By Kim Bo-eun
Travel agencies based abroad are offering tours that give a bird’s-eye view of Pyongyang.
Korea Konsult, a Stockholm-based agency specializing in tours to North Korea, has helicopter and plane tours of the capital.
The 40-minute tour starts at Pyongyang International Airport and flies above the Taedong River, the sports village on Chongchun street, the Turu Islet, Mirae Scientists' Street, Juche Tower and Kim Il-sung Square. It also passes the Mansudae Grand Monument, Party Founding Memorial Tower, May Day Stadium, Mirim Horse Club, Jangchon Olericulture Cooperative Farm and Mangyongdae.
Tours are on Sundays and national holidays.
According to Korea Konsult’s website, tourists of more than 30 nationalities visit North Korea every year through the agency.
Young Pioneer Tours, an agency based in China, also focuses on Pyongyang tours. It is offering helicopter tours - “New Year's Party Tour & Pyongyang Helicopter Joyride” - starting Dec. 28 through Jan. 3.