The "1,000-ri Journey for Learning" of school youth and children started in March Juche 63 (1974). Since then more than 500,000 school youth and children have taken part in the journey.

Generalissimo Kim Jong Il initiated the 1,000-ri journey for learning while giving field guidance to Ryanggang Province in July 1968.

A decision on making the 1,000-ri journey of the revolution for learning from the glorious childhood and youth of Kim Il Sung was adopted at the meeting of the Political Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee held in October 1973. In March next year a group of at least 5,000 exemplary school youth and children across the country made the first journey.

Kim Jong Il saw to it that the journey was made an annual event.

During the journey the participants trained their bodies and minds, displaying a strong sense of organization and discipline and collectivism, and held colorful political and cultural events including poem recitations and oath-taking meetings.