''P'y?ngyang''' (?? '''Pyeongyang'''), with about 2,750,000 inhabitants, is the capital city of North Korea. It is situated on the Taedong River in the northwest of the country.

Get in

Nearly all visitors arrive either by plane or train.

Sunan International Airport ({{IATA|FNJ}}) is 24 km north of Pyongyang and, as of 2009, has scheduled services only to Beijing. There is a (supposedly) weekly flight to Vladivostok, but in fact it's hardly more than a glorified charter, as it goes only if there's enough passengers to fill the elderly Tu-134.

Trains from China arrive at Pyongyang's main central train station.

Get around

Visitors to North Korea will need to be accompanied by an accredited guide or guides, who will arrange where you can visit.

See

  • The 20 meter high bronze statue of Kim Il-Sung at '''Mansudae'''. This behemothal self-tribute, erected by the Leader himself, will most likely be the first thing you visit. Surreal as it may seem, be aware that the locals expect visitors to this place to take it all very seriously and show respect to the monument. Your tour group will most likely have to lay flowers by the statue's feet, available on-site for ?3-10.
  • '''The Pyongyang Metro'''. This is the deepest metro system in the world at over 110 metres. There are large socialist realist murals in the platforms of the stations. Most tourists only see Puhung and Yonggwang stations on the Chollima Line.
  • The '''Juche Tower'''. A 170-meter tall monument is dedicated to the ''Juche'' philosophy of Kim Il Sung. Don't miss the trip to the top, which costs ?10 and offers a great view of the city.
  • The '''Children's Palace'''.
  • The '''Ryugyong Hotel'''. This 105-story building dominates the Pyongyang skyline with its 330 meters of height. Construction started in 1987, but when the money ran out in 1992 it came to a halt. Construction by Egypt's Orascom Group resumed again in April 2008. In September 2008, a senior North Korean official said the refurbishing of the Ryugyong Hotel will be done by 2012 - the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. At the same time, an Orascom company official said the goal of the project was to at least give the structure's facade a facelift and make it more attractive. So if the building is ever to be fully completed is yet to be known.
  • The '''USS Pueblo''', the captured American vessel.
  • The '''stamp shop''' next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang St.
  • '''Arirang Mass Games''', the Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance. This is performed in the fall of some years. Was held in August-October 2008, and is expected again in August 2009. With over 100,000 performers this is, by the numbers, the greatest show on Earth.
  • '''The Arch of Triumph''' The arch was designed to commemorate Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and eventual liberation from Japanese rule.The arch modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However at 60m high and 50m wide it is the biggest arch in the world.
  • '''Korean War Museum''' also known as the '''Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum'''
  • Do

    Guided tours of sites in and around Pyongyang are the only way to do things. It is very rare to be allowed to wander.

    Buy

    Shopping options are limited. A few department stores exist but have very few things of interest. Locals only shop from specialty stores selling groceries and other basic items. Arts and crafts and souvenirs can be purchased in places such as tourist sites and hotels.

    Eat

    There are hardly any regular restaurants where the average North Koreans go. Eating out is a pleasure reserved for foreigners and special people. You will normally eat dinner at your hotel.
  • '''Pyolmuri''', Changkwang Street, [http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/200507/kt2005072419414611680.htm]. North Korea's first Italian restaurant, offering pasta and pizza. Mains €1.50-2.50.
  • '''Dangogo Gukjib''', Tongil Street, is the most famous place for those who have decided to try the Korean specialty of eating dog. ?30 is all it takes.
  • Drink

    There are very few bars and clubs, though North Korean beer is available at hotels. Some may also offer Chinese and other foreign beers.

    Sleep

    This will be arranged by your tour company.

    Budget

  • '''Heabangsan Hotel'''*, Sungri Street, Central district, +850 2 37037. A five-storey building which is the cheapest option in Pyongyang. It has 83 rooms, but you cannot be certain that you as a foreigner will be allowed to stay here.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Pyongyang Hotel''', Sungri Street, Central district ''(near Pyongyang Grand Theatre)'', +850 2 38161. Class 2 hotel with 170 rooms, open since 1961.
  • '''Taedonggang Hotel''', Sungri Street, Central district ''(beside Taedonggang river)'', +850 2 38346. 2nd class hotel that has been around since 1956.
  • Splurge

  • '''Yanggakdo Hotel''', +850 2 381 2134. Opened 1995. This is where most tourists in Pyongyang end up staying. It is situated on Yanggakdo Island, in the middle of the Taedong River. It is 47 stories tall, has several restaurants (including a revolving restaurant on the top), and a kitsch casino in the basement where you can watch Chinese gamblers go wild. Also has a bowling alley, shoe repair shop and (genuine) massage service. The staff are Chinese. Prices range from ?70 for a third-class room on one of the lower floors, to ?420 for a deluxe room high up. Meals are included.
  • '''Koryo Hotel''', Changkwang Street, +850 2 381 4397. The most luxurious hotel in the city together with Yanggakdo Hotel. Has 45 floors and over 500 rooms. Centrally located in downtown Pyongyang near the train station, makes you less isolated than the Yanggakdo. Singles ?175, doubles ?290.
  • '''Potongang Hotel''', +850 2 381 2229. First-class hotel situated next to the Potong River about 4 km from the city centre. It has 216 rooms equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone and satellite TV. The facilities include restaurants, bar, souvenir shop and a beauty salon.
  • '''Sosan Hotel''', Kwangbok Street, +850 2 71191. Another first-class option, recently renovated. Features a pool, bars, internet access and cable TV.
  • '''Ryanggang Hotel''', Chongchun Street ''(at the junction of the Taedonggang and Potonggang rivers)'', Mangyongdae district, +850 2 73825. Opened in 1989, this first-class hotel has 317 rooms and a rotating restaurant on the roof.
  • Get out

  • '''Mangyongdae''', the alleged birthplace of Kim Il Sung, is 12 kilometers from central Pyongyang and a good daytrip. A collection of huts claimed to be the Leader's first home is the main attraction, and they look surprisingly new for being 100 years old. The suburb also features a '''revolutionary museum''', a '''funfair''' and a '''revolutionary school''' for the kids of the elite.