North Korea may not exactly be at the top of your must-see destinations list—however, the intriguing itineraries offered by Koryo Tours might just make you change your mind. Sure they’re expensive and you won’t be allowed to talk to anyone except your handlers, but they might just be worth it.
The “Eastern Adventure by Rail” train tour in particular piqued our interest—you’ll get to travel overnight across North Korea, from Pyongyang to Chongjin in the remote Northeast, entirely by vintage 1970s carriages with diesel locomotives. You’ll be one of the first foreigners to catch a glimpse of remote mountains and isolated beaches. The trip is scheduled from Oct 2 -11 and will cost 2,550 euros ($4,257) per person. Check out the full itinerary here (and watch the cool video below!).
The “Architecture” tour, Oct 25-Nov 1, gives crazy access to historical socialist buildings in Pyongyang not usually open to tourist groups and includes lectures from Korean architects and interior designers. Attractions include the April 25 House of Culture, Moranbong Theatre, Mangyongdae Revolutionary School, Grand People’s Assembly Hall and more. They even throw in a complete tour of the Pyongyang Metro system, whose stations are reputed to be quite beautiful. The tour will set you back 1,980 euros ($3,305) per person. Click here for the full itinerary.
There are no direct flights from Singapore to North Korea, so it’s best to book a flight to Beijing ($568 upwards via Air China) before getting on a train to Pyongyang. Visit www.koryogroup.com for more info.
