Let's go…run the Pyongyang Marathon + check out North Korea!!!
Let’s go…to North Korea to run the strangest marathon on earth - the Pyongyang Marathon! This trip is all about the chance to experience the most bizarre and entertaining race ever. Run through the North Korean capital, feel like a champion with 50,000 people cheering just for you in a massive stadium. If that’s not enough, you will finish the trip with a tour of the best North Korea has to offer. Check out the heaviest militarized zone on earth and get a glimpse of South Korea from the North Korean side while learning more about the history of the conflict, check out the Arch of Triumph and Kim Il Sung Square, learn something new at the War Museum, massive bronze statues of the North Korean revolutionary leaders and much more. This trip is packed with history, culture and bragging rights…Who has run a marathon in Pyongyang?? You!
Beginners welcome – Race distances are 5 and 10km, so anyone can join!
Seasoned Runners – Half and full marathons
Non-runners – Just watch the ceremony!
We will be running like the pros in the Pyongyang Marathon with North Korean fans cheering you on, definitely, a surreal experience…
…checking out incredible monuments…
…visiting the heaviest militarized zone on earth…
…riding in the Pyongyang subway…
…crossing the entire country by land…
…sampling some great North Korean food…
…and much more!!!
Dates: April 6 - 11 (Friday to Wednesday)
Day 1 - Friday - April 6
Day 2 - Saturday - April 7
Day 3 – Sunday - April 8 Marathon Day!
Day 4 – Monday - April 9
Day 5 – Tuesday - April 10
Day 6 - Wednesday - April 11
Transportation:
Included – On sight private bus with heating; International train to/from Dandong to Pyongyang
Not included - Flights to/from Dandong
Recommended Flights:
Due to the limited seats on the train (Dandong-Pyongyang please wait for confirmation of availability prior to booking your plane tickets to Dandong. Should the train tickets be unavailable, there is an option to fly to Pyongyang from Shenyang for an extra fee.)
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) - Dandong (DDG)
FM9231 - 06:50-10:55
Dandong (DDG) - Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)
FM9232 - 12:55-17:35
Est. Round Trip Price: 1914 RMB
Please book your flights. It’s really easy with www.ctrip.com! They even have an app. (If you need help booking your flights, a booking fee of 100 RMB per ticket will apply, paid directly to the booking agent. Contact information will be sent upon registration.)
Accommodation:
Included – 5 nights - Clean double occupancy rooms (5-star hotels in North Korea, 3-star hotel in China) are included in the price. These will be booked on a first come first served basis. If you wish to room alone, the single occupancy fee is an extra 1600 RMB per person total. Please note that availability may be limited. (We can help you find someone to share if needed. However, if there is an uneven number of travelers, the extra single occupancy may apply. Pairings in this case are distributed in order of request.)
Meals:
Included - local specialty meals in North Korea, veggie friendly
Not included - meals in China
Price: Book now to get the early bird price of 6,999 RMB or 7,499 RMB if booked after February 22
Deposit: 2,000 RMB (included in the price)
* Full payment must be made by February 27 (Registration is open until March 20. We cannot accept registrations after this date.)
Includes:
Train tickets to/from North Korea, Accommodation (5 nights - double occupancy - 5 star hotel in North Korea / 3 star hotel in China), insurance, onsite transportation in North Korea, airport/train station pick up/drop off in Dandong, meals in North Korea (with mineral water and some beers), meals on the train, entrance tickets and admission fees to all sites, Pyongyang metro tickets, driver allowance, English speaking guide, a guide who will help you pass through customs/immigration when leaving China, coupons, an experience of a lifetime, and looots of fun!
Does not include:
Additional drinks, flight to/from Dandong, marathon fee, visa fee*, tip*, meals in China,other personal expenses
*Marathon fee (5km - 800 RMB / 10km - 1200 RMB) (Longer distances available)
*Visa fee (approx 550 RMB, depending on nationality)
*Tips (a gratuity for the guide is expected after the tour - 100 RMB or a small gift (ie. chocolate, cigarettes, cosmetics etc.)
What you need to bring:
PASSPORT, walking shoes, running shoes, warm clothing for winter weather, camera/GoPro, sunscreen, sunglasses, small day pack,
Cancellation & Disclaimer:
If the traveler decides to cancel, s/he can get refund of the deposit (a small cancellation fee may apply) up to February 22 and no refund after that. The schedule may be adjusted due to weather conditions, unforeseeable events, etc. For complete information please refer to www.travelers-society.com/terms-conditions.
Is North Korea safe?
North Korea is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Our customers have had no problems with either crime, or the authorities. The only way you are likely to put yourself in a difficult situation is by criticizing the North Korean leaders or government. Please note that you must obey all rules and laws set by the North Korean government and outlined by the tour guide upon arrival. Failure to do so may put you at risk of arrest.
I am American/Japanese/South Korean/Israeli, how is my tour experience affected?
Tourists traveling on a U.S., South Korean, Israeli, or Japanese passport cannot travel to North Korea at this time.
What are the moral implications of visiting North Korea?
Some believe it is wrong to visit North Korea as your money is going direct to their government rather than into the hands of locals. However, others believe visiting the country can help benefit the people you meet by making them aware of the outside world. There isn't really a clear right or wrong answer to whether you should visit or not so we advise you to research the topic yourself and make your own decision. One thing is clear, you will gain a better understanding by seeing the country yourself rather than relying on the media to tell you about North Korea.
Can I video the trip when I travel in North Korea?
Yes, there is a special service. You have to ask for it. You can have Korean photographer to shoot the entire trip while you travel in North Korea. The cost of the video is 200-300 RMB per person depending on the number of requests.
I'm not a runner, can I still participate?
Yep, you can walk! If you get tired during the race, there is a resting station/bus.
You can also go and just watch the opening ceremony - entrance ticket (not included) can be purchased onsite.
This is it… This is your opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime!!!
Have a question?
email us: info@travelers-society.com
or add our individual Wechat account: ID: travelers-society
Dates: April 6 - 11 (Friday to Wednesday)
Price: Book now to get the early bird price of 6,999 RMB or 7,499 RMB if booked after February 22
Deposit: 2,000 RMB (included in the price)
* Full payment must be made by February 27 (Registration is open until March 20. We cannot accept registrations after this date.)