Top Attractions in North Korea

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Written By Natalie Grace Morris

: A Glimpse into a Hidden Nation

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world. Despite its reputation for political tension and restriction, North Korea is home to a wealth of unique cultural, historical, and natural landmarks. For those daring enough to explore this mysterious nation, North Korea offers a fascinating array of attractions that reflect its history, ideology, and landscape.

Traveling to North Korea requires a guided tour, and visitors must adhere to strict rules, but those who make the journey are rewarded with an experience unlike any other. Here are some of the top attractions in North Korea that provide a glimpse into the country’s past, present, and future.

1. Pyongyang: The Heart of North Korea

The capital city of Pyongyang is the political and cultural center of North Korea, where most of the country's significant attractions are located. Pyongyang is a city that blends revolutionary history with modern architecture, monuments, and propaganda.

Kim Il-sung Square: Named after the country’s founder and first leader, Kim Il-sung, Kim Il-sung Square is the centerpiece of Pyongyang. The square hosts large-scale parades, celebrations, and other state events. The square’s grandiose layout and monumental statues highlight North Korea's reverence for its leader and the nation’s socialist ideals.
Mansudae Grand Monument: One of the most iconic landmarks in Pyongyang, the Mansudae Grand Monument features giant statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il (his son and successor). These towering statues are central to North Korea’s cult of personality, and visitors are expected to show the utmost respect when visiting this monument.
Arch of Triumph: The Arch of Triumph is a massive structure built to commemorate North Korea’s victory over Japan in 1945. Standing 60 meters tall, it is even larger than the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Visitors can climb to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: This grand mausoleum houses the embalmed bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. It is a highly significant site in the country, and visitors must follow strict protocols when visiting, including dressing appropriately and showing respect during the tour.

2. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): The Border Between North and South

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a heavily guarded buffer zone between North and South Korea, stretching across the Korean Peninsula. Visiting the DMZ offers a unique and stark look at the division of the Korean people, a symbol of the lingering tensions between the two nations.

Panmunjom (Joint Security Area): The Panmunjom village is one of the most famous sites within the DMZ. It is where the armistice was signed in 1953, effectively ending the Korean War, although a peace treaty was never signed. Visitors can see the iconic blue huts where negotiations between North and South Korean soldiers take place. Tours allow visitors to stand in the JSA and take photos with soldiers from both sides.
Dora Observatory: Located near the DMZ, the Dora Observatory allows visitors to peer across the border into South Korea. On a clear day, you can see villages and towns in the South, providing a tangible sense of the division that still exists between the two countries.

3. Mount Paektu: The Sacred Mountain

Mount Paektu is the highest peak in North Korea and holds great cultural and political significance. It is regarded as the birthplace of Kim Jong-il (according to state propaganda) and is a sacred place for the Korean people. The mountain is a central symbol in North Korean nationalism and revolutionary history.

Lake Chon: The crater lake at the summit, known as Lake Chon, is a stunning natural wonder. The clear, pristine water and rugged mountain landscapes make this an awe-inspiring location for both nature lovers and those interested in North Korea’s revolutionary lore.
Sacred Sites and Monuments: Visitors can tour various memorials and monuments dedicated to the Kim family, particularly Kim Il-sung’s revolutionary activities. This includes the "Revolutionary Battle Sites" around the mountain, which celebrate the fight against Japanese colonial rule.

4. Kaesong: The Ancient Capital

Located near the DMZ, Kaesong was the capital of the Koryo Dynasty (918–1392) and is rich in historical significance. The city contains numerous cultural and architectural relics, many of which are linked to Korea’s medieval history.

Koryo Museum: The Koryo Museum is housed in a former Confucian academy and features artifacts from the Koryo Dynasty. It includes intricate carvings, pottery, and Buddhist relics that showcase the cultural heritage of the period.
Tomb of King Wanggon: The Tomb of King Wanggon, the founder of the Koryo Dynasty, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tomb is well-preserved and offers insight into the burial practices and architecture of the time.
Kaesong Koryo Inscribed Tablet: Another important historical monument is the Kaesong Koryo Inscribed Tablet, which commemorates the Koryo Dynasty’s achievements. It’s one of the most famous relics from the era.

5. Mount Kumgang: The Scenic Beauty of North Korea

Mount Kumgang is another scenic gem located on the southeastern coast of North Korea. Known for its picturesque views, the mountain has been a popular destination for domestic tourism. The area is famous for its jagged peaks, deep valleys, and serene lakes.

Hiking and Scenic Trails: There are various trails around the mountain that allow visitors to enjoy nature, explore caves, and visit Buddhist temples. One of the most famous sites is the Tomb of Princess Koryo, which offers a glimpse into the country’s historical connection with the Koryo Dynasty.
Buddhist Temples: Mount Kumgang is home to several Buddhist temples that are well-preserved and offer a peaceful retreat for visitors. The Kyongwon Temple and the Pothong Temple are particularly noteworthy.

6. Nampo: A City of Industrial and Cultural Significance

Nampo, located on the west coast of North Korea, is an industrial city that also holds several cultural attractions. It is home to the country’s West Sea Barrage, a massive dam system built to control flooding and provide irrigation for the region.

West Sea Barrage: The West Sea Barrage is an engineering marvel and a key example of North Korean infrastructure. Visitors can take a tour to understand its significance for the country’s agricultural industry and learn about the technological achievements of the state.
Chollima Statue: The Chollima Statue in Nampo is a symbol of the country’s industrial and revolutionary spirit. The statue represents a mythical winged horse, known as the Chollima, which symbolizes rapid progress and industrial development.

7. The Arirang Mass Games: A Spectacle of Performance and Propaganda

One of the most famous events in North Korea is the Arirang Mass Games, held at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang. The Mass Games are a breathtaking spectacle of synchronized gymnastics, dancing, and elaborate performances that celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of North Korea.

Mass Participation: The event involves thousands of participants, including children, students, and workers. The performances include massive displays of choreography, gymnastics, and flag-waving, often synchronized to create powerful, emotive visual displays of the nation's ideals and achievements.
Symbolism: While the Mass Games are a grand show of national pride, they are also a significant tool of state propaganda, designed to celebrate the leadership of the Kim family and the country’s socialist achievements.

8. The Ryugyong Hotel: A Symbol of North Korean Ambition

The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang is an imposing, unfinished skyscraper that towers over the city. Nicknamed the “Hotel of Doom,” it was started in 1987 and was supposed to be a luxury hotel to rival the tallest hotels in the world. However, due to economic difficulties, the project was halted for several decades, and the hotel remains incomplete. Nevertheless, it stands as a striking symbol of North Korea’s ambition and its ongoing quest for modernity.

Photo Opportunities: The Ryugyong Hotel is visible from many points in Pyongyang and serves as a unique landmark in the city’s skyline. Visitors can capture some unusual photographs of this imposing, unfinished building.

Conclusion

North Korea is a country of contradictions, where revolutionary history, national pride, and isolation come together in a unique mix. For those brave enough to visit, the top attractions in North Korea offer a glimpse into a hidden world, filled with monumental statues, scenic landscapes, and complex political ideologies. While it remains one of the most difficult countries to travel to, a visit to North Korea provides an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history and culture of a nation that continues to captivate the world’s attention.