Top 8 Things to Do in North Korea

1. Must-Visit Destination - Pyongyang

As the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang is the center of politics, economy, and culture in the country. It is located at the joint of the plain and hill in the downstream of Taedong River. Its name means flat land because there is a strip of land on the plain. It was called Ryugyong in the past, meaning a capital of willows.

Almost 70 years ago, Pyongyang was ruined in Korean War. The present city was built in the ruins. Various monumental buildings can be found in the city, giving visitors a strong sense of collectivism, for example, the Kim II-Sung Square where people have big assemblies, Arch of Triumph 10 meters (32.8 ft) higher than Arch of Triumph in Paris, Grand People's Study House which looks like a crane with spreading wings and the Juche Tower which is up to 170 meters (558 ft).

2. Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang

Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang was established in April, 1982 when Kim II-Sung was 70 to commemorate the triumphant return of Kim II-Sung in the Korean Independence Movement. It is situated on the Triumph Return Square at the foot of Moran Hill and made up of more than 10,500 blocks of superior granite. It is 60 meters (200 ft) high and 50 meters (164 ft) wide with "the song of General Kim II-Sung" inscribed on it.

3. Stroll on Kim II-Sung Square

Kim II-Sung Square is in the Central District of Pyongyang. The square was constructed in Aug. 1954. It is a common place for celebrations and military parades and it has an area of about 75,000 square meters (807,293 square feet). Standing on the square, you will find that the Juche Tower on its south and the Grand People's Study House on the north. The ground of the square is made up of granite. Pictures of brilliant communist leaders like Kim II-Sung, Max and Lenin hang on the surrounding buildings. Every day the local people would go there to worship before going for job and may do cleaning there if they are free.

4. Climb Mount Myohyang

Mount Myohyang is located in the northwest of the country. It covers 375 sq km (145 sq mi). The highest hill is the 1909-meter-high (6,263 ft) Birobong Peak, which is almost 170 km (106 mi) far from the northwest of Pyongyang. Mount Myohyang enjoys equal popularity as Mount Kumgang and the scenery is very beautiful especially in Sangwon Valley, Manphok Valley and the Birobong Peak. It is the best mountain for climbers. There are many kinds of plants, beasts, birds and fishes.

5. Visit Kaesong

Kaesong is located in the mid-western lowland of Korean peninsula and it covers 1,309 sq km (505 sq mi). The downtown area is encircled by Songak and Pongmyong mountains. There are many historical sites and cultural relics like Tomb of King Wanggon. The most representative is the Manwoldae Palace which is the royal palace of Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The famous 38th Parallel and Panmunjom are nearby as well.

6. Panmunjom

Panmunjom is a village which is located on the Military Demarcation Line between South Korea and North Korea. It is 215 km (134 mi) far from Pyongyang and it is the only point which links the South and North Korea. There is a Military Armistice Commission which is monitored by Switzerland, Sweden, Czech Republic and Poland.

Due to military control, there are few visitors in Panmunjom. Therefore, the natural ecology here is well-preserved and it is planned to be listed as an International Ecological Reserve.

Tips

The number of visitors for Panmunjom is limited. Visitors should dress properly. Men should not wear sport suits, jeans and long hair is not allowed. For women, skirts and panties are forbidden. Passport is required in order to enter. Children less than 12 years old are not allowed to enter. It is closed on every Saturday and Sunday.

7. Visit Koryo Museum

Koryo Museum was a temporary residential palace of Koryo Empire and it has more than 1,000 historical relics from Goryeo Dynasty stored in 4 exhibition halls, including many industrial products made of iron, bronze, stone and other metals and an image of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Out of the museum, there are remains of Hungguk Temple and Kaeguk Temple.

8. Hike Mount Kumgang

Mount Kungang is a famous mountain in North Korea and even the world. It is a 1638-meter-high (5,374 ft) mountain in Kangwon-do and it is the highest peak of Taebaek Mountain. It is divided into 4 areas: Inner Kumgang; Outer Kungang; Sea Kumgang and New Kumgang. There are various mountains, caves, cliffs and gorges. It's really splendid and magnificent.

Recommended Food to Enjoy

Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)

It tastes sweet, sour and spicy. It's really delicious. During important festivals, the local people would have naengmyeon.

Rice Wine

It is the best for local people to entertain guests. It looks a bit whiter than millet wine and it tastes a little sweet.

Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

It consists of a whole young chicken filled with dates, garlic, spices and salt. It’s a popular nutritious food in spring and winter, usually with chopped scallion and pepper as the seasoning.

Tteok (Rice Cakes)

When eating, visitors can cut it intosmall pieces and add bean flour, white sugar or honey on it. It tastes sweet.