North Korea Diamond Mountain
Detailed program 3-day tour Diamond Mountains
The most beautiful mountains of the Korean peninsula are in North Korea, named the Diamond Mountains. This may be your last chance to experience the separation of the two Korea’s from close by! To cross the most heavily fortified border in the world and experience the extreme differences in such a short distance will always be remembered.
Day 1: Monday August 6th
Our journey starts in Seoul, from this modern metropolis we take the bus to North Korea. We will cross the most heavily guarded border in the world today. There is only one road which allows us to go from South- to North Korea. This road has been open for only two years. The bus ride continues through the 4-kilometer long Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Half-way the DMZ we have officially entered North Korean territory. We pass by a North-Korean military post where the number of passengers in the bus is checked. The difference with South-Korea is immense, almost as if we are thrown back into time. Life in North-Korea mainly takes place outside. Small groups of farmers, usually in uniform, are working in the country side. Cars are not common, apart from military vehicles. The North Koreans walk and cycle through the streets.
Day 2: Tuesday August 7th
The beauty of the Diamond Mountains is legendary, the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The clear mint green mountain streams, impressive mountains and amazingly beautiful view will last in your memory for sure! Our hike ends by the impressive Guryong Waterfalls, which are 74 meters high. Even high up in the mountains we cannot escape the personality cult around Kim Il Sung (the Great Leader) and Kim Jong Il (the Dear Leader), the current leader of North-Korea. We enjoy lunch at a restaurant situated near a mountain. The North-Korean staff wears the traditional Korean clothing called hanbok. All North-Korean wear a pin with a picture of Kim Il Sung.
After hiking in the mountains we can enjoy the Pyongyang Circus. You will be stunned by these acrobats who give a perfect show. In the evening you can witness a performance of a North Korean band.
Day 3: Wednesday August 8th
Today we can choose to do some light hiking to Manmulsan or go and see Samilpo Lake. The Manmusan hiking trail is known for its steep mountain slides and rocky cliffs. The view from the top of these mountains is absolutely overwhelming! It is necessary to have a good physical condition in order to participate in this hiking. The Samilpo is a beautiful lake which is cut off from the sea. Small bridges connect the small islands in the lake. The mountainous surroundings make it a fairytale like picture.
We will take the bus back to South-Korea in the afternoon. The contrast between the two Korea’s has never been clearer. Late in the evening we arrive back in Seoul, where the crowded high ways and neon lights are everywhere around us.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Travel sum: EUR €530 (USD $690)
Single room charge: EUR €195
Included:
Visum North Korea, transport from and to Seoul, entrance to the Diamond Mountains, 4 star accommodation including breakfast, North Korean circus, North Korean music performance, English speaking tour guide, all transport in North Korea
Not included:
2 dinners and lunches (approximately USD $55), tips and personal expenses
Deadline for booking: Before July 1st, 2007.
However, the number of seats are limited. The sooner the better. After receiving your booking, we will send you an invoice and liability waiver by Email.
Minimum age
12 years. Special rates upon request available. Persons under 18 can only book together with a person older than 18.
Passport and Visa
Shilla Travel arranges North Korean visa. All nationalities can book on the tour. The North-Korean visa will not be stamped in your passport; you will receive it on a separate sheet in order to avoid any problems when travelling to other countries in the future. Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 months after your return to your country.
How to book:
- Please visit our website www.koreaspecialist.com and go the English section
- Go to page: “Book now” and do not make any selection for a tour
- Only fill in: Departure date: 6 August 2007, Length of stay: 3 days
- Fill in at 1: Personal information
- Fill in at 2. your job and employers name and place. (e.g. account, Janssen Accountancy, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) + Diamond Mountain, Participant Gathering 2007
- Fill in at 3: If you agree with the booking conditions, you can confirm your booking and send it
- Send 4 colour pass photos, copy of passport and a Liability Waiver to our company address:
Shilla Travel
Niasstraat 1
3531 WR Utrecht
The Netherlands
info@shilla.nl
How to pay:
- Upon receiving your online booking, we will send you an invoice and liability waiver by Email. All the information for an international money transfer are written on the invoice
- Upon receiving the travel sum, we will confirm your participation
- Only if you have paid the whole sum and send us the pass photos, copy of passport and liablility waiver in time can we guarantee your participation!
Preparation to North Korea:
Shilla Travel is well aware of the situation in North Korea and keeps a close look on the political situation. Be aware North Korea is a unique country and for westerners not always comprehensible. When entering North Korea you will cross one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world and enter the most isolated country in the world. Visitors should have a flexible attitude and a respectful attitude towards the North Koreans. When speaking with North Koreans always avoid topics related to politics. Before and during the trip we will inform you in detail all the rules and we expect you to respect these rules. During the World Gathering Shilla Travel will organize a preparation meeting.
Luggage:
Make sure you only bring in luggage for 3 days. Hiking or sports shoes are recommendable. August is hot and humid, summer clothing is sufficient.
Here is a list of items which you can not bring into North-Korea:
- Binoculars and telescopes
- Camera lenses over 160 mm
- Lenses with an optical zoom over 23
- Sound recording and video devices
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Western and South-Korean books and magazines (Lonely Planet Korea is allowed)
Money:
It is only possible to pay in American dollars during your stay in North-Korea. Breakfast, Pyongyang circus and the North-Korean band are included in the price. You will need about $55 per person for the other meals in North-Korea (2x lunch and 2x dinner).
Meals:
In North-Korea there is a limited choice in restaurants. The meals in restaurants are in buffet style.
Communication:
Internet is not available in North-Korea. It is not allowed to take a mobile phone with you. Please keep in mind that you will not be able to communicate with anybody outside of North-Korea during these 3 days.
Travel guides:
Travel guides can provide useful tips and lots of practical information for your trip. Several travel guides about South Korea are available:
- Lonely Planet Korea
- Lonely Planet Korean Phrasebook
- Insight Guide to Korea
- Moon Handbook South Korea
Health and vaccinations:
All travellers should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, such as Tetanus-Diphtheria and Polio. Hepatitus A and Typhoid are recommended. Participants are responsible for their own health measures and should therefore contact your doctor or local health agency for further information. In the Diamond Mountains medical assistance and a South Korean hospital is present.
IMPORTANT: Shilla Travel Liability Waiver
Each participant should sign a Shilla Travel Liability Waiver, which will be send to you upon receiving your booking. Together with the pass photos and copy of passport you can sign the waiver and return this to Shilla Travel:
Shilla Travel
Niasstraat 1
3531 WR Utrecht
The Netherlands
