18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journey in North Korea
Embark on a rare and exclusive 18-day journey through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, where luxury meets the ultimate frontier of travel. This curated itinerary transcends the standard tourist path, offering travelers access to private viewings, the highest-tier accommodations, and premium intercity transport designed for maximum comfort and style.
Throughout this expedition, you will traverse the country from the futuristic skyline of Pyongyang to the sacred peaks of Mount Paektu. With a focus on fine dining, historical depth, and unparalleled service, this tour provides a unique lens into one of the world's most enigmatic nations while maintaining the standards of a high-end escape.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Pyongyang
VIP Arrival at Sunan International Airport
Arrive in style via Air Koryo’s Business Class. You will be met at the tarmac for expedited immigration clearance and a private transfer to the city center.
Private Tour of the Arch of Triumph
Witness the world's tallest triumphal arch, commemorating the Korean resistance to Japanese rule, with a private guide explaining the intricate reliefs.
Gourmet Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a multi-course traditional Korean meal at the high-end Rakwon Restaurant, specializing in premium seafood and local delicacies.
Check-in at Koryo Hotel
Settle into a Deluxe Suite at the Koryo Hotel, famous for its twin towers and revolving restaurant with panoramic city views.
Day 2: Pyongyang - Monuments and Art
Mansu Hill Grand Monument
Visit the iconic bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il. Your private vehicle ensures you arrive before the crowds.
Mansu Hill Art Studio
Explore the exclusive art production center where the country's finest monuments and paintings are created. Meet resident artists in their private studios.
Lunch at the Mansugyo Soft Drink Restaurant
Despite the name, this is a premium dining spot famous for its cold noodles (Naengmyeon), a Pyongyang specialty.
Tower of the Juche Idea
Ascend the 150-meter spire by elevator for a breathtaking luxury view of the Taedong River during the golden hour.
Day 3: Pyongyang - Deep History and Modernity
Victorios Fatherland Liberation War Museum
A private, in-depth tour of the massive museum, including the captured USS Pueblo, showcasing the North Korean perspective on the Korean War.
River Cruise Lunch
Dine on a luxury excursion boat on the Taedong River, passing the May Day Stadium and the Sci-Tech Complex while enjoying a private musical performance.
Pyongyang Metro Exploration
Experience the world's deepest metro system. Travel in a private carriage between the most ornately decorated stations, including Puhung and Yonggwang.
Dinner at Pyongyang Duck Barbecue
A premium culinary experience focusing on locally sourced duck, grilled to perfection at your table with high-end condiments.
Day 4: Kaesong - The Ancient Capital
Luxury Drive to Kaesong
Travel south in a private, air-conditioned executive vehicle along the Reunification Highway to the ancient Koryo capital.
Panmunjom and the DMZ
A guided visit to the Joint Security Area. Experience the tension and history of the border between North and South Korea with a private military escort.
Royal Pansanggi Lunch
Feast like a Koryo king with a traditional meal served in 12 bronze bowls at the Kaesong Folk Hotel’s premium dining hall.
Koryo Museum & Tomb of King Kongmin
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites including the ancient university and the twin-dome royal tombs with exquisite stone carvings.
Day 5: Kaesong to Sariwon & Return
Sariwon Folk Village
Stroll through a meticulously reconstructed traditional village. Enjoy a private tasting of locally brewed Makgeolli (rice wine).
Mt. Jongbang & Songbul Temple
A scenic drive to the mountain fortress and one of the oldest wooden temples in the country, offering a serene escape from the city.
Picnic Lunch at Mt. Jongbang
A luxury catered picnic featuring organic local ingredients, served overlooking the fortress walls.
Evening at the Mansugyo Beer Bar
Sample seven different varieties of local Taedonggang craft beer in Pyongyang’s most popular upscale social hub.
Day 6: Flight to Mount Paektu
Charter Flight to Samjiyon
Board a private charter or premium domestic flight to Samjiyon, the gateway to North Korea's most sacred mountain.
Check-in at Pegaebong Hotel
Stay at the best available mountain lodge, offering a rustic yet premium experience in the heart of the alpine region.
Paektu Secret Camp
Visit the historical headquarters of the anti-Japanese guerrillas, set amidst stunning larch and birch forests.
Alpine Dinner
Dine on local mountain delicacies, including wild mushrooms and potato-based dishes unique to the Ryanggang Province.
Day 7: Mount Paektu - The Summit
Sunrise at Lake Chon
A private sunrise excursion to the summit. Take the cable car up to the rim of the crater to witness the spectacular Heaven Lake.
Hiking the Caldera
A guided trek along the crater rim, offering panoramic views into both North Korea and China.
Lunch at the Samjiyon Grand Monument
A luxury packed lunch enjoyed near the massive bronze statues and the serene Samji lake.
Rimyongsu Waterfall
Visit the unique underground-fed waterfall that never freezes, even in the depths of the harsh Paektu winter.
Day 8: Samjiyon to Pyongyang
Samjiyon Schoolchildren’s Palace
A private performance by the talented local children, showcasing traditional music and dance in a grand setting.
Flight back to Pyongyang
Return to the capital via domestic flight, enjoying bird's-eye views of the rugged northern highlands.
Moranbong Park Walk
A leisurely stroll through the city's favorite park, where you can watch locals picnic and dance in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pizza at Pyoluri Restaurant
Experience one of Pyongyang's first high-end Italian restaurants, where chefs were trained in Italy to provide an authentic taste.
Day 9: Drive to Wonsan & The East Coast
East Coast Journey
A 4-hour scenic drive across the peninsula to the port city of Wonsan. Stop at the Ullim Waterfalls for a scenic break.
Seafood Lunch at Wonsan Pier
Enjoy freshly caught clams and grilled fish right by the sea at one of Wonsan's premium waterfront eateries.
Songdowon Beach & Pine Forest
Relax at the country's most famous beach. Enjoy a private cabana and a walk through the historic pine groves.
Check-in at Masikryong Ski Resort
Drive 30 minutes inland to the Masikryong Hotel, North Korea's premier luxury mountain resort.
Day 10: Masikryong Luxury Retreat
Cable Car to Taehwa Peak
Even outside of ski season, take the luxury gondola to the 1,360-meter peak for views of the East Sea of Korea.
Lunch at the Masikryong Peak Restaurant
A high-altitude dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows and international cuisine options.
Spa & Wellness Afternoon
Utilize the resort’s world-class facilities, including the indoor swimming pool, sauna, and massage center.
Fine Dining at the Hotel
Savor a gourmet dinner featuring the resort's signature venison dishes and premium imported wines.
Day 11: Mount Kumgang - The Diamond Mountain
Drive to Mount Kumgang
A scenic coastal drive south to the Kumgangsan Special Tourist Zone, famous for its jagged granite peaks.
Kuryong Falls Trek
A private guided hike to one of Korea's three most famous waterfalls, passing emerald-green pools and ancient inscriptions.
Lunch at the Mokran Restaurant
Nestled in the forest, this restaurant serves high-end Korean cuisine in a stunning natural setting.
Samil Lagoon Excursion
A peaceful boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, surrounded by peculiar rock formations.
Day 12: Kumgangsan Exploration
Sea Kumgang (Hae-Kumgang)
Explore the coastal section of the park where the mountains meet the sea in a series of dramatic stone pillars.
Seafood BBQ Lunch
A private outdoor barbecue on the coast, featuring fresh lobster and shellfish caught that morning.
Puyong Temple
A quiet visit to this Buddhist retreat, offering a moment of spiritual reflection and architectural beauty.
Hot Springs Relaxation
End the day at the Kumgangsan Hot Springs, famous for their mineral-rich healing waters.
Day 13: Journey to Hamhung
Coastal Drive North
Depart for Hamhung, the country's second-largest city and a major industrial and cultural hub.
Lunch at the Sinhung-gwan
Famous for its 'Hamhung-style' cold noodles, which are spicier and chewier than the Pyongyang version.
Hamhung Grand Theatre
A private tour of the country's largest theater building, an architectural marvel of socialist design.
Majon Deluxe Hotel
Check into your beachfront villa at the Majon Deluxe Hotel, the height of luxury on the East Coast.
Day 14: Majon Beach Relaxation
Private Beach Morning
Enjoy the pristine sands of Majon Beach with private lounge service and water sports options.
Seafood Feast
A multi-course lunch featuring the famous Hamhung hairy crab and local sashimi.
Hungnam Fertilizer Complex (Exterior)
A drive past this massive industrial site to witness the scale of North Korean domestic production.
Beachfront Bonfire Dinner
A private dinner served on the sand, accompanied by traditional music under the stars.
Day 15: Return to Pyongyang
Cross-Country Drive
A final long drive back to the capital, stopping at local rest points to sample regional snacks.
Lunch at the Diplomatic Club
Dine at the exclusive Pyongyang Diplomatic Club, a hub for the city's international community.
Mangyongdae Native House
Visit the humble birthplace of President Kim Il Sung, set within a beautifully landscaped park.
Farewell Banquet at Okryu Restaurant
The most prestigious restaurant in the country. Enjoy the grand hall and their world-famous cold noodles.
Day 16: Pyongyang - Luxury Shopping & Culture
Kwangbok Department Store
Shop for premium local goods, from Ginseng products to high-end cosmetics, at the city's premier shopping mall.
Lunch at the Haemaji Coffee Shop
A modern, upscale cafe offering international light bites and the best espresso in the city.
Korean Central Art Gallery
A private tour of the national gallery on Kim Il Sung Square, featuring works from the classical to the contemporary.
Pyongyang Circus Performance
Attend a VIP performance at the Pyongyang Circus, world-renowned for its acrobatic displays and production value.
Day 17: Pyongyang - Final Reflections
Ryugyong Hotel (Exterior) & Photos
A guided photo tour around the base of the 105-story pyramid, including the nearby Mirae Scientists Street.
Sushi Lunch at Takahashi
Experience high-end Japanese cuisine prepared by expert chefs in the heart of Pyongyang.
Grand People's Study House
A private tour of the massive national library, including a visit to the balcony overlooking Kim Il Sung Square.
Final Night Cocktail at the Koryo Hotel
Toast to your journey at the revolving rooftop bar, watching the lights of the city flicker below.
Day 18: Departure
Farewell Breakfast
A final luxury breakfast at the hotel featuring a mix of Korean and Western international buffet options.
Private Transfer to Sunan Airport
Relax in your executive vehicle for the final drive to the airport for your departure flight.
Departure via Air Koryo
Board your Business Class flight back to Beijing, concluding your epic 18-day luxury journey.
Arrival in Beijing
Transition back to international travel with a pre-arranged VIP pickup at Beijing Capital International Airport.
Best Time to Visit North Korea
The best time to visit North Korea is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms and mild temperatures, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage, particularly in the mountain regions like Mt. Kumgang. Winters can be extremely harsh, especially in the north near Mount Paektu, while July and August are the rainy seasons with high humidity.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the North Korean Won, but tourists are not permitted to use it. Instead, you will need hard currency: Euros (EUR), Chinese Yuan (RMB), or US Dollars (USD). Cash is king, and credit cards or ATMs are non-existent for foreign travelers. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated for your guides and drivers; small gifts from your home country are also a common gesture of appreciation.
Getting Around North Korea
Intercity transport for a luxury tour is primarily conducted via private, high-end executive vehicles or SUVs with professional drivers. For long distances, such as traveling to Mount Paektu or the East Coast, domestic flights via Air Koryo are the preferred premium method. While trains exist, they are often slower and less reliable for a strict luxury itinerary, though private carriages can sometimes be arranged for a more nostalgic experience.
