The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in North Korea. So if you are in North Korea, I recommend visiting the following:
- Mansudae Grand Monument, Pyongyang, North Korea
- Mangyongdae Funfair, Mangyongdae-guyok, North Korea
- Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea
- The USS Pueblo, Pyongyang, North Korea
- Juche Tower, Pyongyang, North Korea
- Mausoleum of Tangun, Kangdong, North Korea
- Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Pyongyang, North Korea
- Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang, North Korea
1. Mansudae Grand Monument, Pyongyang
The two 22-metre high bronze statues were erected on a multi-step Mansudae workshop with the backdrop of a giant mosaic depicting Mount Paektu (which Koreans believe to be the homeland of their people and the home of Kim Jong Un. born Jong-il in his official biography). On either side of the two main statues are two revolutionary monuments made of red stone and bronze, the left side representing the anti-Japanese war during the revolutionary period and the right side representing the socialist revolution. Visitors are expected to bow respectfully to the statue and a gift is recommended (a shop in the car park sells flowers for a few euros). Photographs are allowed, but as always, care must be taken not to cut the statues in the painting, both must be intact.
2. Mangyongdae Funfair, Mangyongdae-guyok
It’s an amusement park in Mangyongdae-guyok. And though the crowds are thin, it refuses to close its doors. Most of the rides in this ramshackle operation seem to be falling apart, although the roller coaster, merry-go-round and train ride are functional. Local farmers test the rides regularly. While the locally tested rides are fun, it’s not all rusty carousels and roller coasters. You can also enjoy some good old-fashioned amusement park fun at the shooting gallery, where everyone gets a chance to enjoy taking aim at some imperialist aggressors.
3. Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang
This building not only has the mystique of being an abandoned building, but it is also the tallest abandoned building in the world. This impressive hotel is 330 metres high, has 105 floors and 3,000 rooms. Inside, it is said to have a bowling alley, a nightclub and five revolving restaurants. Since 2011 when he took office some phases of the project have been completed and in 2017 the authorities removed the walls surrounding the building and put up a sign reading: “The mighty rocket nation”. Despite this, it is far from clear when this derelict hotel will receive its first guest.
4. The USS Pueblo, Pyongyang
The USS Pueblo, also known as AGER-2, is a US Navy intelligence ship that was captured by North Korea in 1968. The incident of the ship’s capture is known as the Pueblo crisis; the Koreans said the ship was captured from Korean waters, but the US maintained that the ship was seized from international waters. The ship was relocated to the Taeodong River in Pyongyang and is used as a museum. The ship attracts thousands of visitors each year.
5. Juche Tower, Pyongyang
The Juche Tower is another of Pyongyang’s landmarks. From the top of the Juche Tower you can have a panoramic view of the whole city. Or you can simply sit on the steps of the tower in a relaxed manner and watch the residents of the capital getting along with everyday life.
6. Mausoleum of Tangun, Kangdong
King Tangun’s Tomb is about a 40-minute drive from the North Korean capital. After passing through the towns and villages on the outskirts of Pyongyang, you can see the tomb of the founder of the first state of the Korean Peninsula; King Tangun (aka Tangun). King Tangun’s Tomb is an impressive mausoleum that houses the remains of King Tangun and his wife. The hike to the entrance of the tomb is an adventure in itself, but it is definitely worth it for the view this place has to offer. Once you enter the main hall, you can see the chest of the king and his wife. The museum charges extra if you want to see the relics.
7. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Pyongyang
The Kumsusan Memorial Palace, now known as the Kumsusan Sun Palace, was the official residence of North Korea’s head of state until the death of President Kim Il-sung. The mausoleum is the largest of all mausoleums dedicated to a communist leader. The building is located in the northeast of the city of Pyongyang.
8. Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang
Kim Il-sung Square is a large city square located in the city centre of Pyongyang. The massive square is spread over an area of 75,000 square metres and can accommodate more than 100,000 people. The square is famous for the military parade held here.
If you loved this article or found it useful, don’t forget to visit and subscribe to my social media for more useful content. Follow us on Google My Business, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook or Reddit and subscribe to our receive our free website content.