Best things to do in Pyongyang

Pyongyang might not be at the top of most people's travel bucket lists—but that’s exactly what makes it such a fascinating place to explore. Tucked along the Taedong River, Pyongyang is not just the capital of North Korea; it's also the country’s oldest and most populous city, with over 3 million residents living under its watchful, highly choreographed gaze. If you do find yourself among the few lucky (and heavily supervised) international visitors, buckle up—you’re in for one of the most unique sightseeing experiences on the planet.

A Travel Guide to Pyongyang: North Korea’s Grand Stage

Let’s be honest: traveling to Pyongyang isn’t your usual hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Every moment here is guided, timed, and curated. But that’s part of the intrigue. This is not your run-of-the-mill capital—it’s a city that feels more like a movie set from a vintage propaganda film. And while spontaneity is, let’s say, discouraged, there are plenty of places to visit and top attractions to keep your curiosity well-fed.

Top Attractions in Pyongyang (Yes, They’re Real)

Arch of Triumph – Larger Than Life (Literally)

No, you’re not in Paris. The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang is actually bigger than the one in France. Built to honor the Korean resistance against Japanese occupation, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the city—and a mandatory stop on your travel guide. Stand in front of it, take your government-approved photos, and marvel at the grandeur.

The Monument to the Foundation of the Workers’ Party

Three fists, one hammer, one sickle, and a writing brush walk into a plaza—and no, this isn’t the start of a joke. The Monument to the Foundation of the Workers’ Party is one of Pyongyang’s most symbolic places to visit, proudly commemorating the founding of North Korea’s ruling party. It’s a statement piece, to say the least.

Mansudae Grand Monument – Bronze and Serious

You can’t visit Pyongyang without paying your respects at the Mansudae Grand Monument, where two towering bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il overlook the city. Pro tip: Dress respectfully and expect to lay flowers. And absolutely, under no circumstances, crop the statues in your photos—your guides will be watching.

Juche Tower – A Pillar of Self-Reliance

Another must-see on your Pyongyang sightseeing tour is the Juche Tower, a 170-meter tall structure dedicated to the Juche ideology (that’s “self-reliance” with a side of nationalism). Climb to the top (via elevator, thankfully) for sweeping views of the city—and a rare moment of perspective, both literally and figuratively.

Things to Do in Pyongyang (Other Than Be Escorted Everywhere)

• Ride the Pyongyang Metro – It's one of the deepest in the world and doubles as a Cold War museum on wheels.

• Visit the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum – It has tanks, planes, and a boatload of bias. But hey, it’s part of the full experience.

• Wander (supervised) around Kim Il-sung Square – The site of those famously massive parades. It's eerily vast and meticulously clean.

• Sample local cuisine – Ever had cold noodles (naengmyeon) Pyongyang-style? Now’s your chance! Just don’t expect much street food. Or streets with food.

A Few (Very Important) Travel Tips

• Leave the sarcasm at home. North Korea doesn’t do irony.

• Pack light, but pack respect. You’ll need it.

• Don’t wander off, ever. This is not the time to “find yourself.”

• Listen to your guides—they’re your key to the country (and your exit strategy).

Why Pyongyang is Worth a Visit (Yes, Really)

For the adventurous traveler seeking a one-of-a-kind destination where sightseeing meets surrealism, Pyongyang is unmatched. It’s a place frozen in time, polished to perfection, and delivered with theatrical flair. While you won’t have the freedom to roam like in other cities, you will come away with a story that most people will never have. And really, isn’t that what travel is all about?

So if you’re up for a truly rare experience—one where every step is both tightly scheduled and utterly unforgettable—consider adding Pyongyang to your list of places to visit. Just maybe leave your TikTok aspirations at the border.

• Arch of Triumph

  With obvious similarities to its France cousin, the Arch of Triumph is one of North Korea most important monuments. Built in 1982 to commemorate those that were part of the Korean resistance to Japan - it stands at a height of 197 feet (60.05 meters) making it the second tallest triumphal arch ahead of the arch of Paris and just behind the Monumento a la Revolucion of Mexico. Not just a plain structure the Arch has several rooms, gateways and observation decks to explore.

• Mansu Hill Grand Monument

  During your visit to Pyongyang, you would notice that there are quite many monuments dedicated to the emancipation of the Korean people – the Mansu Hill Grand Monument is another of them. The monument features two 66 feet (20.12 meters) bronze statues of former leaders of North Korea Kim II-sung and Kim Jong-il. It is regarded as one of the most sacred places in the country and comes with rules to be followed by the while visiting – it is expected that all visitors should bow and leave flowers to show respect.

• Chollima Statue

  Also, on the Mansu Hill in the capital, is the Chollima statue symbolizing the speed of the Chollima movement - a government sponsored “Stakhonovite movement” of North Korea in mid-1950 in order to promote rapid economic development in the country. Its name was gotten from a Chinese mythology of a flying horse named Chollima that according to legend was too swift to be mounted by mortals and could complete the most difficult of tasks. Its made of granite and bronze and stands at a height of 151 feet (46.02 meters) depicting the horse being ridden by two persons, a worker and a peasant woman holding an important document and a sheaf of rice respectively.

• Monument to the Foundation of the Workers’ Party

  This impressive looking monument is probably the most famous of all North Korea’s monuments, situated in the middle of the city it was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the workers’ Party of Korea and that is the reason why its elements are all 50 meters high. It consists of a hammer, sickle and paintbrush which represent the workers, farmers and academics of North Korea respectively.

• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

  Devoted to remembering those who fought for North Korea against her numerous enemies – the museum is considered one of the favorite parts of Pyongyang by both foreigners and locals alike. In each exhibition are several items related to the wars such as tanks, warplanes and weaponry. But its most attractive feature is the 360 degrees full-scale diorama of the Battle of Taejon.

Best places to stay in Pyongyang

North Korea tours featuring Pyongyang