Study in North Korea 2020: Kim Chol Ju University Study Program

Ever wanted to Study in North Korea? Following two years of having hosted study programs in North Korea, we are happy to announce we are back for a 3rd round in 2020. Once again, we are offering you an incredible chance to undertake a month long course at a real DPRK academic institution. This year’s program is dated July 10th-August 9th.

For those seeing this for the first time, the Kim Chol Ju University Study Program is an unprecedented opportunity for western students to study Korean language for one month at a Pyongyang University, one of the most surreal learning experiences possible! Living at a Pyongyang hotel for the stay, you’ll be receiving daily intensive Korean classes from monday to friday, having the opportunity to head out and explore the wider country on weekends with premium experience! We will be visiting and staying at a number of cities, including Kaesong, Sariwon, Nampo and Wonsan.

The opportunity to explore the country whilst studying ensures that our program offers the most in depth view and premium quality experience possible to a western visitor. Participants will have the opportunity to seriously and meaningfully engage with the country on a widespread level. This will allow the student not just to acquire language ability, but obtain immense cultural and local knowledge accordingly. Although some may consider this package pricey at a total cost of 2499 euros, it is an experience what the corporate media could never understand nor deliver to you. If you want to discover North Korea, broaden your horizons and challenge your thinking, then we cannot recommend this program enough for you.

The specified tour fee above covers a month’s worth of tuition, accommodation, meals and involved sites and transportation. Participants will first pay a 30% deposit, bringing the rest of the invoice in cash to Beijing, where our tour will begin. Again concerning the price, we recommend you consider this as an investment in your personal qualities, with the guarantee that this program will stand to amplify  one’s personal character, growth and knowledge..

Thursday 9th July

• Meet your VNK guide at 1:30pm at the Beijing Zhong Gu Hotel near Beijing Railway Station found here. During this tutorial, we’ll go through the tour’s itinerary, receive DPRK visas and tickets, as well as being a great chance to meet your fellow travellers/classmates and to discuss any other questions you may have about the DPRK.
• Train takers depart Beijing Central station at 5:25pm for the 24 hour sleeper ride to Pyongyang.

Friday 10th July

• If you're coming by train, arrive at Dandong at 7:00am for Chinese border control then depart for Sinuiju at 10:30am for the immigration and customs from the DPRK side
• If you're coming by flight, depart 12:55pm from Beijing Airport Terminal 2 on Air Koryo. (Group will meet at Air Koryo check in counter), arrive in Pyongyang with a warm welcome from your guides
• Meanwhile, the train will arrive at 6:45pm at Pyongyang station!
• We'll be then checking into the hotel and will have the opportunity to get know each other and the North Korean guides
• Dinner and overnight at the Rakrang Hotel – a newly opened hotel to foreigners on Reunification street very popular to be busy with locals

Saturday 11th July

Morning

• An early start for the 2 and a half hour drive to Kaesong City.
• Panmunjon DMZ Village – see the DMZ and the treaty and conferences rooms where the armistice was signed all in the company of a friendly KPA officer guide
• The Joint security area- see North & South Korean soldiers face on this narrow strip which seperates the two countries. Enter and have a look at the huts where talks and negotiations are held, as well as where Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un met in 2018!
• Koryo Museum – the oldest university in Korea and now a converted museum of local history. Also the site of the best propaganda and stamp/postcard shop in the DPRK!

Afternoon

• Lunch at the Thongil Restaurant in Kaesong City – try your hand at traditional Korean Pansangi – a series of dishes served in bronze bowls.
• Try a unique optional extra of Dog soup for 5 euros.. oh dear!
• Drive up the concrete wall, which separates North/South, here a Korean Senior Colonel will talk to us about the DPRK’s views on the confrontation.
• On the way back we'll drop by Sariwon (Capital of North Hwanghae province) to walk in the local folk custom park and view the city from the mountain top pagoda. Also if you like you can try the local rice wine, a unique specialty.
• Re-entering Pyongyang we'll stop for five minutes at the Monument to the Three Charters of National Reunification, a quick photo opportunity!
• Dinner at the Lamb BBQ Restaurant.
• Overnight at the Rakrang Hotel.

Sunday 12th July

Morning

• Classes commence at Kim Chol Ju University of Education, Meet your teachers, tour the campus and get familiar! Each day we will have three one hour classes with Breaks in between each class.

Afternoon

• Lunch on campus
• Afternoon activities at the University – there is a range of things you can do including Taekwondo, dancing, calligraphy, sports and more! This will typically be for an hour every day!
• Monument to the Party Foundation – built in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Worker’s Party.
• Juche Tower – The tallest stone tower column in the world this monument represents the flame of the Juche ideal (Optional extra 5 euro to go to the top of the tower).
• Dinner at the Famous Duck BBQ restaurant.
• Overnight at the Rakrang Hotel.

Monday 13th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• A walk around the cooling Mansudae fountain park
• Visit Mansudae Grand Monument – the two large bronze statues of President Kim Il Sung and Leader Kim Jong Il overlooking the city. (Optional extra- you can present flowers if you want).
• Dinner at the KITC No.1 Restaurant to sample Pyongyang Cold Noodles or a traditional Korean dish, Bibimbap.
• Overnight at Rakrang Hotel

Tuesday 14th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum- learn the local "version"of the Korean war, witness captured US weapons and famous and the infamous USS Pueblo, captured in 1968- the only American warship held captive in another nation.
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at the Rakrang Hotel

Wednesday 15th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Visit the Manyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace- a well known theatre in Pyongyang where will be treated to a fabulous show by the performing children there.
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight in the Rakrang Hotel

Thursday 16th July – Masik Resort Weekend

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Drive to Maskiryong
• Stopping on the way at Sinphyong Lagoon for refreshments
• Check into the Masik Resort. Check out the high class facilities here, including a Sauna, swimming pool, gym, billiards, hiking, ping pong and outdoor sports.
• Dinner at the resort. We'll be spending the night here!

Friday 17th July

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel then some leisure time/chance for a hike in the mountains of Masik pass
• Drive out to Wonsan city on the East Coast- a beautiful beach resort situated in a natural bay, a prime site for tourist development in the DPRK.

Afternoon

• Lunch at the Seafood restaurant in Wonsan city
• Visit the Chonsam Co-operative farm, for an insight into local farm life
• Songdowon Schoolchildren’s Camp- the most famous schoolchildren’s camp in the country, you may even see international participants.
• Walk along the pier to Jangdok Islet and sample some local BBQ seafood (Extra Charge)
• Dinner and overnight at the Tongmyong Hotel

Saturday 18th July

Morning

• Time to hit the beach! Join locals to beat the heat and swim, sail, play beach volleyball/ football!

Afternoon

• Lunch- Korean style BBQ at the beach
• We'll check out Wonsan square and see the Mangyongbyong 2 which once ferried Passengers and cargo between Wonsan and Japan in the 1950s.
• Drop in at the local art gallery (There are also works for sale!)
• Drive back to Pyongyang Stopping at Ulim Waterfall on the way for a leg stretch and to see the falls.
• Dinner and overnight at the Rakrang Hotel

Sunday 19th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Extracurricular activities at the University
• Visit the new Science and Technology Park – here the DPRK have organised all the latest medical, scientific and warfare technology and have presented it in an interactive way.
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Switch to a new hotel – the Chongnyon Hotel. Famous for it’s outdoor swimming pool, Karaoke and airplane themed bar

Monday 20th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Kim Il Sung Square- the famous square in central Pyongyang where all the action happens, we’ll also take a walk to the Foreign Language Bookshop
• Dinner
• Overnight at Chongnyon Hotel

Tuesday 21st July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Extracurricular activities at the University
• It's time for a ride on the Pyongyang Metro! After six stops, we'll get off at the Arch of Triumph
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the Chongnyon Hotel

Wednesday 22nd July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Extracurricular activities at the University
• Mansudae Art Studio- the hub of North Korea's propaganda machine, home to the finest artistic skills in the country. Here you can see paintings and ceramics of immense beauty
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight in the Chongnyon Hotel

Thursday 23rd July

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Travel to the scenic Mt Myohyang Region
• Hiking in the Mt Myohyang Nature reserve for incredible views of the mountain rang
• Dinner in Hyangsan Town and overnight at the Chong Chun Hotel

Friday 24th July

Morning

• Visit the unique International Friendship Exhibition – where gifts from leaders around the world to the North Korean leaders sit on display!
• Pohyon Temple – One of the 5 famous historic temples of Korea and one of the largest Buddhist temples in the DPRK- situated in a mountain area of stunning natural beauty

Afternoon

• Grab lunch at a local restaurant and then drive back to Pyongyang
• Visit Kwanbok Supermarket! Here you can use local Korean Won currency and buy a wide variety of local produced goods! There's a delicious food court on the third floor, ever wanted to try a burger or fried chicken in the DPRK? You'll be surprised!
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Back to the hotel

Saturday 25th July

Morning

• Kumsusan Palace of the Sun- Described as the most sacred place in North Korea, the mausoleum for the Great Leader President Kim Il Sung and the Dear Leader Kim Jong Il is a unique experience. Formal dress will be required for this trip, as well as your best behaviour...
• Revolutionary Martyry’s Cemetery – High up on a hill just outside of Pyongyang sits the resting place of the greatest of the anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters. Here, each grave features a bronze bust of the hero laid to rest within.

Afternoon

• Picnic on the way back to Pyongyang
• Munsu Water Park- It's time to get wet and wild! This fabulous Pyongyang water park has a selection of slides and pools, a sauna, massage and games such as table tennis and billiards, as well as a coffee shop this is a great place to relax on a Sunday afternoon. (entry is covered but activities such as swimming, massage etc are extra).
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Moving to another hotel – Changwangsan Hotel. Has a newly renovated indoor swimming pool with gym, located right downtown Pyongyang.

Sunday 26th July

Morning

• If you've chose to pay less for a shorter program, you'd be leaving at this point. If leaving by flight, you'll be off by 9:00am to arrive at Beijign by
•  9:55am local time.
• If by train, you'll be leaving the station at 10:25am and arriving into Beijing Railway Station the next day at 9:00am
• Meanwhile, classes for everyone else!

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Extracurricular activities at the University
• The Three Revolutions Exhibition Hall- learn about a variety of the DPRK’s achievements in the fields of technology, ideology and culture.
• Dinner at the delicious Duck BBQ restaurant.
• Overnight at the Changwangsan Hotel.

Monday 27th July- Victory Day

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Today is North Korea's Victory day, commemorating the end of the Korean War. Visit Moranbong hill to dance, celebrate and mix with the locals as they celebrated the biggest holiday of the year!
• Take part in a famous mass dance, join in or just watch for fantastic photography opportunities!
• After the dance we'll chill at the Mansugyo Beer Bar to join the locals for refreshments
• Dinner at Duck BBQ restaurant
• Join the locals on Kim Il Sung Square to watch the fireworks
• Overnight at the Rakrang hotel

Tuesday 28th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Visit the Korean Film Studio- The first and largest of the country’s film studios, this is where classics such as The Flower Girl were produced. With 3d sets and the chance to dress up in costume you can be a tiny part of DPRK film history.
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the Changwangsan Hotel

Wednesday 29th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Visit the Pyongyang Center for Economics and Culture for the Deaf and Blind
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight in the Changwangsan Hotel

Thursday 30th July

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Drive up to Pyongsong located 45 minutes north of Pyongyang
• Visit Kim Jong Suk Middle School – meet local students leaning English and help them practice their skills! Help even teach them a bit!
• Dinner and overnight at the Jangsusan Hotel

Friday 31st July

• Drive to Nampho (3 hours)
• Chollima Steel Complex – One of the DPRK’s most famous industrial sites, named after the Chollima movement it helped lead.
• Kangso Mineral water factory – Home to the DPRK’s most famous sparkling water, with samples!
• Lunch at the Hangu Harbour Hotel
• Spend the afternoon chilling on Nampho Beach.
• Dinner and overnight at the famed Ryonggang Hot Spa resort with a special Mineral spa bath in each room.

Saturday 1st August

Morning

• West Sea Barrage – an unique example of socialist construction, the barrage was built to keep the salty water of the West Sea from rendering parts of the Taedonggang River and surrounding farmland useless, as well as to tame the local sea.
• Chongsan Co-operative farm – learn about the method of collective farming in the DPRK

Afternoon

• Picnic for lunch Mt Ryangak – the highest mountain near Pyongyang
• Hiking around the mountain
• Drive back to Pyongyang.
• Dinner
• Switch to a different hotel in Pyongyang – Ryanggang Hotel. Located on the mountain located near the Olympic Village

Sunday 2nd August

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Kim Jong Suk Textile Mill- One of the top textile mills in Pyongyang you can tour the factory and the facilities and dormitories provided to the workers who live on site.
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the Ryanggang Hotel.

Monday 3rd August

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• It's time to go Bowling at Pyongyang's golden lane alley – One of the most popular spots for young people to hang out, the alley also has video games and billiards. (Extra charge for these activities)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at Ryanggang Hotel

Tuesday 4th August

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• Watch a movie at the local Taedongmun Cinema House!
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the Ryanggang Hotel

Wednesday 5th August

Morning

• Attend Class (9-12)

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Afternoon activities at the University
• A trip to Pyongyang Zoo, then the city's Natural History Museum!
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight in the Ryanggang Hotel

Thursday 6th August

Morning

• Your final class at Kim Chol Ju University

Afternoon

• Lunch
• A few leisurely activities around the University
• Special farewell dinner and party organised with teachers to celebrate the completion of the study program
• Final nightat the Ryanggang Hotel

Friday 7th August

• It's time to leave North Korea!
• Those who have chose to fly home depart Pyongyang at 9:00am and arrive at Beijing 9:55am local time
• Those who are heading off by train will depart Pyongyang station 10:25am

Saturday 8th August

• It's time to say goodbye! We arrive at Beijing station for 9am and have a group farewell!

• All tuition for Korean classes and teaching
• All accommodation and meals
• All tour guides and key sites visited during weekends and evening
• All trains to and from Beijing

• Your North Korean Visa
• Your Chinese double entry or transit visa (this is your responsibility)
• Any tips and gifts in North Korea to staff and guides
• Any optional and miscellaneous spending in North Korea (i.e evening drinks, amusement park tickets, etc)