Attractions of North Korea

To help inspire or plan your trip to North Korea, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for North Korea which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Pyongyang
A visit to North Korea's capital Pyongyang is a unique and unusual experience. The city is North Korea's showcase, ultra clean and tightly controlled by the government where only "model" citizens with an untarnished political record are allowed to live. The monuments to the socialist government and the 'Great Leader' Kim Il Sung include the Mansudae Monument - a huge bronze tribute to Kim Il Sung, his mausoleum at Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the 170 metre high Juche Tower - a symbol of the Juche ideology of self-reliance upon which the country is run and the Arch of Triumph. The war with South Korea from 1950-53 is still a prominent factor in Pyongyang. The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War museum provides a fascinating perspective on the war from the North Korean side while the War Victory Monuments in sculpture park and the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery commemorate the fighters. Cultural insights into North Korea can be gained by visits to the Central Art Galley, the Mansudae Art Studio and Pyongyang Film studios, while the Grand People's Study House contains millions of volumes for the public to study. The city's metro is also worth visiting, with marble clad stations and huge socialist mosaics depicting the heroism of the people.

Pyongyang

A visit to North Korea's capital Pyongyang is a unique and unusual experience. The city is North Korea's showcase, ultra clean and tightly controlled by the government where only "model" citizens with an untarnished political record are allowed to live. The monuments to the socialist government and the 'Great Leader' Kim Il Sung include the Mansudae Monument - a huge bronze tribute to Kim Il Sung, his mausoleum at Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the 170 metre high Juche Tower - a symbol of the Juche ideology of self-reliance upon which the country is run and the Arch of Triumph. The war with South Korea from 1950-53 is still a prominent factor in Pyongyang. The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War museum provides a fascinating perspective on the war from the North Korean side while the War Victory Monuments in sculpture park and the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery commemorate the fighters. Cultural insights into North Korea can be gained by visits to the Central Art Galley, the Mansudae Art Studio and Pyongyang Film studios, while the Grand People's Study House contains millions of volumes for the public to study. The city's metro is also worth visiting, with marble clad stations and huge socialist mosaics depicting the heroism of the people.

Complex of Koguryo Tombs
The Koguryo Kingdom ruled over parts of northern China and the Korean peninsula between 277BC and AD668. About 10,000 Koguryo tombs have been discovered but only a small number, like half the ones at this site, have wall paintings. These are thought to be the tombs for kings and members of the aristocracy and the paintings are a testimony to the life of this period. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Complex of Koguryo Tombs

Complex of Koguryo Tombs

The Koguryo Kingdom ruled over parts of northern China and the Korean peninsula between 277BC and AD668. About 10,000 Koguryo tombs have been discovered but only a small number, like half the ones at this site, have wall paintings. These are thought to be the tombs for kings and members of the aristocracy and the paintings are a testimony to the life of this period.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Complex of Koguryo Tombs

Myohyangsan Mountains
The International Friendship Exhibition in the Myohyangsan Mountains is a unique site, which contains a huge and eclectic collection of gifts given to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il by foreign dignitaries, including luxurious railway carriages given by Stalin and Mao. Nearby the Pyohun Buddhist temple dates from the 11th century, though it has been rebuilt and renovated several times, while (guided) walks in the mountains offer some beautiful scenery.

Myohyangsan Mountains

The International Friendship Exhibition in the Myohyangsan Mountains is a unique site, which contains a huge and eclectic collection of gifts given to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il by foreign dignitaries, including luxurious railway carriages given by Stalin and Mao. Nearby the Pyohun Buddhist temple dates from the 11th century, though it has been rebuilt and renovated several times, while (guided) walks in the mountains offer some beautiful scenery.

Kaesong
Kaesong was the capital of the unified Korean peninsula for over 400 years during the Koryo dynasty. Among the sites of note are the twin tombs of King Kongmin and his wife, who ruled in the 14th century. The Koryo Museum, Sinchon Museum of US war crimes and Songbul temple are some other attractions in Kaesong. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong

Kaesong

Kaesong was the capital of the unified Korean peninsula for over 400 years during the Koryo dynasty. Among the sites of note are the twin tombs of King Kongmin and his wife, who ruled in the 14th century. The Koryo Museum, Sinchon Museum of US war crimes and Songbul temple are some other attractions in Kaesong.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong

Panmunjon
Panmunjon lies on the 38th parallel and was the site for the signing of the armistice in 1953, though the two countries are still technically at war. The demilitarised zone here is one of the most fortified in the world, with hundreds of thousands of soldiers facing each other across the border.