Must-see attractions in North Korea
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…
International Friendship Exhibition
North Korea
This exhibition hosts a massive display of gifts given to Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Housed in a mountainside vault that is vaguely…
Tomb of King Kongmin
The 31st Koryo king, Kongmin reigned between 1352 and 1374 and his tomb is the best preserved and most elaborate in the country. It is richly decorated…
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…
Rajin Market
Tours here usually take in this fascinating, modern market, the only one in the country tourists are allowed to visit and shop at. Sadly, however,…
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…
The sad sight of a divided nation remains one of the most poignant aspects of any trip to North Korea. Even if you're just in North Korea for a couple of…
Paekdu, one of the most stunning sights on the Korean peninsula, straddles the Chinese–Korean border in the very far northeastern tip of DPRK. Apart from…
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…
Museum of American War Atrocities
This museum, built next door to its predecessor, details the atrocities allegedly carried out by US forces against civilians during the Korean War. Since…
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…
West Sea Barrage
The reason tourists come here (usually on an overnight stop en route to Kaesong) is to see this barrage, built across an 8km estuary of the Taedong River,…
Songgyungwan Neo-Confucian College
This well-preserved college, originally built in AD 992 and rebuilt after being destroyed in the 1592 Japanese invasion, today hosts the Koryo Museum,…
Samjiyon Grand Monument
Set in a huge clearing in the woods with views to Paekdusan and overlooking a large lake, this must be North Korea's most impressive paean to the…
Pyohon Temple
The most historically important Buddhist temple in western North Korea, the Pyohon Temple complex dates back to 1044, with numerous renovations over the…
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…
Hungnam Fertiliser Factory
The Hungnam Fertiliser Factory can sometimes be visited, where you will be shown how ammonia is made deep inside an enormous industrial complex that hasn…
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…
Ryongmun Big Cave
It's common for tours to visit this 6km-long limestone cave either prior to or after a visit to Myohyangsan. It has some enormous caverns and a large…
Songin Monument
This monument honours neo-Confucian hero Chong Mong-ju, who was killed on the Sonjuk Bridge. He is known as a symbol of loyalty in North Korea, and was…
Taehung Trading Corporation
This large seafood processing plant and mushroom wine factory is sometimes visited by groups touring the city. You can purchase some mushroom wine to take…
Home of Ryi Song Gye
An impressive complex of historic buildings set in attractive gardens, to which a particularly lewd tale is attached – apparently the pavilion in the…
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…
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…
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25 Best and Fun Things To Do In North Korea
The 25 Most Popular Things To Do In North Korea
25. sino-korean friendship bridge.
5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)
Credit: Whoisgalt , License , Wikimedia commons
Location: 497V+W49 Sinuiju North Pyongan North Korea
24. Pohyŏnsa
Credit: (stephan) , License , Wikimedia commons
Location: 265M+CXP Hyangsan North Pyongan North Korea
Web Address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pohyonsa
23. International Friendship Exhibition
Credit: David Stanley , License , Wikimedia commons
Location: 265G+HJ5 Hyangsan North Pyongan North Korea
22. Kusŏn-bong
Credit: Richmaker, Google Maps
21. Mount Kuwol
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4.0 ★★★★☆ (1 review)
Credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen , License , Wikimedia commons
Location: 2QJ3+6H9 Pyongyang North Korea
19. Seonggyungwan
Credit: Jul, Google Maps
Location: XHRC+V9P Kaesong North Hwanghae North Korea
18. Funchilin Pass
Credit: License , Wikimedia commons
17. Hwanggumpyong Island
16. hamgyong-sanjulgi.
Credit: William , License , Wikimedia commons
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2.0 ★★☆☆☆ (1 review)
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3. myohyangsan.
4.1 ★★★★☆ (24 reviews)
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Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in North Korea! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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North Korea Landmarks – 11 Famous Places in North Korea
Table of Contents
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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Your Hotels and Resorts Expert
10 Beautiful and Amazing Tourist Attractions in North Korea 2023-2024
North Korea is a secretive country and tourist destination among the travellers. NK follows strict rules when allowing foreign travellers to visit their country. China is the nearest country which have good relations with North Korea . In recent years, people’s interest surged in searching for beautiful tourist places / tourist attractions in North Korea.
Table of Contents
10. North Korea Peace Museum, Panmunjeom
North Korea Peace Museum is an important part of historical places in North Korea. The museum is located in North Hwanghae Province’s Panmunjeom, a former village. On July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed between two nations, North Korea and South Korea.
9. Tomb of King Tongmyong, Pyongyang
Tomb of King Tongmyong is an amazing and historical place to visit in Pyongyang. It’s a mausoleum of King Tongmyong. It is one of the most popular historical landmarks in North Korea.
8. Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang
Arch of Triumph is a beautiful monument which was built to remember the resistance of Korea between 1925-1945. This beautiful monument was opened on April 15, 1982.
7. Changbai Mountains, China – North Korea Border
Changbai Mountains is a chain of beautiful mountains located between North Korea and China border. The tourism is booming on the side of China. You should not miss an opportunity to see these beautiful mountains in North Korea.
6. Juche Tower, Pyongyang
Juche Tower is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in North Korea. The monument was opened on April 15, 1982 in Pyongyang, NK. It’s a perfect place to get best view of the city. You would get good glimpse of people roaming around the city.
5. USS Pueblo, Pyongyang
USS Pueblo is an American spy ship, used by US Navy Intelligence. The ship was captured by the North Korean forces on January 23, 1968. To show off the power of Korean forces, the government created a museum out of spy ship. The museum is located on Taeodong River, Pyongyang. This amazing spy ship attracts thousands of tourists each year.
4. Pyongyang Metro
North Korea is not much developed but you would not believe that, they have a large metro stations with latest facilities. Based on figure of 2009, about 98K people use rapid transit system. In each train, you would able to see photographs of former leaders of North Korea. So, it’s an amazing experience to see this metro system.
3. Mansudae Grand Monument, Pyongyang
Mansudae Grand Monument is a giant monument, located in North Korea’s capital. The monument is a 65 foot bronze statue of the Great Leaders of North Korea. These statues were completed in 1972 and considered as one of the most amazing tourist attractions in North Korea.
2. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Pyongyang
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in North Korea. The palace is a popular tourist attraction among the foreign travellers. It’s a burial place of Kim II-sung and Kim Jong-il.
1. Kim II-sung Square, Pyongyang
Kim II-sung Square is a popular and large city square, located in the central district of Pyongyang. The popular square is named after Kim II-sung, the founding father of North Korea.
Article Title: 10 Beautiful and Amazing Tourist Attractions in North Korea
John Mathew
John Mathew is a travel writer and travel enthusiastic, primarily interested in how to get to any place, hotels guide, resorts guide, destination guide, and worldwide travel tips.
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