North Korea - An inside view behind the last bamboo curtain

31.01. - 06.02.2003

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is almost off limits to foreign visitors. To those few who were able to visit the country - even twice - belongs the overseas-editor of the German railway journal "LOK Report", Florian Schmidt. During his stays he met with North Korean officials to discuss a number of tour proposals for railway enthusiasts. While the very fact that the authorities agreed to foreign visitors exploring parts of the national railways, perceived an installation of military significance, is remarkable, Florian could even manage to include one of the numerous, and hitherto totally unknown, industrial narrow gauge railways in our itinerary.

The programme is designed for the dedicated railway enthusiast, almost totally excluding non-railway related activities. However, the itinerary presented hereinafter represents the absolute maximum of what is possible under the current political and economic circumstances in North Korea.

To further enhance your travel options in the Far East, we have added some of the best steam centres in China to the proposed itineraries. You can chose any option you like, North Korea alone, North Korea together with seven days China or the full FarRail China tour "Winter Spectacle" plus North Korea.

The tour will be led by Florian Schmidt and Bernd Seiler. As mentioned above, Florian visited North Korea twice to design our programme, and to explore the line by organising (and paying for) a special train to identify photo positions and, more importantly, to confirm feasibility options. Such field trips to the destination before offering itineraries to the paying customers is, in our view, of utmost importance to ensure a smooth and worthwhile programme, especially in a country like North Korea.

Back in 1999, Florian applied the same strategy before successfully running what might have been the very first special steam train for western rail fans in Cambodia. He wants to repeat and build on this success in North Korea.

Bernd has been a very frequent visitor to China, having arranged a number of successful tours, often to less visited railways in rather remote places in both northern and southern China.

The two tour leaders believe that their unrivalled experience and track-record in "pioneer-style" railway exploration tours will make this proposed itinerary both intriguing and excellent value for money.

Our itinerary:

Our first standard-gauge special train in North Korea comprises a Japanese-style Mikado, similar to the Chinese Jiefang-type, and approximately five green standard passenger cars. Such compositions have always been, and are still, typical for North Korea's branch railways.

The line from Nampho to Cholgwang is not electrified and rather scenic, leading across the famous 8km long West See Barrage, and along the coastline into the rice paddies of the western flatlands. Some bridges and hills provide for additional photo opportunities. Our special train runs over 36km in both directions with the return from Cholgwang being tender-first, as in regular service. Photostops and runpasts will be arranged, especially during the chimney-first runs.

The narrow gauge line near Cholgwang was a surprise discovery by Florian Schmidt during his second field trip to the country in August 2002. The offer by the Korean officials to include this railway in our itinerary can well be considered sensational, given that the line is for industrial use, which normally means "strictly off limits to foreigners". The line is 2.5km long and two locomotives provide the shipments of minerals from a nearby mine, which can not be visited. Upon arrival of our group one of the engines will perform some shunting and runpasts at Cholgwang station.

On the second day we will arrange a second run over the scenic Nampho - Cholgwang line, this time with another Mikado and, possibly, a different train set. Our request for freight cars to run either a mixed or freight train is pending confirmation by the relevant authorities.

Our visit to the capital city of Pyongyang includes a tour on the world-famous metro system. The Pyongyang Metro is reportedly the deepest in the world, more than 150 m below the surface, and as such part of a huge underground system into which the two million people of the capital could be evacuated in case of an attack on the DPRK. The design of some of the stations is breathtaking, thanks to the lavish use of marble, chandeliers, impressive sculptures, carvings, mosaics and other murals. Many of the latter depict the founder of the country, president Kim Il Sung. The names of the stations like "torch", "glory" or "liberation" surely sound exotic to western ears.

Another important mass transit system are the Pyongyang tramways. The cars originate from formerly befriended countries of the European socialist block. A special ride through the grand city of Pyongyang with its monumental socialist constructions and beautiful parks will be a part of our itinerary.

The Railway Museum, finally, allows for an interesting insight into the history of Korea's railway system. The current political framework, however, would not allow for a truly comprehensive documentation.

Our return trip to Beijing will be by international train, surely an opportunity for priceless observations of this rarely visited country. In two cities, Sinanju and Sinujiu, steam locomotives were spotted during the last two years, either for branch line and shunting services, or as reserve. Other than that, various types of the self-made electric "Red Banner"-class as well as several diesels of the Chinese DF4-types or Soviet-made M 62 "Taiga Drums" can be seen.

Combinations with our China tours

Please note that the North Korea itinerary can be combined with our China winter programme from 17 January to 1 February, 2003. The China portion can be booked in full or in part, allowing for a tailor-made combination with the Korean itinerary. Prices vary accordingly, as indicated below.

For those joining our China programme, a visit to the steel works in Anshan or Benxi (subject to Anshan still operating steam locomotives) will be arranged in the morning of 1 February. A charter bus is provided.

Miscellaneous

Charter buses and trains represent the standard of our host countries, which may deviate form European expectations. While we will try to avoid long walks, some photo positions may require a bit of an extra effort. The itinerary is designed especially for photographers and video filmers.

Full board is included, but lunches will be sometimes simple, not to say "basic", especially during special train rides, while dinners are usually sumptuous. Alcolholic beverages are not included in the tour price.

Price

Please let us know in advance whether or not you would be interested to participate in small groups of 5 to 9 participants. Minimum number of participants is 7 for North Korea and 5 for China. The maximum number of participants is capped at 22.

The price includes:

• Flight Frankfurt/Main - Beijing (other ports of departure are available at the same price, please enquire)
• Flight China - North Korea
• All transfers in China and North Korea
• All hotels in China and North Korea
• Full board (excluding alcoholic beverages)
• Chinese/North Korean and German tour guides (all English speaking)
• Double entry visa for China, single-entry visa for North Korea

Not included are:

• Personal expenses for phone, bar service, laundry
• Tips for tour guides, drivers etc.

Above prices are based on specific bookings with the respective airlines, which, given the limited flights into North Korea, have to be confirmed well in advance. Your early booking is hence appreciated.