North Korea · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in North Korea
These are the sights, restaurants and hotels that tours in North Korea visit or have visited. Every stop is arranged by your guides, so use this list to tell your operator what you would most like to see.
Places to Visit in Pyongyang
Things to Do
- Kim Il Sung Square (Central District)
The vast parade square at the heart of the capital, facing the Juche Tower across the river. - Juche Tower (Taedong District)
Ride the lift to the top for the widest view over the river and the city. - Arch of Triumph (Moranbong District)
A huge granite arch marking Kim Il Sung's return in 1945. - Pyongyang Metro (Puhung and Yonggwang stations)
Deep stations with chandeliers and mosaics, and a ride among local commuters. - Mangyongdae Children's Palace (Mangyongdae District)
Watch children rehearse music, dance and sport, ending in a lively concert. - Ryugyong Hotel (Potonggang District)
The pyramid shaped tower that dominates the skyline, seen from outside. - Mirae Scientists Street (Central District)
A colourful new boulevard of high rises along the river, often walked with guides. - Ryomyong Street (Moranbong District)
One of the newest showcase streets, with towers and shops. - Kaeson Youth Park (Moranbong District)
A central funfair with rides that locals love in the evenings. - Rungna People's Pleasure Ground (Rungna Island)
Funfair, minigolf and rides on an island in the Taedong. - Rungna Dolphinarium (Rungna Island)
Dolphin and sea lion shows popular with Pyongyang families. - Kim Il Sung Stadium (Moranbong District)
Football and athletics, and the finish of the Pyongyang Marathon. - May Day Stadium (Rungna Island)
One of the largest stadiums in the world, home of the mass games. - Munsu Water Park (Taedong District)
Pools and slides used by locals, sometimes open to tour groups. - Mirim Riding Club (Sadong District)
An equestrian centre where some tours offer a short ride.
Arts and Culture
- Mansudae Grand Monument (Mansudae)
The giant bronze statues of the two late leaders, a stop on every tour. - Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum (Sosong District)
The official story of the Korean War, with the captured USS Pueblo moored outside. - Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (Taesong District)
The mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, visited on set days with strict dress rules. - Mangyongdae Native House (Mangyongdae District)
The thatched farmhouse presented as Kim Il Sung's birthplace, set in parkland. - Grand People's Study House (Kim Il Sung Square)
The national library in traditional style, with reading rooms and a balcony over the square. - Korean Central History Museum (Kim Il Sung Square)
Korean history from prehistoric times, as told in North Korea. - Korean Art Gallery (Kim Il Sung Square)
Ink paintings, embroideries and socialist realist works in a grand hall. - Mansudae Art Studio (Pyongyang)
The huge state art studio where tours can see and buy paintings and posters. - Party Founding Monument (Munsu Street)
The hammer, sickle and brush monument facing the Mansudae statues. - Sci-Tech Complex (Ssuk Island)
An atom shaped science centre on an island in the river. - Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery (Mount Taesong)
A hilltop cemetery of bronze busts with views over the city. - Tomb of King Tongmyong (Ryokpo District)
A Koguryo royal tomb that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Tomb of King Tangun (Kangdong County)
A stepped pyramid tomb for the legendary founder of Korea. - Taedong Gate (Central District)
A seventeenth century gate of the old walled city, beside the Pyongyang Bell. - Ryongwang Pavilion (Central District)
A historic pavilion on the riverbank, once printed on banknotes. - Chongryu Pavilion (Moranbong)
An old pavilion on a cliff above the river in Moranbong Park. - Pongsu Church (Mangyongdae District)
A state recognised Protestant church that some tours attend on Sunday. - Pyongyang Circus Theatre (Mangyongdae District)
Acrobatics and trapeze acts of a very high standard. - Mansudae Art Theatre (Central District)
A grand theatre for concerts and opera next to a fountain park. - Pyongyang Grand Theatre (Central District)
Traditional style theatre staging revolutionary operas. - Kim Il Sung University (Taesong District)
The top university, with an electronic library tours sometimes visit. - Mansudae Fountain Park (Central District)
Fountains and lawns near the theatre where locals stroll. - Tower of Immortality (Ryonmot)
A memorial tower on the road north out of the city. - Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs' Cemetery (Sosong District)
A large war memorial cemetery opened in 2013.
Nature and Outdoors
- Moranbong Park (Moranbong District)
Hillside park where local families picnic, dance and sing at weekends. - Taedong River promenade (Central District)
A riverside walk with views of the Juche Tower, best in the evening light. - Central Zoo (Taesong District)
The renovated national zoo with a natural history museum next door.
Restaurants
- Okryu Restaurant (Central District)
The most famous place for Pyongyang cold noodles, on the riverbank. - Chongryu Restaurant (Central District)
Another classic for cold noodles and hotpot near the river.
Bars and Nightlife
- Taedonggang Beer Bar (Pyongyang)
Taste the different numbered Taedonggang brews among locals. - Yanggakdo hotel bar (Yanggak Island)
The evening gathering place for tourists, with bowling and billiards nearby.
Cafés
- Koryo Hotel coffee shop (Central District)
A spot for coffee and snacks in the lobby of the classic hotel.
Shopping and Markets
- Pyongyang Department Store No. 1 (Central District)
The capital's main department store, open to tour groups. - Kwangbok Area Supermarket (Mangyongdae District)
Shop for snacks and household goods among local customers. - Korea Stamp Corporation shop (Central District)
Collectible North Korean stamps and postcards. - Foreign Languages Bookshop (Central District)
Books, posters and propaganda art in translation.
Events
- Pyongyang Marathon (Kim Il Sung Stadium)
The April race through the capital that has been open to foreign amateurs in some years. - Day of the Sun (Pyongyang)
Kim Il Sung's birthday on 15 April, with flowers, dancing and celebrations. - Liberation Day mass dances (Kim Il Sung Square)
Students dance in the square on national holidays such as 15 August and 9 September.
Stays
- Yanggakdo International Hotel (Yanggak Island)
The usual tourist hotel, on an island in the river. - Koryo Hotel (Central District)
The twin tower hotel in the city centre, popular for its location.
Places to Visit in Kaesong
Things to Do
- Panmunjom Joint Security Area (DMZ)
Stand by the blue huts on the line that divides Korea.
Arts and Culture
- Armistice Signing Hall (Panmunjom)
The hall where the 1953 armistice was signed, with the original tables. - Koryo Museum (Sungkyunkwan)
Koryo dynasty treasures in a tenth century Confucian academy. - Sonjuk Bridge (Kaesong)
A small stone bridge with a famous story of loyalty from 1392. - Pyochung Monument (Kaesong)
Stone memorial tablets on turtle bases beside Sonjuk Bridge. - Tomb of King Kongmin (Haeson)
A royal tomb on a hillside guarded by stone figures. - Tomb of King Wang Kon (Kaesong)
The restored tomb of the founder of the Koryo dynasty. - Kaesong Namdaemun (Kaesong)
The old south gate of the city, with a historic bell.
Nature and Outdoors
- Janam Hill (Kaesong)
A small hill with a statue and views over the old town roofs. - Pakyon Falls (Mount Songak)
One of Korea's celebrated waterfalls, in wooded hills north of town.
Restaurants
- Kaesong pansanggi lunch (Kaesong)
The royal style meal of many small brass bowls.
Shopping and Markets
- Koryo insam shops (Kaesong)
Kaesong ginseng in teas, liquors and creams.
Stays
- Kaesong Folk Hotel (Kaesong)
Traditional tiled houses with heated floors by a stream.
Places to Visit in Wonsan
Things to Do
- Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area (Kalma Peninsula)
The new beach resort of hotels, water park and long sands. - Masikryong Ski Resort (Masikryong Pass)
Ski runs, a pool and sauna high above the coast.
Nature and Outdoors
- Songdowon Beach (Songdowon)
An older pine fringed beach close to the city.
Arts and Culture
- Songdowon International Children's Camp (Songdowon)
A summer camp for children from around the world.
Places to Visit in Mount Myohyang
Arts and Culture
- International Friendship Exhibition (Myohyangsan)
Hall after hall of gifts given to the country's leaders. - Pohyon Temple (Myohyangsan)
An eleventh century Buddhist temple in a quiet wooded valley.
Nature and Outdoors
- Manpok Valley (Myohyangsan)
A walk past pools and waterfalls on stone paths. - Sangwon Valley (Myohyangsan)
A quieter valley walk with a hermitage and waterfalls. - Ryongmun Big Cave (Kujang County)
An illuminated limestone cave with huge chambers.
Stays
- Hyangsan Hotel (Hyangsan)
A pyramid shaped hotel with pool and sauna.
Places to Visit in Rason
Shopping and Markets
- Rajin Market (Rajin)
One of the few markets tourists have been able to walk through.
Things to Do
- Rajin Port viewpoint (Rajin)
A hilltop view over the port used by Chinese and Russian firms. - Tumen River border viewpoint (Tumangang)
See where North Korea, China and Russia meet. - Friendship Bridge (Tumangang)
The rail bridge across the Tumen River to Russia.
Stays
- Emperor Hotel (Pipa)
A large coastal hotel built for Chinese visitors.
Arts and Culture
- Sonbong (Sonbong)
The smaller second town of the zone, with a quiet harbour.
Places to Visit in Nampo
Things to Do
- West Sea Barrage (Nampo)
An eight kilometre dam across the Taedong estuary, with a visitor centre.
Places to Visit in Mount Paektu
Nature and Outdoors
- Lake Chon (Mount Paektu)
The crater lake atop Korea's sacred mountain.
Arts and Culture
- Samjiyon Grand Monument (Samjiyon)
A monument by a lake in the rebuilt town of Samjiyon.
Places to Visit in Sinchon
Arts and Culture
- Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities (Sinchon)
A wartime museum showing the official account of a massacre.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification (Reunification Highway, Pyongyang)
The arch of two women reaching across the road, now reported dismantled, so ask before planning. - Changchung Cathedral (Sonkyo District, Pyongyang)
The capital's state recognised Catholic church. - East Pyongyang Grand Theatre (Taedong District, Pyongyang)
A large theatre across the river used for concerts and events. - Pyongyang Golf Course (Taicheong Lake, Pyongyang)
The country's main golf course by a lake outside the city. - Pyongyang shooting range (Pyongyang, Pyongyang)
A target range offered as an extra activity on some tours. - Pyongyang Embroidery Institute (Pyongyang, Pyongyang)
See artists stitch fine embroidered pictures by hand. - Yanggakdo revolving restaurant (Yanggak Island, Pyongyang)
Dinner at the top of the Yanggakdo hotel as the city view turns below you. - Koryo Hotel revolving restaurant (Central District, Pyongyang)
A rotating restaurant atop the Koryo Hotel with views over the centre. - Pyongyang duck barbecue restaurant (Pyongyang, Pyongyang)
Tours often include a duck barbecue lunch cooked at the table. - Ryugyong Health Complex restaurant (Potonggang District, Pyongyang)
A popular local spot for barbecue next to the health complex. - Pyongyang Hamhung Restaurant (Pyongyang, Pyongyang)
Hamhung style noodles and northern dishes. - Kyonghung Beer Bar (Central District, Pyongyang)
A small bar where some tours stop for draught beer. - Diplomatic Club (Central District, Pyongyang)
A club used by diplomats and foreigners, sometimes on tour plans. - Mirae coffee shop (Mirae Scientists Street, Pyongyang)
A newer café on the showcase street, if your guides can include it. - Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair (Three Revolutions Exhibition, Pyongyang)
A trade fair showing North Korean and foreign goods each May. - Pyongyang International Film Festival (Pyongyang, Pyongyang)
A film festival held some years in September. - Mass Games (May Day Stadium, Pyongyang)
Huge synchronised performances held in some years, never guaranteed. - Haebangsan Hotel (Central District, Pyongyang)
A smaller older hotel in the centre used by some tours. - Sosan Hotel (Sosan, Pyongyang)
A sports hotel near the stadiums used by budget tours. - Potonggang Hotel (Potonggang District, Pyongyang)
A riverside hotel used occasionally by tour operators. - Concrete Wall viewpoint (DMZ, Kaesong)
A viewpoint over the border defences near the DMZ. - Kwanum Temple (Mount Chonma, Kaesong)
A small temple and cave hermitage in the hills. - Janamsan Hotel (Kaesong, Kaesong)
A modern simple hotel in the centre of town. - Wonsan Agricultural University (Wonsan, Wonsan)
A leafy campus tours sometimes visit. - Ulim Falls (Popdong County, Wonsan)
A tall waterfall in the hills south west of the city. - Wonsan seafood restaurants (Wonsan, Wonsan)
Grilled clams, squid and fish fresh from the harbour. - Kalma Hotel (Kalma Peninsula, Wonsan)
A seaside hotel on the Kalma peninsula. - Tongmyong Hotel (Wonsan, Wonsan)
A simple city hotel near the harbour. - Mount Kumgang (Kosong County, Wonsan)
The Diamond Mountains of granite peaks and waterfalls, rarely open to tours. - Kuryong Falls (Mount Kumgang, Wonsan)
The best known waterfall in the Diamond Mountains. - Piro Peak (Myohyangsan, Mount Myohyang)
The highest peak in the range, for keen walkers. - Mountain picnic lunch (Myohyangsan, Mount Myohyang)
A barbecue or picnic by the stream, often arranged by guides. - Pipa Island (Rajin, Rason)
A small island and seal colony off the coast. - Haean Park (Rajin, Rason)
A seaside park where locals walk and picnic. - Namsan Hotel (Rajin, Rason)
A simple central hotel in Rajin. - Ryonggang hot spring (Onchon County, Nampo)
A spa resort where some tours soak in mineral baths. - Mount Chilbo (North Hamgyong, Chongjin)
Dramatic rock peaks and coast, reached by very few tours.