Best things to do in Pyongyang

Located on the Taedong River, Pyongyang is North Korea capital and oldest city - it is also considered to be the most populous with over 3 million people. Although the country’s tourism sector is controlled tightly by its government, quite a number of visitors are received yearly. If you are lucky enough to visit, then you are in for a wonderful experience.

Most of the attractions in Pyongyang center on the countries glorious history such as the Arch of Triumph and the Monument to the Foundation of the Workers’ Party – it is very obvious that the North Korean people are very proud of their achievements.

• 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