Welcome to North Korea, one of the most mysterious and isolated countries in the world. Despite the media portrayal of North Korea as a country with little to no tourism, the truth is that there is a lot to explore and discover in this fascinating land.
From the historic sites in Pyongyang to the breathtaking views of Mount Kumgang, North Korea has something for everyone. In this ultimate travel guide, we will take you through some of the most fascinating spots in North Korea, giving you an inside look into one of the most unique countries in the world.
Pyongyang: The Capital City
Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the country. The city is filled with grand monuments, museums and towering statues of the country’s leaders.
Visitors to the city can start their tour by visiting the Juche Tower, a 170-meter-tall structure dedicated to the philosophy of self-reliance that the North Korean government promotes. For those interested in learning more about the history of North Korea, the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery and the Monument to Party Founding are excellent spots to visit.
The Mansu Hill Grand Monument, featuring huge bronze statues of North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il, is another iconic landmark that visitors should not miss.
Pyongyang also offers plenty of cultural attractions, such as the Korean Central History Museum, which houses over 100,000 artifacts from the country’s history, and the Mangyongdae Native House, where Kim Il Sung was born.
For a glimpse of everyday life in Pyongyang, visitors can head to the Moranbong Park, a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. In the evening, visitors can watch the stunning Fountain of Tower show, a colorful display of water, music, and light.
Overall, Pyongyang offers a fascinating insight into the culture, history and politics of North Korea. Visitors can spend several days exploring the city and its surroundings, with many of the city’s attractions accessible via organized tours.
The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
The DMZ is one of the most iconic tourist spots in North Korea, marking the border between North and South Korea. Despite its name, the DMZ is one of the most heavily militarized areas in the world, but it remains an awe-inspiring and fascinating place to visit.
One of the main attractions of the DMZ is the Joint Security Area (JSA), a small area within the DMZ where South Korean and North Korean soldiers stand face-to-face. Visitors can take part in guided tours of the JSA and even step into North Korea by visiting the blue conference building, which is half in North Korea and half in the DMZ.
Visitors can also explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, one of the four known tunnels built by North Korea under the DMZ. Visitors can descend over 70 meters underground and explore the tunnels, which were discovered in the 1970s.
Despite its tense history, the DMZ remains a must-see spot for any tourist in North Korea. Visitors will be able to witness firsthand the intense militarization and tense relationship between North and South Korea.
Mount Paektu
Located on the border between North Korea and China, Mount Paektu is considered a sacred site by Koreans, as well as a site of major historical importance. The mountain has long been a symbol of Korean national identity, with numerous myths and legends surrounding its volcanic peak.
Visitors to Mount Paektu can expect to encounter breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, as well as some of the most stunning natural scenery in all of North Korea. The mountain is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including rare species of birds and animals.
One of the main draws of Mount Paektu is its significance in Korean history. The mountain was the site of several important battles and revolutions, and it played a major role in the development of the Korean people and their culture. Visitors to the site can expect to learn more about these events, as well as about the cultural significance of the mountain in the lives of Koreans.
Overall, Mount Paektu is a must-see destination for anyone visiting North Korea. Its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural importance make it a fascinating and rewarding destination for travelers of all backgrounds.
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
One of the most fascinating spots to visit in North Korea is the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. This imposing building was originally built to serve as the residence of the country’s leader, but after the death of Kim Il-sung in 1994, it was converted into a mausoleum for the former leader. Today, visitors to North Korea can tour the palace, which contains a museum dedicated to Kim Il-sung and his son, Kim Jong-il.
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a symbol of the cult of personality that surrounds North Korea’s leaders, but it is also an impressive piece of architecture. The building is designed to look like a mountain, with its massive marble exterior rising up from a landscaped plaza. Inside, visitors can see the preserved body of Kim Il-sung lying in state, as well as many of his personal belongings and gifts from foreign dignitaries.
A visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring power of North Korea’s propaganda machine, and to learn more about the country’s history and political culture. While it is certainly not a destination for everyone, those who are able to visit will find it an unforgettable experience.
The Juche Tower
The Juche Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in North Korea and a must-visit attraction for anyone who is interested in the country’s unique ideology. This towering structure stands at a height of 170 meters and represents the concept of Juche, which is North Korea’s official ideology. The tower is made of over 25,000 granite blocks, and its design is inspired by a traditional Korean stone pagoda.
Visitors can climb up to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Pyongyang and the surrounding area. Along the way, they can also see a series of plaques that depict scenes from North Korean history and ideology. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, and visitors can see all the way to the distant hills and the Taedong River.
The Juche Tower is an important symbol of North Korea’s self-reliance and its commitment to the Juche ideology. Visitors can gain insight into this fascinating ideology by visiting the tower and learning about its history and significance. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed.
Rason Special Economic Zone
If you’re looking for a unique experience while traveling to North Korea, then a visit to the Rason Special Economic Zone should definitely be on your itinerary. Located in the northeast of the country, Rason is a relatively new development that was created in 1991 with the aim of promoting foreign investment and trade.
The zone is divided into three parts, with the city of Rason being the largest. The other two parts are the port of Rajin and the Onsong Island economic zone. Rason’s location near the borders of Russia and China make it a convenient trading hub for these neighboring countries.
Some of the most interesting things to see in Rason include the Rajin Port, which is the gateway for trade between North Korea and Russia, and the Tri-Country Point, where you can stand in North Korea, Russia, and China all at once.
While Rason may not have the historical and cultural significance of some of the other places on this list, it is a fascinating glimpse into North Korea’s economic future and the country’s efforts to open up to the rest of the world.
International Friendship Exhibition
Located in Myohyangsan, the International Friendship Exhibition is one of North Korea’s most unique and fascinating tourist attractions. The exhibition showcases gifts that North Korean leaders have received from various countries around the world, ranging from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and weapons.
What’s truly remarkable about this exhibition is the sheer scale of it all. With over 150 rooms containing approximately 80,000 gifts, it’s a true testament to the country’s diplomatic efforts. Visitors can browse through the halls, admiring the impressive collection of items from countries such as Russia, China, and Vietnam, among many others.
The exhibition’s location is also worth noting. Situated in the scenic Myohyangsan mountains, it’s a picturesque journey just getting there. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the exhibition, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s important to note that taking photos inside the exhibition is strictly prohibited, so visitors should make sure to respect this rule. Nevertheless, a visit to the International Friendship Exhibition is a must for anyone traveling to North Korea.
Kaesong
Located near the DMZ, Kaesong is a city steeped in Korean history and tradition. As the former capital of the Goryeo Dynasty, it’s a must-visit spot for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. Here you can see ancient buildings and sites, such as the Kaesong Namdaemun gate, the Kaesong Koryo Museum, and the Kaesong Folk Museum.
One of the main attractions in Kaesong is the Kaesong Industrial Region, a collaborative economic venture between North and South Korea. The area has produced some of the country’s most notable goods, such as the famous Korean ginseng.
For those interested in the traditional Korean way of life, Kaesong also offers the chance to try on the hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
To get to Kaesong, visitors must book a tour with a government-approved guide. However, it’s worth the extra effort as the city provides a unique insight into North Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
Mass Games in Pyongyang
One of the most spectacular and unique cultural experiences in North Korea is the Mass Games in Pyongyang. This grand display of synchronized dancing, gymnastics, and performance art involves tens of thousands of participants and takes place annually between August and September.
The Mass Games in Pyongyang celebrate the country’s revolutionary history and its leaders. The themes change each year, but the performances always feature stunningly choreographed dances, music, and acrobatics. The shows also utilize breathtaking visual effects, including fireworks, laser lights, and LED displays.
It’s worth noting that attending the Mass Games requires prior permission and organization through a licensed tour operator. Visitors should also be aware that taking photos or videos during the performances is prohibited. However, for those who do have the chance to experience this remarkable spectacle, it’s an unforgettable cultural event and a chance to witness firsthand the artistry and precision of North Korea’s performers.
