Rason (North Korea) Expedition

Day 1: Beijing to Yanji

• Our first day we will meet in Beijing and we will take a transport to Yanji , capital of the Autonomous Region of Yanbian in China. We will start our Expedition from Yanji, although the group will travel together from Beijing.
• Overnight: Hotel in Yanji

Day 2:  Yanji – Rajin City (Rason, DPRK)

• We will start early in the morning  driving towards the Chinese-DPRK border. We will take a three-hour drive by bus to the Quanhe-Wonjong border before crossing the Friendship Bridge into North Korea. Upon arrival, we will complete border formalities, and drive to Rajin City, located in the Rason Special Economic Zone. After lunch , we will  begin exploring the city with  a walk through Haean Park followed by the Greenhouse, home to the symbolic Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia flowers. At the Taekwondo School, we will learn about the cultural significance of this martial art and watch a performance by local students before visiting the Rason School Children’s Palace, where we will tour the vast education complex and watch a student performance.
• Overnight: Hotel in Rajin.

Day 3: Exploring Rajin City

• We will start the day heading to Pipha Island for scenic views of the East Sea of Korea. Then, we will visit Rason Foreign Languages School, followed by a stop at the Rason School Bag Factory, where school bags for students across the country are produced. We will have the opportunity to exchange foreign currency into North Korean Won before visiting the only private market in the country open to tourists. Here, we will see what is available for locals to buy and sell. We will xplore the historical Puduk House and end the day  with a Korean kimchi-making session.
• Overnight: Hotel in Rajin.

Day 4: Day 3: Tri-Point Border & Sonbong

• We will start the day driving north towards the unique three-point border where North Korea, China, and Russia meet. We will then visit the monument of Admiral Ri Sun Shin, a revered naval commander, followed by a stop at the DPRK-Russia Friendship Pavilion, a site of historical meetings between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Il. Continuing our journey, we will  stopp in the twin sister city of Sonbong to visit the Sonbong Junghyon Revolutionary Site. We will take a short hike up Mt. Sahyang, the highest peak in the region.
• Overnight: Hotel in Rajin.

Day 5: Local Industries & Return to China

• We will begin the day visiting the Paekhaksan Foodstuff Factory, where popular North Korean snacks are produced. Our next stop will be the Ryongson Beer Brewery, known for producing some of the most famous local beer in the country. We will visit the Chonghak Deer Ranch, which plays a significant role in traditional medicine. After a farewell lunch in town, we will begin our journey back to the border, passing through DPRK customs and immigration before crossing into China and ending our Expedition.