Year
type
month
North Korea tours
North Korea Tours 2025 – 2026
Are you ready to travel to North Korea? Below is our highly anticipated North Korean tour schedule. Our North Korean group tours are accompanied by a YPT guide and to encourage friendships and good times we cap our tour groups at a maximum of 24 people. Once we hit 25 we divide our North Korean tours into different groups, all accompanied by a YPT and North Korean tour guide.
Book your North Korea tour with the number one North Korean travel agency
As we like to say, “we do group tours for people who hate group tours”. All DPRK tours, unless otherwise stated, originate and end in Beijing. Our Ultra Budget tours to North Korea start and finish in Dandong – the border town of China to North Korea. All tour prices include entry and exit into North Korea by train, with optional flight upgrades available for selected tours. YPT charges an additional €50 to process your DPRK visa in Beijing or Dandong. Every facet of the visa process is taken care of by YPT. For more information on travelling to the DPRK head to our FAQ page.
Browse through our North Korean tour programmes below, and contact us to secure your visit to the DPRK!
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featured blogs
Drone Photography Guidelines in China for 2025...
24 January 2025
YPT Team
Why does it matter to consider drone photography guidelines in China In recent years drones have revolutionized the way we document and share our travel experiences By providing unique aerial views they allow photographers and videographers to highlight landscapes in ways traditional photography cannot China with its expansive and varied geography is a premier destination for drone photography From the stunning peaks of the Himalayas to the tranquil waters of the Yangtze River the country is filled with remarkable vistas However as drone photography gains popularity so do the regulations govern their use As of January 1 2024 the Civil Aviation Administration of China CAAC has introduced new guidelines making it crucial for drone enthusiasts to stay informed and compliantKey Aspects of the drone photography guidelines in ChinaThe CAAC has rolled out several key updates to drone regulations that all operators should know These changes aim to ensure safe and responsible drone usage1 RealName RegistrationA significant update is the implementation of a realname registration system for all drones regardless of weight Every drone operator is required to register their drone under their legal name This registration can be completed on the CAAC website which is currently only available in Chinese To register you will need a Chinese cell phone number and a WeChat accountIt is advisable to have a basic understanding of the language or to seek assistance from a Chinesespeaking friend This initiative aims to foster accountability in drone usage across the country2 Altitude RestrictionsFor light drones there are stringent altitude limits Generally drones are restricted to a maximum flying height of 120 meters about 394 feet If you wish to fly at higher altitudes you must obtain permission from the CAAC a process designated for certified drone pilots Gaining altitude clearance can be complex and typically allows operations in designated areas for a limited period usually 23 days Pilots should plan ahead as the approval process can be timeconsuming and adherence to these altitude regulations is essential to avoid penalties3 Approved Drone ModelsWhen selecting your drone many popular models fall into the light drone category This includes wellknown brands such as the DJI Mavic Air Mini Spark and Inspire series These models are userfriendly and portable making them perfect for travellers eager to capture stunning aerial footage4 Fly and NoFly ZonesIt is vital for any drone pilot to understand where flying is permitted Drones must remain within the operators visual line of sight and should avoid densely populated areas for public safety Additionally steer clear of airports military bases and sensitive locations such as police checkpoints and substationsIn major cities like Beijing and at iconic sites such as the Great Wall strict nofly zones NFZs are enforced Other notable restricted areas includeXinjiang Turpan Karakul Lake Pamir Scenic Area Tianshan Lake and the Grand CanyonTibet Areas including Lhasa and Everest Base Camp EBCFlying in controlled areas without prior CAAC approval is strictly prohibited If youre unsure about specific locations or regulations you can reach out to the CAAC at fsdcaacpublic3btanetcn or call 86 010 6409 1288 Additionally if youre traveling with us check in with our YPT guide for any updates on local regulations5 Licensing for Commercial UseIf you plan to use drones for commercial activities obtaining a license is mandatory This includes tasks like aerial photography for marketing real estate photography or any paid drone services Its essential to understand the specific licensing requirements relevant to your intended use to avoid legal complicationsWhat is YPTs take on flying drones in ChinaBy following these guidelines you can enjoy the excitement of drone photography in China while ensuring compliance with local laws The landscape offers countless opportunities for capturing stunning aerial images and with proper preparation your adventures can be both fulfilling and lawful Always stay updated on any regulatory changes and prioritize safety for yourself and those around youYPT can take you to a variety of destinations across China including some of the lesserknown ones You can find an overview of these locations on our websiteHappy flying and capturing the beauty of China from above
What Are the 10 Largest Stadiums in the World...
23 January 2025
Gareth Johnson
You often hear that the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang is the largest stadium in the world but is that really the case The world of colossal stadiums is as fascinating as the events they host from sports and concerts to massive political gatheringsLets count down the 10 largest stadiums in the world ranked by capacity rather than size of the actual stadium Overall five different sports are represented on the list can you guess what they are10 Estadio Azteca Mexico City MexicoCapacity 87523The Estadio Azteca might not have the highest capacity but its one of the most iconic stadiums in the world It has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals 1970 and 1986 and remains a hallowed ground for football fans9 Camp Nou Barcelona SpainCapacity 99354Home to FC Barcelona Camp Nou is Europes largest stadium and a symbol of Catalan pride Opened in 1957 its a mustvisit for football enthusiasts and has witnessed countless legendary matches8 Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG Melbourne AustraliaCapacity 100024The MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and a shrine for cricket fans Opened in 1854 its steeped in history and also hosts Australian Rules Football and major international events7 Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge USACapacity 102321LSUs Tiger Stadium affectionately called Death Valley is renowned for its deafening atmosphere during college football games Opened in 1924 its a fortress for the LSU Tigers and a temple for passionate fans6 Kyle Field College Station USACapacity 102733As the home of the Texas AampM Aggies Kyle Field embodies the spirit of Texassized pride Originally built in 1904 it has undergone several expansions making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States5 Ohio Stadium Columbus USACapacity 102780Nicknamed The Horseshoe Ohio Stadium is a historic site for American football Opened in 1922 its the iconic home of the Ohio State Buckeyes and a landmark in college sports4 Beaver Stadium State College USACapacity 106572Beaver Stadium is the secondlargest stadium in the United States and the pride of Penn State University Its energetic White Out games are a sight to behold with over 100000 fans creating an electric atmosphere3 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor USACapacity 107601Known as The Big House Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States Built in 1927 its a mecca for college football fans with the University of Michigan Wolverines drawing massive crowds every season2 Rungrado May Day Stadium Pyongyang North KoreaCapacity 114000Often touted as the largest stadium in the world the May Day Stadium is an architectural marvel Opened in 1989 it hosts the Mass Games and other grand events but its actual seating capacity remains a topic of debate1 Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad IndiaCapacity 132000Taking the crown as the largest stadium in the world the Narendra Modi Stadium is a modern marvel Reopened in 2020 after extensive renovations it primarily hosts cricket matches and symbolizes Indias love for the sportSo there you have it when it comes to the largest stadiums in the world the Rungrado now comes just a miserly second More amazing though perhaps is the lack of soccer stadiums in the list with just 9 and 10 representing the beautiful gameYou can visit a number of stadiums on YPT tours which includes when you visit North Korea
North Korean SEZs A Comprehensive Look at Economic Z...
21 January 2025
Gareth Johnson
Since the 1990s North Korea has periodically attempted to bolster its economy through the creation o...
Drone Photography Guideli...
24 January 2025
YPT Team
Why does it matter to consider drone photography guidelines in China In recent years drones have revolutionized the way we document and share our travel experiences By providing unique aerial views they allow photographers and videographers to highlight landscapes in ways traditional photography cannot China with its expansive and varied geography is a premier destination for drone photography From the stunning peaks of the Himalayas to the tranquil waters of the Yangtze River the country is filled with remarkable vistas However as drone photography gains popularity so do the regulations govern their use As of January 1 2024 the Civil Aviation Administration of China CAAC has introduced new guidelines making it crucial for drone enthusiasts to stay informed and compliantKey Aspects of the drone photography guidelines in ChinaThe CAAC has rolled out several key updates to drone regulations that all operators should know These changes aim to ensure safe and responsible drone usage1 RealName RegistrationA significant update is the implementation of a realname registration system for all drones regardless of weight Every drone operator is required to register their drone under their legal name This registration can be completed on the CAAC website which is currently only available in Chinese To register you will need a Chinese cell phone number and a WeChat accountIt is advisable to have a basic understanding of the language or to seek assistance from a Chinesespeaking friend This initiative aims to foster accountability in drone usage across the country2 Altitude RestrictionsFor light drones there are stringent altitude limits Generally drones are restricted to a maximum flying height of 120 meters about 394 feet If you wish to fly at higher altitudes you must obtain permission from the CAAC a process designated for certified drone pilots Gaining altitude clearance can be complex and typically allows operations in designated areas for a limited period usually 23 days Pilots should plan ahead as the approval process can be timeconsuming and adherence to these altitude regulations is essential to avoid penalties3 Approved Drone ModelsWhen selecting your drone many popular models fall into the light drone category This includes wellknown brands such as the DJI Mavic Air Mini Spark and Inspire series These models are userfriendly and portable making them perfect for travellers eager to capture stunning aerial footage4 Fly and NoFly ZonesIt is vital for any drone pilot to understand where flying is permitted Drones must remain within the operators visual line of sight and should avoid densely populated areas for public safety Additionally steer clear of airports military bases and sensitive locations such as police checkpoints and substationsIn major cities like Beijing and at iconic sites such as the Great Wall strict nofly zones NFZs are enforced Other notable restricted areas includeXinjiang Turpan Karakul Lake Pamir Scenic Area Tianshan Lake and the Grand CanyonTibet Areas including Lhasa and Everest Base Camp EBCFlying in controlled areas without prior CAAC approval is strictly prohibited If youre unsure about specific locations or regulations you can reach out to the CAAC at fsdcaacpublic3btanetcn or call 86 010 6409 1288 Additionally if youre traveling with us check in with our YPT guide for any updates on local regulations5 Licensing for Commercial UseIf you plan to use drones for commercial activities obtaining a license is mandatory This includes tasks like aerial photography for marketing real estate photography or any paid drone services Its essential to understand the specific licensing requirements relevant to your intended use to avoid legal complicationsWhat is YPTs take on flying drones in ChinaBy following these guidelines you can enjoy the excitement of drone photography in China while ensuring compliance with local laws The landscape offers countless opportunities for capturing stunning aerial images and with proper preparation your adventures can be both fulfilling and lawful Always stay updated on any regulatory changes and prioritize safety for yourself and those around youYPT can take you to a variety of destinations across China including some of the lesserknown ones You can find an overview of these locations on our websiteHappy flying and capturing the beauty of China from above
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What Are the 10 Largest S...
23 January 2025
Gareth Johnson
You often hear that the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang is the largest stadium in the world but is that really the case The world of colossal stadiums is as fascinating as the events they host from sports and concerts to massive political gatheringsLets count down the 10 largest stadiums in the world ranked by capacity rather than size of the actual stadium Overall five different sports are represented on the list can you guess what they are10 Estadio Azteca Mexico City MexicoCapacity 87523The Estadio Azteca might not have the highest capacity but its one of the most iconic stadiums in the world It has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals 1970 and 1986 and remains a hallowed ground for football fans9 Camp Nou Barcelona SpainCapacity 99354Home to FC Barcelona Camp Nou is Europes largest stadium and a symbol of Catalan pride Opened in 1957 its a mustvisit for football enthusiasts and has witnessed countless legendary matches8 Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG Melbourne AustraliaCapacity 100024The MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and a shrine for cricket fans Opened in 1854 its steeped in history and also hosts Australian Rules Football and major international events7 Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge USACapacity 102321LSUs Tiger Stadium affectionately called Death Valley is renowned for its deafening atmosphere during college football games Opened in 1924 its a fortress for the LSU Tigers and a temple for passionate fans6 Kyle Field College Station USACapacity 102733As the home of the Texas AampM Aggies Kyle Field embodies the spirit of Texassized pride Originally built in 1904 it has undergone several expansions making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States5 Ohio Stadium Columbus USACapacity 102780Nicknamed The Horseshoe Ohio Stadium is a historic site for American football Opened in 1922 its the iconic home of the Ohio State Buckeyes and a landmark in college sports4 Beaver Stadium State College USACapacity 106572Beaver Stadium is the secondlargest stadium in the United States and the pride of Penn State University Its energetic White Out games are a sight to behold with over 100000 fans creating an electric atmosphere3 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor USACapacity 107601Known as The Big House Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States Built in 1927 its a mecca for college football fans with the University of Michigan Wolverines drawing massive crowds every season2 Rungrado May Day Stadium Pyongyang North KoreaCapacity 114000Often touted as the largest stadium in the world the May Day Stadium is an architectural marvel Opened in 1989 it hosts the Mass Games and other grand events but its actual seating capacity remains a topic of debate1 Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad IndiaCapacity 132000Taking the crown as the largest stadium in the world the Narendra Modi Stadium is a modern marvel Reopened in 2020 after extensive renovations it primarily hosts cricket matches and symbolizes Indias love for the sportSo there you have it when it comes to the largest stadiums in the world the Rungrado now comes just a miserly second More amazing though perhaps is the lack of soccer stadiums in the list with just 9 and 10 representing the beautiful gameYou can visit a number of stadiums on YPT tours which includes when you visit North Korea
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North Korean SEZs A Compr...
21 January 2025
Gareth Johnson
Since the 1990s North Korea has periodically attempted to bolster its economy through the creation of special economic zones SEZs These zones are designed to attract foreign investment and foster economic growth by offering a more flexible business environmentHowever outside of those established in cooperation with South Korea North Korean SEZs have largely struggled to meet their goals The closure of South Koreas SEZs the impact of international sanctions and the global pandemic have all contributed to the slowdown in the development of North Korean SEZsFor a country like North Korea SEZs represent an opportunity to experiment with economic reforms while maintaining control over the broader economy These zones allow businesses to operate under different rules than the rest of the country making them attractive to foreign investors They also provide a controlled environment for North Korea to gain new skills technology and economic practices without exposing the wider population to external influencesHistory of North Korean SEZsNorth Koreas interest in special economic zones dates back to the 1980s The idea of open cities was first mentioned by Kim Ilsung in 1984 and the concept was further explored during a 1983 visit by Kim Jong Il to China The first attempt to develop a North Korean SEZ occurred in 1991 with the establishment of the RajinSonbong Free Economic and Trade Zone later known as the Rason Economic and Trade Zone Since then North Korea has established over 27 SEZs though many have faced challenges in attracting foreign investmentNorth Korean SEZs can generally be divided into two categories those developed before Kim Jong Uns leadership with foreign cooperation and those created under his leadership which are North Korean initiatives without foreign partnersNorth Koreas Initial SEZsThe first significant North Korean SEZ Rason was established in 1991 in the far northeast of the country near the borders with China and Russia This zone was designed to offer an icefree port potentially linking Chinas landlocked northeastern provinces to international shipping routes Despite its strategic location Rason attracted limited foreign investment largely due to poor infrastructure and the regions isolationIn the late 1990s and early 2000s North Korea continued to develop SEZs with support from China and South Korea Notable zones included the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang Tourist Region Kaesong in particular became the most successful of these zones as it allowed South Korean companies to set up operations in North Korea employing tens of thousands of North Koreans However Kaesong was closed in 2016 due to political tensions and Mount Kumgangs tourism operations were suspended after a tragic incident in 2008List of North Korean SEZsHere is a list of some of the key North Korean SEZs that have been established over the yearsRason Economic and Trade Zone established in 1991 Located in the northeast near China and Russia this zone has attracted limited foreign investment due to infrastructure challengesKaesong Industrial Complex established in 2004 A joint venture with South Korea it became North Koreas largest SEZ until its closure in 2016Mount Kumgang Tourist Region established in 2002 A tourismfocused zone initially for South Korean tourists which has faced numerous setbacks since 2008Sinuiju International Economic Zone established in 2002 Located near the Yalu River this zone has faced challenges due to political and legal issues Click the link to read about SinuijuHwanggumpyong and Wihwa Islands SEZ announced in 2011 Located on islands in the Yalu River this zone has seen limited development Click the link to read about this projectUnjong HighTech Zone established under Kim Jong Un Focuses on hightech industries and is affiliated with the State Academy of SciencesKangryong International Green Model Zone established under Kim Jong Un A sustainable agricultural zone focusing on clean energy technologiesWonsanMount Kumgang International Tourism Zone established under Kim Jong Un A tourismfocused zone combining Mount Kumgang with other cultural sites in Kangwon ProvinceThe unique futuristic style of new north korean buildingsSinuijuHwanggumpyong and Wihwa Islands SEZSEZs Under Kim Jong UnSince Kim Jong Un came to power in 2011 North Korea has shifted its focus to developing SEZs that are purely domestic initiatives often focusing on specific sectors such as agriculture light industry and tourism These new zones have been less successful in attracting foreign investment compared to earlier zones with many struggling to overcome the challenges posed by ongoing international sanctionsOne notable development under Kim Jong Uns leadership is the WonsanMount Kumgang International Tourism Zone which aims to boost tourism by integrating various sites in Kangwon Province Despite its potential there is little evidence that North Koreas newer SEZs have been able to attract significant foreign direct investment FDISanctions and Challenges Facing North Korean SEZsThe development of North Korean SEZs has been significantly hampered by international sanctions Since 2016 the United Nations has imposed a series of sanctions in response to North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile tests These sanctions have made it difficult for North Korea to engage in financial transactions and attract foreign investment which are essential for the success of any SEZIn addition to UN sanctions the United States and South Korea maintain their own sanctions on North Korea further restricting the countrys ability to engage in international trade and investment As a result North Korean SEZs have struggled to attract the foreign companies needed to stimulate economic growthThe Future of North Korean SEZsDespite the challenges there are still efforts to revive and develop North Korean SEZs China has played a significant role in supporting the infrastructure development of zones like Rason and there have been signs that North Korea may push forward with projects such as the Sinuiju International Economic Zone and the Hwanggumpyong and Wihwa Islands SEZHowever until the sanctions are lifted and the political climate stabilizes the future of North Korean SEZs remains uncertain While these zones may offer a glimpse into North Koreas potential for economic reform the lack of foreign investment and infrastructure development continues to be a major obstacleOne glimmer of hope though could be with regards to Trump regaining power in the United States Under his previous tenure relations between the two sides thawed to such a level that there were summits in Singapore and Vietnam Had these succeeded Trump was adamant that economic aid would follow Should things thaw again then investment through such zones might the modus operandi employed for US and other firms to employ foreign direct investment FDI into the DPRKConclusionNorth Korean SEZs have had a mixed track record over the years While they have shown some promise as a means of attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth the ongoing sanctions and political challenges have hindered their success Nonetheless the continued development of these zones particularly under Kim Jong Un reflects North Koreas ongoing efforts to modernize its economy and integrate more with the global marketWant to see some North Korean SEZs action You can check out Rason as well as our mainland North Korea Tours
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What is Coffee Castle in ...
21 January 2025
Gareth Johnson
If you find yourself traveling to Shanwei a small and often overlooked coastal town in Guangdong Province chances are youll stumble across its most peculiar claim to fame Coffee Castle Touted as the number one tourist attraction in Shanwei this quirky spot is as bizarre as it is unexpected Yet despite its popularity among domestic tourists theres surprisingly little online about itFear notweve got the definitive Coffee Castle Shanwei guide to make sure you know exactly what youre getting yourself intoWhat Is Coffee CastleCoffee Castle is one of those wonderfully odd places that make you question how and why it exists Imagine a medieval European castlecomplete with turrets stone walls and all the fairytale trimmingsplonked right in the middle of coastal Guangdong Its equal parts kitschy and fascinating a surreal blend of East meets West that feels like a theme park attraction minus the ridesThe castle doubles as a coffee shop and tourist hotspot though the coffee itself is more of an afterthought Visitors come less for the caffeine and more for the experience of sipping a latte in what looks like a medieval fortress Its a selfie paradise with its whimsical architecture standing out starkly against the otherwise unremarkable backdrop of ShanweiCoffee Castle is also a nod to Shanweis aspirations of becoming a domestic tourism hub Tour buses routinely pull up here unloading eager travelers ready to snap photos and bask in the novelty of the place While its unlikely to impress hardcore coffee aficionados its undeniably one of the towns most memorable attractions Whether youre a caffeine junkie or just someone who wants to say theyve visited a castle in Guangdong its worth a stopClick to read about street food in ShanweiWhats Around Coffee CastleThe area surrounding Coffee Castle feels like a work in progress a kind of Field of Dreams scenario where theyve built it in hopes that the crowds will come And to be fair theres already a decent amount to exploreFor starters the immediate vicinity is dotted with coffee shops and restaurants One standout is a place amusingly named Come on BBQ which serves up grilled fare with a side of quirky charm Just outside the castles entrance youll find a smattering of street food stalls offering overpriced but decent snacks Think skewers noodles and other classic street food staplesnot exactly gourmet but theyll keep you fueled for your castle adventureThe area also forms part of the larger Red Bay Resort development which includes hotels like the Vienna and various apartments available for rent Its a curious mix of countryside vibes and burgeoning tourist infrastructure making it an interesting spot to explore if youre in the areaGetting to Coffee CastleReaching Coffee Castle isnt the most straightforward affair Public transport options are limited with tourist buses being the main mode of transport These buses primarily cater to domestic travelers and oddly enough some Vietnamese visitorsIf youre traveling independently your best bet is to use DiDi Chinas version of Grab From Shanwei Railway Station a ride will set you back anywhere from 7 to 12 depending on traffic If youre starting from downtown Shanwei the fare is roughly half that While its not the cheapest outing its a manageable cost for what is arguably the towns most unique and well only tourist attractionIs It Worth ItSo is Coffee Castle worth the trip Lets be honest Shanwei isnt exactly bursting with worldclass attractions so the bar isnt set particularly high That said Coffee Castle is by far the most intriguing thing to do in the area Its not just about the coffee or the castle itselfits about the sheer novelty of the experience Where else can you sip a mediocre cappuccino inside a medievalstyle fortress while gazing out over the Guangdong coastlineIn a town as understated as Shanwei Coffee Castle stands out as a wonderfully weird gem Whether youre a curious traveler a lover of the eccentric or just someone looking for a good story to tell Coffee Castle delivers And honestly isnt that what travel is all aboutClick to see our China Tours which do not currently cover Shanwei
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