URI TOURS INC.

14/08/2024

International tourism to North Korea may resume from December, starting with Samjiyon in the northeast. We are awaiting official confirmation. This area of North Korea has undergone a major overhaul during the border closure, with newly built hotels, hot springs facilities, and an upgraded ski resort. We, along with our partners, have itineraries penned to this region which we're excited to bring you as further details of a potential border opening are clarified. Watch this space for further updates on this exciting development!

29/06/2024

While North Korea remains closed to most tourism, it will be easier than ever for select nationalities to join our North Korea tours departing China once it reopens. Since 2023, China has gradually introduced and expanded a new 15-day visa-free policy, eliminating the need for a costly Chinese visa or to use their transit policy under strict conditions.

As of June 25, 2024, eligible nationalities for China's 15-day visa-free policy include:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

For more details, see our blog.

In November 2023, China introduced a significant change to its entry requirements with the trial of 15-day visa-free access for certain nationalities, specifically France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Since then, this policy has been gradually expanded. As of June 25, 2024,....

11/02/2024

The first tour group since 2020 has entered the DPRK on February 9. This Russian tour group departed Vladivostok on an Air Koryo flight bound for Pyongyang, and has been described as a 'test tour delegation' in a cooperative effort between Russian and DPRK authorities. While great news, this does not necessarily signal an imminent resumption of tours to the DPRK. Authorities have not yet advised the industry on when wider tourism can resume.

When there's further news, we'll be announcing it by email and through our social media channels. Sign up to our mailing list to stay updated!

The first group of Russian tourists to visit North Korea since the pandemic has arrived in its capital, Pyongyang, as the isolated country offers tours to Russians who face obstacles to travel abroad during the war in Ukraine

23/08/2023

The first international passenger flight from North Korea since Covid has now operated; Air Koryo JS151/JS152 between Pyongyang and Beijing. Until now, North Korea had remained closed to all travel, having become the first country to seal its borders in response to Covid back in January 2020. It's likely that this flight, along with upcoming scheduled flights by Air Koryo between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, are to repatriate Korean nationals who've been waiting now for over three years to return home. There's still no word on tourism, and it could be some time yet assuming a cautious, staggered reopening process. Either way, this initial step is exciting news for all involved. Watch this space!
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15/03/2023

Encouraging news today with China reopening their border to tourist visas. As many of you are aware, most travel to North Korea is via China, typically Beijing by flight. Although there is still no word yet on North Korea reopening their own border, this development removes a significant hurdle to future travel and serves as a regional precedent that North Korea will likely closely observe.⁣
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Could North Korea potentially reopen its borders soon? Although we remain hopeful, it seems unlikely for 2023. Historically, North Korea has taken a conservative approach to decisions regarding border policy, and given the border closure was a pre-emptive measure to safeguard public health, restrictions on travel will likely persist until the risk presented by the Covid pandemic is further reduced.⁣
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While tourism may be a while off yet, we are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to arrange trips for all of you that have expressed interest in visiting North Korea with us. We truly appreciate the support and kind words throughout the pandemic. Keep an eye out in the future for further updates!
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16/09/2022

Did you know it's possible to tour North Korea by bicycle? 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ We’ve arranged extensive cycling tours covering routes all over North Korea including the capital, rural towns and scenic passes. The slower pace as you cycle past Pyongyang's monuments will totally immerse you in the vibe of the city, and traversing the eastern mountain ranges of Chonnae County provides an intimate encounter with North Korea's countryside that's missing from typical tours. Our cycling itineraries are a Uri Tours fixture which we look forward to running again once the border reopens. In the meantime, check out what it's like to cycle North Korea on our blog!

https://www.uritours.com/blog/north-koreas-ultimate-cycling-tour/
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Twice a year in May and September we offer the most extensive way to experience North Korea by bicycle. Our cycling tour is geared towards the active traveler rather than professional cyclists, offering a healthy mix of traditional sightseeing opportunities and intimate encounters with North Korea.....

13/09/2022

The Ryugyong Hotel looming over Pyongyang. It's North Korea's tallest building, and still in construction after 35 years!
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09/09/2022

Today marked North Korea’s 74th birthday 🥳. September 9 is the Day of the Foundation of the Republic, referred to as National Day, a significant day of patriotism and festivities on the North Korean calendar. With the borders still closed we still aren’t able to run our tours for the occasion in 2022, but to see what National Day is all about and how it’s celebrated, check out our post below!

September 9 is North Korea's National Day, the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. Learn why and how this historic day is celebrated in North Korea!

15/04/2022

What is the 'Day of the Sun' in North Korea? We explain why this day is important and how it's celebrated.

https://www.uritours.com/blog/day-of-the-sun-north-korea/

The Day of the Sun is one of North Korea's biggest calendar dates. We explain why this day is important and how it's celebrated.

15/04/2022

Presenting a flower basket on the occasion of the Day of the Sun 2022, the 110th birthday anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.⁣⁣
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14/04/2022

Happy Day of the Sun 🌅. Today, April 15, 2022, is a massive day in North Korea, marking the 110th birthday anniversary of President Kim Il Sung. Known locally as ‘Day of the Sun’ it’s a big celebration annually, but jubilee dates like this are a particularly big deal.⁣
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Day of the Sun festivities are a cornerstone to our North Korea tours, we’re there every year (Covid permitting!) to revel alongside locals in the park, attend special exhibitions, and actively participate in Mass Dance events, a travel experience you’ll certainly never forget. The Day of the Sun is an electric atmosphere of patriotism, and an opportunity to witness North Korea in all its glory.⁣
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Celebrations historically include large-scale events such as military parades, torchlight processions, and art and sporting exhibitions, typically to international media attention. Keep your eyes peeled on the news to see what unfolds today.⁣
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While the Covid border closure prevents us from bringing you to the events in 2022, we're eager to share this memorable experience with you as travelers when it becomes possible! 🥳

23/01/2022

Big smiles at the Korean Demilitarized Zone 😀. The DMZ is a 4km wide buffer zone between each Korea, with the Military Demarcation Line running through its centre serving as the actual political border. This photo was taken during a tour with us on the North Korean side of the Joint Security Area, the only section of the DMZ where North Korean and South Korean soldiers stand face-to-face. You may be familiar with the JSA as it's been the location of high-profile diplomatic exchanges in recent years between the leaders of North Korea, South Korea, and the United States.
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17/01/2022

Have you ever rode an underground system quite like the Pyongyang Metro? Shined floors, ornate chandeliers, public news stands and no advertisement or graffiti. There's 16 operational stations, each with a unique revolutionary theme. You'll find mosaics of corn fields celebrating agricultural prosperity in Hwanggumbol (Golden Soil) Station, and bronze plaques depicting scenes of national reunification in Tongil (Reunification) Station. Riding the Pyongyang Metro is a key visit on our tours, a great way to learn of North Korea's history, mingle with the locals and feel a part of the nation's capital!
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31/12/2021

Happy New Year from us here at Uri Tours! We hope you’re enjoying the festive season! It’s hard to believe we’re mere hours off ringing in 2022 (or, in North Korea, otherwise referred to as Juche 111). It’s a Uri Tours tradition to countdown the New Year with our travelers amidst a light show and fireworks on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, but sadly as the border closure persists, we’ll have to crack that soju with you at the next one! All the best in health and happiness to everyone, enjoy the last evening of 2021 and hopefully we can see many of you next year!
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31/01/2021

Back in 2017 we made this unique visit to North Korea possible! We'd typically be gearing up for our annual ski and snowboarding trips right now but sadly with the border closed, we'll be waiting until next year to once again hit the fresh powder slopes of Masikryong. Check the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csoP8Didoi0. And our Ski and Snowboarding North Korea itinerary: https://www.uritours.com/tours/north-korea-ski-snowboard-tour/

31/12/2020

Happy New Year from Uri Tours! It’s just ticked over to 2021 in Pyongyang. The past year was certainly a unique one, and we weren’t able to be there for the countdown, a Uri Tours tradition, but we’re optimistic about 2021 ahead and having you join us on Kim Il Sung Square to ring in the next one! 🎇 All the best!
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15/12/2020

The 'American Spy Ship' USS Pueblo, captured by North Korea off the east coast in 1968. The ship is still held captive, the only active commissioned U.S. Navy vessel to be, and is anchored in Pyongyang as part of the war museum. You can board and check it out during our tours!
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13/12/2020

Futuristic design on Ryomyong Steet in Pyongyang. Over the last decade, a construction boom has seen major streets overhauled to modernise Pyongyang’s skyline, beginning with Changjon Street in 2012 followed by Mirae Scientists Street and Ryomyong Street in 2015 and 2017 respectively. For anyone that’s visited Pyongyang prior, the city looks a whole lot different now!
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30/10/2020

Little-known outside North Korea, the 'Concrete Wall' is a fortification erected on the South Korean side of the DMZ said to span the width of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea interprets the wall as physical proof of intent to ensure a divided Korea. During a visit here with a military guide, you'll get a rundown and with binoculars take a look across the DMZ yourself to see the wall and South Korean military installations. An interesting countryside drive from Kaesong, too!

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13/10/2020

The border remains closed, but it's never too early to begin planning a future private tour with us to North Korea! Private tours to North Korea can be planned from Beijing, Shanghai or Shenyang in China, and Vladivostok in Russia. Reach out to us at [email protected] with your provisional plans, or if you simply need inspiration, and we'll best advise!

https://www.uritours.com/private-tours/

Over 15 years of safe and premium tours to North Korea. Join one of our North Korea private tours to experience this fascinating country for yourself.

10/10/2020

October 10 marks the 75th Founding Anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the ruling political party of North Korea. The day is historically one that features a huge military parade and festivities such as live concerts and mass dances. We all must miss out this year, but find out what all the fuss is about and mark the date for a tour in October 2021!

https://www.uritours.com/blog/party-foundation-day-north-korea/

September 9 is North Korea's National Day, the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. Learn why and how this historic day is celebrated in North Korea!

10/10/2020

October 10 is a big date in North Korea, today marks the 75th Founding Anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. On the 50th anniversary back in 1995, one of Pyongyang's most recognisable landmarks was unveiled to commemorate the occasion, the gargantuan Monument to Party Founding! The monument's design is deeply woven with symbolism -- here's what it all means!

https://www.uritours.com/blog/sights/monument-to-party-founding/

The Monument to Party Founding is one of Pyongyang's most iconic monuments and is rich in symbolism and political significance. Learn more about it here!

15/09/2020

This rarely visited exhibition in Pyongyang is perhaps the only place to see a stuffed pufferfish ashtray or a chair made entirely of deer antlers...

https://www.uritours.com/blog/sights/national-gifts-exhibition-house/

Overview The National Gifts Exhibition House is a multi-floor museum located at the foot of Mt. Ryongak in Pyongyang. Displayed inside is a collection of gifts presented to President Kim Il Sung, Chairman Kim Jong Il, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, and anti-Japanese War heroine Kim Jong Suk from the Ko...

09/09/2020

North Korea turned 72 today! September 9 is National Day, officially the Day of the Foundation of the Republic, and an important day of celebrations for North Koreans. Although it's a tad low-key this year and borders remain closed to foreigners, here's a look at what National Day in North Korea is all about and how it's typically celebrated.

https://www.uritours.com/blog/national-day-north-korea/

September 9 is North Korea's National Day, the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. Learn why and how this historic day is celebrated in North Korea!

06/09/2020

The Mansudae Grand Monument in Pyongyang is one of North Korea's most sacred sites. Although it's not considered a tourist site, you can visit as a foreigner on our tours, but there's important etiquette to follow. Here's all you need to know.

https://www.uritours.com/blog/sights/mansudae-grand-monument/

Overview The Mansudae Grand Monument (Grand Monument on Mansu Hill) is an iconic complex of monuments located in North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang. The site is most notable for its centralized bronze statues of North Korea’s late leaders, President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il, which stand...