Sights of North Korea (DPRK). Sights and interesting places in North Korea (with photo) Security

North Korea is located in East Asia. The date of formation of the state is 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 "self-reliance."

North Korea is considered one of the most closed countries in the world. The regime of isolationism has been introduced in the state. Therefore, international tourism is extremely underdeveloped. For tourists, free entry into the state is extremely limited. Tourist transportation is carried out by the Air Koryo company, which carries out a transfer by air flight in the direction of Vladivostok-Pyongyang.

Since 2012, the flow of tourists has doubled compared to 2000. But tourists need to be prepared for the fact that they will not be able to see the country on their own. First of all, North Korea is interesting for tourists with 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 Puk-do area. 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. A visit to the mountain is available to everyone. At the foot of the ridge and the coastal part, a huge amount of infrastructure for tourists' recreation has been built.

The bridge was built in 1216. It is located in Kaesong. The bridge is made of stone and passes through a ten-meter beautiful Roge stream, which flows in the Seonjuk quarter. Not far from the bridge, there are two stone turtles that form a pavilion and are the keepers of the manuscripts of the Li dynasty.

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

Pakyeong Waterfall

This attraction is located near the city of Kaesong in the settlement of Pakyeong. The height of the waterfall reaches 37 meters. In the middle of the reservoir there is a large stone, which places several people at once.

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

This tower is the largest building in the country. The hotel is located in Pyongyang and means " Willow Capital". The tower can easily claim to be the seventh tallest building in the world. The project was developed during cold war. 1987 is the year of the start of construction, which continues to this day. The tower reaches a height 330 meters with 105 floors. The territory near the hotel is equipped with a park area, flowering gardens are planted 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 Geumgangsan, 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. A whole tourist town is located on the Kymgang massif, which attracts tourists with its unique relief and Buddhist monasteries. Among the rocks there is a huge number of lakes into which small waterfalls flow.

In some sources, Mehyang is referred to as Myohangsan. 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, Piraebong and Nannimsan. Among them is the Yongpang mountain plain, which is a very fertile area. Dense forests and junipers grow on the slopes of the mountain range. This place belongs to the historical sites of the DPRK and is very popular among tourists.

Mount Baekdusan reaches a height of 2744 meters. In the local language, it means "white-headed mountain". Around the volcano, China and North Korea jointly created a biosphere reserve. 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 slope of the mountain to the foot of the volcano. For local residents, the mountain is a sacred place. There are many legends about the volcano, the name is mentioned in the national anthem.

This 170-meter pole 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 top of a 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 building material. Near the obelisk there are gazebos, a park, an ensemble of fountains of various sizes is equipped on the river.

Until 2012, the palace was named after 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, the entrance 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 Kongmin. From 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 at the top of an artificial hill.

The base itself consists of granite blocks, which are decorated with carvings. Around the crypts are stone statues of animals. A long path leads to the burial 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 exposition is represented by materials that tell about the main events revolutionary activity rulers of different times. The facade of the museum is decorated with granite mosaics that depict Mount Paektu. Near the museum there is a statue of Kim Il Sung.

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 Liberation War. The most massive rallies, parades and political events are held on the square. 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. Means Peony Peak in the local language. On one of the slopes of the mountain there is a monument to Russian fighters called "Khebanthab". At the top of the mountain there is a gazebo Ylmilde, which offers a beautiful view of the TV tower and the triumphal arch. At the foot, residents often celebrate traditional events that take place in the city, arrange picnics. Gazebos for relaxation are installed throughout the territory.

The village of Mangyongde is located 12 kilometers from Pyongyang. This place is known for the fact that it was here that Kim Il Sung was born and lived 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 a gazebo from which you can see all the beauties of day and night Pyongyang. In 1982, a cultural park was built in the village.

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

The exhibition is presented in a museum building built in a holy place on Mount Myohyangsan. The museum chambers store gifts from foreign delegations to the rulers of North Korea. The mention of the beginning of the work of the museum is dated 1978. The exhibition complex has about 150 rooms, in which about 220000 copies gifts.

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

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

The zoo was opened in 1959. The complex was erected by order of Kim Il Sung. The zoo is located near Mount Daesongsan, in Pyongyang. it natural complex in which they live different types animals and grow rare trees and plants.

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 look at.

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 rest, who led the country along the path of prosperity and universal happiness. This attitude towards an ordinary mausoleum is not at all accidental: any religion is prohibited in North Korea, and only rulers are allowed to worship. The ideology of the ruling elite has supplanted all other ideologies and religions, obtaining a monopoly on worship, which it zealously guards. For a religious book found in the house of a North Korean, you can go to hard labor or get into 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 excellent cover 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, with a length of about 22 kilometers. The names of the stations have no reference to the area and are taken from the events of the revolution. The fare on the Pyongyang subway is the lowest in the world - only 5 won (that's about one ruble). It is interesting that only two stations are shown to tourists: "Yongwan" and "Puheung", the rest were not able to be seen by all foreigners. The photos of the stations show that the same passengers ride in the trains, the cars are lightly loaded and have the same numbers.

The largest building in Pyongyang and North Korea. 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 holds the championship only thanks to its huge spire.

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

May Day Stadium

The largest and most spacious stadium in the world, which can accommodate up to 150,000 spectators at the same time. This grandiose building 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.

The Pyongyang library, which can hold up to 30 million books, did not bypass the megalomania and was conceived as a center of general education. It is not entirely clear what should be placed in this library, because foreign publications are allowed to be taken only with special permission, and only the works of Kim Jong Il can be taken to read in this library. The Juche Research Center is also located here, where a guide will gladly take you and tell you about the achievements of the leaders.

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

How to get there

By plane

Almost everyone gets either by plane or by train from Beijing. You will need to apply for a visa before the trip, it takes at least 2 weeks.

Sunan International Airport is located 24 kilometers north of Pyongyang.

The Air China Beijing departs/arrives on Mondays and Fridays, as well as an additional service: in the summer on Wednesday evenings (from April 1st). It is worth noting that Pyongyang Airport does not have a course-glide path system, and in case of bad weather conditions, flights may be canceled or even the aircraft may turn around. "AirKoryo" usually does not have such problems, so if you need to fly, then 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 than Air Koryo. You can compare prices for a flight 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 (hotel), at the Air China office. It is located about 10 km northeast of the city. In addition, you will be allowed to carry 30 kilograms of luggage for free.

By train

Trains from China arrive at the main Pyongyang 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, then you can pick it up the next day. The customs office is located at the back of the building and closes from 12.00 to 14.00. There is no fee for passing the customs clearance of goods, and the officials are not strict.

Note to the tourist

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 forbid. It happens, but very rarely.

Residents can safely walk around the area. However, they cannot use buses. But they can ride the subway despite rumors of a ban. There are two metro lines and all stations are open to foreigners. Despite the fact that 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 Munsu-dong, where all foreign residents live, is on the east side.

You can also use 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 that he can take you. About 5 KRW will be enough to drive an average distance one way.

Clue:

Pyongyang - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 6

Kazan − 6

Samara - 5

Yekaterinburg - 4

Novosibirsk - 2

Vladivostok 1

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

Pyongyang - monthly weather

Clue:

Pyongyang - monthly weather

Hotels. Where is the best place to live?

budget choice

Heabangsan Hotel at Sungri Street, Central Area, Tel. +850 2 37037. Five-story building, which is the cheapest option in Pyongyang. There are 83 rooms here, but it is not certain 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 Area (next to Pyongyang Theatre), Tel. +850 2 38161. Second class hotel with 170 rooms. It was opened in 1961.

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

Average cost

Koryo Hotel, Changkwang Street, Tel. +850 2 381 4397. The most luxurious hotel in the city, on par with Yanggakdo. It has 45 floors and over 500 rooms. A 3-star hotel in the center of Pyongyang, close to the railway station, which makes you feel 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 souvenir shop and a beauty salon.

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

Sosan Hotel, Kwangbok Street, 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. 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 and has several restaurants (including a rooftop restaurant) and an underground kitsch casino where you can see nervous Chinese. There is also a bowling alley, shoe repair and a massage centre. The main staff is Chinese. Prices range from 70 won for a third-class room on lower floors to 420 won for deluxe rooms and above. Meals included.

Main attractions. What to watch

20m bronze statue of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in Mansudae

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

Pyongyang Metro

The deepest subway system in the world is 110 meters. The stations have large murals, each designed to embody a different ideal. Most see only Puhung and Yonggwang on the Chollima line.

Juche Tower

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

Children's Palace

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

Ryugyong Hotel

This 105-story, 330-meter-high building dominates Pyongyang's skyline. Construction began in 1987, but when the funds ran out (in 1992), construction stopped.

USSPueblo

Captured American ship.

stamp shop

Located next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang Street, you can buy a variety of DPRK postage stamps here, from Olympic sports to Korean food and DPRK history. This is the best place to sell souvenirs, and there are stamps 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 most wonderful show on earth with over 100,000 acts.

Arch of Triumph

The arch was designed to commemorate the Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and the liberation from Japanese occupation. The arch was 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 will not be able to just wander around this park, you will need the help of park staff to ride each attraction. You will also be allowed in without a queue. All attractions that you visit can be paid at the exit.

Chollima Statue (statue)

This is a statue of a man on a winged horse, representing the innovations of Korea. Located at the 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 are worth a visit

Korean War Museum (museum) is also known as a museum in honor of the victory in patriotic war. In the basement of the museum there are a number of American aircraft, tanks and weapons.

What to see in the surroundings

Mangyongdae, the supposed birthplace of Kim Il Sung, is 12 kilometers from the city center. The leader's first house is located here, it is the main attraction and looks quite new, despite the fact that this 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, bronze portraits of the buried are depicted on marble slabs. Seriousness is strictly required here. You can take pictures, and on clear days there is a wonderful view 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 only 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, one day 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 dinner at the hotel. With the current slow erosion of state control, Pyongyang has a wide variety of private and semi-private (allegedly state-owned) eateries, 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 shell out (North Koreans only eat white rice on holidays). If Koreans accept foreigners in their establishment, it can lead to a huge embarrassment and bring a lot of problems for all participants.

Often, if you see a group of Koreans in a restaurant, it means that they work together and dine 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 a restaurant drink and eat an order of magnitude less.

No. 1 Boat Restaurant, located on 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 refurbished in 2007 and is a good choice for those who love Korean national food as there are over 120 Korean dishes on display here.

Dangogi Gukjib on Tongil Street is the most famous place to taste 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.

The National Restaurant can provide a wide variety of Korean dishes and there are also live performances.

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 Street, is the first Italian restaurant in North Korea. Here you can try pasta and pizza. Within 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 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, it costs from 0.50 to 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 Random Access Club, established by the UN, is located inside Munsudong foreigners.

If you have transportation (which is hard to find) and a permit (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 the 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 are the only way to spend free time. Very rarely visitors move around the city on their own.

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

First of all, be careful when taking pictures. It is possible to take pictures of monuments and palaces, but Koreans do not like to be photographed without their permission. If you walk through the street market, it will look like this: everyone will run from you (including sellers), for them this means some kind of failure. However, this is not always the case. Koreans are very nervous, so it's a good idea to smile more often. In such situations, it is better not to take pictures. Otherwise, you will be arrested and deported.

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

There are many places to shoot airguns. Koreans like to watch foreigners try their hand. Like, for example, sometimes (secretly from foreigners) they shot pictures of Americans.

So you can 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 most important pool on Saturday mornings, and in winter it becomes an ice rink, which can also be used. It is important to be aware that if you have an accident, you will not get help from the locals, 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. people just like him.

Shopping and shops

You can't buy many souvenirs here. There are several department stores, but they have few things of interest. Art, homemade items and souvenirs can be bought at tourist spots or hotels. In North Korea, metal amulets depicting one or both Kims are in demand. For them, this is like a national need, and therefore they are not always available to Westerners, 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 state-supported stores that stock a wide range of groceries as well as consumer goods such as shoes made from homemade materials. The prices are very low compared to western standards and the sellers are honest as their every move is monitored by officials, especially when selling something to foreigners. These shops are very easy to recognize by the blue hemispherical roof. However, despite being a Tonghil market, foreigners can be treated with caution or suspicion at best. Don't be surprised if you are escorted out of this building.

Tonghil Market is perhaps the most interesting place, as relatively wealthy Koreans shop here. According to government regulations, Koreans are distinguished by their work/status. Everything else they can buy freely, at the local won rate (about 1/30 of the black market price), again depending on their status, or at the market price, which means they can afford almost nothing. The average salary per month is around £1.5/€2/$2.5 per month, which makes most people completely dependent on the state.

You definitely need to exchange your currency for won in order to make purchases in these stores or markets, and photography is also not allowed. In Tonghil, you can get robbed, but this rarely happens.

Palace of Friendship of Peoples- located in the mountains, not far from the town of Mehyang - it's 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. In the Palace with long corridors inside, escalators, many rooms, there is a collection of 165,500 gifts donated 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 as the property of the people. This collection is located 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 830 million mollusk shells, a ZIS-110 government limousine with bulletproof glass, an office made of metal, a train car, several Mercedes , Samsung TV and much more. In Korean culture, there is a tradition of giving each other gifts, so it is not surprising that comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il set aside a special place for this. The mission of the museum is to show the world that Korea is in solidarity with other countries of the world. North Korea keeps the national heritage in the Museum, which is available for viewing for all museum guests.

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

Kumsusan Sun Memorial Palace- located in the northeast of Pyongyang. Kim Il Sung, during his lifetime, liked to spend working time in his country residence, where he met with the 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 turned out to be behind the granite walls of the tomb. Every year, the DPRK celebrates the National Day of the Sun on April 15. This day is timed to coincide with the birthday of Kim Il Sung, in connection with this it is a state day. "The Sun of the Nation" - that's what they call the leader of North Korea. Foreigners can get into the memorial palace only in the process of tourist trips. Appropriate dress code (dim decent clothes), talking in an undertone and not photographing the bodies of the leaders are included in the rules for visiting the mausoleum of North Korea. 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. Per last years the place where the monument is located has changed: there are new buildings around, cleanliness, and the statues themselves have been 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 the Koreans there is such a rule that after death people must be portrayed with a smile. Putting up 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 brighter future - to the south. With a respectful air, having made a deep bow in front of the statues, a visit to the monument is being 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 mandatory parts of the tourist program or the official delegation.

Museum of the Patriotic Liberation War (or Korean War)- A huge museum of Pyongyang with a large number of exhibition halls presents expositions dedicated to the war between North and South Korea (06/25/1950-07/27/1953). The Soviet Union was then on the side of the North, America - 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, wagons). Also, in the museum building you can see many posters in Russian. Patriotism is traced in everything, and the attitude: "to protect the country at the cost of one's own life." For visitors, a guide, usually a girl in military uniform, talks about past events, puts a video film on view. 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 advise you to visit 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". A vessel that had made secret incursions into Korean waters on several occasions to scout for North Korean military secrets has now stopped off the banks of the Taedong River, the site where the American pirate ship General Sherman was sunk in the early 1960s. "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 the confrontation with the American side. North Korea, although small in area, is strong in its heroic endurance: both in small and great deeds. A visit to the ship and a story about the glorious victory of the North Korean sailors is part of the main sightseeing program for tourists in Pyongyang.

Kim Il Sung Square- is the main square. The largest area in the city of Pyongyang with a size of 75,000 square meters. meters and a capacity of 100 thousand people, was named after the founder of North Korea. The coastline of the Taedong River is located near the square. The square is of great cultural importance for the country and occupies the main place in North Korea for holding parades, congresses, and dances. It is often shown in the media. In 2012, the authorities removed portraits of V. Lenin and K. Marx from the square. This move was taken by Kim Jong Un to make North Korean society more independent and open.

Mass show "Arirang"- a show included in the nomination of the world's largest sports and artistic performance of the Guinness Book of Records. The grand show is held annually in Pyongyang and falls on the period: August-September. The performance takes place on the largest in terms of capacity in the world May Day stadium(accommodates more than 150,000 spectators). The stadium, located on the island of Nynna in the middle of the Taeongan River, also distinguished itself in its form: the peculiarity of its architecture is that the arches lined up in a ring create the image of a magnolia flower. The arena of the stadium of the capital of North Korea hosts matches of the DPRK national team, but the most important purpose of the square is to host the well-known mass holiday-show "Arirang". The number of participants in the art show is so large that it is 1% of the population of this country: up to 200,000 talented youth. The speakers surprise everyone with their synchronicity and beauty, presenting thematic-epic pictures to the audience. It gives the impression of a "live screen", created from the participants on the stage in bright costumes. The performance is accompanied by graceful dances, songs, gymnastic numbers, acrobatic stunts, high-quality lighting equipment, scenery. Many foreign tourists come to Pyongyang to attend such an amazing and unforgettable show - the heritage and pride of North Korea.

Triumphal Arch– On the round square there is a huge gate at the foot of Mount Moran – anyone who arrives in the capital of North Korea can notice them, since this is the first thing that catches your eye. The granite arch is dedicated to the opposition movement of the Koreans against the Japanese invaders in 1925-1954. The height of sixty meters and the location of the arch allows free public transport to pass under it. The arch is the highest in the world. Climbing up to the top platform of the gate, you can see a beautiful panorama of the city and the May Day stadium.

Monumental West Sea Dam- one of the main structures in North Korea: 8 km long and 10 lanes wide, the 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. Pass along the dam Railway, highway and footpath. The construction of the dam made it possible to provide good irrigation of the land and protect the port of Nampo from high and low 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. The general view of the dam is very impressive. When traveling in North Korea, don't forget to visit the dam and museum to see such a useful and beautiful accomplishment of the country.

Korea Medical Center. The National Academy and Institute of Medicine of Korea 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 with a height of 170 meters. The monument was built in honor of Kim Il Sung's seventieth birthday. On the observation deck You can climb the elevator, which is built inside the monument. The tower is a frequently visited place by the newlyweds of the country. Not far from the monument there are bronze sculptures, quite beautiful fountains on the Taedong River and a square.

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 the two metro lines is 22.5 km. The subway is illuminated by parts of the balustrades. Some stations are quite luxurious: lined with marble, bas-relief, mosaics. A visit to the subway, especially the stations "Yongwan" and "Puheung", is included in the main part of the routes of tourists in North Korea.

Songdowon Beach one of the major beaches, which is difficult to compete with in terms of fame and beauty throughout North Korea. The beach is located in the Wonsan area on the coast of the eastern sea. They sell delicious ice cream here. Kim Jong Un's dream is to develop tourism in North Korea, making it a "world-class" tourist destination. Although, along with other world beaches, this idea may seem very far-fetched, but the beach in Wonsan will very soon become in the ranks of the world competition.

Geumgangsan Mountains (or Diamond Mountains) stretched along the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula. They rise up to 1638 meters. The Geumgangsan 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, an unusual relief formed by erosion, stone transformations give uniqueness to such a masterpiece of nature. In autumn, the mountains are especially beautiful due to the leaves of the trees, which change their colors - the burgundy mountains are called the "mountains of autumn leaf fall" (Phun'aksan). In winter, the rocks of the mountains are exposed and they have their own name - Kaegolsan. The raging summer greenery was given the appropriate name - Ponnaesan ("green mountains"). In spring, morning dew covers the peaks, causing the rocks to sparkle at dawn - during this period of the year they are called Geumgangsan ("diamond mountains"). Each season 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?” And here is what a well-known Korean proverb says about the diamond mountains: “Even Geumgangsan should be watched after a good dinner.” For Koreans, it is considered pride if they visit the diamond mountains of Geumgangsan. When planning to visit a country like North Korea, we advise you to visit this beautiful tourist region.

Panmunjom- a place where the north and south of Korea border. The village is 55 kilometers away. 1953 marked the signing of the Panmunjom Armistice, which ended the Korean War. The 38th parallel is an 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 border of the Panmunjom war every year. The place for meetings and discussions of North and South Korea is a designated piece of land, protected by both sides - a building with a negotiating table. Tourists should have appearance and behavior in accordance with the rules for visiting this particular place of interest.

Quezon- one of the oldest cities in East Asia, the ancient capital of the state of Korea in the Koryo era, the birthplace of ginseng. In addition to the developed industry, Quezon has a sufficient number of attractions of the DPRK, making the city the main point of visit for tourists: Confucian colleges, temples, ancient pagodas, tombs of kings, ruins of the palace, temples, fortresses, pavilions, a waterfall and much more. The most famous places in Quezon are Kaesong Namdaemun Gate and Goryeo Dynasty Museum(the museum stores precious objects of art, cultural relics). This city can also be visited by residents of South Korea. Many foreign tourists, going to North Korea, stay in a Kaesong hotel, located among traditional houses with courtyards. Almost all the graves of the kings of the Goryeo dynasty are located in Kaesong, but many of them are not accessible. Tomb of King Kongmin 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, the textile, aluminum, machine-building, and chemical industries are developed here. The city also has a large theater, House Museum of the First Korean King of the Li Dynasty, Toheungsan Park, Heungnam Mineral Fertilizer Complex - plant for the production of ammonium sulfate, superphosphate. You can see many pedestrians and bicycles in the city. And the restaurants serve delicious food. It also offers a beautiful view of the Japanese Sea, which is not far from the city. Not so long ago, tourists from North Korea began to come here, although previously the city was a closed place for foreign tourists.

Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). Pyongyang is the administrative, cultural and historical center countries. The word "Pyongyang" (according to the Kontsevich system is transcribed into Cyrillic as Pyongyang) in Korean means "wide land", "comfortable area". In 1946, the city was withdrawn from the province of Pyongannamdo and received the status of a city of direct subordination (chikkhalsi) - the administrative status of the provincial level.

Information

• Country: North Korea
• Former Names: Wangomseong, Ryugyong, Kiesong, Hwangseong, Nannan, Sogyeong, Sodo, Hogyeong, Chanan, Heijo
• Area: 1,578 km²
• Population: 4,138,187 (2010)
• Timezone: UTC+8:30
• Telephone code: +850

Geography

It is located on the banks of the Taedong (Taedong) River near 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 with 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 monsoonal with a sharp manifestation of different seasons and a clear distinction between dry and rainy seasons. Although Korea is located at low latitudes and is surrounded by sea basins on three sides, 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 territory of the country is under the influence of oceanic air masses, bringing abundant atmospheric moisture. During the three summer months, 50-60% falls annual rates precipitation. 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. During the year, an average of 933 millimeters of precipitation falls.
Compared to Seoul, Pyongyang's climate is cooler and receives slightly less rainfall.

Story

According to legend, Pyongyang was founded in 2334 BC under the name of Wangomson. It was the capital of the ancient Korean state Gojoseon. However, this date is controversial and is not recognized by many historians, who believe that the city was founded at the beginning of our era.
In 108 B.C. e. The Han Dynasty conquered Gojoseon, establishing several military regions in its place. The capital of one of them, Lolan County, was established near present-day Pyongyang. Lolan was one of the dominant powers 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 Seogyeong (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 Pyongannam Province.
In 1945, the period of Japanese occupation was over and Pyongyang fell into the zone of influence 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 as a result of aerial bombing, from October to December 1950 it was occupied by UN troops. After the war, with the help of the Soviet Union, the city was quickly restored.

historical names

During its history, Pyongyang has changed many names. One of them was Ryugyong or "willow capital", as at that time many willows grew throughout the city, which was reflected in medieval Korean literature. Nowadays, there are also many willow trees growing in the city, and the word Ryugyong often appears on the map of the city (see Ryugyong Inn). Other names of the city in different periods were Kiseong, Hwangseong, Rannan, Sogyeong, Sodo, Hogyeong, Changan. During Japanese colonial rule, the city was known as Heijō (the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters 平壌 in Pyongyang's hanja name).

Tourism

Due to the almost complete isolation of the country from the rest of the world, tourism in Pyongyang is underdeveloped. Most of the tourists come from China. To obtain a visa to the DPRK, you must submit an application at the official diplomatic or tourist mission of the DPRK 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. In general, anyone can get a tourist visa, with the exception of journalists, residents of the United States and South Korea.
North Korea has banned the import of literature about North and South Korea (except for those published in the DPRK), pornography, mobile phones, propaganda literature. It is forbidden to take pictures of military installations, as well as to visit most of the sights in informal clothes.
The government controls the movement of tourists around the city, developing special routes and sightseeing programs.

Kitchen

A feature of the national Korean cuisine is a large amount of pepper and spices, however, in almost all restaurants for tourists, the spiciness of the dishes is moderate. The chefs working here undergo lengthy professional courses, so they can offer dishes from any cuisine of the world: from Kiev cutlets to Viennese schnitzel.
One of the most popular dishes in Pyongyang that every tourist should try is "guksu". It is cold buckwheat noodles seasoned with broth, meat and vegetables. Also here they always offer to taste kimchi. The basis of this dish is pickled cabbage, and it is complemented by a wide variety of types of additives: radish, 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 the meal: ginseng vodka, rice wine, fruit liqueurs, etc. Local beer is also common, which has a rather pleasant taste.

Entertainment and recreation

Pyongyang is not only administrative, but also cultural capital North Korea, therefore, numerous institutions are concentrated here, offering to get acquainted with the art and culture of this original country. Thus, there are several large theaters in the city: Moranbong Theatre, Mansudae Art Theatre, East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, Ponghwa Art Theatre, and the Bolshoi Theatre. Also, all guests of Pyongyang are invited to visit the Pyongyang International Cinema, the National Symphony Orchestra of Korea, the People's Army Circus and the Pyongyang Circus. However, the most unforgettable impressions are produced by national holidays (Independence Day, Constitution Day, May Day, etc.), which are celebrated here with a special scope and spectacle. And 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 cloth 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 in the city there are about 200 parks and gardens, among which it is worth highlighting the amusement parks Daesongsan and Mangyongdae, the Kaesong Youth Park, as well as the Central Botanical Garden and the Kimirsenhwa and Kimjongirhwa Flower Pavilion.

Safety

In Pyongyang, as well as throughout the country, the crime rate is very low, so tourists will definitely not meet pickpockets, robbers or scammers here. In addition, every foreigner in without fail accompanied by a guide, who must not only introduce him to the country, but also ensure that all local laws and norms of behavior are observed.

Sights of Pyongyang

The capital of the DPRK, the city of Pyongyang, is very different from other Asian capitals. Instead of noisy city streets and crowds, there is order and discipline everywhere. On the first day, all foreign tourists are taken on a general sightseeing tour. If the tourist is alone, then 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 folded into 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 are 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 a pedestal is 14 meters, and with it - 46 meters). The program also includes a visit Arc de Triomphe, built on the spot where the leader delivered 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, a venue for military parades and demonstrations, as well as mass gymnastic and dance numbers accompanying national holidays. In the center of Pyongyang, there is a sculpture of the leader about 70 meters high, next to the Museum of the Korean Revolution. Other notable sights are the Founding Monument, the Liberation Monument, the 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 1st Stadium is 150 thousand people, that is, this stadium is the largest in the world.
Of the sights that are not related to party ideas, the metro stations are undoubtedly worthy of attention. Not everyone is allowed to go there, and even more so the right to take pictures, but it’s worth showing tact and respect and still asking the host about it. The metropolitan metro is a real work of art; the decoration here is more luxurious than in some local museums. Pyongyang, like other cities in Korea, 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 fountains unsurpassed in height all over the world: two cascades rise to a height of 150 meters.