Attractions and Landmarks in North Korea
North Korea is a country full of history and attractions for the tourist who seeks something different. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing or exploring the cultural heritage of the country, North Korea has something for you to explore. Here is an overview of the places and sites that you should see while in North Korea.
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is the foremost attraction in North Korea. It is the mausoleum of the nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung, and his son and successor Kim Jong Il. On the outside, the palace is an image of power and prestige with its imposing architecture, while inside is a visible reminder of North Korea’s long history.
The Mangyongdae Revolutionary Site is both a significant historical site as well as a popular destination for tourists. Located in a park near Pyongyang, visitors can explore the site, learn about the country’s history and get an understanding of Kim Il Sung’s life experiences. In addition, Mangyongdae Revolutionary Site is often a venue for performances for foreign visitors; locals perform revolutionary operas and national dances to give tourists an insight into their culture.
Built in 1927 and formally opened in 1932, the Pyongyang Metro is the deepest metro system in the world. Most of the Metro will remain off limits to tourists but the two functioning lines, Chollima and Hyoksin, can be explored and are a great way to discover Pyongyang, with many impressive and elaborate stations throughout.
The Juche Tower is a monument dedicated to the political ideology of the DPRK by North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung. Standing 170 metres tall, the tower offers unrivalled views over the capital city of Pyongyang and is a symbol of the North Korean regime’s political clout and power.
Perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks in North Korea, the Arch of Triumph. Like the Arch of the Emancipation and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Arc de Triomphe in Rome, the Arch of Triumph is a monument that commemorates the victory of the Korean people in the fight for national liberation. It is also a reminder of the nation’s historical struggles and successes.
Cultural Wonders in North Korea
North Korea is home to many culturally and historically significant sites. From the ancient architecture at Pyongyang to the Kaesong Folk Customs Street, North Korea offers a wealth of cultural attractions for visitors to explore.
Constructed in 1076, Pyongyang’s Ksitigarbha Pagoda is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in all of North Korea. The temple houses numerous artefacts of religious and historical importance, including the symbolic images of the founder of the temple, Reverend Kim Chong and his lay devotee, Lady Namle. Visiting the temple is an important part of learning the history and culture of North Korea.
Kaesong Folk Customs Street, located in the city of Kaesong, is a popular attraction for tourists. The street is lined with traditional Korean style buildings, and visitors can explore the various stalls, shops and restaurants as well as experience traditional Korean culture through activities such as rice-cake making, archery and calligraphy.
Located in Myohyang-san, the International Friendship Exhibition is a collection of presents given to Kim Il Sung, the founding father of North Korea, and Kim Jong Il, his successor by foreign statesmen and dignitaries. Visitors to the museum can appreciate the global effort taken to maintain peace and friendship throughout the world, as well as explore the complex network of items on display.
The Mansudae Grand Monument is one of North Korea’s most important cultural sites. This iconic structure is a symbol of the North Korean regime, being built to commemorate the legacy of Kim Il Sung and the nation’s founding principles. The monument is a massive bronze statue representing the image of Kim Il Sung standing ten metres tall, flanked by two sets of figures representing the Korean people’s past, present and future.
The Pyongyang Reunification Arch is a large monument in the capital city of Pyongyang. The monument is a symbol of the reunification of North and South Korea, as well as a reminder of the struggles between them. The arch is also a reminder of the efforts taken by the international community to support peaceful reunification.
Nature in North Korea
The nature of North Korea is diverse and breathtaking. From beautiful mountain landscapes to the countryside, North Korea has a variety of natural attractions that appeal to the inquisitive traveller. Here is a rundown of some of the must-see nature sites in North Korea.
Myohyang-san is an impressive mountain located in the northwest of North Korea. The mountain is surrounded by lush forests, rivers and waterfalls serving as an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and a chance to explore the great outdoors. In addition, there are a number of temples and historical sites within the national park such as the International Friendship Exhibition and the Chongson Temple.
Paektusan is a vast complex of mountains located near the Chinese-North Korean border. The area is home to rare plants and animals, making it an ideal spot for zoo-lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. It is also a great spot for hikers and mountain-climbers, with trails leading up to breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Located in the southern border city of Kaesong, Kaesong Biological Reserve is a magnificent nature reserve dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. It is home to several endangered species and is a great spot for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds. The area is also home to a number of traditional Korean homes as well as a traditional market.
The ideal destination for water-lovers, Lake Chon is a vast artificial crater lake located in the province of Hamgyong. The lake is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is often used for swimming and boating in the summer. In the winter, the lake is frozen and used for cross-country skiing and ice-skating.
The Kujang Scenic Area is a stunning mountainous region that spans the provinces of North, South and East Hwanghae. The region is made up of beautiful landscapes, landscapes and forests and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The area is ideal for birdwatching and trekking, and also has several hot springs which are perfect for a relaxing soak.
Nightlife in North Korea
Although not known for its nightlife, North Korea is a country where visitors can experience something unexpected. With the increasing number of restaurants and bars opening up, North Korea is slowly becoming more accessible to travellers. Here is an overview of some of the places worth visiting and exploring at night in North Korea.
The Taedonggang Beer Restaurant is the most famous of all the beer restaurants in North Korea. Located in Pyongyang, the restaurant offers a range of local beers and snacks, as well as a wide selection of international beers. There is also a dance floor and a live band that plays a variety of western music.
The Koryo Club is a popular spot in Pyongyang. The club is located in the basement of the Koryo Hotel and is geared towards foreign tourists. The club has a large dance floor, pool tables and karaoke rooms, and also serves a variety of beers and snacks.
The West Sea Great Wall is located in the west of the country and is one of the only places in North Korea where visitors can go for a night out. The wall is lined with bars, restaurants and pubs. There is also a small casino and a live band playing traditional Korean music.
The Yanggakdo Hotel’s revolving restaurant is located high above the ground and is the perfect spot for a romantic evening in Pyongyang. The restaurant overlooks the city and offers amazing views of the cityscape, a perfect backdrop for a romantic night out.
For music fans, the Pyongyang Concert Hall is a great venue for a night out. The concert hall is the home of North Korea’s leading orchestras, choirs and performers, and often hosts performances by visiting international musicians.
Food in North Korea
The food of North Korea is often overlooked but offers an interesting insight into the culture and history of the nation. North Korean cuisine is similar to other countries in the region, with a few unique dishes. Here is a quick guide to the food of North Korea and the dishes that you should try while in the country.
One of North Korea’s signature dishes is Pyongyang naengmyeon, which is a cold noodle soup. Originating from the city of Pyongyang, the dish is made from a mixture of buckwheat and potato noodles, topped with boiled eggs, radishes and cucumbers.
Kimbap is a popular snack in North Korea, which is a type of rolled rice. The dish is often served with kimchi, a spicy pickled cabbage. Another favourite snack is golbaengi-muchim, which is a type of steamed snails. The snails are served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Bap is the main staple of North Korean cuisine. Bap is served with a variety of dishes, ranging from simple vegetable dishes to complex seafood dishes. Bap is usually served with condiments such as kimchi and gochujang, a spicy red pepper paste.
Takji is a type of porridge made from rice, beans and vegetables. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course, and is often accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as kimchi.
Kaesong Makgeolli is a type of rice wine, which is brewed in the town of Kaesong. The wine is usually between six and eight percent alcohol, and is known for its aroma and flavour. The wine can be served hot or cold, and is a perfect accompaniment to a meal.
Shopping in North Korea
The shopping scene in North Korea is surprisingly vibrant and varied. From souvenirs and keepsakes to exquisite pieces of art, there are a range of products available for purchase for the discerning visitor. Here is a quick overview of some of the best places to go shopping in North Korea.
Located in the eastern city of Wonsan, the Sukji Antiques Market is the ideal spot for shoppers looking to buy local handicrafts and crafts. From wooden dolls and embroidered clothing to hand painted pottery, the market has something for everyone. In addition, shoppers can also find antiques such as Soviet-era military equipment and collectible items.
The Tongil Market is a fantastic place to find souvenirs and keepsakes or even traditional North Korean art and clothing. The market is bustling with activity, and offers a wide variety of items such as handcrafted furniture and traditional crafts. Visitors can also pick up essential items such as North Korean cigarettes, toiletries and medicinal herbs.
For luxury items and products, visit the Ryugyong Department Store in Pyongyang. The store offers a number of high-end products, from luxury cars and jewellery to electronics and designer clothing.
The Kwangbok Street Supermarket is a recently opened supermarket in Pyongyang, stocked with everyday necessities and items from around the world. The store is also home to a range of restaurants, cafés and bars, making it a perfect spot for foodies.
The Pyongyang Arcade is a great place to pick up souvenirs and trinkets. The arcade is a bustling mix of stalls selling everything from traditional clothing to pickled foods, and is a great place to pick up a bargain.
Festivals and Events in North Korea
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