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1. Mansudae Monument
The Mansudae Memorial is an iconic site, most notably for its massive bronze statues of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. Each statue stands 22 meters tall. Visitors place flowers at the feet of these former leaders – figures considered guides for the North Korean people. Visitors are required to queue and bow in respect. Photography is permitted, but mimicking the leaders' poses or taking out-of-frame images of them is strictly prohibited.
2. Kim Il-sung Square
Kim Il-sung Square is a large public space in the heart of Pyongyang. Similar to Tiananmen Square in China, North Korea holds historical events, celebrations, military parades, and even fireworks displays there. The area has a capacity of 100,000 people. Other buildings in the square include the Grand People's Library, the Central Museum of North Korean History, and the National Art Gallery of North Korea.
3. JUCHE TOWER
Across the river from Kim Il-sung Square stands the majestic Juche Water Tower. This is North Korea's tallest monument. The tower was erected to commemorate the state ideology of 'Juche' – 'Self-Reliance' – developed by Kim Il-sung, an ideology that forms the basis of North Korea's current political and economic isolation. 25,500 granite blocks were used to construct the Juche Tower, each representing a day in Kim Il-sung's life, and it was inaugurated on his 70th birthday.
4. Triumphal Arch in Pyongyang
The North Korean version of the Arc de Triomphe is 10 meters shorter than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was built precisely where Kim Il-sung received resounding applause upon his return after his victory over Japan and the liberation of Korea. Visitors can take an elevator to the upper level to view the nearby Kim Il-sung Stadium.
5. Monument commemorating the founding of the Party
The Party Founding Memorial was built in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea. The Workers' Party of Korea is the founding and ruling party of North Korea, with Kim Jong-un as its chairman. The hammer, sickle, and torch symbolize the idea that each individual holds the key to North Korea's prosperity under the Juche regime. In front of the monument is an area for holding dances and public celebrations. The red buildings behind it represent the waving flag of the Workers' Party of Korea.
6. Grand People Library
This is North Korea's largest library, with 600 rooms and the capacity to hold up to 30 million books. The library offers short courses on topics such as science and architecture, reading areas with revolutionary materials, and even free video lectures and presentations. The complex is designed to encourage self-learning outside of work hours. Tourists often visit room 1004, which houses works by President Kim Il-sung and books about his greatness.
7. Subway station in Pyongyang
The Pyongyang Metro is not just a subway system, but also a nuclear bunker and a national museum showcasing North Korea's revolutionary history, ideals, and achievements. Each station has a unique theme. The 'Golden Soil' station celebrates agriculture by displaying murals depicting wheat harvests and fresh fruit, while the walls of the 'Construction' station feature mosaics of smiling workers toiling under Kim Il-sung's guidance on site.
8. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is the final resting place of the eternal President Kim Il-Sung and General Kim Jong-Il. Visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a serious matter; men need a collared shirt, tie, and trousers, and women must dress modestly with their shoulders and knees covered. Photography is also prohibited. Before entering, you will pass through a metal detector, have your shoes cleaned, and walk through a dust blower. Visitors are also required to bow three times to each of the Great Leaders. Many of the leaders' possessions are also on display, including a yacht, a Mercedes, a golf cart, and a train. The palace is only open twice a week and is closed in May and June.
9. Victorious Museum of the War of National Liberation
The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum is a newly renovated site for the Korean people, depicting the war against foreign invaders. You will be assigned a female military guide who will provide you with a well-rounded historical account of North Korea. Before entering, you will see images of captured and shot-down U.S. Army helicopters, and even the infamous USS Pueblo, the American 'Spy Ship' still held hostage by North Korea.
10. MANSUDAE ART STUDIO
The Mansudae Art Studio is the largest and most prestigious art studio in North Korea. State-run artists there follow a socialist realist style and, since 1959, have created monuments, statues, murals, posters, and even lapel pin designs for North Korea. Leader Kim has also commissioned the studio to create portraits of himself.
11. Mangyondae Indigenous House
Nestled in a tranquil park, you'll find the Mangyondae Native House. This humble thatched-roof house is the official birthplace of the eternal President Kim Il-sung, and where he spent his childhood. Visitors often place flowers at the Kim Il-sung memorial outside.
12. Munsu Water Park
Munsu Water Park is a massive, world-class water park in Pyongyang. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a smiling wax statue of Kim Jong-il by the sea, and then presented with a socialist-style swimsuit. There are countless exciting water slides, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wave pool, and even a lazy river to drift down. If you don't feel like swimming, you can head to the climbing walls, volleyball court, play on trampolines, or visit a beer garden or cafe, or even get a haircut! After a long day of sightseeing in Pyongyang, Munsu Water Park is a great alternative.
13. Pyongyang Military Circus
North Korea is famous for its military parade art, and you'll see that through the Pyongyang Military Circus. No animals are used in the show. It's fun, simple, and very organized.
14. Foreign Language Bookstore
The Foreign Language Bookstore is the best place to find souvenirs in North Korea. You can find postcards, complete works by great leaders transcribed into English, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian, as well as North Korean daily newspapers and state magazines. Besides literature, you'll find anti-American postcards, historical stamp collections, hand-drawn posters, and even DVDs.
15. RYUGYONG HOTEL
This is the 105-story Ryugyong Hotel, under construction since 1987, which is still not truly finished. Originally intended to house over 3,000 guest rooms, it was never actually opened to the public and remains under construction. It is planned to be leased out as apartments and commercial space.
16. Pyongyang Science and Technology Complex
Explore North Korea's scientific and technological advancements at the opulent Atomic Science and Technology Complex. The buildings are powered entirely by a network of solar panels, and a model rocket sits atop the lobby as a symbol of a grand house of science. The complex houses an electronic library, exhibition areas including an earthquake simulator and model theater, science games for all ages, rooms designed for presentations or lectures, and a computer technology area featuring numerous touch screens. Organizations and individuals can connect to resources across the buildings using an intranet.
