North Korea: Pyongyang and Mount Myohyang

North Korea with Teamhike? It was absolutely incredible! ???? Huge thanks to our guide Yaroslav. He’s the best: we felt completely safe with him and still got to see as much as possible. Mountains, sea, waterfalls, and hot springs—the itinerary was amazing. The local food and drinks were a lovely surprise. But the best part of the trip was our group and the time we spent together. Teamhike and Yaroslav, thank you for one of the most memorable trips of my life!

I’ve just returned from an exciting trip around North Korea and couldn’t be more impressed with the country and the guides. North Korea gives tourists a very warm welcome, never lets them get bored, and always makes them feel like the center of attention. Our group was treated to delicious, fresh food and first-class hotel rooms. The Korean guides were always ready to help and patiently answered our many questions about the country and its customs. But Yaroslav was the best guide of all. He knew how to create and maintain a great mood and a friendly atmosphere in the group. Our tour bus was always sunny, even in rainy, foggy weather. I can’t wait for new routes to Pyongyang! I hope to see a Korean parade one day.

At the end of April 2026, I had the chance to visit North Korea, or the DPRK, with a small group organized by Teamhike. My heartfelt thanks to the tour organizers, Alexander and Natalia, to Maryana, and to the whole team for the excellent organization, quick answers to questions, comfort, and cheerful company. It was an unforgettable trip, with an active, packed itinerary that let us see a lot. This is a mysterious, unusual, unique country, a world unlike anywhere else. It’s the most closed-off country, and the only way to visit is on a tour. Travel around the country is only allowed as part of a group following a pre-approved itinerary; you can’t go anywhere without an escort. In any case, there was no time to wander off: the itinerary was packed, and we were accompanied at all times by North Korean guides who spoke Russian. They were knowledgeable and well prepared, sang beautifully (they performed songs in Russian for us), and were very attentive to tourists. They genuinely wanted us to enjoy ourselves and did everything they could to make sure we were happy. In fact, all Koreans were exceptionally considerate and friendly toward visitors. I was impressed by the huge greenhouse complex under glass domes. Vegetables, greens, berries, and even watermelons are grown there in ideal conditions on a grand scale. We were lucky to arrive during strawberry season. The berries were large, sweet, and delicious. The itinerary also included hot springs, a real treat, and a wonderful massage (optional). I highly recommend it; it cost 1,100 rubles (you can also book one at the hotels). We were lucky with the weather in the Chilbo Mountains (Chhillbo). It was sunny, with the mountains wonderfully quiet, nature waking up, the first green leaves and flowers, and views stretching for many kilometers. We also visited an ancient, beautiful Buddhist temple in the mountains. We spoke with a monk who told us about the temple’s history and Buddhism in the DPRK. The coast was just as impressive, with enormous sandy beaches, clear water, and unusually shaped rocks. We also got a glimpse of everyday Korean life, spending a night in a house where the hosts lived on the first floor and we stayed on the second. My first thought was that it was a picture-perfect village built for tourists, with actors posing as residents. That’s partly true, but families do live there year-round, including families with children. They welcomed us with the first flowers of spring. Even at the hotels, all the staff would line up to greet us and see us off. Where else would you see that? Petite women would grab our suitcases and carry them up to the third floor; it turned out the hotel had no elevators. Koreans are sincere, warm, and hospitable, and it’s a pleasure to spend time with them. I also bought a beautiful painting for very little at an art gallery. The food was varied and mostly local, well worth trying. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s fresh and wholesome. Food lovers will be rewarded. Drinks included beer, lemonade, bottled water, and tea (unlike what Europeans are used to), so coffee drinkers and tea lovers should bring their own. I highly recommend visiting this unique and mysterious country to form your own opinion of a state built on victorious socialism. I’d also be interested in returning in 10–15 years to see how life for Koreans, tourism, and restrictions on foreigners (including freedom of movement) have changed.

I traveled to North Korea with this team ???? The trip and the organization were both fantastic! Everything was done with comfort and care ❤️????

It was my first time taking a tour, and I chose North Korea. Everything went smoothly, from the paperwork to the itinerary, which included a variety of places to visit. Great job by the organizers!

I'm glad I chose Teamhike. I traveled to North Korea with them at the end of April 2026. Special thanks to our guide Natalia, who did her best to make everything as comfortable as possible for us. She even helped us bargain over souvenir prices. ???????? Although our trip to North Korea was shortened by several days because of an issue on the Korean side, the team arranged amazing excursions in Vladivostok, including a visit to Russian Island and Safari Park, which we absolutely loved. The North Korea program itself was good, despite visits to a backpack factory, duck farms, and so on. As they say, you can't go anywhere without a special government program. ???? The hotels were in a good category, the food was good, and of course the nature was incredible. One thing: bring your own tea and coffee. People in Korea don't really drink them. ???????? My husband and I loved everything.

I'd like to thank the organizers of the North Korea trip. I really enjoyed it. Any problems were resolved quickly, and all our wishes were taken into account. The food was local, varied, and delicious. It's a fascinating place, like another planet. Everyone should visit at least once in their life.

I went to North Korea with Teamhike, and it was absolutely amazing! Honestly, I was nervous about going, but everything was calm and well organized. The program was interesting, with plenty of unusual places and highlights. It felt like everything had been carefully planned, so we could simply enjoy the trip. I especially liked the atmosphere in the group — relaxed, friendly, and free of unnecessary fuss. Thank you to the team for this experience! This trip will stay with me for a long time ????

My trip to North Korea!! Do I recommend North Korea? Recommend it? That's an understatement!!! We're definitely going again with our family and friends and the Teamhike crew. It was a complete immersion in the culture, especially the traditional food — foodies will be amazed! I want to go back and experience those emotions all over again) I'll travel with Alexander again next year, but first up is Lake Baikal!