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North Korea Landmarks – 11 Famous Places in North Korea

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About the Landmarks in North Korea

In this article, we will look at some of the most famous North Korea landmarks from the golden statues of the Kims to the Juche Tower, DMZ and more. I have visited North Korea twice, once in 2017 and again in 2018 and I have visited three of the largest cities; Sinuiju, Pyongyang and Kaesung.

Pyongyang is the capital of the DPRK, also known as North Korea . The city is home to 3 million people which makes it a rather small capital city by world standards. The Taedong River runs through the centre, and there are many famous North Korea landmarks throughout the capital.

The city was largely flattened during the Korean War and rebuilt in the utilitarian Stalinist style of the Soviet Union. To me the city resembles Tirana in Albania a lot more than say Moscow, however.

So, without further ado, here are 11 landmarks in North Korea that every visitor to the DPRK should see!

Top 11 North Korea Landmarks

1. kim il sung square.

One of the most famous North Korea landmarks is Kim Il Sung Square . You will likely recognize the square from news reports showing marching North Korean soldiers and displays of weaponry. It’s also where people gather on special occasions like New Years for large parties with a stage for live music (this was being set up ready for the New Year celebrations while I was there).

There is an English language bookshop not far from the square where you can buy books about North Korea. There is also an assortment of usual tourist tat (which naturally I availed myself of) including postcards, posters, pins, mugs and newspapers.

2. Mansudae Grand Monument

The Mansudae Grand Monument is home to the two large bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il , the grandfather and father of current leader Kim Jong Un . Flanking the statues are monuments to soldiers who fought during the Korean War and are very similar to those you can find in any ex-soviet city. If you look to the east with your back to the statues you can see the hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush of the Monument to the Party Foundation in the distance.

Mansudae is a very important place for North Koreans and you will find wedding parties and others coming to lay wreaths (5 Euros/optional) and taking a bow (compulsory).

It is imperative to behave with respect while at the statues. Pay attention to your guides and do as they ask. When taking photos have your hands by your side and do not make any gestures. Ensure that no parts of the statues are cropped in the picture. No running, joking, mimicking or any other behavior that would be deemed disrespectful. Cover up any logos you might have on t-shirts and no ripped jeans.

3. Juche Tower (One of the Most Impressive North Korea Landmarks)

Another of the North Korea landmarks is the 170 metre (560ft) Juche Tower . The tower sits on the east side of the Teadong River and dominates the skyline of Pyongyang. The tower is usually shrouded in a thin layer of mist. The Juche Tower is included in our list of 27 incredible Asia Landmarks !

Completed in 1982, it was constructed to commemorate Kim Il Sung’s 70 th birthday. You can take a somewhat rickety and old elevator up to the top for magnificent views of the city (5 Euros). If you are not good with heights or enclosed spaces, give it a miss, although I clenched my teeth and went up and was glad I did for the views and photo opportunities.

4. Pyongyang Metro

The capital has two metro lines and 17 stations that only cover the west side of the Taedong River. We were told the river was too deep to tunnel under, and an accident while trying to build this section cost up to 100 lives.

It is the deepest metro system in the world at 360 feet (110 metres) deep. The stations are grand affairs similar to the Moscow Metro and each station has its own theme. We rode a total of seven stops and got off to see three of the stations.

The network carries between 300,00 and 700,00 people each day and is used by North Koreans getting to work and school. A trip on the metro provides a nice insight into daily life in Pyongyang.

5. Arch of Triumph

The Arch of Triumph is another of North Korea’s famous landmarks and was built to honour resistance to the Japanese. Although it is modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it is 33 feet taller (10 meters) than its Parisian namesake. This makes it the second-largest triumphal arch in the world after the Monumento a la Revolucion in Mexico.

6. Grand People’s Study House

The Grand People’s Study House is a library and centre of learning open to all Pyongyang residents at university age and above. It is situated overlooking Kim Il Sung Square and features traditional Korean design. The views from the rooftop are some of the best in the city (no photos directly south as there are sensitive government buildings nearby).

7. USS Pueblo & Military Museum

Another of North Korea’s landmarks is the USS Pueblo. The Pueblo was an American spy ship caught in North Korean waters on 23 rd January 1968. The vessel disguised itself as an environmental research ship, but was actually part of the US Navy Intelligence.

One American was killed during the capture and the other 83 servicemen aboard were captured and taken prisoner. The 83 prisoners were released after 11 months of negotiations but endured torture and mock executions during their time in captivity.  The Pueblo is the only US Naval ship that is still being held captive and is now a tourist attraction.

If the propaganda on the streets is not enough, then a visit to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum will surely overload you. The museum was updated in 2014 and now resembles a grand hotel with ornate staircases and crystal chandeliers. There are some interesting exhibits including a 360-degree diorama of the battle of Taejon. The exhibit includes a revolving floor and illuminations of gunfire, smoke and bombs.

One of the highlights of this tour is being led by a North Korean army Captain (the only soldier I’ve ever seen wearing high heels). It might be possible to ask for a photo (one of the only times photography of army personnel is not strictly prohibited).

8. Monument to the Party Foundation

One of the defining symbols of North Korea and the Juche ideology is the combined hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush. This North Korea landmark represents the workers, farmers and intellectuals.

You will see the yellow symbol on a red background on posters along the streets and atop buildings.  This concrete manifestation dominates central Pyongyang and can be seen from many places in the city. The monument is 50 metres (164ft) tall. This represents the 50 years from the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

9. Arch of Reunification

The Monument to the Three-Point Charter to Reunification is a 180-foot (55 metre) high sculpture spanning the reunification Highway. The road leads south from Pyongyang down to Kaesung and the border with South Korea.

10. Ryugyong Hotel

The vast triangular Ryugyong Hotel is another of the North Korea landmarks that dominates the Pyongyang skyline. At 105 stories (1,082 feet/330 metres) tall it is an impressive spectacle, but scratch the neon surface and you will find a hotel that has been under construction since 1987 and likely will never see a single guest.

11. The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is the strip of land separating North and South Korea. Sometimes known as the “38th Parallel”, this heavily fortified area is famous for the blue truce huts at Panmunjom where talks between the north and the south take place.

It is possible to visit the DMZ from both North and South Korea on a tour from either Pyongyang in the north or Seoul in the south.

How to Visit North Korea

The only way to visit North Korea, unless you are a diplomat or visiting student, is to take a pre-arranged tour. I went with Young Pioneer Tours who are specialists in North Korean travel and have been taking groups to the DPRK for many years.

Your tour operator will arrange a VISA for you (50 Euros with YPT) and this can be done easily by just sending a scan of your passport. The North Korean VISA is one of the easiest to obtain as the North Koreans are very keen for tourists to visit. At this point in time American and South Korean citizens are unable to visit the DPRK.

How to see the North Korea Landmarks

The only way to see these places in North Korea is to take a guided tour. There are many tours that take in these tourist attractions, and different ways of entering the country.

There are two ways to reach the capital; train from Dandong in China or a flight from Beijing with Air Koryo. I would thoroughly recommend the train as you will get a chance to see a lot of North Korean countryside. You will also witness people going about their daily life in the fields and small villages the train passes by.

To book a tour to North Korea, contact Young Pioneer Tours who have a vast range of tours to the DPRK. Quote Code: TRIPYPT20 to get a FREE North Korea t-shirt from YPT!

You might find these articles interesting:

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

4 thoughts on “ North Korea Landmarks – 11 Famous Places in North Korea ”

this was a good website to see landmarks

has it been the same construction company working on Ryugyong Hotel this whole time or have there been multiple pulled together to try and speed up the time till completion

Hi Aaron, to the best of my knowledge no one has been working on the hotel for years.

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20 Must-See Sights in Pyongyang

Pyongyang, translated into English, means flat land. Once the ancient capital of the Choson, Koguryo and Koryo kingdoms, Pyongyang remains the capital of contemporary North Korea. After the destruction caused by the Korean War, Pyongyang has become completely modernized with towering skyscrapers, wide illuminated boulevards and relaxing green parks. Department malls, recreational centers, restaurants and draft beer bars sit between the revolutionary museums, imposing monuments and colorful murals that scatter the city. Pyongyang is home to the Workers’ Party of Korea and has become the most elaborate showpiece of the national Juche ideology. Although North Korea may be mysterious to many of us, this city is ready to show itself to the world.

Here are our top 20 must-see sights on a group tour  or private tour with us to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea!

Mansudae Grand Monument

The Mansudae Grand Monument is an iconic memorial most notable for its formidable bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Each statue stands at 22 meters tall. It’s here that men, women, and children will make a visit to lay flowers at the feet of the past leaders who are seen as guiding fathers to the Korean people. It’s customary to line up and bow in front of the statues, a Korean form of greeting and a showing of respect. Photos are permitted, but you are advised not to mimic the Great Leader’s pose or to cut off any part of the statues in the frame. Kim Il Sung’s statue was once the only resident of Mansu Hill, but after Kim Jong Il’s passing in 2011, a similar statue was erected in his honor and Kim Il Sung’s facial expression and coat were altered to reflect a smiling grandfatherly image. Soon after, Kim Jong Il’s coat was renovated into the signature parka he wore during on-the-spot guidance field trips.

With a mosaic backdrop of Mt. Paektu and tributes to the ‘Anti-Japanese Struggle’ and ‘Socialist Revolution’ on either side, the Mansudae Grand Monument is the most sacred of its kind in North Korea and our number one must-see.

Kim Il Sung Square

Kim Il Sung Square is the major public space at the heart of Pyongyang. Similar to China’s Tiananmen Square, North Korea hold their well-publicized historical events, mass dance celebrations, military parades and even firework displays here. If you’ve seen goose-stepping North Korean soldiers on television, then you’re familiar with Kim Il Sung Square. The area can accommodate a massive 100,000 people and is surrounded by high-profile ministries, most notably the Worker’s Party of Korea headquarters. Other buildings on the square include the Grand People’s Study House, the Korean Central History Museum and the Korean National Art Gallery. You’ll get a fantastic view of the Tower of the Juche Idea across the river. If you’re in Pyongyang on one of our tours over a public holiday, we’ll often get to witness special festivities right on location.

Tower of the Juche Idea

Opposite Kim Il Sung Square perched on the riverbank, you’ll spot the imposing Tower of the Juche Idea. This is North Korea’s tallest monument. This obelisk commemorates the state ideology of ‘Juche’ developed by Kim Il Sung. ‘Juche’ is loosely translated as ‘self-reliance’ and is otherwise the foundation to the political and economic isolationism of North Korea today. Exactly 25,500 granite blocks make up the Juche Tower, each representing a day in the life of Kim Il Sung by his 70th birthday. At the tower’s entry, the local guide will show you a wall of plaques and tributes from those supporting the Juche ideology internationally. When we visit, we’ll take you to the top and you’ll get the best views of Pyongyang all to yourself.

Arch of Triumph

This is typically the first site you’ll visit after reaching Pyongyang. The Arch of Triumph is not to be confused with the 10-meters-shorter Arc De Triomphe in Paris and was built in the exact spot Kim Il Sung was met with thundering applause upon his return from victory over the Japanese and liberation of Korea. Kim Il Sung became determined for liberation by 1925, but it wasn’t until 1945 that he became successful. These dates are now immortalized on the arch itself, as is the poem “Song of General Kim Il Sung”, a piece recited on State television every day. The Arch of Triumph is a spectacle to drive under at night and we can even take you up an elevator to get a clear view of the nearby Kim Il Sung Stadium.

Monument to Party Founding

The Monument to Party Founding was built in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Worker’s Party of Korea. The Worker’s Party of Korea is the founding and ruling party of North Korea helmed by Kim Jong Un as Chairman. The party is credited with the victories of the Korean people and this accolade is idealized in the monument’s design. The hammer, sickle, and brush represent the idea that individuals themselves hold the key to North Korea’s prosperity under Juche. To the front of the monument is a landing area known to host mass dance and celebration. The red buildings behind represent the waving flag of the Worker’s Party of Korea and are topped with the words “Ever Victorious”. This is a Postcard-Pyongyang selfie you’ll never forget.

Grand People’s Study House

This traditional Korean-style pavilion is North Korea’s largest library with 600 rooms and the capacity to hold up to 30 million books. Kim Il Sung endorsed the idea of ‘study while working’ and so the library offers short courses covering topics such as science and architecture, reading areas packed with ‘revolutionary materials’ and even free lectures and video presentations. The complex is designed to encourage personal development outside work hours. As a tourist, enjoy patriotic tunes in the ‘Music Appreciation Room’, surf the North Korean intranet at an available computer, catch up on some light reading with an English-language ‘Complete Encyclopedia of Chickens’ or perhaps visit room 1004 housing the ‘Works of President Kim Il Sung and books on his greatness.’

Pyongyang Metro

The Pyongyang Metro isn’t just the deepest metro system on earth, it’s a nuclear bunker with purpose-built blast doors and an ultra-nationalistic museum of North Korea’s revolutionary history, ideals, and achievements. Each station is uniquely themed. The ‘Golden Soil’ station celebrates agriculture by showcasing murals of wheat harvests and fresh fruit, while the walls of ‘Construction’ station include mosaics of smiling laborers at work as Kim Il Sung offers field guidance. Statues, bronze plaques, and ornaments scatter the platforms. Transiting here alongside some of the 700,000 locals that do each day will mean leaving with a stronger understanding of what it means to be North Korean.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is the final resting place of Eternal President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il. Inside separate rooms, their embalmed bodies lie presented inside climate-controlled clear glass sarcophagi for public viewing. Visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a formal affair; men will require a collared shirt, tie and trousers and women must dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Photography isn’t permitted. Prior to entry, you will go through metal detectors, have your shoes cleaned and walk through purpose-built dust blowers. It’s mandatory to bow before each Great Leader three times. Many of the leaders’ most prized possessions are also on display, including a yacht, Mercedes, golf cart and train carriage. This is a somber yet surreal visit that may just define your trip to North Korea. The Palace is open just twice a week and closed in May and June, so on a short visit to North Korea, make sure it’s included!

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum is a newly renovated exhibit of the Korean people’s fight against foreign invaders. You’ll be assigned a female military-guide and she will provide you with a North Korean version of history that’s generally left unheard or discredited. The museum is filled with historical photography and video, expansive dioramas, remnant displays and otherwise incredible attention to detail. Before entering, you’ll see captured US Army helicopters, shot down US Army planes and even the infamous USS Pueblo, America’s ‘Spy Ship’ still held hostage by North Korea that you can board and inspect for yourself.

Mansudae Art Studio

The Mansudae Art Studio is the largest and most prestigious fine arts studio in North Korea. The state artists here have mastered the socialist-realist style and since 1959, have provided North Korea with their ubiquitous monuments, statues, murals, posters, and even lapel pin designs. The hereditary Kim leadership endorses this studio exclusively to depict their likeness, so on any itinerary to Pyongyang you’re likely to become a connoisseur of their works. Beyond the workshops, we’ll visit a gallery here and you’ll have the chance to buy the ultimate North Korean souvenir for your lounge room wall.

Mangyongdae Native House

Nestled privately inside a tranquil park you’ll find Mangyondae Native House. This modest straw-thatched home is President Kim Il Sung’s official birthplace and where he spent his childhood. He was born on April 15th, 1912, but in North Korea this year is better known as Juche 1, the North Korean calendar year is pivoted off Kim Il Sung’s birth. Your visit to Mangyondae Native House will likely be shared with school groups eager to catch a glimpse inside the early years of their Eternal President. It is customary to lay flowers at the Kim Il Sung memorial plaque outside.

Munsu Water Park

Munsu Water Park is a massive international standard water park, possibly the last thing you’d expect to see in Pyongyang. In the lobby, you’ll first be greeted by a wax likeness of Kim Jong Il smiling by the seaside, then you’ll be handed a socialist-style bathing suit and let loose to make a splash with the locals. There is a myriad of vibrant water slides, an Olympic-sized lap pool, an ocean wave pool and even a lazy river to float down. If swimming isn’t your thing, you’ll find a rock climbing wall, volleyball courts, trampolines, a draft beer hall, and coffee shop, even a barber to get yourself a haircut! After a long day of sightseeing in Pyongyang, Munsu Water Park is a welcome change of pace.

Korean People’s Army Circus

North Korea is renowned for its performing arts and you’ll see why during the Pyongyang Military Circus. It’s a one-hour extravaganza of acrobatic routine, trapeze artistry, juggling and vaulting that sees performers catapult across the stage with a display of balancing skills that’ll blow your mind. The intermission skits are militaristic in nature and keep the North Korean crowd in stitches. It’s common for foreigners to be plucked from the sidelines to join simple acts in the spotlight. Revolutionary displays of music performance and nationalistic marches are included as part of the entertainment. There are no animals used in the show. It’s simple lighthearted fun, the North Korean way!

Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery

Situated on a hillside overlooking Pyongyang, this cemetery features rows of individually sculptured bronze busts of the fallen comrades that were pivotal to the liberation of Korea from the Japanese. The most famous of these is Kim Il Sung’s first wife, Kim Jong Suk, affectionately known as the ‘Mother of Korea’. She has reached a level of admiration in North Korea otherwise only enjoyed by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and her grave can be found here. School children and soldiers visit the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery to lay flowers and give thanks to Kim Jong Suk for her heroic anti-Japanese efforts. The sheer detail and impeccability of this site make it notably unique, and the view itself of Pyongyang city from the top is spectacular.

Foreign Languages Bookshop

The Foreign Languages Bookshop is the best place to pick up souvenirs in North Korea. You’ll find texts ranging from Kim Jong Il’s Songun policy, pamphlets filled with anecdotes of Kim Il Sung’s life to coffee-table spreads with high-quality images inside the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. The Great Leaders’ complete works have been transcribed into English, French, Chinese, Spanish and Russian and so have North Korea’s daily newspapers and state magazines. Aside from literature, you’ll find anti-American postcards, historical stamp collections, hand-painted posters and even locally distributed DVDs on Pyongyang’s iconic traffic ladies.

Ryugyong Hotel

One of the first questions you’ll ask your guides after arrival to North Korea will be: ‘What is that giant futuristic pyramid?’ This is the 105-floor Ryugyong Hotel and it dominates the Pyongyang skyline, singlehandedly rocketing North Korea’s capital into the 21st century. Construction began in 1987 and until 2009, it was the tallest hotel in the world. Originally intended to house over 3,000 guest rooms, it was never opened to the public and remains under construction, now planned to be a one-stop-shop for revolving restaurants, hotel rooms, apartment rentals, and business space. One can only speculate as to whether it will ever be finished and what will be inside when it is.

Meari Shooting Range

Fancy firing a rifle or a revolver in North Korea? Meari Shooting Range was renovated with cutting-edge upgrades in 2014 and we can take you to test your shooting skills under the guidance of a female Korean People’s Army Officer. The spread of your shots is recorded and displayed on computer screens alike a bowling alley, so you can challenge your friend in the booth beside or just have the spectator’s gallery critique your technique in safety. For 20 Euro, it’s also possible to try your hand at some live pheasant that’s then cooked and served to you for dinner. Compound archery is also available here. When you’re done, you’ll take home a result scorecard for bragging rights.

Pyongyang Film Studios

Come and visit North Korea’s very own Hollywood, the studio behind a plethora of domestic films fixated around the anti-Japanese struggle and the Korean War. Kim Jong Il was a huge fan of film and is said to have even enjoyed the works of James Bond and Rambo; he visited this studio 600 times! Film is a passion for many North Koreans and you’ll see cinemas scattered around Pyongyang. Pyongyang holds an international film festival every two years. At the studio, you’ll tour the post-production complex and the film sets replicating streets and buildings from stereotypical visions of China, Japan, Europe and even South Korea. You’ll also find villages modeled after ancient Korea and tourists are able to let their hair down here and dress up in dynastic movie props for a photo-shoot with their guides.

Pyongyang Golf Course

Pyongyang Golf Course is North Korea’s only golf course. It’s an 18-hole course of international length and in fantastic condition with well-maintained fairways, sand bunkers and freshly cut putting greens. The facilities here include a lavish clubhouse, restaurant, souvenir shop and motorized buggies. You won’t need a tee-time, the course will likely be empty and you’ll have your own personal North Korean caddy to guide you through the grassland complex. Photography is banned for the first five holes extending out into Taicheng Lake. If you’re into golf, this is the course you can none of your friends have played, guaranteed.

Pyongyang Sci-Tech Complex

Discover North Korea’s latest in science and technology at the new and extravagant atom-shaped Sci-Tech Complex. The buildings are entirely powered by a grid of visible solar panels. The lobby is pillared by a model carrier rocket, said officially to ‘symbolize a grand house of science’. The complex itself is filled with e-libraries, exhibition areas including an earthquake simulation room and a model operating theatre, science games for all ages, rooms designed for presentations or lectures and the latest in computer technology inclusive of touchscreen displays. Institutions and individuals are able to connect to these resources from home using the intranet. The construction of this complex and the recently completed Mirae Scientists’ Street is a testament to North Korea’s commitment to scientific development.

BONUS: The Pyongyang Marathon

Once a year, the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is held in Pyongyang and it’s one of the most incredible ways to experience North Korea’s capital. This is your chance to break from your guides and run through the streets of Pyongyang side by side professional runners from all over the world to the cheer of roaring North Korean spectators. You can compete in a full or half marathon lengths, or even a 10k or 5k race. The route will pass major landmarks such as the Arch of Triumph and Kim Il Sung Square, giving you a unique point of view otherwise not possible. No matter your skill level, you’ll feel like an Olympic runner as you finish the race inside Kim Il Sung Stadium to a packed house of 50,000 cheering North Koreans. The atmosphere alone is something you’ll never forget. This is a historic event and if you’d like to be part of it, we hold marathon tours during April each year and you can find the schedule here .

You’ll visit many of these sights on a  group tour with us to Pyongyang, and there are further sights we can arrange for you on a private tour . Want to visit outside Pyongyang? We can organize visits to all 9 provinces of North Korea, covering all corners of the country. There is more to see than you may expect!  Contact us and we will provide the available options.

Filed under: Uncategorized , uritours | November 14, 2017

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12 Things to Do in Pyongyang, North Korea

You don’t get a moment’s rest when you travel in North Korea – be ready for an intense trip of endless sightseeing and activities!

North Korea is not your typical travel destination. Everything is strictly controlled and you’ll be ushered from place to place by two tour guides who you must stick with at all times. You’ll have your entire itinerary planned out for you, often starting each day at 8 am and returning to the hotel late at night. Travelling in North Korea is certainly not a holiday as your itinerary will be totally jampacked.

Your time in North Korea will most likely be centred around its showcase capital, Pyongyang. You’ll do a lot of sightseeing here, with the occasional morning or afternoon trip out to places like the DMZ or Mount Myohyang.

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually a lot of things to do in Pyongyang. From monuments to museums, and funfairs to talent shows, this blog post will show you what you can expect to see during your time in North Korea’s capital city.

The key thing to bear in mind is that you won’t get to see the real North Korea. You’ll be ferried from place to place with zero opportunity for independent exploration. You’ll only see what they allow you to see, in what I believe is a very tightly controlled tourist route. These are, what I would call, showpieces of the regime.

Things to do in Pyongyang, North Korea

Visit kim il sung square.

Kim Il Sung Square is the main square of Pyongyang and is a sight not to be missed. When parades are on, it’s the place to be, otherwise, it’s the least busy city square in the world. We were there when wasn’t a parade; it was quite strange to visit an empty square and it felt a little post-apocalyptic.

Ride the Pyongyang Metro

At 110 metres underground, the Pyongyang metro is the deepest metro station in the world. Covered in propaganda, images of the Kim family, and with station names such as ‘Comrade’, ‘Glory’ and ‘Reunification’, riding Pyongyang’s metro is really quite an experience.

Before 2010, tourists in North Korea were only allowed to ride between two stations, giving rise to a conspiracy theory that the metro was purely for show and that the passengers were actors. We rode for 5 of the 16 stops during rush hour, where there were hundreds of citizens boarding the train. It seems unlikely that this rumour is true.

Go to the top of the Arch of Triumph

Pyongyang’s very own Arch of Triumph greeted us as we came out of the metro at Kaeson Station. It closely resembles the Arc De Triomphe in Paris, but, as our guide kept repeating, it’s the tallest Arch of Triumph in the world and is 11 metres taller than the Parisian one. I told her I was impressed.

There is an observation deck at the top of the Arch which you can go up to for 15RMB (about 2USD). At the top, you’ll be treated to impressive views of the surrounding area including Kim Il Sung Stadium, Moran Hill and the Ryugyong Hotel.

Visit Kaeson Funfair

The Kaeson Funfair – located near the Arch of Triumph – provided what I felt was the most genuine insight into life in North Korea. The funfair was the only place where we were allowed to wander around somewhat freely. Our guides let us mingle with the locals a little and stood guard along the pathways leading to the entry and exit points.

We were, however, told that we should skip all the queues and go straight onto any ride we wanted, because “we’re Western.” This annoyed me, as I didn’t feel that this presented a good view of us as Westerners to the citizens of North Korea. Perhaps they didn’t mind, but as a Brit, orderly queues are an essential part of my culture!

Visit Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun used to serve as the official residence of former Supreme Leader Kim Il Sung. His son, Kim Jong-Il, converted it into a huge mausoleum, where Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il are laid to rest. Their embalmed bodies are preserved inside climate-controlled glass sarcophagi for public viewing.

My visit to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun made me feel very tense, as we had to walk the hall in lines of four and were not to speak.

We had to bow three times to each leader, once at their feet, once at their left side, and once at their right. It was surreal to see real bodies laid on display in this way, and the number of guards watching our every move was extremely intimidating.

Check out Kim Il Sung’s family home

Nestled privately inside a tranquil park you’ll find Mangyondae Native House. This modest straw-thatched home is Kim Il Sung’s official birthplace and where he spent his childhood. He was born on April 15th, 1912, but in North Korea, this year is better known as Juche 1. Yes, the North Korean calendar year starts from Kim Il Sung’s birth.

Your visit to Mangyondae Native House will likely be shared with school groups eager to catch a glimpse inside the early years of their Eternal President. It is customary to lay flowers at the Kim Il Sung memorial plaque outside.

Visit Mansudae Hill

On top of Mansudae Hill sits two giant bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. It’s one of the most sacred sites in North Korea, and visitors must march solemnly toward the statues and bow to them to show respect.

Kim Il-sung – the one with his arm outstretched – was the original monument, unveiled in 1972 to celebrate the leader’s 60th birthday. Kim Jong-il’s statue was added after his death in 2011.

Visit the Monument to Party Founding

Utterly simple design yet undeniably socialist, Pyongyang’s version of the hammer and sickle comes with an extra paintbrush! Built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Worker’s Party of Korea (I wonder if there are any other political parties?), it is also flanked by two buildings on either side of the monument with communist slogans written in Korean.

The North Koreans have by now become such experts in building monuments that this has become one of their exports to the world. North Korean monument makers have been shipped to places like Angola to build structures in concrete or marble.

Explore the National Library

When we were told we were to be visiting the National Libary, I expected it to be quite boring, but it was actually extremely interesting. It gave us an insight into what Western literature North Koreans are exposed to, which turns out isn’t a lot, but they did have Harry Potter, Shakespeare’s works and Sherlock Holmes.

One of our tour guides who had been really quite stilted and unwilling to talk about her personal interests throughout most of the trip started to open up when I asked her if she’d read Harry Potter. Her face lit up and she said “it’s my favourite! In Chamber of Secrets where Harry sings Happy Birthday to himself – that makes me sad. And Hermione is so brave!” From then on, she was a lot more willing to answer my questions about life in North Korea – it seems that a good book brings people together everywhere in the world.

Watch a school talent show

Your North Korea tour will most likely take you to a local school in Pyongyang, where you’ll watch a talent show. The talent show was very impressive, where the kids put on performances with dance, singing and musical instruments. Apparently, many people in North Korea are very talented as they’re taught singing and dancing during primary school.

Eat a lot of kimchi

I couldn’t not include kimchi in this list – you’re in Korea! You’ll be served it with almost every meal so you don’t really have a choice.

In case you’re not sure, kimchi is a staple food in Korea. It’s a traditional dish of salted and fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radish, seasoned with spring onions, garlic, ginger and more. I promise it’s much tastier than it sounds!

If you’re not a fan of kimchi, don’t worry – you’ll be very well-fed in North Korea and will have lots of choices.

Explore the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum is a large museum and exhibit dedicated to artefacts from the war. On arrival, you’ll be assigned a female military guide who will show you around the museum and present North Korea’s version of history.

The museum is filled with historical photography and video, expansive dioramas, remnant displays and otherwise incredible attention to detail. Before entering, you’ll see captured US Army helicopters, shot down US Army planes and even the infamous USS Pueblo, America’s ‘Spy Ship’ still held hostage by North Korea that you can board and inspect for yourself.

Further North Korea reading :

• How to visit North Korea as a tourist
• Read about my personal experience in North Korea
• Is it ethical to visit North Korea?

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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Must-see attractions in Pyongyang

Tower of the Juche Idea

This tower honours the North Korean philosophy of Juche and was unveiled to mark President Kim Il-sung's 70th birthday in 1982. Indeed, the tower is made…

Monument to the Foundation of the Workers' Party

This startlingly bombastic monument has starred on the cover of more books about North Korea than almost any other. The three hands portrayed represent…

Mansudae Grand Monument

Every itinerary includes an homage to these vast bronze statues of the smiling Great Leader and Dear Leader, the latter in his trademark parka. The first…

Kim Il-sung Square

Pyongyang’s central square is where North Korea’s massive military parades normally take place. The plaza is ringed by austere-looking buildings: most…

Pyongyang Metro

Visiting the impressive Pyongyang metro is definitely a highlight of the capital. The network, which is made up of two lines, has a simultaneous function…

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

Perhaps the most interesting museum in Pyongyang, this mouthful of an institution opened its current home in 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the end…

Triumphal Arch

Your guides will tell you proudly that the Triumphal Arch is 6m higher than its cousin in Paris, making it the largest of its kind in the world. The arch…

Chollima Statue

This impressive statue portrays Chollima, the Korean Pegasus. It’s an interesting example of how the North Korean state has incorporated traditional…

The USS Pueblo is a US surveillance vessel that was seized by the North Koreans off the east coast of Korea in January 1968, during a heightening of…

Monument to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War 1950–53

This impressive monument, which was unveiled in 1993 to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, now forms part of the display of the…

Kim Il-sung Mural

This massive mural depicts the hypothetical scene of the joyful masses celebrating Kim Il-sung's arrival in Pyongyang, even though the event wasn't quite…

Tower of Immortality

The writing on this tower, through the base of which traffic drives, pledges that the 'Great Leader Kim Il-sung and the Dear Leader Kim Jong-il will…

This is Pyongyang’s top recreation ground: couples wander, families picnic and there are people playing guitars and sometimes even dancing in an…

Tomb of Tan'gun

History continues to evolve in North Korea, with new revolutionary discoveries being made every year. While the government announced in 1993 that its…

Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun

Kim Il-sung’s residence during his lifetime, the Kumsusan Palace remained so after his death. North Koreans come here en masse to pay their respects to…

Pyongyang Film Studios

Several films a year are churned out by the country’s main film studios in the suburbs of Pyongyang. The two main focuses are predictably the anti…

Three Revolutions Exhibition

A surreal, enormous exhibition complex, North Korea’s answer to Florida’s Epcot theme park details the ‘three revolutions’ Kim Il-sung brought about in…

Grand People's Study House

This impressive building on Kim Il-sung Sq is the country’s largest library and centre of Juche studies, where any North Korean over 17 can come for free…

Ryugyong Hotel

Three decades after construction began on this extraordinary hotel in 1987, it still has not been completed. Planned as a prestige project but abandoned…

Korean Revolution Museum

Despite the museum’s rather misleading name, its main function is to document the death of Kim Il-sung (including a film of the extraordinary public…

Kim Il-sung's Birthplace

The suburb of Mangyongdae houses the place of Kim Il-sung’s birth, a typical Korean peasant house with a thatched roof and a block of living rooms, as…

Party Founding Museum

Located on the southern slope of Haebang Hill is this museum that originally housed the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party, as well as Kim Il…

Mangyongdae Funfair

After the relentless propaganda, you can relax with some day trippers from the capital at the Mangyongdae Funfair, a pleasant oasis built around the base…

Liberation Tower

This stone column topped with a red star commemorates the Soviet liberation of Pyongyang from Japanese rule in 1945. Built in 1947, it is thoroughly…

Mangyongdae Revolutionary Museum

The Mangyongdae Revolutionary Museum, located near Kim Il-sung's birthplace, continues the theme of the Great Leader's childhood and makes the point that…

May Day Stadium

The largest stadium in the world, the May Day Stadium seats an incredible 114,000 people. It's most famous as the home of the impressive feat of North…

Taedong Gate

This was the eastern gate of the ancient walled city of Pyongyang, built in the 6th century to defend the entrance to the inner fortress from the Taedong…

Korean National Art Gallery

This large gallery on Kim Il-sung Square is worth a visit to see the postwar socialist-realist art collection. There are 14 rooms of prewar Korean art…

Metro Museum

The Metro Museum details the Great and Dear Leaders' roles in the construction of the Pyongyang metro in detail, although technical information beyond…

Chilsong Gate

Located inside what is today Pyongyang's main park, the Chilsong Gate was once the northern entrance to the original walled city of Pyongyang and dates…

Korean Central History Museum

The Korean Central History Museum is all rather predictable – a large number of exhibits about the North's struggle against imperialism and oppression.

Sino-Korean Friendship Tower

This television tower was built as a gift from the Chinese to the DRPK. It's possible to take the lift to the top and have a drink at the small cafe.

Potong Gate

The western gate of the original walled city of Pyongyang dates from the 6th century, but was rebuilt in the 15th century and then again in 1955.

14 Top Things to See in Pyongyang | North Korea

LAST UPDATED: 10th March 2024

Pyongyang, the capital city of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), is a unique and fascinating place. The main things to see in Pyongyang are showcasing the history of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the conquests of the supreme leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, and their desire for reunification with South Korea. There’s more to it than this but let’s save that for another blog!

Things to see in Pyongyang

Juche tower.

The Juche Tower is situated on the east bank of the River Taedong in Pyongyang, directly opposite Kim Il-sung Square on the west bank. It was built to commemorate Kim Il-sung’s 70th birthday. At the entrance you can see 82 friendship plaques from foreign supporters and Juche study groups.

The Arch Of Triumph

The Arch of Triumph, built in 1982, commemorates the Korean resistance to Japan from 1925 to 1945. After national liberation in 1945 from Japanese colonial rule, President Kim Il Sung returned home and delivered a triumphant speech to the Korean people and The Arch of Triumph was built close to this place.

The mosaic of this momentous occasion in 1945 when he said everyone should be involved in building a new country. Our guide told us that Kim Il Sung announced “The rich should dedicate their money, the strong should dedicate their strength and the wise should dedicate their knowledge.”

Arch Of Reunification

The Arch of Reunification (or Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification), opened in August 2001, is located at the southern entrance to Tongil Street in Pyongyang. It symbolises the potential unity between two countries, North and South Korea. Towering over the highway, the grand arch represents twin sisters holding a sphere with a map of the unified Koreas, and has served as the representation of the nations’ dream to become one democratically governed ‘Koryo Federation.’

The 3 Principles of National Reunification will be achieved

• without the involvement of foreign powers
• without the involvement of war and
• with the will and participation of the whole Korean Nation

Monument To Party Founding

The Monument to Party Founding was erected in October 1995 (Juche 84) at Munsu Street to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea hence why the monument is 50m tall. Built on the instruction of Kim Jong Il, it conveys the proud history of the Workers’ Party of Korea composed of workers, farmers of ‘traditional’ communist ideology and intellectuals depicted by the hammer, sickle and brush seized by a worker, a farmer and an intellectual.

The Korean text on the surrounding circle reads; “The organisers of the victory of the Korean people and the leader of the Workers Party of Korea!” and the inner diameter of 42m reflects the year General Kim Jong Il was born (1942). The red apartments were built to represent the shape of the flags, the writing on the top essentially means ‘ever victorious’.

Mansu Hill Grand Monument

A 20 metre high giant bronze monument to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il on Mansu Hill is one of the most sacred sites in North Korea. It is a collection of monuments (228 figures in total) and behind the Great Leaders is a mosaic mural portraying Mount Paektu, a mountain considered to be sacred within Korea.

On either side of the leaders, there are enormous stones with KWP flags and 228 bronze figures all standing at 5 meters high. This sculpture is symbolic of the socialist revolution and the struggle against North Korea’s imperialist enemies.

Visitors are expected to show the correct visiting etiquette by purchasing flowers to lay at the giant statues’ feet, marching in sombre line, hands by your sides, and bowing.

Taesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery

Taesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery is a memorial to the North Korean soldiers fighting for freedom and independence against Japanese rule. The cemetery is constructed on top of Mount Taesong, just outside Pyongyang and boasts a magnificent view of Pyongyang city if you catch it on a clear day.

Bronze busts adorn each grave but the most notorious is the grave of  Kim Jong Suk , wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il, hailed as an anti-Japanese war hero, can be found at the top of the cemetery. It is etiquette to bow to her statue. 

Kumsusan Palace Of The Sun

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a mausoleum complex of the DPRK leaders, President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il, who lie in state. Inside separate rooms, their embalmed bodies lie presented inside climate-controlled clear glass sarcophagi for public viewing.

All visitors are required to wear formal dress, you enter through metal detectors, step across show cleaners and go through blowers to rid your clothes of dust. It is mandatory to stand in a line and bow to the leaders 3 times, once on the left, then the head, then to the right. Their most treasured possessions such as yacht, Mercedes, and even the train that Kim Jong-il died in which was presented in the same state including the document for provisions of fish to the people with his final signature on it.  

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is open to foreign traveller only on a Thursday and Sunday morning, or on special occasions. Strictly no photography is allowed until you reach the gardens. The visit is a surreal but interesting experience.

Fatherland Liberation War Museum

The Victorious Fatherland War Museum is a large museum devoted to North Korea’s victories against its imperialist enemies. You are greeted by large bronze war figures and a huge display of American tanks, helicopters and equipment all taken down or recovered. Upon entering the main museum, photos or recording of any kind was not allowed.

The USS Pueblo is on show at the museum which was attacked and seized by the North Korean Navy in 1968. One sailor was killed in the assault and 82 were captured and held prisoner for 11 months before they were freed, their ‘confessions’ are on show inside the ship. This Cold War spy ship is the only U.S. Navy vessel being held by a foreign government.

Grand People’s Study House

The Grand People’s Study House is the national library of North Korea. It is located in the centre of Pyongyang and forms the background of Kim Il Sung Square. It took a year and 9 months to be completed and was opened in April 1982 to coincide with President Kim-Il-sung’s 70th birthday.

It is stocked with 30 million books and can accommodate 10,000 people per day. We joined an English class and the students were super excited to try out their English on a native speaker.

Pyongyang Metro

The Pyongyang Metro consists of two lines with 17 stations and is one of the deepest metros in the world, with the track reported to be 110 metres (360 ft) deep underground as it also serves as a bomb shelter. Socialist realist art such as mosaics, murals and statues can be found in the stations. Trains run every 3 to 5 minutes with 500,000 riders per day.

There are 2 main stations that tourists see although it is now possible to ride on the rest of the metro. Prosperity Station, the first stop on Line 1 is one of the larger stations and Glory Station. has chandeliers that represent the fireworks that went up after the end of the Korean War. The North Koreans can be seen at the newspaper stands looking for the latest scoop on the Trump and Kim Jong-un Summit in Vietnam.

Kimilsungia And Kimjongilia Flower Exhibition Centre

Kimilsungia is a tropical orchid strain that was presented to President Kim Il Sung as a gift during his visit to Indonesia. Kimjongilia is a begonia strain named after Kim Jong Il.

The Kimilsungia exhibition can be seen around Kim Il Sung’s birthday (Festival of the Sun) on the 15th of April. The Kimjongilia exhibition can be seen around Kim Jong Il’s birthday (Festival of the Shining Star) on the 16th of February.

Mirae Scientists Street

Mirae Scientists Street (Future Scientists Street) was formally opened in 2015 and was developed to house scientific institutions and their employees. The tallest building is the 53-story blue Mirae Unha Tower. The street is designed to emphasise Kim Jong-un’s focus on science and technology, built around the regime’s nuclear weapons development. Mirae Scientists Street was reportedly the first location where the Mirae public WiFi network was installed.

Korean People’s Army Circus

Pyongyang Circus was completed on May 1, Juche 78 (1989) so it is a fairly modern building filled with trophies in the corridors. You will be in awe of the daring trapeze and acrobatic routines, some had me hiding behind my hands as they were elegantly thrown from one side of the room to the other.

There were comedy interludes with audience participation. however, I was devastated to see a bear in one of the performances, we were not warned before the show.  I’m told this does not happen in the Korea People’s Army Circus.

Performances By The Socialist Women’s Union

Every morning the workers are encouraged and motivated by the beats of the Socialist Women’s Union of Korea. They performed for 2 hours and we saw different coloured uniforms around the city. These ladies were in a prime spot in front of the Grand Theatre where revolutionary operas and dances are performed.

The Socialist Women’s Union of Korea is the oldest and one of the most important mass organisations in DPRK. Membership has been restricted to those women who are not members of any other mass organisation. As a result, Union members are effectively composed of women who do not work outside of the home. Women between the ages of 31 and 60 are eligible for membership, although if a woman marries and becomes a housewife, she is eligible regardless of age.

PIN FOR YOUR TRAVELS TO PYONGYANG!

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I'm a content creator for She Wanders Miles ♡ Digital marketer, photographer, hiker, and nature lover ♡ Passion for slow, sustainable and responsible travel ♡ Join me in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.

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20 comments.

Such a historical detailed blog post on Korea! I would love to visit there someday. I would be interested to seeing the army circus and watching their creative talents.

There’s so much history that I learnt through being there and my own research. It was a fascinating trip for sure!

Such a fascinating place and history! Not sure if I’ll ever visit but interesting read and nice to see so many photos, thanks for sharing.

It was fascinating and I’m glad to have experienced it, very different to any other country I have been to for obvious reasons.

Hmmn…I wouldn’t go even if paid to.What you didn’t mention was that you had a state guide telling you hat to take photos of and showing you “tourist approved” spots to take photos of. The citizens you obviously saw you couldn’t speak to freely. I could go on… What a very stark and dry city!

Totally agree, you are shown what the guides permit you to see! My next post will be more about the dos and donts but this was more showing the history of some of the monuments in Pyongyang.

Great photos of Pyongyang! I didn’t even realize you can travel to North Korea. How were you able to visit? Did you need a visa?

You can only travel with state-owned tours, you get a minimum of 2 guides per group and the visas are issued by companies in Beijing. The guides stay with you the whole time, even stay in the hotel, no wandering off of your own. Very different to any other country I’ve visited.

Your pictures are very pretty and you put a positive spin on a controversial place. It is our history and I appreciate your post showing the area and teaching some about the history of North Korea. I, myself, would not want to visit the area, but I like to see how it looks and learn more about it. I guess that is what I am trying to say. I look forward to hearing more from you.

I wanted this post to be more factual about the monuments and the history behind them. Many people prefer to not go but I’m curious to see places for myself. There will be more coming!

Very interesting to see some of these places. Is it worth all the effort it takes to travel there?

I’m glad I visited. It’s like a step back in time really and it’s quite an experience on so many levels.

North Korea always remains a mystery to the outside world. We have different notions for the same. Your article provides a clear insight on the country and tourism points.

It really is the epitome of the hermit kingdom but the mystery isn’t fully unravelled with such a guarded visit.

I haven’t been to any place in Korea yet, but it has perpetually been in my dream country to visit. I love that you were able to divvy up with us all the historical places in Korea. The Arch of Triumph is something I should not miss to explore if I get the opportunity.

I’ve still to see South Korea to feel the contrast. There will be more blogs to come from places outside Pyongyang… watch this space!

Visiting Korea is so on my bucket list. I am glad to be reading about Pyongyang. It has such a great history. I will certainly add this place to my itinerary for Korea. The pictures are amazing too! Can’t wait to explore Pyongyang soon. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you so much, glad you liked the blog and photos. It’s a surreal experience but one I’m happy I did, I hope you make the trip.

It’s always been my dream to visit North Korea, however, I’ve never found affordable tours. I heard Chinese travel agencies tend to charge a lot less but I don’t know if they’ll process foreign passports. I really hope I’ll be able to go soon.

Ours were organised from Beijing and the passports in my group were from all over. Visiting North Korea is a surreal trip but one I’m glad I experienced.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Korea

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated Mar 20, 2023

Author Freddy Sherman has traveled to South Korea multiple times, including a recent trip to Seoul in late 2022.

South Korea offers everything a traveler could want in a destination. It has a long and fascinating history, a wonderful culture, amazing food, friendly people, and an excellent tourism infrastructure (including a new high-speed rail system).

It's also a country of contrasts, with tourist attractions ranging from ancient mountaintop Buddhist temples like Bulguksa to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Seoul, like the Lotte World Tower.

It also has one of the most unique attractions in the world that can be visited: a no man's land, part of a military border between two countries technically still at war (the DMZ). Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in South Korea.

Experience Korean History at Changdeokgung Palace

Explore beaches and history in busan, visit jeonju, the former spiritual capital of korea, view seoul from above at the n seoul tower, see how people lived 600 years ago at the bukchon hanok village, hike in the mountains at seoraksan national park, look into north korea at the dmz, check out korean art, history, and archeology at the national museum of korea, have fun at korea's largest amusement park, lotte world, gyeongbokgung palace, ride the cable car at hallyeo maritime national park, bulguksa temple, visit the blue house, south korea's white house, enjoy a beach getaway on jeju island, walk through seoul's restored gwanghwamun gate, stay overnight at jingwansa temple, spend a night out in itaewon, enjoy a meal in one of seoul's street food markets, admire cherry blossoms at the jinhae cherry blossom festival, map of tourist attractions in south korea.

Of the five grand palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty in the 15 th century around Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace was always the preferred royal residence. It's where the king and royal family lived their daily lives.

The palace isn't just a single building, it's a complex of buildings, and each served a different purpose. Some are accommodations; some are libraries, dining rooms, and meeting rooms, among other uses. Be sure to spend some time in the 78-acre Huwon, or palace garden, located behind the palace. It's filled with pathways, green spaces, pagodas, streams, and lakes.

Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Seoul

Did you know you can hit the beach in Korea? Busan is the second largest city in the country, and its coast is lined with some beautiful beaches and resorts. There's a lot of culture and history here, too. Be sure to visit the Beomeosa Temple and the hillside village of Gamecheon . Gamecheon is a European-style village on the cliffs above the sea, like Korea's version of Santorini.

Seafood lovers should be sure to visit Jagalchi Market , the country's largest commercial seafood market. Part of the market is open to consumers, and there are many small restaurants that will cook up your purchase, so you can eat it right here.

Getting to Busan is easy, it takes a little more than two hours from Seoul on Korea's KTX high-speed bullet train.

Jeonju is a very historic city, once the spiritual capital of the Joseon Dynasty, it's about 90 minutes by train from Seoul. It's home to many ancient temples and shrines along with a hanok village. These are found throughout Korea. They are preserved neighborhoods of ancient and old homes (hanoks), allowing visitors to get a feel for what life was like in ancient Korea.

Some of the homes in the hanok villages are open for tours, and others have been made into museums (and restaurants and lodging, too), but most remain private homes.

Yes, everyone visiting Seoul should go up in the city's iconic observation tower. Its position almost on top of a mountain, plus the height of the tower itself, gets you almost 500 meters above sea level and the city below.

But, leave some time to explore the surrounding mountain area. The tower is near the top of Mount Namsan, and the entire area is Namsan Park, which is run by the city. There are miles of hiking trails to explore, all within a few minutes of downtown Seoul.

The top levels of the N Seoul Tower include indoor and outdoor observation areas and restaurants. The exterior of the tower is covered in LED lighting, which is illuminated each night in seasonal light shows.

There's a cable car that takes you from the city (near Myeongdong) to the tower's base area. You can then hike from here. After climbing the mountain and riding on the cable car, leave time to explore the Namsan Hanok Village . These preserved historic villages, which are located all over Seoul and Korea, are re-creations of ancient Korean neighborhoods. This village includes five restored hanoks or traditional Korean homes.

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Hanok villages, which can be found in a few places in Seoul and around Korea, are living museums. They're restored and preserved ancient neighborhoods, some in their original location (like Bukchon) and some re-created with hanoks (traditional Korean homes) moved from elsewhere. They give visitors an opportunity to not only experience what it was like to live in a hanok, but also what it was like to live in Korea 600 years ago.

You can experience the tiny, narrow streets and also explore Korean culture, as many of the hanoks are museums or offer cultural demonstrations. Many are private homes, and some offer accommodations. That's what makes these village areas so special; they are true living history because many of the homes are privately owned and occupied by real local residents.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular place to explore, as it's right in central Seoul, in the area between the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace .

Like the Yosemite of Korea, this majestic natural wonderland (Korea's first national park) has mountains, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and miles of hiking trails that allow you to explore them.

This park is known for its natural diversity, as it has over 1,500 different animal species and over 1,000 different kinds of plants. There are also two Buddhist temples inside the park, one known as the " Temple of a Hundred Pools " due to all the ponds around it fed by mountain streams.

When you get tired of walking, there's a cable car that will take you up Seoraksan Mountain for some incredible views of the mountains and valleys. It takes about four hours by bus or three hours by car to reach the park from Seoul.

DMZ stands for demilitarized zone, and it's the no-man's land border between North and South Korea. Heavily guarded and mined, this strange area can be visited, but only on an official, guided tour. The official area is about four kilometers wide and is formally known as the JSA or Joint Security Area. It's probably the best place to visit in South Korea to learn about this conflict.

As a world capital, Seoul is filled with a lot of museums. The largest is the National Museum of Korea , and like the Met in New York, it's a place that really can't be explored in a single visit. The vast collection combines art, history, and archeology, presented to show the history of Korean culture and tell the story of the Korean people.

It's also an excellent attraction to see if you only have limited time in Seoul. The collection is beyond vast, as it goes back over a million years. It's fascinating, especially for families and kids as there's such a wide range of objects. Everything from Stone Age tools to modern artwork by Korean artists.

Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu

There's an amusement park right in the middle of downtown Seoul. It's a fun place to spend the day and a chance to immerse yourself in real Korean commercial culture. Lotte World includes a hotel, movie theaters (one with the world's largest screen), a folk museum with traditional performances, and other things to do like ice skating.

This theme park is at the base of the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea and the fifth tallest building in the world. The tower has multiple observation areas and experiences, its own luxury hotel (the SIGNIEL SEOUL ), and a range of shopping and dining options inside.

A visit is fun for both kids and adults, and aside from the rides and attractions there's a lot of shopping and also artists' workshops and cultural performances to watch. There's the world's largest indoor theme park and an outdoor theme park area called Magic Island .

For a bigger, outdoor theme park experience, Everland is about 45 minutes outside Seoul and is Korea's version of Disneyland.

Address: Songpa-gu, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Olympic-ro, 300, Seoul

Also known as the Northern Palace, the large Gyeongbokgung Palace complex has gone through some incredible turmoil over the years. It was first built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, which built five grand palaces around Seoul. The palace has been bombed, destroyed, and rebuilt several times, occupied by the Japanese (first in 1592), and only finally restored in 1990.

Be sure to check out Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond , two of the remaining original structures from the Joseon period.

The palace compound can be explored on a guided walking tour . There are also two museums inside the grounds (the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum ), both worth a visit.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The ruggedly beautiful Hallyeo Maritime National Park includes miles of raw coastline on over 300 separate islands. Each has hiking trails with spectacular ocean and cliff views. The area also features a cable car, known as the Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway . It's the only dual-cable, automatic circulating gondola system in the country.

The ride is almost 2.4 kilometers long and takes nine minutes to reach the summit. You're rewarded with sweeping views of the countryside and coastline, including the Japanese island of Daemado. The park is about an hour by bus or car from downtown Seoul.

One of Korea's true must-see Buddhist temples, Bulguksa Temple is considered by many to be the country's most important. It's officially Historic and Scenic Site Number One as classified by the government. The temple is home to seven of the country's national treasures, sacred pagodas, and statues of the Buddha.

The temple is on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju, the ancient capital city of Korea. It's a city so historic, it's called a "museum without walls" due to all the historic sites and temples. Gyeongju is about two and a half hours from Seoul via the new KTX high-speed train.

Address: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Named for the striking blue-tile roofs of its many pavilions and buildings, the Blue House, much like the White House, is the home of the Korean president. The very secure complex of buildings also houses many Korean executive government offices and official meeting sites. It's an interesting place to visit, as it gives you a behind-the-scenes look at modern Korean government and Korean formal culture.

A lot of what you see on the guided sightseeing tour are meeting rooms and official state reception rooms where foreign dignitaries are welcomed. Hour-long public tours are given, but you need to apply online in advance for a security check.

Address: 1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A very popular resort destination (think the Hawaii of Korea), this volcanic island is best reached via a quick hour-long domestic flight from Seoul. The island boasts beautiful beaches along with a lot of culture and history.

The highest mountain in South Korea (a dormant volcano called Hallasan) is here along with miles of giant lava tubes. The lava tubes, which can be explored, are natural air pockets in the hardened lava, the size of railway tunnels.

Be sure to visit Jungmun Beach to see the diving women. These are women who free dive hundreds of feet to catch different types of seafood. This tradition started centuries ago, when the local men were all out on fishing boats. The island also has hundreds of miles of hiking trails and a lot of hot springs and health spas.

This attraction is a giant gate, formerly the opening in the fortress wall to the Gyeongbokgung Palace located within. It was originally built with the palace in the 15 th century but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Most recently in 2010, it was moved back to its original location in front of the palace and Gwanghwamun Square and restored with authentic materials using traditional techniques.

The previous restoration included concrete and other non-traditional construction techniques, but the new gate has been completely constructed with ancient techniques, using only native woods and handmade fittings.

Gwanghwamun Gate is home to the changing of the guards ceremony (performed since 1469), which happens daily (except Tuesdays) at 10am and 2pm. The area in front of the gate, Gwanghwamun Square, is a large public space often used for political and social demonstrations.

This ancient temple complex about 15 minutes from downtown Seoul offers both an authentic Buddhist temple experience (including a temple stay program) and a beautiful national park. The temple, which was first established at the site in 1,000 BCE, has several programs for visitors to learn about and experience Buddhism and the monk lifestyle.

The temple is a must-visit attraction for foodies, as they grow most of their own food on-site. The temple also prepares its own Korean specialties, like pickling kimchi in ancient, giant pottery jars. Jingwansa offers meals to the public (and extended overnight stays) and educational programs that show the sustainability of the ancient temple operation.

You can do a temple stay program, which includes an overnight visit, or just come for a meal (vegetarian) or to explore the buildings and shrines. You can also visit the area just to explore Bukhansan National Park , as the temple is inside it. There are miles of hiking trails and three peaks, which can be climbed. Aside from the mountains and forests and their spectacular scenery, there are also ruins of an ancient fortress along the hiking trails.

Address: 73 Jingwan-gil, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Yes, it's a touristy, ex-pat area filled with gift shops and street food, but the Itaewon neighborhood is a great place to just spend an afternoon wandering around. It's especially fun in the early evening, when residents also come out to grab dinner and people-watch. There's an energy here that defines the cosmopolitan city, and it's also a popular strolling spot for locals. You'll see a lot of Korean families, kids, and couples enjoying the shops and restaurants.

For those in search of authentic Korean food, this is not the place to come, but it is the place to come for international foods not widely available in Seoul. Things like Italian food, pizza, burgers, and American-style western barbecue.

As one of the world's great food cultures, no visit to Korea is complete without enjoying some street food. The Gwangjang Market, in Central Seoul , is truly a foodie heaven on earth. The large covered market area is filled with multiple food stalls offering a complete array of Korean specialties. It's definitely one of the best places to visit in Seoul if you're hungry.

The cool thing about this market and most food markets in Seoul is that the majority of these food stalls are like little mini restaurants in that they have a row of stools and a counter, so you can sit and eat. It's also cool that most stands will offer you a free sample.

Stalls typically offer bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), bibimbap (rice mixed with sauteed beef, vegetables, and gochujang red chili paste), gimbap (Korean sushi), sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (stir-fried spicy rice cakes), and various types of noodles.

Boasting almost 400,000 cherry trees, some over 100 years old, Jinhae is the best place in Korea to enjoy cherry trees blossoming with flowers each spring. This small town, located along South Korea's southern coast, hosts the country's most popular annual cherry blossom festival. Over a million visitors a year come to Jinhae just to see the cherry blossoms.

Formally known as Gunhangjae (Naval Port Festival), the Jinhae cherry blossom festival takes place in late March or early April, depending on when the trees are in flower. Head to Yeojwacheon stream and Jinhae's Gyeonghwa train station for some of the best blossom viewing. You can also enjoy the festival's food markets, public art installations, and live performances.

Getting from Seoul to Jinhae is easy via South Korea's high-speed ATX train — the journey takes just under three hours.

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7 best things to do in North Korea

Highlights of taking a tour in north korea.

North Korea is a very under-visited country – so much so that many people are not even aware that you can actually visit. Well, we’re here to tell you that you can – and, as experts on tours to North Korea, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what you should see and do when you’re there!

Here’s our rundown on the 7 best things to do in North Korea.

1. The many, many sights of Pyongyang

We could write an article on Pyongyang landmarks alone. The Mansudae Grand Monument; the Grand People’s Study House; Kim Il Sung Square; the Pyongyang Metro; the Arch of Triumph; May Day Stadium ; the Foreign Language Bookstore & the wealth of fantastic restaurants. You won’t be surprised to hear that all tours to North Korea will of course include Pyongyang!

2. Mount Myohyang and the International Friendship Exhibition

A trip worth it just for the stunning mountain scenery of Mount Myohyang. The region also boasts the singular International Friendship Exhibition, wherein you’ll find a cornucopia of gifts offered to the two elder Kims during their tenures as leaders of North Korea.

3. Mount Kumgang

Some of the DPRK’s most spectacular natural scenery can be found at this wondrous mountain in the east of the country. The region boasts the breath-taking Kuryong Falls – best visited in the autumn to make the most of its psychedelic and variegated treescape.

Think ‘North Korea’ and you’re probably not thinking of a happening beach scene. That’s where you’d be wrong! The east-coast resort of Wonsan boasts beautiful beaches, delectable seafood and a whole host of locals hanging out and soaking up the sun. Essential for a summertime trip to the country!

Read our Wonsan in the Summer blog for more!

5. The Rason SEZ

North Korea’s sole special economic zone – Rason is similar to Hong Kong and China (it’s an imperfect analogy, but for our purposes it’ll do). Rason is the only place where ‘capitalism’ is allowed in North Korea. Here you’ll be able to open a bank account, spend North Korean won in the local markets, and even gamble in a casino!

No visit to North Korea would be complete without getting the North’s perspective on the world’s most tense border. Luckily, Panmunjom (the border village) is only around three hours from Pyongyang, and is absolutely worth the trip! After your guided tour – wherein your guide will be a genuine KPA soldier – you’ll be able to get a photo with your guide (the only place in the country you can get a picture with a soldier!).

A traditional North Korean city that is a common stopping-off point for tourists on their way to the DMZ, in Sariwon you’ll be able to hike to the top of a hill overlooking folklore street, dress up in traditional Korean clothes, try the unique fermented rice drink of makgeolli, and eat the Korean delicacies of ginseng-stuffed chicken and dog soup!

This, of course, is hardly an exhaustive list of all the things you can do in North Korea. See this fascinating country for yourself, start planning your tour with us today!

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in North Korea

Maybe tourist attractions isn’t the right word for the following ten momunments in North Korea since tourists aren’t welcome in the country, at least if your not Dennis Rodman … However, it would be cool to check out these massive monuments:

Table of Contents

Mansudae Grand Monument

In honour of his 60th birthday, Kim Il-Sung, otherwise known as the ‘Great Leader’, had this huge bronze statue (to the left) erected to commemorate his rule even during his own lifetime. His statue has been looking down over the capital since 1972, and it did so alone until eventually being joined by a similarly impressive statue of the ‘Dear Leader’, Kim Jong Il. In the case of Kim Jong Il, his commemorative statue wasn’t erected until after his death in 2011, being put into position in 2012. You’ll notice that there are many floral tributes placed at the base of the statues. It’s common practice here for people to commemorate their leaders by laying flowers down in this way.

Juche Tower

Just opposite Kim Il Sung Square is the impressive Juche Tower which was made to honour Kim Il Sung’s 70th birthday. From the viewing platform located just beneath the torch on the top of the tower, there are impressive views overlooking Pyongyang. The viewing platforms can be accessed via an elevator. An interesting fact about its construction is that it is composed of 25,500 blocks which correspond to the days of Kim Il Sung’s 70 years (up to his 70th birthday). At the tower’s base is a 30 metre high statue of three figures united at the point of their triumphantly upheld arms. Each figure is holding a different implement, one a hammer, one a sickle, and the other holds a writer’s brush. These tools are the emblems that collectively represent the Workers’ Party of Korea.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, formerly known as the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, was built in 1976 and acted as Kim Il-Sung’s official residence and the Kumsusan Assembly Hall. It now is the mausoleum for him, the founder of North Korea. After his father’s death, Kim Jong-Il had the building altered to suit the purpose of serving as a mausoleum, where Kim Il-Sung’s body lies embalmed inside a transparent sarcophagus. The palace now houses Kim Jong-Il as well who died in 2011. The Palace of the Sun may only be accessed by tourists on Thursday and Sundays, and then only with an official government approved tour. Photography of any kind is not permitted inside. Just in front of the palace is a large square and impressive moat.

Monument to the Foundation of the Workers Party

These 50 metre tall towers depicting the emblems of the Worker’s Party of Korea, the hammer, the sickle, and the writing brush, were erected on the 50th anniversary of the formation of Korea’s Workers Party. These symbols are representative of Korean workers and their various roles in the workforce. It’s no coincidence that these monuments are each 50 metres high and is also 50 metres at its diameter, as this number signifies the 50 years of the party’s existence at the time of their being built. Emblazoned around the circular base are the words, “Long live the Workers’ Party of Korea which organises and guides all victories for the Korean people!” The monument can found just across from the Mansudae Grand Monuments.

Arch of Triumph

There are many arches commemorating one triumph or another around the world. North Korea’s very own arch distinguishes itself in that it is the world’s tallest standing victory arch standing an impressive 60 metres high and 50 metres wide, that’s 10 metres taller that the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It opened in 1982 to commemorate Korea’s resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945. The arch was inaugurated on the 70th birthday of Kim Il-Sung in recognition of his role in the resistance. Significantly, the Arch of Triumph is built of 25,500 blocks, which in a similar manner to the Juche Tower, signifies each day of the leader’s life up to his 70th birthday. Inside there are rooms and observation platforms.

Ryugyong Hotel

This impressive rocket shaped structure, Ryugyong Hotel, towers into the sky with its 105 floors and unsurprisingly forms a dominant part of the skyline. Sometimes referred to as the 105 Building, it was finally completed in 2012 after various stops and starts throughout its construction history. It comes as no surprise that the hotel is easily the tallest building in North Korea. The structure is topped by a cone 40 metres wide which is said to be able to rotate.

Three Charters for National Reunification Monument

This huge monument overlooking the Tongil Expressway was built in 2001. The two women facing each other are designed to embody the reunification of North and South Korea. Not surprisingly, being a construction of Northern design, it is built to express the wish that a united Korea would be ruled under North Korea’s leader. The Three Charters, which were formalised by Kim Il Sung in 1972, are a reference to the principles of independence, a peaceful reunification, and national unity.

Rungnado May Day Stadium

The Rungnado May Day Stadium was completed on May 1, 1989. It has a huge capacity of 150,000, making it one of the largest in the world and is the 12th largest sporting venue on the planet. It has been recognised by the Guiness Book of Records as hosting the largest event in the world, namely the Arirang mass games. It also pays host to football matches and other athletic games. The stadium is also used to pay host to huge performances in honour of Kim Il-sung and in celebration of the nation. During June and July, 2002, the stadium held the aforementioned Arirang games, sometimes referred to as the Mass Games, consisting of masterfully choreographed artistic and gymnastic performances, which involved the participation of a staggering 100,000 plus participants. This has become an annual event, usually being held in August and September.

Pyongyang Subway

Pyongyang’s metro system opened in 1973 and is reported to have several hundred thousand commuters daily. This subway system is one of the deepest in the world and is beautifully decorated with sparkling chandeliers, marble columns, pictures of the ‘Great Leader’, and depictions of the city and other sights throughout North Korea.

DMZ: Demilitarized Zone

The Demilitarised Zone attracts a large number of visitors from around the world. It manages to do so in spite of being one of the most heavily armed borders in the world. The benign and unspoilt natural surroundings completely belie the nature of this man made political boundary that has been here since after the Korean War, although it must be said that it is a rare event for hostilities to take place. It’s good to see that this onetime battleground has reverted back to its default setting of a place of natural beauty, and it’s no exaggeration to say that it is one of the most unspoilt areas in all Asia. The Demilitarised Zone serves as a natural habitat even for endangered species such as white-naped and red-crowned cranes. Lynxes and black bears are also to be found here as are a many species of fish, not to mention wetlands and forests.

Menno, from the Netherlands, is an expert in unearthing fascinating facts and unraveling knowledge. At Top10HQ, he delves into the depths of various subjects, from science to history, bringing readers well-researched and intriguing insights.

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North Korea Tourist Attractions

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North Korea is an enigmatic tourist destination that offers unfamiliar territories to explore. This majestic country boasts cultural heritage and North Korea tourist attractions , making it more fascinating to tourists. North Korea has a rich historical and cultural significance dating back thousands of years. North Korea never fails to offer a glimpse into its interesting past, from Koguryo Tombs to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. You can even immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture by watching colorful mass performances and experiencing customs & traditions. The enriched culture of this country is one of the North Korea attractions . Besides being a secretive country, North Korea is home to unparalleled landscapes. These breathtaking landscapes allow you to make your social feed colorful and vibrant. Mount Paektu is an active volcano, which is one of the surreal North Korea tourist spots . It has the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. It draws the attention of many travelers who loves to hike. Moreover, nature enthusiasts can also marvel at the scenic Myohyang Mountains, pristine Kumgangsan, and the beautiful Lake Chon. Nature is itself one of the stunning North Korea tourist attractions that offer travelers an opportunity to explore and admire the beauty of nature.   North Korea’s architecture is another marvelous brilliance that adds charm and grandeur to the country’s style. The highlight of North Korea’s architectural excellence is the iconic Ryugyong Hotel. This massive pyramid-shaped formation is one of the famous North Korea attractions . Other unique towering architectures are The Juche Tower and the Arch of Triumph, which are notable landmarks of North Korea. These remarkable architectures commemorate North Korea’s ideology and national achievements. These architectural marvels offer tourists an insight into the country’s emphasis on self-reliance. One of the most iconic North Korea tourist places is the Grand Monument on Mansu Hill. It has two 20m-long bronze statues of Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II. Many tourists visit here to learn about the history of this place. North Korea boasts some beautiful beaches. The country’s Pacific coastline is lined with many beautiful beaches. These beaches are one of the best places to visit in North Korea if you want to have a quaint vacation. The long stretches of sand, dramatic cliffs, rock outlets, and abundance of nature are what make a beach-lover happy. For a tranquil experience, you should not miss out on visiting Lake Sijung. This lake is a perfect place to rejuvenate your soul and relax. North Korea may have not been on the list of travelers yet, but it has the potential to charm every traveler across the globe. If you want to visit this unique country for its off-the-beaten experiences, take the help of Dook International . We have attractive North Korea tour packages that you can customize as per your travel needs. Our tour packages offer exciting experiences and North Korea tourist places to visit for a fulfilling vacation. So, plan a holiday in North Korea with Dook.

Best Tourist Places to Visit in North Korea

Geumsusan Taeyang Gungjeon

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun formerly the Kumsusan Memorial Palace and sometimes referred to as the Kim Il-sung Mausoleum is a building near the northeast corner of the city of Pyongyang that serves as the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung the founder of North Korea and for his son Kim Jong-il both posthumously designated as eternal leaders of North Korea. The palace was built in 1976 as the Kumsusan Assembly Hall and served as Kim Il-sungs official residence. Following the elder Kims death in 1994 Kim Jong-il had the building renovated and transformed into his fathers mausoleum. It is believed that the conversion cost at least 100 million. Some sources put the figure as high as 900 million. Inside the palace Kim Il-sungs embalmed body lies inside a clear glass sarcophagus. His head rests on a Korean-style pillow and he is covered by the flag of the Workers Party of Korea. Kim Jong-il is now on display in a room close to his fathers remains and positioned in a very similar way. At 115000 square feet Kumsusan is the largest mausoleum dedicated to a Communist leader and the only one to house the remains of multiple people.

Workers' Party Foundation Monument

Kim Il Sung Square

Grand People's Study House

National Martyrs Cemetery

Mansudae Fountain Park

Juche Tower

Things to do in north korea.

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