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Pyongyang attractions
Pyongyang attractions
The 20 meter high bronze statue of Kim Il-Sung at Mansudae. This behemothal self-tribute, erected by the Leader himself, will most likely be the first thing you visit. Surreal as it may seem, be aware that the locals expect visitors to this place to take it all very seriously and show respect to the monument. Your tour group will most likely have to lay flowers by the statue's feet, available on-site for €3-10.
The Pyongyang Metro. This is the deepest metro system in the world at over 110 metres. There are large socialist realist murals in the platforms of the stations, with each station designed to embody a different ideal. Most tourists only see Puhung and Yonggwang stations on the Chollima Line.
The Juche Tower. A 170-meter tall monument is dedicated to the Juche philosophy of Kim Il Sung. Don't miss the trip to the top, which costs €5 and offers a great view of the city (though, if you're staying at the Yanggakdo, the view from a top floor is similar and free!).
The Children's Palace. Nearly every city has its own Children's Palace, with Pyongyang having the largest. After classes in the morning, selected (gifted) students spend the afternoon at the palatial Children's Palace to practice their art or other special skills. Children choose their area of specialization in cooperation with teachers once they're old enough to attend (around 11) and continue with that one skill every day until they graduate school or they complete the area of study (e.g. driving). Areas include: ballet, rhythmic dance, gymnastics, computer programming, singing, musical instruments, chess, volleyball, basketball, embroidery, and calligraphy.
The Ryugyong Hotel. This 105-story building dominates the Pyongyang skyline with its 330 meters of height. Construction started in 1987, but when the money ran out in 1992 it came to a halt. Construction by Egypt's Orascom Group resumed again in April 2008. In September 2008, a senior North Korean official said the refurbishing of the Ryugyong Hotel will be done by 2012 - the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. At the same time, an Orascom company official said the goal of the project was to at least give the structure's facade a facelift and make it more attractive. So if the building is ever to be fully completed is yet to be known.
The USS Pueblo, the captured American vessel.
The stamp shop next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang St sells a huge variety of DPRK postage stamps, with designs ranging from Olympic sports to Korean food to DPRK history. This is the best place to buy souvenirs, as stamps are easy to transport and it's easy to find a set of stamps for almost anyone. You can also buy postcards and postcard stamps (200 won) here.
Arirang Mass Games, the Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance. This is performed in the fall of some years. Was held in August-October 2008, and is expected again in August 2009. With over 100,000 performers this is, by the numbers, the greatest show on Earth.
The Arch of Triumph The arch was designed to commemorate Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and eventual liberation from Japanese rule.The arch is modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However at 60m high and 50m wide it is the biggest arch in the world.
Korean War Museum also known as the Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum The basement of the museum has a number of captured U.S. planes, tanks, and weaponry.
Kaeson Funfair. Located near the Arch of Triumph, this small amusement park has a handful of new rides. You and your guides can't just wander around as you'll need a guide from the park to take you to each ride but you will be put at the head of the line for each one. The guide will keep track of the rides you go on and then you pay according to how many rides you went on, at the end of your visit. �
The Chollima Statue. This is a statue of a man riding a winged horse, representing the innovations of Korea. It is at the top of Mansu Hill.
The Grand Monument. This is a huge bronze statue of Kim Il Sung, who is still officially president of the DPRK, despite having been dead for more than 15 years.
The Kimilsungia-Kimjungilia Flower Exhibition Center. This houses two floors worth of rare flowers named after Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.
The Pyongyang Metro. Pyongyang's Metro is highly decorated with chandeliers, murals and marble pillars. You can travel alongside native North Koreans through the Metro.
The North Korean Film Studio. Here you can see where North Korean film is made, and see film sets based on Japan, Russia, China and South Korea.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Pyongyang
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Pyongyang - updated Apr 2024
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Pyongyang Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
