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Visit the Pyongyang Arch of Triumph, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the Juche Tower, and take a guided tour to learn about North Korea's history and culture.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, abbreviated as "North Korea," is a socialist state located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Its ruling party is the Workers' Party of Korea. It is separated from South Korea to the south by the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the 38th parallel between the two Koreas. It borders the People's Republic of China and Russia to the north. It faces the Bohai Sea to the west, the Shandong Peninsula across the sea, and the Sea of Japan to the east. Its capital is Pyongyang.
Due to its semi-closed-doors policy, North Korea is shrouded in mystery internationally, leaving little known about its true nature. This mystique has, to a certain extent, boosted North Korea's tourism industry. The Korean Peninsula, once known as "Three Thousand Miles of Splendid Rivers and Mountains," boasts breathtaking scenery and abundant natural tourism resources.
Remnants of China's past can be seen in North Korea. Kim Il-sung Square in the heart of Pyongyang bears a striking resemblance to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Furthermore, North Korea, still practicing a state-owned planned economy, still requires tickets for purchases, much like China before its reform and opening up. Many middle-aged and elderly Chinese visit North Korea to reminisce about the past, while young people, drawn to its mystique, want to experience it firsthand.
North Korea has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of 8-12°C. Therefore, the best times to visit are May-June in spring and September-October in autumn . These two seasons offer breathtaking scenery, with clear skies and breathtaking views of vibrant flowers and vibrant forests.
Since you cannot travel independently in North Korea and must join a tour group, and the open areas are extremely limited, the general tourist routes are fixed, but there will be slight differences in the specific arrangements of attractions among different travel agencies.
Kim Il-sung Square
Kim Il Sung Square is the capital's central square, located on Mansudae Hill in the heart of Pyongyang. The square is centered around a massive bronze statue of Kim Il Sung, flanked by sculptures of groups under red flags. Behind it stands the Korean Revolution Museum, and to the north and south are the Theme Tower and the Grand People's Study Hall. It is the venue for important political and cultural events, celebrations, public gatherings, and military parades.
Panmunjom
Panmunjom is the name of a village located between Kaesong and Seoul. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the dividing line between North and South Korea was the 38th parallel at 38 degrees north latitude. It was only after the Korean War that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army and the Korean People's Army pushed the dividing line southward to the present-day location of Panmunjom. Panmunjom stands as a witness to the Korean War and the division of the Korean Peninsula, and remains a most sensitive frontier position between North and South Korea today. On July 22, 2012, Panmunjom was found to have the highest density of landmines in the world.
Tourists visiting Panmunjom actually only visit the Military Armistice Commission meeting room. The meeting room has a door at each end. When tourists from one side enter the meeting room, the other side's door closes. Guards from the other side stand at the door to prevent tourists from leaving and entering the other side's area. The tables and chairs inside the meeting room are arranged as they were.
38th Parallel (South Korea)
The 38th Parallel, located near 38 degrees north latitude on the Korean Peninsula, marks the dividing line between South and North Korea. At the armistice, this area was designated a demilitarized zone, with both sides withdrawing two kilometers. This four-kilometer strip became a strange, non-military zone, a "peace zone" enclosed by barbed wire. At the end of World War II, the Allies agreed to use the 38th Parallel on the Korean Peninsula as a temporary demarcation line for Soviet and US military operations against Japan and for surrenders. The northern part of the line was designated as the Soviet surrender zone, while the southern part was designated as the US surrender zone. After Japan's surrender, this became the temporary demarcation line between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as the "38th Parallel."
Myohyang Mountain
Myohyangsan Mountain, as renowned as Mount Geumgang, boasts breathtaking scenery and breathtaking views, particularly from Sangwondong, Manpodong, and Piro Peak, making it a popular hiking destination. The area boasts 700 plant species, 33 animal species, 115 bird species, and over 20 fish species. Myohyangsan Mountain is home to a wealth of cultural relics, including the 11th-century Puhyeonsa Temple and stone pagoda, as well as artifacts showcasing the development of printing technology. The Myohyangsan Historical Museum, centered around the historic Puhyeonsa Temple, houses over 5,400 relics and artifacts, including 6,793 volumes of the Tripitaka carved on wood from the Goryeo period.
Pyongyang is North Korea's capital and a symbol of the country’s political ideology, Juche. It holds significant monuments and historical sites reflecting North Korea's past and regime.
Pyongyang is in central North Korea. Travel to the city is by train or flight, as it's difficult to access independently.
Most attractions are open daily, but the best time to visit is in spring or autumn for mild weather.
Ticket prices vary by attraction. Tickets must be purchased in person through official tour operators.
Yes, booking through a licensed tour agency is required well in advance.
2-3 days is ideal to explore the main sights in Pyongyang.
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Juche Tower, and the Mansudae Grand Monument are must-sees.
Guided tours are mandatory and usually available in English and other major languages.
The Juche Tower and the Pyongyang skyline offer the best views and photo opportunities.
Start with the Juche Tower, then visit the Arch of Triumph, and finish at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
Night visits are limited, but there are occasional performances or parades.
It is usually not crowded, except for state holidays and important anniversaries. Visiting during the off-peak months of autumn and spring is recommended.
Basic facilities are available in main tourist areas, but options may be limited.
Accessibility is limited, especially for elderly or disabled visitors due to the country's infrastructure.
Cash is necessary, with local currency (North Korean won) being the only accepted form. Cards and mobile payments are not commonly accepted.
There are limited dining options in Pyongyang, mainly state-run restaurants serving traditional Korean food.
Vegetarian options are limited. Halal food is generally not available.
There are a few state-operated hotels in Pyongyang, like the Yanggakdo International Hotel.
The DMZ and the nearby town of Kaesong are significant locations, but visits are restricted.
Souvenir shops sell North Korean items like stamps, art, and propaganda posters.
Trains or flights are the best options for continuing travel within North Korea or to neighboring countries.
