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Sights of North Korea. Sights of North Korea Main attractions. What to see

Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). Pyongyang is the administrative, cultural and historical center of the country. The word “Pyongyang” (according to Kontsevich’s system is transcribed into Cyrillic as Pyongyang) in Korean means “wide land”, “cozy area”. In 1946, the city was removed from the province of Pyongan-nam-do and received the status of a city of direct subordination (chikhalsi) - an administrative status at the provincial level.

Information

  • Country: DPRK
  • Former names: Wangomson, Ryugyong, Kison, Hwanseong, Nannan, Sogyong, Sodo, Hogyong, Chanan, Heijo
  • Area: 1,578 km²
  • Population: 4,138,187 people (2010)
  • Time zone: UTC+8:30
  • Telephone code: +850

Geography

Located on the banks of the Taedong River (Tedong) not far from its confluence with the Yellow Sea. Another river that flows through the city is the Pothongan. Forms a separate administrative unit with the status of a province. The population of modern Pyongyang and its suburbs exceeds 4 million people. The vast majority of residents are Koreans. Almost all residents of the city speak Korean.

Climate

The climate is monsoon with a sharp manifestation of different seasons and a clear distinction between the dry and rainy seasons. Although Korea is located at low latitudes and is surrounded on three sides by sea basins, its climate is more severe than in a number of countries located at the same latitude. In winter, powerful currents of cold, dry air coming from Transbaikalia and Mongolia bring dry, clear weather and frost to the Korean Peninsula. In summer, the country's territory is under the influence of oceanic air masses that bring abundant atmospheric moisture. During the three summer months, 50-60% of the annual precipitation falls. The average annual temperature is +10.6 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is about −6 °C, the hottest (August) is about +25 °C. An average of 933 millimeters of precipitation falls per year.
Compared to Seoul, Pyongyang's climate is cooler and there is slightly less rainfall.

Story

According to legend, Pyongyang was founded in 2334 BC under the name Wangomseong. It was the capital of the ancient Korean state of Gojoseon. However, this date is controversial and is not accepted by many historians who believe that the city was founded at the beginning of our era.
In 108 BC. e. The Han Dynasty conquered Gojoseon, establishing several military regions in its place. The capital of one of them, Lolan County, was founded near modern Pyongyang. Lolan was one of the dominant forces in the region until it was conquered in 313 by the rising state of Goguryeo.
In 427, Wang Goguryeo moved the capital of the state to Pyongyang. In 668, the Korean state of Silla, in alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty, conquered Goguryeo. The city became part of Silla, remaining on the border with its northern neighbor - Parhae. Silla was replaced by the Goryeo Dynasty. During this period, Pyongyang increased its influence and was renamed Seogyong (서경; 西京; “Western Capital”), although Pyongyang was never actually the capital of Goryeo. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was the capital of Pyongan Province, and from 1896 until the end of the Japanese occupation, it was the capital of Pyongan Province.
In 1945, the period of Japanese occupation was over and Pyongyang fell into the zone of influence of the Soviet Union, becoming the temporary capital of the DPRK state formed in the north of the Korean Peninsula (Seoul, “temporarily” separated from the country, was then considered the permanent capital). During the Korean War, it was seriously damaged by aerial bombing and was occupied by UN troops from October to December 1950. After the war, with the help of the Soviet Union, the city was quickly restored.

Historical names

Over the course of its history, Pyongyang has changed many names. One of them was Ryugyong or "willow capital", as at that time there were many willow trees throughout the city, which was reflected in medieval Korean literature. Nowadays, there are also many willow trees in the city, and the word Ryugyong appears frequently on the city map (see Ryugyong Hotel). Other names of the city in different periods were Kison, Hwanseong, Rannan, Sogyong, Sodo, Hogyong, Chanan. During Japanese colonial rule, the city was known as Heijō (Japanese pronunciation Chinese characters平壌 in the name of Pyongyang, written using hanja).

Tourism

In view of practically complete isolation countries from the rest of the world, tourism in Pyongyang is poorly developed. Most of the tourists come from China. To obtain a visa to the DPRK, you must submit an application to an official DPRK diplomatic or tourism mission no earlier than 20 days before departure. In special cases, a visa can be obtained at a crossing point on the border with the DPRK. A tourist visa can generally be obtained by anyone, with the exception of journalists, US residents and South Korea.
The import of literature about North and South Korea (except for those published in the DPRK), pornography, mobile phones, propaganda literature. It is prohibited to photograph military installations, as well as to visit most attractions in informal clothing.
The government controls the movement of tourists around the city, developing special routes and sightseeing programs.

Kitchen

A feature of national Korean cuisine is a large amount of pepper and spices, but in almost all restaurants for tourists the spiciness of dishes is moderate. The chefs working here undergo long-term professional courses, so they can offer dishes from any cuisine in the world: from Kiev cutlets to Wiener schnitzel.
One of the most popular dishes in Pyongyang that every tourist should try is guksu. It consists of cold buckwheat noodles seasoned with broth, meat and vegetables. They also always offer to try kimchi. The basis of this dish is pickled cabbage, and it is complemented by a wide variety of different types additives: radishes, herbs, garlic, onions, peppers, shellfish and even fruits. In addition, mandu dumplings, kalbi pork ribs, bulgogi kebabs and kadi-cha eggplant salad are ubiquitous.
Coffee and tea are practically not consumed in the DPRK, but various decoctions and herbal infusions are popular here. Often, only alcoholic drinks are offered during meals: ginseng vodka, rice wine, fruit liqueurs, etc. Local beer is also common and tastes quite good.

Entertainment and relaxation

Pyongyang is not only the administrative but also the cultural capital of the DPRK, so there are numerous establishments here that offer an opportunity to get acquainted with the art and culture of this unique country. Thus, there are several large theaters in the city: the Moranbong Theater, the Mansudae Art Theater, the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, the Ponghwa Art Theater and the Grand Theater. Also, all guests of Pyongyang are invited to visit the Pyongyang International Cinema, the State Symphony Orchestra of Korea, the People's Army Circus and the Pyongyang Circus. However, the most unforgettable impressions are made by national holidays (Independence Day, Constitution Day, May Day, etc.), which are celebrated here with special scope and entertainment. Moreover, these are not only military parades and colorful processions, but also grandiose gymnastic performances, as well as competitions in various sports. Among the latter, it is worth highlighting “polt-twi-gi” (all-around), archery, “raw” (wrestling with fabric belts) and “sonma kekku” (wrestling without belts). Also, athletics, tennis, volleyball and football competitions are often held at the capital's stadiums.
If we talk about nightlife, then in Pyongyang it is literally absent, and almost all establishments close before midnight. But the city has about 200 parks and gardens, among which it is worth highlighting the Daesongsan and Mangyongdae amusement parks, the Kaesong Youth Park, as well as the Central Botanical Garden and the Kimirsenhwa and Kimjeongirhwa Flower Pavilion.

Safety

In Pyongyang, as throughout the country, the crime rate is very low, so tourists will definitely not encounter pickpockets, robbers or scammers here. In addition, every foreigner must be accompanied by a guide, who must not only introduce him to the country, but also ensure compliance with all local laws and norms of behavior.



Sights of Pyongyang

The capital of the DPRK, Pyongyang, is very different from other Asian capitals. Instead of noisy city streets and crowds, there is widespread order and discipline. On the first day, all foreign tourists are taken on a general sightseeing tour. If a tourist is alone, he travels by car; groups usually travel by bus. The visiting card of the city is the Juche Idea Tower, 170 meters high. The monument is decorated with golden letters spelling out the word “Juche”, and the top is crowned with a twenty-meter torch. In front of the tower there is a 30-meter sculpture of a worker, a peasant woman and an intellectual. In their hands is a crossed sickle, hammer and brush - the emblem of the Korean Workers' Party.
In general, in the capital, most of the monuments, of course, are associated with the name of Kim Il Sung and the Juche ideas. For example, the Chollima monument, symbolizing the will to great achievements, was built in honor of the leader’s 49th birthday (the height of the sculpture without the pedestal is 14 meters, and with it - 46 meters). The program also includes a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, built on the spot where the leader made a speech about the unity and independence of the Korean nation after the victory over Japan (the height of the arch is 60 meters, which is three meters higher than the famous arch of the same name in Paris).
One of the iconic places in Pyongyang is Kim Il Sung Square, the site of military parades and demonstrations, as well as mass gymnastics and dance performances that accompany national holidays. In the center of Pyongyang there is a sculpture of the leader about 70 meters high, and the Museum of the Korean Revolution is located nearby. Other famous landmarks include the Party Founding Monument, Liberation Monument, Reunification Arch, Comrade Kim Il Sung's Mausoleum and two huge stadiums - Kim Il Sung Stadium and May Day Stadium. The capacity of the May Day Stadium is 150 thousand people, that is, this stadium is the largest in the world.
Of the attractions not related to party ideas, the metro stations are undoubtedly worthy of attention. Not everyone is given access there, much less the right to take photographs, but it is worth showing tact and respect and still asking the receiving party about it. The capital's metro is a real work of art; The decoration here is more luxurious than in some local museums. Pyongyang, like other Korean megacities, is famous for its skyscrapers. One of the newest and most impressive buildings is the pyramid-shaped Ryugyong Hotel. Another amazing place is the fountains on the Taedong River, on the banks of which Pyongyang is built. These are unrivaled fountains in the world: two cascades rise to a height of 150 meters.

North Korea is located in East Asia. The date of formation of the state is considered to be September 9, 1948, after the Republic of Korea was proclaimed. The head of the country is Chairman Kim Jong-un, who supports the ideological direction of Juche, which means “reliance on one’s own strength.”

North Korea is considered one of the most closed countries in the entire world. A regime of isolationism has been introduced in the state. Therefore, international tourism is extremely poorly developed. For tourists, free entry into the state is extremely limited. Tourist transportation is handled by Air Koryo, which provides air transfers in the direction Vladivostok-Pyongyang.

Since 2012, the flow of vacationers has doubled compared to 2000. But tourists need to be prepared for the fact that they won’t be able to see the country on their own. First of all, North Korea is interesting to tourists for its “neo-Stalinist” environment and beautiful natural attractions. There are balneological, beach and ski resorts.

It is the most attractive natural attraction in North Korea. It is located in the Hamgyong Pukdo area. The height of the mountain reaches 894 meters. The name means "mountain of seven treasures". Chilbosan is part of a mountain range and is divided into three ridges. Visiting the mountain is open to everyone. At the foot of the ridge and the coastal part, a huge amount of infrastructure for tourists has been built.

The construction of the bridge was completed in 1216. It is located in Kaesong. The bridge is made of stone and passes over the ten-meter long beautiful Roge Stream, which flows in the Seongjuk quarter. Not far from the bridge there are two stone turtles that form a pavilion and are the guardians of the manuscripts of the Li Dynasty.

There is a legend that Confucius Chong Mong-ju was killed on the bridge, as a result of which the area near the bridge was overgrown with bamboo, as a symbol of the people’s devotion to the ruler.

Pakyeon Waterfall

This attraction is located near the city of Kaesong in the settlement of Pakyeon. The height of the waterfall reaches 37 meters. In the middle of the pond there is a large stone that can accommodate several people at once.

Near the waterfall there is a spacious area with a gazebo for admiring the beautiful scenery. Locals call this attraction “the white rainbow” and recommend visiting it during the rainy season. The area around the waterfall is landscaped flowering trees and magnolia, which all year round create a look of unsurpassed beauty.

This tower is the largest building in the country. The hotel is located in Pyongyang and means " Willow Capital" The tower can easily claim seventh place among tall buildings in the world. The project was developed during the Cold War. 1987 marks the start of construction, which continues to this day. The height of the tower reaches 330 meters, on which there are 105 floors. The area near the hotel is equipped with a park area, planted blooming gardens and there are several pavilions.

The massif is located in the southeast of the country among the Taebaek mountain range. The main point of the massif is Mount Kumgangsan, which reaches a height of 1638 meters. This mountain is one of the best and most enchanting places in North Korea due to its exceptional climate. On the Kumgang massif there is an entire tourist town that attracts tourists with its unique topography and Buddhist monasteries. Among the rocks there are a huge number of lakes into which small waterfalls flow.

In some sources, Mehyang is referred to as Myohansan. The mountain range is one of the main natural beauties of this corner of the country. It consists of several small ranges, the main points of which are Mount Piro, Pirabong and Nannimsan. Among them is the Yongpan mountain plain, which is a very fertile area. Dense forests and juniper grow on the slopes of the mountain range. This place belongs to historical places DPRK and very popular among tourists.

Mount Paektusan reaches a height of 2744 meters. In the local language it means "white-headed mountain". China and North Korea jointly created a biosphere reserve around the volcano. This place is famous for the Heavenly Lake, which is located in the very crater of the volcano.

The Singari River originates from this reservoir, which flows down the mountainside to the foot of the volcano. For local residents the mountain is sacred place. There are many legends about the volcano; its name is mentioned in the state anthem.

This 170-meter pillar is located near the Taedong River in the capital of North Korea. The composition is presented in the form of a tower with a stone and a flaming torch on the top of the mountain; the front side is decorated with relief magnolia flowers in the amount of 70 buds.

The opening of the monument took place in 1982 in honor of the 70th anniversary of Kim Il Sung. White granite was used as the main material for construction. Near the obelisk there are gazebos, a park, and an ensemble of fountains of various sizes is equipped on the river.

Until 2012, the palace bore the name of the famous rulers of North Korea Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, but was renamed in honor of the 70th anniversary of Kim Jong Il. The monumental complex consists of a mausoleum and a memorial cemetery. The palace is located in the capital. For tourists, entry to the complex is possible only as part of an excursion group under the supervision of a guide. All visitors must comply with the dress code.

This burial complex dates back to the 14th century and was built on the burial site of Konmin. In 1352-1374 he was the ruler of Goryeo. The complex is included in the list of National Treasures of North Korea and UNESCO. The monument is located near the city of Kaesong. The two crypts in which Noguk and Gongmin are buried are located on top of a mound.

The base itself consists of granite blocks, which are decorated with carvings. There are stone statues of animals around the crypts. A long path leads to the funeral complex, near which there are three-meter sculptures of soldiers and rulers.

The construction of the building was completed in 1972 on Mount Mansu. The exhibition is presented with materials that tell about the main events of the revolutionary activities of rulers of different times. The facade of the museum is decorated with granite mosaics that depict Mount Paektu. There is a statue of Kim Il Sung near the museum.

This Maidan occupies the largest space in all of Pyongyang. The square was built entirely of granite in 1954. The construction plan was created during the Patriotic War of Liberation. The square hosts the largest rallies, parades and political events. From the square you can see the Juche Idea Monument located on the other side of the Taedong River.

This mountain is located in the center of the capital of North Korea. In local language it means "Peony Peak". On one of the slopes of the mountain there is a monument to Russian fighters called “Hebanthab”. At the top of the mountain there is the Eulmildae gazebo, which offers a beautiful view of the TV tower and the triumphal arch. At the foot of the mountain, residents often celebrate traditional events that take place in the city and have picnics. There are gazebos for relaxation throughout the area.

The village of Mangyongdae is located 12 kilometers from Pyongyang. This place is famous because it was here that Kim Il Sung was born and lived for his first eight years. There is a museum in the house where the famous Korean ruler lived.

The village itself is a place of pilgrimage. At the highest point in the village there is an observation platform with an gazebo, from which you can see all the beauties of Pyongyang by day and by night. In 1982, a cultural park was built in the village.

The museum was founded in 1945 in the capital of North Korea. The exhibition is located in nineteen halls. There are ancient relics, materials of primitive society and other archaeological finds here. In one of the pavilions there are models of historical monuments of Korea. A separate exhibition of tools from the Paleolithic and Bronze Ages has been created.

The exhibition is displayed in a museum building built in a holy place on Mount Myohyangsan. Gifts from foreign delegations to the rulers of North Korea are kept in the museum's chambers. Mention of the beginning of the museum's work dates back to 1978. The exhibition complex has about 150 rooms, in which about 220,000 copies gifts.

This is a monument that was built as a pride of the Korean resistance of 1925-1945 against the Japanese invaders. The complex was located near Mount Moranbong in 1982, the opening was in honor of the 70th anniversary of Kim Il Sung.

The structure consists of 25500 blocks which are made of white granite. This is not a random number; the number of blocks corresponds to the number of days that Kim Il Sung lived.

The zoo was opened in 1959. The complex was built by order of Kim Il Sung. The zoo is located near Daesongsan Mountain in Pyongyang. This is a natural complex in which different species of animals live and rare trees and plants grow.

On September 9, one of the most closed countries in the world, North Korea, celebrates Independence Day. We decided to compile a list of the main attractions of this country that tourists are allowed to see.

The tomb of the great leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is a sacred place for North Korea. This is the main temple of the republic, where the divine sages who led the country along the path of prosperity and universal happiness rest. This attitude towards an ordinary mausoleum is not at all accidental: in North Korea, any religion is prohibited, and only rulers are allowed to worship. The ideology of the ruling elite has supplanted all other ideologies and religions, gaining a monopoly on worship, which it jealously guards. For a religious book found in a North Korean's house, you can go to hard labor or end up in a noose.

The Pyongyang metro is one of the deepest in the world. Some stations are located at a depth of about a hundred meters, which makes them an excellent shelter in case of bombing. It should be noted that the Pyongyang subway is very similar to the Soviet one: the walls are decorated with mosaics in the spirit of socialist realism, everything is decorated with bas-reliefs on labor and revolutionary themes.

The metro has only two lines, about 22 kilometers long. The names of the stations have no connection to the area and are taken from the events of the revolution. The price of travel on the Pyongyang metro is the lowest in the world - only 5 won (that's about one ruble). It is interesting that tourists are shown only two stations: “Yonggwan” and “Puhung”; not all foreigners were able to see the rest. Photographs of the stations show that the same passengers travel on the trains, the carriages are lightly loaded and have the same numbers.

The largest building in Pyongyang and the DPRK. This is the only hotel in the world that has more than a hundred floors (105 to be exact). In terms of roof height, it surpasses even the famous Dubai Tower, which maintains its superiority only thanks to its huge spire.

Hotel Rügen really makes a strong impression on tourists. The building is crowned by a huge cylindrical structure that can rotate, thereby changing the panorama in the windows of the rooms. The hotel has not yet been completed and is only partially open for tourists.

May Day Stadium

The largest and most spacious stadium in the world, which can simultaneously accommodate up to 150 thousand spectators. This grandiose structure was built in 1989, when the XIII Festival of Youth and Students was held in Pyongyang. Now the stadium is used exclusively for home matches of North Korean teams and for numerous public events.

Gigantomania has not spared the Pyongyang Library, which can accommodate up to 30 million books and was conceived as a center of universal education. It is not entirely clear what to put in this library, because foreign publications are allowed only with special permission, and you can only take the works of Kim Jong Il to read in this library. There is also a Juche research center where a guide will happily take you around and tell you about the achievements of the leaders.

Pyongyang (평양 - Pyeongyang) has a population of about 2,750,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of North Korea. It is located on the banks of the Daedong River, in the southwest of the country.

How to get there

By plane

Almost everyone travels either by plane or by train from Beijing. You will need to apply for a visa before your trip, this will take at least 2 weeks.

Sunan International Airport is located 24 kilometers north of Pyongyang.

The Air China Beijing departs/arrives on Mondays and Fridays, with an additional service on Wednesday evenings in summer (from 1 April). It is worth noting that Pyongyang Airport does not have a glide path system, and in the event of bad weather conditions, flights may be canceled or even the plane may turn around. AirKoryo usually does not have such problems, so if you absolutely need to fly, you should use the services of this company. However, it is worth taking into account that Air China is equipped with more modern and safer equipment compared to Air Koryo. You can compare prices for flights to Pyongyang from different airlines, for example.

If you have financial problems, then you can buy half-price tickets from Pyongyang. They are sold at the Youth Hotel, Air China office. It is located approximately 10 km northeast of the city. In addition, you will be allowed to carry 30 kilograms of luggage free of charge.

By train

Trains from China arrive at Pyongyang Main Station. Foreigners can join the locals and use the main exit. Your guide will be waiting for you outside. Also, if any of your luggage was transported on a freight train, you can pick it up the next day. Customs is located at the back of the building and closes from 12.00 to 14.00. There are no fees for clearing goods through customs, and officials are not strict.

Note to tourists

Visitors to North Korea must be accompanied by a guide or guides who will show you what and how you can visit.

You can visit this city on your own, unless, of course, the authorities prohibit it. This happens, but very rarely.

Residents can easily walk around the area. However, they cannot use buses. But they can travel by metro, despite rumors of a ban. There are two metro lines and all stations are open to foreigners. Even though the trains are old, they are quite high quality and phenomenally cheap. The biggest disadvantage of this mode of transport is that the subway only runs on the west side of the river, while the Munsu-dong area, where all the foreign residents live, is on the east side.

You can also take a taxi, but Koreans are very careful with foreigners and may not provide their services to them. One exception can only be at the Koryo Hotel, which is located next to the station. Wait for the driver, then contact the hotel so he can pick you up. About 5 North Korean won will be enough to travel an average distance one way.

Clue:

Pyongyang - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 6

Kazan − 6

Samara − 5

Ekaterinburg − 4

Novosibirsk − 2

Vladivostok 1

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Pyongyang weather by month

Clue:

Pyongyang weather by month

Hotels. Where is the best place to live?

Budget choice

Heabangsan Hotel Sungri Road Central Tel. +850 2 37037. A five-story building that is the cheapest option in Pyongyang. There are 83 rooms here, but it is not a fact that you will be allowed to stay here as a foreigner.

Morangbong Hotel, Morangbong Hill, has 12 rooms and is the smallest hotel in Pyongyang. And the only one with an Al Fresco dining room.

Pyongyang Hotel, Sungri Street, Central District (next to Pyongyang Theater), Tel. +850 2 38161. Second class hotel with 170 rooms. It was opened in 1961.

Taedonggang Hotel, Sungri Street, Central Area (next to Taedonggang River), Tel. +850 2 38346. Second class hotel, which was founded in 1956.

Average cost

Koryo Hotel, Changkwang Road, Tel. +850 2 381 4397. The most luxurious hotel in the city, on par with Yanggakdo. Has 45 floors and more than 500 rooms. A three star hotel in the center of Pyongyang, close to the train station, making you less isolated than Yanggakdo. Single rooms: 175 won, double rooms: 290 won.

Potongang Hotel Tel. +850 2 381 2229. First class hotel located 4 kilometers from the city center. There are 216 rooms, each with air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone and satellite TV. There are also restaurants, a bar, a gift shop and a beauty salon.

Ryanggang Hotel, Chongchun Road, (at the junction of Taedonggang and Potonggang Rivers), Mangyongdae District, Tel. +850 2 73825. Was founded in 1989. A first class hotel with 317 rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

Sosan Hotel, Kwangbok Road, Tel. +850 2 71191. Another first class option, recently refurbished. It has a swimming pool, bars, Internet access and cable TV.

Yanggakdo Hotel Tel. +850 2 381 2134. Was founded in 1995. The place where most tourists stay in Pyongyang. Located on Yanggakdo Island in the middle of the Taedong River. It's a 47-story building with several restaurants (including a rooftop restaurant) and a kitschy underground casino where you can see nervous Chinese people. There is also a bowling alley, shoe repair and massage center. The main staff are Chinese. Prices range from 70 won for a third-class room on the lower floors to 420 won for deluxe rooms and above. Power included.

Main attractions. What to see

20-meter bronze statue of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in Mansudae

During the celebration of Kim Il Sung's centenary, a statue of Kim Jong Il was built. This colossally huge display is the first thing you should see. Be aware that locals expect some return from visitors in the form of respect for the monument. Your tour group will also need to place flowers on the statue's pedestal, which can be purchased for 3 - 10 KRW. Formal attire is encouraged, but not required.

Pyongyang Metro

The deepest metro system in the world is 110 meters. The stations feature large murals, each intended to embody a different ideal. Most people only see Puhung and Yonggwang on the Chollima Line.

Juche Tower

A 170-meter monument dedicated to the Juche philosophy of Kim Il Sung. Don't miss the 5 won trip to the top where you can see great view of the city (although if you stay at Yanggakdo, the view from the top floor is almost the same, and it's free!).

Children's Palace

Almost every city has a Children's Palace; Pyongyang is the largest. After school, gifted children spend their day in this palace, practicing art or improving other personal skills. Children choose their occupation in consultation with teachers, and as soon as they are old enough (about 11 years old), they continue their studies in a certain field. Directions: ballet, rhythmic dance, gymnastics, computer programming, singing, musical instruments, chess, volleyball, basketball, embroidery and calligraphy.

Ryugyong Hotel (hotel)

This 105-story, 330-meter-tall building dominates the Pyongyang skyline. Construction began in 1987, but when funds ran out (in 1992), construction was suspended.

USSPueblo

Captured American ship.

Stamp shop

Located next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang Road, you can purchase a variety of DPRK postage stamps, from Olympic sports to Korean food and DPRK history. Exactly this the best place, where they sell souvenirs, and there are also brands for every taste. You can buy postcards and postage stamps for 200 won.

Arirang Mass Games

Here you can see gymnasts and artistic performances. These games have been around for several years. The greatest show on earth with over 100,000 acts.

Arch of Triumph

The arch was designed to honor the Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and liberation from Japanese occupation. The arch is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, at 60 meters high and 50 meters wide, it is the largest in the world.

Kaeson Funfair (fair)

Located next to the Arc de Triomphe, there is a small amusement park with several new attractions. You and your guides won't be able to just wander around this park; you'll need help from park staff to ride each attraction. You will also be allowed in without a queue. All attractions you visit can be paid for at the exit.

Chollima Statue (statue)

This is a statue of a man on a winged horse, representing the innovations of Korea. Located on top of Mansu Hill.

Grand Monument

This is a huge statue of Kim Il Sung, who is still officially considered the president of the DPRK, despite the fact that he died 15 years ago.

Kimilsungia-Kimjungilia Flower Exhibition Center

These are two-story houses with rare flowers named after Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.

North Korean Film Studio

Here you can see where North Korean films are made and watch films made in Japan, Russia, China and South Korea.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Korean War Museum (museum) is also known as the Victory Museum Patriotic War. The museum's basement contains a number of American aircraft, tanks and weapons.

What to see in the area

Mangyongdae, the supposed birthplace of Kim Il Sung, is 12 kilometers from the city center. The leader's first home is located here, it is the main attraction and looks quite new despite the fact that the building is 100 years old. The suburb also has a Revolutionary Museum, an amusement park and a school for gifted children.

The Revolutionary Martyrs (cemetery), about 15 kilometers northeast of the city. You will walk 300 steps through the garden, where mourning music will play, and bronze portraits of the buried are depicted on marble slabs. Seriousness is strictly required here. You can take photographs and on clear days there are wonderful views of the city. At the foot of the hill there is a park and a zoo. It's inexpensive, but they're not always open. There is a metro station from which you can return to the city. The journey takes about 40 minutes. There are many tigers, dogs and chickens in the zoo. Two Korean dog breeds (lighter - northern, darker - southern), which are separated from each other by a fence and mostly just bark at each other.

Panmunjom. A village located on the border between North and South Korea and representing a truce zone. This is an unforgettable place, located one day's drive from Pyongyang.

Food. What to try

The average North Korean is unlikely to go to a restaurant. In their understanding, restaurants exist for foreigners and special guests of the country. You will usually have lunch at the hotel. With the current slow destruction state control There are many different private and semi-private (supposedly state-owned) eateries in Pyongyang, but they are mainly aimed at the working class. The menu is very simple: boiled corn, kimchi, fish or squid and white rice for those who want to splurge (North Koreans only eat white rice on holidays). If Koreans accept foreigners into their establishment, it could cause a huge embarrassment and cause a lot of problems for everyone involved.

Often, if you see a group of Koreans in a restaurant, it means that they are working together and eating lunch at the expense of their organization. They are very easy to recognize: Koreans almost never eat meat, so at the meat festival they drink as much as possible, and one of the drinks is rice alcohol. And small groups of people who regularly go to restaurants drink and eat much less.

No. 1 Boat Restaurant, located in Kim Il Sung Square, is the only one of its kind in Pyongyang that is accessible to tourists. You can dine on the outdoor terrace.

Chongryu. Located on the banks of the Pothong River. The design of the restaurant is made in the form of a river cruise liner. It was renovated in 2007 and will good choice for those who love Korean national food, as there are more than 120 Korean dishes available here.

Dangogi Gukjib on Tongil Road is the most famous place to try dog ​​meat (many Koreans specialize in this), but the conditions for keeping these animals are extremely unfavorable and the methods of killing are very cruel.

National Restaurant can serve a wide variety of Korean dishes and also hosts live concerts.

Okryu, located on the banks of the Taedong River, was founded in 1960 and is a popular restaurant for those who want to experience Korean cuisine. It is famous for its Pyongyang-style cold noodles.

Pyolmuri, located on Changkwang Road, is the first Italian restaurant in North Korea. Here you can try pasta and pizza. Between 1.50 - 2.50 won.

Pyongyang Duck Barbecue is a good choice if you like grilled duck.

Pyongyang Ostrich Farm specializes in ostrich meat dishes.

Ryugyong Restaurant, located on Sang Taek Street, specializes in beef dishes. Recommended for meat lovers.

Samtaesung Hamburger Restaurant is the only one of its kind in Pyongyang. Here you can try hamburgers, French fries and soft drinks.

Pyongyang TV Tower Restaurant is located in the Pyongyang TV Tower. And many consider it one of the best restaurants in North Korea.

Beverages

There are very few bars and clubs here; North Korean beer is available in hotels. Many can offer both Chinese beer and some other types, such as Heineken. Local beer in barrels is very tasty and costs between 0.50 and 1.40 won. And bottled beer can give you a nasty hangover.

There are three main places, besides restaurants and hotels, that visitors can visit: the old Diplomatic Club next to the Juche Tower, near the river; "Friendship" - located inside Munsudong foreigners; as well as the Random Access Club, created by the UN, is located within Munsudong foreigners.

If you have transport (which is difficult to find) and permission (which is easier), then you can visit these places.

Safety. What to watch out for

The authorities here are very strict and crime is low. It is unlikely that you will have any problems with the locals. However, remember that the police and secret services are also strict with foreigners. Do not insult Great Leader Kir Il Sung, Kim Jong Il or Kim Jong Un in any way. Otherwise, you may be arrested or at least deported.

Things to do

Excursions in and around Pyongyang - the only way spending free time. Very rarely, visitors move around the city on their own.

There is one caveat regarding independent visit Pyongyang by foreign residents. Usually they are allowed to walk freely around the city, but Koreans still prefer to help in such situations.

First of all, be careful when taking photos. It's okay to photograph monuments and palaces, but Koreans don't like being photographed without their permission. If you walk through a street market, it will look like this: everyone will run away from you (including sellers), for them this means some kind of failure. However, this is not always the case. Koreans get nervous a lot, so it's a good idea to smile more often. In such situations, it is better not to take photographs. IN otherwise you will be arrested and deported.

Any innocent photograph in a Western market is unacceptable to North Koreans. Not only do they point out flaws in the political system, but the picture of abundance will be spoiled, which also worries residents.

There are many places to shoot air guns. Koreans love watching foreigners try their hand at it. For example, sometimes (unbeknownst to foreigners) they shot at images of Americans.

This way you can also shoot at live targets, namely chickens. It only costs a couple of North Korean won, and if you kill the chicken, you can take it.

Foreigners can use the main pool on Saturday mornings, and in winter it becomes an ice skating rink, which can also be used. It is important to be aware that if you get into an accident, you will not receive help from local residents, because... you are a foreigner with whom they do not like to contact. There was a case when once a tourist broke his leg at the skating rink, and only foreign-speaking people tried to help him. newcomers like him.

Shopping and shops

You can't buy many souvenirs here. There are several department stores, but they have few items of interest. Art, handicrafts and souvenirs can be bought at tourist spots or hotels. Metal amulets featuring one or both Kims are in demand in North Korea. For them it is like a national need, and therefore for Westerners they are not always available, because... the locals think they would never want to have such a thing. These “badges” were even confiscated by customs upon departure.

There are several government-supported stores stocking a wide range of groceries as well as consumer goods such as homemade shoes. The prices are very low compared to Western standards, and the sellers are honest because... Officials watch their every move, especially when selling anything to foreigners. These stores are very easy to recognize by their blue hemispherical roof. However, despite the fact that this is a Tonghil market, foreigners may be treated with caution or suspicion at best. Don't be surprised if you are escorted from this building.

Tonghil Market is perhaps the most interesting place, as relatively wealthy Koreans shop here. According to state situation, Koreans are differentiated by their job/status. Everything else they can buy freely, at the local rate of won (about 1/30th of the price on the black market), again depending on their status, or at the market price, which means they can afford next to nothing. Average wage per month is about £1.5/€2/$2.5 per month, which leads to complete dependence of most people on the state.

You definitely need to exchange your currency into won to shop in these stores or markets, and photography is not allowed. You can get robbed in Tonghil, but this rarely happens.

Palace of Peoples' Friendship- located in the mountains, near the town of Mehyang - it is a two-hour drive from the capital of North Korea. The museum looks like a Buddhist temple and is located in the middle of a beautiful park with a waterfall and paths. The Palace, with long corridors inside, escalators, and many rooms, houses a collection of 165,500 gifts given at different times by various delegations or leaders of other countries in the name of Kim Il Sung. The leader considered the gifts given to him to be the property of the people. This collection is housed in 20 exhibition halls. Gifts are quite expensive, and some gifts are simply masterpieces of art, for example, such as: a painting of 4.5 million butterflies, a painting of shells of 830 million mollusks, a government limousine ZIS-110 with bulletproof glass, an office office made of metal, a train carriage, several Mercedes , Samsung TV and much more. Korean culture has a tradition of giving gifts to each other, so it is not surprising that Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il set aside a special place for this. The purpose of the museum is to show the world that Korea stands in solidarity with other countries in the world. North Korea keeps its national heritage in the Museum, which is available for viewing to all museum guests.


Palace of Pioneers and Schoolchildren– a youth center for creativity, sports, and extracurricular activities of the young North Korean generation (all North Korean children become pioneers in primary school, wear red scarves around their necks). The palace is located in the Mangyongde district of Pyongyang. Its area is about 3 thousand square meters. meters. The hall is designed for 2000 people, and this is where performances and concerts are held, which you can watch with pleasure. All tourists coming to North Korea attend such concerts in the Palace of Pioneers. The children's performances are amazingly impressive as the children try so hard.

Geumsusan Sun Memorial Palace– located in the northeast of Pyongyang. Even during his lifetime, Kim Il Sung loved to spend work time at his country residence, where he met with leaders of other countries. After the death of the leader, his son Kim Jong Il ordered the conversion of this complex into a mausoleum. Subsequently, the body of Kim Jong Il was found behind the granite walls of the tomb. Every year, North Korea celebrates National Sun Day on April 15. This day is dedicated to the birthday of Kim Il Sung, and therefore is a national day. “The Sun of the Nation” - that’s what they call the leader of North Korea. Foreigners can only get to the memorial palace during tourist trips. An appropriate dress code (faint, decent clothing), speaking in a low voice and not taking photographs of the leaders’ bodies are among the rules for visiting the North Korean mausoleum. When visiting North Korea, it is worth visiting the memorial palace and seeing everything with your own eyes.



Mansudae Monument– Two twenty-meter statues of leaders towering on a hill are located in Pyongyang. Behind last years the place where the monument is located has been transformed: there are new buildings around, cleanliness, and the statues themselves have been re-soldered and now the faces of the leaders, who were previously serious, have a smile. Although Kim Il Sung said during his lifetime that statues should not smile, but in the traditions of Koreans there is a rule that after death people must be depicted with a smile. When erecting the second statue - Comrade Kim Jong Il, they decided to replace the previously serious face of the statue of his father with a sunny smile. The “Sun of the Korean People” points in the direction of a bright future – to the south. With a respectful look, making a deep bow in front of the statues, a visit to the monument is made by those wishing to show respect to comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Flowers for laying can be purchased near the monument. Visiting the Mansudae monument in North Korea is one of the obligatory parts of the tourist or official delegation program.



Museum of the Fatherland Liberation War (or Korean War)– a huge Pyongyang museum with a large number of exhibition halls presents exhibitions dedicated to the war between North and South Korea (06/25/1950-07/27/1953). Soviet Union then was on the side of the North, America was on the side of the South. A lot of things that symbolize the war are stored here: the remains of military clothing, weapons, military equipment(tanks, planes, carriages). Also, in the museum building you can see many posters in Russian. Patriotism and the attitude: “to protect the country at the cost of one’s own life” can be seen in everything. For visitors, a guide, usually a girl in military uniform, talks about past events and plays a video film. The diorama shows a show that is better captured not on cameras, but on a camera or in your memories. When visiting a country like North Korea, we recommend visiting the Korean War Museum; you can feel the spirit of history and the attitude of the Korean people towards their country.


American spy ship-museum “Pueblo”. The ship, which secretly intruded into Korean waters several times in order to scout out North Korean military secrets, has now stopped at the shore of the Taedong River - the place where the American pirate ship General Sherman was sunk earlier in the sixties. "Pueblo" was captured by the Korean People's Army in the sea area of ​​​​the city of Wonsan. Although the United States tried to regain it, it was all in vain. As a result, in 1968, the American side apologized for committing hostile acts using this ship in relation to North Korea. The ship is a visual aid for Korean contemporaries, reminding that victory awaits the Korean side in confrontation with the American side. North Korea, although small in area, is strong in its heroic endurance: in both small and great matters. A visit to the ship and a story about the glorious victory of North Korean sailors is included in the main sightseeing program for tourists in Pyongyang.


Kim Il Sung Square– is the main square. The largest area in the city of Pyongyang measuring 75,000 square meters. meters and a capacity of 100 thousand people, was named in honor of the founder of North Korea. The shoreline of the Taedong River is located near the square. The square has great cultural significance for the country and occupies the main place in North Korea for holding parades, conventions, and dances. She is often shown in the media. In 2012, the authorities removed portraits of V. Lenin and K. Marx from the square. This step was taken by Kim Jong Un in order to make North Korean society more independent and open.



Mass show "Arirang"- a show included in the category of the world's largest sports and artistic performance in the Guinness Book of Records. The grandiose show is held annually in Pyongyang and occurs during the period: August-September. The show takes place in the world's largest venue May Day Stadium(accommodates more than 150,000 spectators). The stadium, located on Nung Na Island in the middle of the Teongang River, is also distinguished by its shape: the peculiarity of its architecture is that the arches arranged in a ring create the image of a magnolia flower. The arena of the stadium in the capital of North Korea hosts matches of the DPRK national team, but the most important purpose of the square is to host the famous mass festival-show “Arirang”. The number of participants performing in the art show is so large that it accounts for 1% of the population of this country: up to 200,000 talented youth. The performers surprise everyone with their synchronicity and beauty, presenting thematic and epic paintings to the audience. It creates the impression of a “living screen” created from performing participants on stage in bright costumes. The performance is accompanied by graceful dances, songs, gymnastic performances, acrobatic stunts, high-quality lighting equipment, and decorations. Many foreign tourists come to Pyongyang to attend such an amazing and unforgettable show - the heritage and pride of North Korea.

Triumphal Arch– There is a huge gate on the round square at the foot of Mount Moran - anyone flying into the capital of North Korea can notice it, since it is the first thing that catches the eye. The granite arch is dedicated to the Korean resistance movement against the Japanese occupiers in 1925-1954. The height of sixty meters and the location of the arch allows public transport to pass freely under it. The arch is the tallest in the world. Climbing to the top platform of the gate, you can see a beautiful panorama of the city and the May Day Stadium.



Monumental Western Sea Dam- one of the main structures in North Korea: an 8-kilometer long and 10-lane wide road that blocked the mouth of the Taedong River leads from Pyongyang to the port city of Nampo. The dam has 3 lock chambers for the passage of ships. They pass along the dam itself Railway, highway and footpath. The construction of the dam made it possible to provide good irrigation to the land and protect the port of Nampo from the ebb and flow of the tides. With locks on the island there is a lighthouse resembling an anchor, at its base there is a museum of the construction of the dam. General form the dam is very impressive. When traveling in North Korea, be sure to head to the dam and museum to see such a useful and beautiful achievement of the country.


Koryo Medical Center. The Koryo National Academy and Institute of Medicine is located in Pyongyang. The research center consists of 10 research institutes using holistic medicine, including massage, acupuncture and other therapies.



Juche Tower- a granite obelisk in Pyongyang 170 meters high. The monument was built in honor of Kim Il Sung's seventieth birthday. You can get to the observation deck by an elevator, which is built inside the monument. The tower is a frequently visited place by newlyweds in the country. Not far from the monument there are bronze sculptures, quite beautiful fountains on the Taedong River and a public garden.

Pyongyang Metro– in terms of cost – the cheapest in the world, and in terms of depth – one of the deepest in the world. The depth is 20-100 meters, and the length of two metro lines is 22.5 km. The metro is illuminated by parts of balustrades. Some stations are quite luxurious: paved with marble, bas-relief, mosaic. Visiting the subway, especially Yeungwang and Puheung stations, is a major part of North Korean tourist itineraries.



Sondowon Beach one of the major beaches that is difficult to compete with in terms of fame and beauty in all of North Korea. The beach is located near the city of Wonsan on the coast of the East Sea. Very tasty ice cream is sold here. Kim Jong Un's dream is to develop tourism within North Korea, making it a "world class" tourist destination. Although this idea, along with other beaches in the world, may seem very far-fetched, the beach in Wonsan will very soon become one of the world's competitors.



Kumgangsan Mountains (or Diamond Mountains) stretched for east coast Korean Peninsula. They rise up to 1638 meters. The Kumgangsan region is considered one of the most beautiful and famous places in North Korea. There are many songs and sayings about the amazing Kumgangsan Mountains. Lakes, waterfalls, an abundance of greenery, unusual relief formed by erosion, and stone transformations add uniqueness to such a masterpiece of nature. In autumn, the mountains are especially beautiful due to the leaves of the trees that change their colors - the burgundy mountains are called “autumn leaf fall mountains” (Phun'aksan). In winter, the rocks of the mountains are exposed and they have their own name - Kegolsan. The raging summer greenery received the appropriate name - Ponnesan (“green mountains”). In spring, morning dew covers the peaks, causing the rocks to sparkle at dawn - at this time of year they are called Kumgangsan (“diamond mountains”). Each season even has a different name!
Koreans have endured many hardships throughout history, including malnutrition. When greeting each other even today, one of the first questions is: “Have you eaten yet?” But here’s what the famous Korean proverb says about the diamond mountains: “Even Geumgangsan should be seen after a good lunch.” Koreans consider it a point of pride to visit the Kumgangsan Diamond Mountains. When planning to visit a country like North Korea, we recommend visiting this beautiful tourist region.



Panmunjom– the place where the north and south of Korea border. A village 55 kilometers away. The year 1953 was marked by the signing of the Panmunjom Armistice, which ended the Korean War. The 38th parallel is the most heavily armed place in the world: mines, trenches, barbed wire, observation towers along the entire border. Millions of soldiers stand guard along the demilitarized zone. The place is quite dangerous, but on the other hand it is a big tourist attraction. Thousands of tourists visit the Panmunjom war border every year. The place for meetings and discussions between North and South Korea is a designated piece of land guarded by both sides - a building with a negotiation table. Tourists should have appearance and behavior consistent with the rules for visiting this particularly noteworthy place.



Quezon– one of the oldest cities in East Asia, ancient capital states of Korea in the Koryo era, the birthplace of ginseng. In addition to developed industry, Kaesong contains a sufficient number of attractions of the DPRK, thanks to which the city is the main point of visit for tourists: Confucian colleges, temples, ancient pagodas, tombs of kings, palace ruins, temples, fortresses, pavilions, a waterfall and much more. Most Famous places in Quezon it is Kaesong Namdaemun Gate and Goryeo Dynasty Museum(the museum houses precious objects of art and cultural relics). This city can also be visited by residents of South Korea. Many foreign tourists traveling to North Korea stay at a Kaezong hotel, located among traditional houses with courtyards. Kaesong has almost all the tombs of the Goryeo Dynasty kings, but many of them are not accessible. Tomb of King Kongming and his wife is located west of Kaesong (Kongmin was the 31st king of the Goryeo Kingdom). Since the construction of the complex, most of it has been preserved, so visiting this place is quite interesting.



Hamhung- enough Big city, the second largest in North Korea after Pyongyang. Hamhung is the industrial center of Korea, textile, aluminum, engineering, chemical industry. The city also has a large theater, house museum of the first Korean king of the Lee dynasty, Toheungsan Park, complex mineral fertilizers Hungnam is a plant for the production of ammonium sulfate and superphosphate. You can see a lot of pedestrians and bicycles in the city. And in restaurants they cook Tasty food. There is also a beautiful view of the Sea of ​​Japan, which is not far from the city. Not long ago, North Korean tourists began to come here, although previously the city was a closed place for foreign tourists.