am on Saturday after immense pressure from the leadership of the NDC.

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