Things to do in North Korea

25 things to do in North Korea

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Pay respects at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

  Walk through the vast halls of the mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il lie in state, an intense ritual of reverence for the leaders.

  Pyongyang

• Stand beneath the Juche Tower

  Admire the 170-meter granite obelisk symbolizing the Juche ideology; ride the elevator to the top for panoramic views over Pyongyang.

  Pyongyang

• Step into the Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjom

  Visit the iconic blue UN conference rooms straddling the border, stand on the concrete slab dividing North from South, and feel the tension of the Korean War's unfinished end.

  Kaesong (Joint Security Area)

• Ride the Pyongyang Metro

  Descend deep underground via one of the world’s longest escalators to admire ornate station mosaics and chandeliers, used as a bomb shelter during wartime.

  Pyongyang

• Watch the Mass Games at Rungrado May Day Stadium

  Be awed by 100,000 synchronized performers creating giant human mosaics and acrobatic dance in a colossal spectacle of national pride.

  Pyongyang

• Tour the International Friendship Exhibition at Mount Myohyang

  Explore palatial galleries carved into the mountain displaying thousands of lavish gifts given to the leaders, a surreal museum of global diplomacy.

  Mount Myohyang

• Reflect at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

  Walk through diorama halls depicting the Korean War from the North's perspective, then tour the captured USS Pueblo spy ship moored nearby.

  Pyongyang

• Cross the Bridge of No Return

  Traverse the bridge where prisoner exchanges occurred after the Korean War, its name a stark reminder of the division's permanence.

  Kaesong (DMZ)

• Bow at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument

  Present flowers and bow before the towering bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the essential ritual for visitors.

  Pyongyang

• Visit the Tomb of King Kongmin

  Stroll the serene 14th-century royal tomb site near Kaesong, where twin granite burial mounds rest under grass and pine trees.

  Kaesong

• Sample draft beer at Taedonggang Brewery

  Taste fresh North Korean beer straight from the source at a brewery bar, accompanied by local snacks, in a rare lively evening atmosphere.

  Pyongyang

• Marvel at the Arch of Triumph

  Pass under the majestic arch, slightly larger than its Parisian counterpart, celebrating Korea's liberation from Japanese rule.

  Pyongyang

• Visit Kim Il-sung University

  Tour the prestigious campus grounds where students study, often with English-speaking guides, offering insights into the elite education system.

  Pyongyang

• Board the USS Pueblo

  Climb aboard the captured American spy ship docked on the Taedong River, now a museum with intact equipment and anti-US exhibits.

  Pyongyang

• Stroll through Moranbong Park

  Join locals at this lush hilltop park where families picnic and couples dance, providing a rare glimpse of everyday leisure.

  Pyongyang

• Hike the peaks of Mount Chilbo

  Trek through the 'Seven Treasures' mountain range, with dramatic sea cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient stone pagodas along the coast.

  North Hamgyong

• Witness sunrise at Mount Paektu

  Climb to the crater lake of this sacred volcano, the mythological birthplace of the Korean people, where the first light creates a mystical scene.

  Ryanggang

• Explore the Diamond Mountains (Kumgangsan)

  Hike among jagged granite peaks, waterfalls, and Buddhist temples in the scenic resort area once open to South Korean tourists.

  Kangwon

• See the birthplace at Mangyongdae

  Visit the humble thatched-roof house where Kim Il-sung was born, now a pristine pilgrimage site surrounded by a park.

  Pyongyang

• Browse the Grand People's Study House

  Enter the towering neo-classical library with millions of books, watching students and scientists work under the vast central hall.

  Pyongyang

• Visit the Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities

  A somber site detailing alleged wartime massacres with graphic exhibits and bomb shelters, it's an unflinching propaganda memorial.

  Sinchon, South Hwanghae

• Relax on Wonsan Beach

  Feel the sand and sea breeze at this developing coastal city's beach, where locals play volleyball and you can try fresh seafood.

  Wonsan

• Wander Kaesong Old Town

  Explore the well-preserved historic district with traditional Korean hanok houses, narrow lanes, and the ancient Namdaemun gate.

  Kaesong

• Discover the Sariwon Folk Village

  Step into a mock ancient Korean village with thatched cottages, blacksmith shops, and traditional performances, designed to showcase folk heritage.

  Sariwon

• Meditate at Pohyon Temple

  Visit this active Buddhist temple from the 11th century, nestled in Mt. Myohyang, with ornate halls and a giant bell struck at dawn.

  Mount Myohyang