Tourism is alive and well in North Korea!

Apparently North Korea, while not exactly having been the media darling of the U.S. press lately, is still encouraging tourism this year. I just got an e-mail from my friend Hwa-Young saying that she is ofering several tours this September. Hwa-Young was the tour guide for the group that I went to the DPRK with last year and it was an amazing trip! I recommend it highly. If you liked the opening ceremonies to the Beijing Olympics, you will LOVE the Pyongyang Mass Games! Here's the itinerary:

NORTH KOREA, THE RAREST and MOST EXTRAORDINARY OF CULTURAL TOURS, WELCOMES U.S. TOURISTS DURING THE WORLD-FAMOUS MASS GAMES!

Tourist testimonies repeatedly rate North Korea as one of the must-see highlights of world travel. It is the optimal cultural tour. The Tour includes 2 nights/3 days in Beijing and 4 nights/5 days in DPRK.

The schedule is as follows:

1st day (Sundays): Transportation from the Beijing airport to a 4 star hotel is provided.

2nd day (Mondays): Tour of Beijing, China– Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and He Yuan [Imperial Palace]

3rd day(Tuesdays): JS152 Flight Beijing - Pyongyang 11:30 departure, 14:25 arrival. Visit Arch of Triumph en-route to Mt. Myohyang – hike in the mountain. Stay overnight at Hyangsan International Hotel (4 star) at the mountain.

4th day (Wednesdays): Visit International Friendship Exhibition Hall, Byohyon Temple. Travel to Pyongyang to visit the Tower of Juche Idea, stone tower with lookout platform at the top and great views of the city, War Museum, ride the Pyongyang Metro with the locals, Mangyongdae School Children’s Palace–see performance by the children. Shopping at Stores. Stay overnight at the Yanggakdo International Hotel (4 star). [they gots a golf course, a bowling alley and a casino!]

5th day (Thursdays): Grand Monument on Mansu Hill, Pyongyang Maternity Hospital, Kim Chaek Technical University, West Sea Barrage, stay overnight at the Ryonggang Hotel (with natural hot spring spa).

6th day (Fridays): Visit Kaesong, DMZ, Koryo Museum, Tomb of King Wang Gwon, Pueblo, Arirang Mass Games. Stay overnight Yanggakdo International Hotel.

7th day (Saturdays): JS151 flight Pyongyang-Beijing -- 08:55 departure 09:40 arrival.

Tour Dates: deadline for application:

Aug 30 to Sept. 05, 2009 - August 15, 2009
Sept 06 to 12, 2009 - August 20, 2009
Sept 13 to 19, 2009 - August 31, 2009
Sept 20 to 26, 2009 - August 31, 2009
Sept 27 to Oct 3, 2009 - August 31, 2009

TOUR COST: $1,980 for 6 nights/ 7 days.

TOUR FEE INCLUDES: Hotel (double occupancy), all meals, tour, entry fees, airport fee, ground transportation, two English speaking guides and a driver.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR FEE:

US/Beijing roundtrip airfare and Beijing/Pyongyang roundtrip airfare ($435). Also, a single room supplement fee of $60 extra, per night, DPRK visa fee of $120, a tip for the guides, and entry ticket for Mass Games- 3rd class seat: $140, 2nd class: $180, 1st class: $250, special class seat: $500

■ Extra days on the China tour can be arranged individually.

What are the Mass Games? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9ZrP40wdlg
Over 100,000 performers, ranging from kindergartners to professional artists taking part in a gymnastic and artistic spectacle. Theme this year: Self determination, Peace and Friendship. This is a rare opportunity for a truly extraordinary experience.

If you are interested, e-mail your name, sex, passport number, occupation and position, your home address, phone number to hwayounglee43@yahoo.com for DPRK visa process by above deadline dates.
If you have any questions please contact: Hwa-young (Michelle) Lee