Handy Tips For Exploring Pyongyang
Travel with a Licensed Tour Operator
Independent travel is not allowed, so you’ll need to join a licensed tour group. Choose a reputable company that offers knowledgeable guides and comprehensive itineraries to ensure a smoother experience.
Be Prepared for Controlled Tours
Expect a highly organized and monitored visit with limited free time. Guides will accompany you everywhere, and your schedule will likely be set in advance.
Understand and Respect Local Customs
Show respect for local customs, monuments, and national leaders. For example, bowing at statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is expected and a sign of respect.
Learn Basic Etiquette and Cultural Norms
Avoid political discussions and respect local traditions. Your guides may inform you of specific etiquette, such as avoiding pointing or touching certain statues and memorials.
Dress Modestly
Dress conservatively, especially when visiting important sites like the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. Both men and women should avoid wearing overly casual clothing at these locations.
Bring Cash (Euros, Chinese Yuan, or U.S. Dollars)
Foreign currency is required as credit cards, ATMs, and mobile payment options are not available for tourists. Bring enough cash for souvenirs and additional expenses.
Follow Photography Rules Closely
Always ask your guide for permission before taking photos. Some areas, especially military or construction sites, are off-limits, while others have restrictions on how they can be photographed.
Visit Kim Il Sung Square
This iconic site is a must-see. It’s the location of major military parades and national events and provides a striking view of Pyongyang’s unique architectural style.
Tour the Pyongyang Metro
Ride the world’s deepest metro system, notable for its ornate design and historical significance. The metro also serves as a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local commuters.
See the Juche Tower
A symbol of North Korea’s official state ideology, the Juche Tower offers panoramic views of Pyongyang. Climbing to the top is a memorable way to experience the cityscape.
Visit the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
This museum provides the North Korean perspective on the Korean War, with extensive exhibits, historical artifacts, and even a captured American warship on display.
Observe a School or Art Performance
Many tours include visits to schools, where students perform for guests. This can be a heartwarming and interesting insight into North Korean education and the role of the arts.
Try Local Food in Designated Restaurants
Meals will be arranged at selected restaurants. Don’t miss trying Pyongyang cold noodles, a North Korean specialty, as well as other traditional Korean dishes.
Visit the Arch of Triumph
Modeled after the Parisian arch but taller, the Arch of Triumph celebrates Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. It’s an impressive structure and worth a photo stop.
Explore the Mansudae Grand Monument
This towering monument features statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Visitors are expected to show respect, and you may be asked to bow here.
Experience the Mass Games if Possible
If you visit during one of North Korea’s festivals, try to attend the Mass Games, a large-scale gymnastics and artistic event that showcases thousands of performers in synchronized displays.
Respect Your Guides’ Instructions
Your local guides are responsible for your safety and adherence to North Korean regulations. It’s essential to follow their guidance throughout the trip.
Embrace Cultural Learning Opportunities
You may have opportunities to visit a local school, factory, or cooperative farm. These visits offer glimpses into North Korean daily life and work culture, so observe respectfully.
Visit the Korean Art Gallery
The gallery houses a collection of Korean artwork, including socialist realism, traditional Korean art, and propaganda pieces. It’s a fascinating stop for art enthusiasts.
Prepare for Limited Internet Access
Internet access is not available for tourists, so download any necessary maps, language guides, or travel documents before arrival. This can be refreshing, offering a chance to unplug and fully experience the trip.
A Day in Pyongyang: Experiencing North Korea’s Enigmatic Capital
Exploring Pyongyang offers a fascinating journey into North Korea’s culture, ideology, and architecture. This city is uniquely structured, with carefully designed itineraries and experienced local guides who accompany visitors at all times. Here’s a look at a typical day in Pyongyang, filled with must-see sites, cultural insights, and some unexpected moments.
Morning: Arrival at Kim Il Sung Square
The day often begins at Kim Il Sung Square, the symbolic heart of Pyongyang. This enormous plaza, known for hosting military parades and mass gatherings, is lined with Soviet-inspired architecture. Here, you’ll be introduced to the grand scale of North Korean monuments and learn about its historic significance, with views of the Taedong River and nearby landmarks like the Grand People’s Study House.
Visit to the Mansudae Grand Monument
Next, your group is likely to head to the Mansudae Grand Monument, where massive bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il stand as a central point of reverence. As a sign of respect, visitors often bring flowers and bow in front of the statues, and guides provide insight into the monument’s importance in North Korean culture. It’s a striking moment and one of the most unique experiences in Pyongyang.
Tour of the Pyongyang Metro
Afterward, hop on the Pyongyang Metro, one of the world’s deepest subway systems and a fascinating blend of transportation and propaganda art. Decorated with chandeliers, mosaics, and murals, the metro is unlike any other, with stops showcasing socialist art and themes of North Korean resilience and independence. Riding the metro gives you a peek into local daily life, where residents quietly commute under the watchful eyes of their leaders.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Lunchtime introduces you to traditional North Korean cuisine. Meals are arranged at selected restaurants, often featuring dishes like Pyongyang cold noodles (naengmyeon), kimchi, and Korean BBQ. Your guides may explain the dishes and ingredients, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary traditions.
Afternoon: Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
After lunch, a visit to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum provides North Korea’s perspective on the Korean War. The museum features elaborate exhibits, including the USS Pueblo, an American naval vessel captured in 1968, which visitors can tour. This museum offers an in-depth look at North Korea’s military history and propaganda, providing insights into the nation’s view on its wartime legacy.
Tour of the Juche Tower
Another key stop is the Juche Tower, a towering monument dedicated to Juche, North Korea’s guiding ideology of self-reliance. You can ascend the tower for panoramic views of Pyongyang, where the city’s grid-like layout, parks, and iconic structures create a fascinating vista. The tower visit also serves as a brief introduction to Juche philosophy, with your guide offering context on its role in North Korean society.
Evening: Stroll Along the Taedong River
As evening approaches, a relaxed stroll along the Taedong River provides a calmer side of Pyongyang. You may catch glimpses of locals enjoying an evening walk, families spending time together, or young people practicing music and sports. The setting sun over the city’s skyline, reflecting off the Juche Tower and nearby monuments, paints a serene picture of Pyongyang.
Dinner and Cultural Show
Dinner is typically held at a designated restaurant, where your group can try more North Korean specialties. Occasionally, dinner may include a cultural performance featuring traditional Korean music, dance, and instruments, giving a rich perspective on North Korean art and entertainment.
Final Thoughts at the Hotel
Returning to your hotel offers a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences, from the grandiose monuments to the guided tours and structured encounters with local life. Staying in Pyongyang gives travelers a rare and sometimes surreal glimpse into a world where every detail is meticulously curated, yet still deeply connected to the cultural and ideological core of North Korea.
Each day in Pyongyang is carefully planned to showcase the city’s most significant sites while also controlling the narrative you experience. It’s a city that raises questions, offers insights, and leaves a lasting impression of a place unlike any other.
