Famous Landmarks in North Korea

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in experiencing a unique and tightly controlled society. As one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world, tourism in North Korea is highly regulated and limited, with visitors required to book guided tours through authorized tour operators. Despite its reputation for political tensions and international isolation, North Korea boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and iconic landmarks that offer insights into its history, ideology, and society. From monumental architecture and propaganda displays to scenic mountains and pristine coastlines, North Korea presents travelers with a complex and enigmatic destination to explore.

1. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, also known as the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, is a mausoleum and state shrine located in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. Originally constructed as the official residence of Kim Il-sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea, the palace was transformed into a mausoleum following Kim Il-sung’s death in 1994. Today, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun houses the embalmed bodies of both Kim Il-sung and his son, Kim Jong-il, the former leader of North Korea. Visitors to the palace are required to adhere to strict dress codes and behavior guidelines, including bowing in front of the leaders’ statues and refraining from any disrespectful behavior.

Location: Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is located in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea.

Ticket Price: Admission to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is typically included as part of guided tours organized by authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: The main international airport serving Pyongyang is Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), which offers limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun must adhere to strict rules and protocols, including dressing appropriately, following instructions from guides, and showing reverence to the deceased leaders. Photography inside the palace is strictly prohibited, and visitors may be subject to security checks upon entry.

2. Juche Tower

The Juche Tower is an iconic monument and symbol of North Korea’s ideology of Juche, which emphasizes self-reliance and independence. Standing at a height of 170 meters (560 feet), the tower is topped with a glowing red flame, representing the eternal spirit of the Korean people. Visitors can ascend the tower via an elevator to enjoy panoramic views of Pyongyang and the surrounding area from observation platforms located at various levels. Surrounding the base of the tower are bronze sculptures and inscriptions glorifying the achievements of the Juche ideology and the leadership of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

Location: The Juche Tower is located on the east bank of the Taedong River in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Ticket Price: Admission to the Juche Tower is typically included as part of guided tours organized by authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main international airport serving Pyongyang, offering limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors to the Juche Tower should be prepared for security checks and restrictions on photography. Climbing the tower may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as there are stairs and elevators to reach the observation platforms.

3. Mount Paektu

Mount Paektu, also known as Baekdu Mountain, is an active volcano and sacred site located on the border between North Korea and China. Revered as the mythical birthplace of Kim Jong-il and a symbol of Korean nationalism, Mount Paektu holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Korean people. The mountain is characterized by its rugged terrain, pristine forests, and crater lake, known as Heaven Lake, which is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. Visitors to Mount Paektu can explore its natural beauty through hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and cultural sites, including the Paektu-san Secret Camp, where Kim Jong-il is said to have conducted guerrilla warfare against Japanese colonial rule.

Location: Mount Paektu is situated on the border between North Korea’s Ryanggang Province and China’s Jilin Province.

Ticket Price: Access to Mount Paektu is restricted, and visitors are typically required to book guided tours through authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: The nearest airport to Mount Paektu is Samjiyon Airport (YJS), located near the town of Samjiyon in North Korea.

Railway Stations: There are no railway stations directly serving Mount Paektu. However, visitors can travel by train to nearby cities such as Samjiyon or Chongjin.

Special Attention: Visiting Mount Paektu involves traveling to remote and rugged terrain, and visitors should be prepared for challenging conditions and limited amenities. Access to certain areas of the mountain may be restricted, and visitors must follow instructions from guides and authorities at all times.

4. Arch of Triumph

The Arch of Triumph is a monumental archway located in Pyongyang, North Korea, commemorating the Korean resistance against Japanese colonial rule. Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Arch of Triumph stands at a height of 60 meters (197 feet) and is adorned with bronze reliefs and inscriptions glorifying the achievements of the Korean people and the leadership of Kim Il-sung. Visitors can ascend the arch via an elevator to reach a viewing platform at the top, offering panoramic views of Pyongyang and its surroundings.

Location: The Arch of Triumph is situated at the western end of Ryomyong Street in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Ticket Price: Admission to the Arch of Triumph is typically included as part of guided tours organized by authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main international airport serving Pyongyang, offering limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors to the Arch of Triumph should be prepared for security checks and restrictions on photography. Climbing the arch may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as there are stairs and elevators to reach the viewing platform.

5. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a heavily fortified buffer zone that separates North Korea from South Korea, stretching approximately 250 kilometers (160 miles) across the Korean Peninsula. Serving as one of the most tense and heavily guarded borders in the world, the DMZ is a stark reminder of the ongoing division and conflict between North and South Korea. Visitors to the DMZ can participate in guided tours that offer insights into the history, politics, and military significance of the area, including visits to landmarks such as the Joint Security Area (JSA), Panmunjom, and the Third Tunnel of Aggression.

Location: The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) spans the width of the Korean Peninsula, dividing North Korea from South Korea.

Ticket Price: Access to the DMZ is restricted, and visitors are required to book guided tours through authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: The nearest airport to the DMZ is Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea, which serves domestic and international flights.

Railway Stations: There are no railway stations directly serving the DMZ. However, visitors can travel by train to nearby cities such as Seoul or Panmunjom.

Special Attention: Visiting the DMZ involves traveling to a highly sensitive and heavily guarded area, and visitors must follow strict rules and regulations imposed by military authorities. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, and visitors must remain with their tour group at all times.

6. Kim Il-sung Square

Kim Il-sung Square is a large public square located in the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea, named after Kim Il-sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea. Spanning an area of 75,000 square meters (807,300 square feet), the square serves as a venue for political rallies, military parades, and public gatherings, showcasing the regime’s ideology and propaganda. At the center of the square stands the Grand Monument, featuring bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, where visitors are required to pay their respects and lay flowers as a sign of reverence.

Location: Kim Il-sung Square is situated in central Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea.

Ticket Price: There is no specific ticket price to visit Kim Il-sung Square, as it is a public space open to all visitors. However, access to certain events or areas within the square may be restricted.

Nearby Airports: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main international airport serving Pyongyang, offering limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors to Kim Il-sung Square should be aware of the strict rules and regulations governing behavior and attire in public spaces in North Korea. Photography may be permitted in certain areas of the square, but visitors should exercise caution and respect local customs and authorities.

7. Ryugyong Hotel

The Ryugyong Hotel is a striking pyramid-shaped skyscraper located in Pyongyang, North Korea, known for its distinctive design and controversial history. Construction of the hotel began in 1987 with the intention of creating the world’s tallest hotel and a symbol of North Korea’s modernization and prosperity. However, due to economic hardships and technical challenges, construction was halted in the early 1990s, leaving the building unfinished for decades. After years of neglect, renovation work resumed in the early 21st century, and the hotel finally opened its doors to guests in 2018. Today, the Ryugyong Hotel stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Pyongyang, although its interior remains largely inaccessible to tourists.

Location: The Ryugyong Hotel is located in the Potong-gang District of Pyongyang, North Korea.

Ticket Price: Access to the interior of the Ryugyong Hotel is restricted, and visitors are not permitted to enter without prior authorization. However, guided tours may offer views of the exterior of the building as part of city tours.

Nearby Airports: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main international airport serving Pyongyang, offering limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors should be aware that access to the interior of the Ryugyong Hotel is restricted, and photography may be prohibited in certain areas. The hotel’s exterior can be viewed from various vantage points around Pyongyang, offering opportunities for photos and observation.

8. Mangyongdae Native House

Mangyongdae Native House is a historic site located on the outskirts of Pyongyang, North Korea, commemorating the birthplace of Kim Il-sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea. The traditional Korean-style house, known as a hanok, has been preserved as a museum and pilgrimage site, showcasing artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits related to Kim Il-sung’s early life and revolutionary activities. Visitors to Mangyongdae can explore the house and surrounding grounds, including a family shrine, orchards, and gardens, while learning about Kim Il-sung’s upbringing and political ideology.

Location: Mangyongdae Native House is situated in Mangyongdae-guyok, a district in the southwest of Pyongyang, North Korea.

Ticket Price: Admission to Mangyongdae Native House is typically included as part of guided tours organized by authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main international airport serving Pyongyang, offering limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors to Mangyongdae Native House should be respectful of the historic significance of the site and adhere to any guidelines or regulations provided by museum staff. Photography may be permitted in certain areas, but visitors should exercise caution and respect cultural sensitivities.

9. Pyongyang Metro

The Pyongyang Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Pyongyang, North Korea, and is notable for its elaborate underground stations and socialist-realist art. Constructed in the 1960s and 1970s as a showcase of the country’s technological achievements and socialist ideology, the metro system consists of two lines with a total of 17 stations. Visitors to Pyongyang can experience the metro as part of guided tours, riding on trains decorated with propaganda posters and mosaics depicting scenes of industry, agriculture, and revolutionary struggle. Highlights of the Pyongyang Metro include stations such as Puhung, which features chandeliers and marble columns, and Yonggwang, adorned with murals depicting North Korea’s achievements in science and technology.

Location: The Pyongyang Metro operates within the city of Pyongyang, North Korea.

Ticket Price: Access to the Pyongyang Metro is included as part of guided tours organized by authorized tour operators. The cost of the tour may vary depending on the duration and itinerary.

Nearby Airports: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main international airport serving Pyongyang, offering limited international flights to and from China and Russia.

Railway Stations: Pyongyang Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, providing domestic train services to various destinations within North Korea.

Special Attention: Visitors to the Pyongyang Metro should be aware that photography is restricted within the metro system, and guides may accompany tour groups to ensure compliance with regulations. While riding the metro, visitors should be respectful of local customs and passengers and follow instructions from guides.

10. Kaesong

Kaesong is a historic city located in the southern part of North Korea, near the border with South Korea, and is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural heritage. Once the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), Kaesong boasts a wealth of historic sites, including UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks such as the Kaesong Namdaemun Gate and the Kaesong Koryo Museum. Visitors to Kaesong can explore its narrow streets, traditional hanok houses, and ancient temples, gaining insights into Korean history, art, and culture. The city also offers opportunities for cultural exchanges, including traditional Korean meals, performances, and handicraft demonstrations.

Location: Kaesong is located in the southern part of North Korea, near the border with South Korea.

Ticket Price: Admission fees to attractions in Kaesong may vary depending on the site and any guided tours or activities included. Prices are typically arranged as part of guided tours organized by authorized tour operators.

Nearby Airports: The nearest airport to Kaesong is Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), which serves domestic and international flights to and from Pyongyang.

Railway Stations: There are no railway stations directly serving Kaesong. However, visitors can travel by train to nearby cities such as Pyongyang or Panmunjom.

Special Attention: Visitors to Kaesong should be respectful of the city’s cultural heritage and traditions, as well as any guidelines or regulations provided by tour guides or authorities. Photography may be permitted in certain areas, but visitors should exercise caution and respect local customs.