Chinese tour groups have been officially permitted to visit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) starting April 12, 2010. The first Hebei tour group will fly to Pyongyang by Air Koryo on Tuesday.

Hebei CITS (China International Travel Service Ltd) is the organizer of the tour group, which includes 18 people from Shijiazhuang, Xingtai and other parts of Hebei. The group took part in the welcoming banquet after their arrival.

During the five-day tour, the group will visit the Korea-China Friendship Tower, International Friendship Exhibition Hall, Panmunjom (where the Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed), the Military Demarcation Line, and the country's beautiful natural scenery. Also, they will enjoy local specialty foods such as Korean roast meat, cold noodles, hot pot and the Kaesong food of the imperial household.

According to Hebei CITS, after the first tour group, regular tours will be organized and the company will launch more diversified touring services.

By Li Cheng