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Things to Do in North Korea
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in North Korea
1. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Explore a striking symbol of North Korean history and power. Experience the solemn beauty and precision of the mausoleum's interior grandeur.
Quick facts: An immense mausoleum houses the preserved bodies of two North Korean leaders under glass sarcophagi, drawing attention with its grandiose scale and strict security. People come dressed formally, reflecting the reverence deeply embedded in the site's atmosphere.
Highlights: Among the astonishing features is the vast hall adorned with elaborate mosaics and crystal chandeliers that cast shimmering lights on the polished marble floor. Visitors witness the exactness of ceremonial guards standing immobile, adding to the solemn and awe-inspiring ambiance.
2. Juche Tower
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Experience a stunning skyline view from a towering landmark. Marvel at the glowing torch and vast cityscape from high above.
Quick facts: A giant 170-meter spire topped by a glowing torch dominates the skyline, symbolizing the guiding principles of self-reliance. The 25,550 red granite blocks used represent each day of the founder's life.
Highlights: Visitors can climb the observation deck for a rare panoramic view of the capital's river and cityscape framed by dramatic mountains. The torch at the top shines brightly at night, creating a mesmerizing beacon visible across the city.
3. Mansudae Grand Monument
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Towering statues offer a powerful glimpse into iconic history. Experience the grandeur and solemn atmosphere up close.
Quick facts: Two towering bronze statues represent iconic figures, each standing an impressive 20 meters tall. Visitors often notice the meticulous detail and rigid posture symbolizing unwavering respect and strength.
Highlights: Carved granite bas-reliefs behind the statues depict revolutionary scenes, adding a striking backdrop full of dynamic movement and history. Visitors must be careful to bow in respect, a tradition observed by locals and tourists alike, highlighting the deep cultural reverence.
4. Arch of Triumph
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Explore an awe-inspiring tribute towering over 60 meters. Experience detailed granite carvings that tell a powerful story of resistance and hope.
Quick facts: One of the tallest triumphal arches worldwide, it stands 60 meters high, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but slightly taller. The arch celebrates the Korean resistance against Japan and was constructed using 25,500 blocks of white granite.
Highlights: The concrete structure is intricately carved with 25,500 blocks, each symbolizing a day of the Korean people's struggle for freedom. Visitors can admire the detailed mosaics of azaleas on the top, symbolizing resilience and beauty.
5. Pyongyang Metro
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Dive deep into a subterranean world of awe-inspiring art and history. Experience a ride surrounded by stunning murals and dazzling chandeliers unlike any metro you've visited.
Quick facts: Fans of metro transit might be surprised to learn this subway is one of the deepest in the world, plunging nearly 110 meters underground. Trains are remarkably quiet and each station doubles as an art gallery with grandiose murals and sculptures celebrating history.
Highlights: One standout feature is the lavish décor that includes sparkling chandeliers and intricate mosaics, making it feel more like a palace than a transit system. Train fare is a mere few cents, yet the craftsmanship in the stations rivals that of top museums worldwide, creating a striking contrast between simplicity and opulence.
6. Mount Paektu
View details, tips, opening times & morePaektu
An epic volcanic mountain with a shimmering crater lake beckons adventurers. Experience mystical sunrises over radiant blue waters that stir ancient legends.
Quick facts: Vast and volcanic, this mountain rises to 2,744 meters and forms a natural border between North Korea and China. The crater lake at the summit is the largest crater lake in East Asia and reveals vivid emerald waters often shrouded by mist.
Highlights: Legends speak of divine births atop the mountain, and the lake's depth reaches about 213 meters, holding a mysterious, almost magical blue hue. The sunrise here paints the sky in breathtaking shades that photographers chase for hours.
7. Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Dive into a vast world of war memorabilia and epic battle scenes. Experience vivid dioramas and authentic military gear up close for a striking glimpse of history.
Quick facts: Reflecting North Korea's perspective on the Korean War, this museum spans thousands of square meters filled with over 30,000 artifacts. The exhibits include rare war relics, massive dioramas, and even captured enemy equipment that tell a dramatic story of conflict and victory.
Highlights: One standout section features stunningly detailed dioramas that recreate pivotal battles with intricate miniatures and dynamic lighting effects, bringing history vividly to life. Visitors can also see an impressive showcase of aircraft and weapons displayed with precise authenticity, offering a rare close-up view.
8. Ranam Park
View details, tips, opening times & moreHamhung
Escape to a peaceful oasis with scenic views and vibrant blooms. Experience tranquil lakes, lively cultural events, and magical light displays.
Quick facts: An expansive green retreat with a peaceful lake and vibrant flower gardens offers a refreshing escape from urban life. Frequent events and local art displays add lively cultural touches throughout the year.
Highlights: A stunning waterfall cascades over rocky cliffs at one corner, creating a serene soundscape that calms every visitor. The park's seasonal light festival bathes the pathways in colorful glows, enchanting evening visitors.
9. Ryugyong Hotel
View details, tips, opening times & morePyongyang
Explore the world's tallest empty pyramid. Experience eerie silence and stunning skyline views unlike anywhere else.
Quick facts: The structure towers at 330 meters with a pyramid shape that's visible from miles away. Despite its imposing height, it remained unopened and unfinished for decades, sparking curiosity worldwide.
Highlights: Its futuristic glass facade changes color dramatically with sunlight, lighting up the skyline as evening falls. Locals call it the 'Phantom Skyscraper' because its presence is striking yet the inside remains a mystery.
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Sikhye
Sikhye is a traditional Korean sweet rice drink made from fermented malt and cooked rice, often served as a dessert or refreshment during festivals and holidays in North Korea.
Yakgwa
Yakgwa is a honey-flavored deep-fried sweet pastry, known for its chewy texture and rich taste, often gifted during celebrations and ancestral rites.
Dasik
Dasik are colorful, bite-sized pressed cookies made from sesame seeds, chestnut, or pine pollen powder, and are elegantly served with tea in North Korean ceremonies.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon is a popular cold noodle dish from North Korea, made with thin, chewy buckwheat noodles served in an icy broth, perfect for hot summers.
Pibimpap
Pibimpap, a mixed rice dish topped with various seasoned vegetables, meat, and a spicy chili pepper paste called gochujang, represents the harmony of flavors in North Korean cuisine.
Jjajangmyeon
Jjajangmyeon is a savory noodle dish topped with a thick black bean sauce, reflecting Chinese culinary influences adapted into North Korean food culture.
Traditional Beverages
Omija-cha
Omija-cha is a traditional tea made from dried magnolia berries with a unique sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavor profile, cherished as a healthful drink.
Maesil-ju
Maesil-ju is a plum wine made from fermented green plums, known for its sweet and tangy taste, frequently enjoyed during celebrations in North Korea.
Koryo Insam-cha
Koryo Insam-cha is a tea made from Korean ginseng, highly prized for its medicinal benefits and regarded as a symbol of health and vitality in North Korea.
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Most popular day trips
Pyongyang
The capital city, rich with monumental architecture and historical sites
Kaesong
Historic city near the border with South Korea, known for ancient relics
Wonsan
Resort city on the east coast with beaches and maritime attractions
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Pyongbu Line, Pyongnam Line
From the airport, take a taxi or pre-arranged hotel shuttle to the city center.
Click to get eSim for North Korea
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
None, all visitors require a visa
All other countries
Visa applications require an official tour arrangement and invitation from North Korea.
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