Rason (North Korea) Expedition - 1
Rason (North Korea) Expedition - 2
Rason (North Korea) Expedition - 3
Rason (North Korea) Expedition - 4
Rason (North Korea) Expedition - 5
1 / 5

Rason (North Korea) Expedition

Friday 2 Jan 1970 Friday 2 Jan 1970

1 days

Wander Expeditions

Wander Expeditions

Verified Organization

5+ years group traveling

Rason (North Korea) Expedition

  This summer, step into one of the most enigmatic corners of the world on an exclusive journey through the Rason Special Economic Zone in North Korea. From the moment you cross the border, you’ll find yourself in a place where time moves differently, markets operate unlike anywhere else in the country, and history, culture, and daily life intertwine in ways rarely seen by outsiders. With the best travel Fam by your side, this adventure takes you deep into the heart of Rason, where we’ll explore bustling local markets, visit unique factories, and witness firsthand how this remote region functions within the DPRK.  Designed for those who seek the extraordinary off-the-beaten-path, this itinerary blends cultural immersion with unexpected discoveries. Whether it’s standing at the tri-point border of North Korea, China, and Russia or exchanging currency at a North Korean bank  every moment offers a story worth telling. With our expert WE Leaders guiding the way, this is more than just a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will challenge perceptions and create memories to last forever.

Itinerary

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.

What this expedition offers

Accomodation. Hotel: Twin-sharing basis
Best WE Leaders. Wander Expedition Leader and English-speaking Korean Guides.
Best travel Fam. The Best travel Fam to share this weird experience with
Meals. All meals in DPRK
Transport. Local transportation in North Korea
Activities. Entry fees as per the itinerary.

Things to know

5.0·136 reviews
L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·15 expeditions
·Papua New Guinea I·about 1 month ago

The best way to see not only the Mt Hagen festival but also the highlights of the PNG highlands. Safe, exciting, and lots of fun.

L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·15 expeditions
·Indian Himalayas & Bhutan·about 1 month ago

A spiritual and cultural-focussed expedition, not the typical style of other Wander trips, but I absolutely loved it. Bhutan is beautiful and this expedition was the best way to see it, the tricky visa and tour guide requirements were all handled and the itinerary gave the very best of the country in a few days. Northern India was equally serene and even as someone who hates hiking, having a great group to champion you along the way made it fun.

L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·15 expeditions
·West Africa III·about 1 month ago

The best overland adventure you could ever ask for. Two weeks, 22 people, 6 cars, endless laughs. Sure, the days are long, and you definitely need to bring snacks, but it’s so much fun and the best way to see the parts of Africa that most people don’t go to! And it has everything - beach, nature, pool days, local communities, cities and middle-of-nowhere adventures. I’d even go as far as to say I’d do it again….. never say never!

J
🇪🇸Spain·4 expeditions
·Malta: Every Country Twice·about 2 months ago

LOVED IT!

M
🇧🇭Bahrain·1 expedition
·Libya III: East Libya·2 months ago

My trip to Libya with you Wander Expeditions was unreal! Everything was super well organized, the group vibe was like family, and the guide kept things fun with stories and games along the way. Libya itself blew me away amazing people, amazing places, and good energy everywhere we went.

L
🇩🇪Germany·2 expeditions
·Malta: Every Country Twice·4 months ago

A pure pleasure celebrating with Alvaro and the gang - vibes unbeatable & can’t wait for the next reunion!

Wander Expeditions
Verified

Wander Expeditions

Details

Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

To help protect your payment, always communicate and make payments through our official channels.