Things to Do in Mount Myohyang, 조선민주주의인민공화국

Mount Myohyang is one of North Korea's most sacred mountains and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, located in the northern part of the country about 150 kilometers from Pyongyang. This stunning mountain range, whose name means 'mysterious fragrant mountain,' is revered for its natural beauty, featuring dramatic granite peaks, pristine forests, and cascading waterfalls that have inspired Korean poets and artists for centuries. The area serves as both a natural sanctuary and an important cultural site, housing the International Friendship Exhibition - a massive underground complex displaying gifts given to North Korean leaders from around the world. Mount Myohyang combines spiritual significance with breathtaking scenery, offering visitors a unique glimpse into North Korea's natural heritage and political culture. The mountain is considered one of the three sacred peaks of Korea and holds deep meaning in Korean mythology and traditional beliefs.

Top Things to Do in Mount Myohyang

Visit the International Friendship Exhibition

Explore this enormous underground museum complex built into the mountainside, housing over 220,000 gifts presented to North Korean leaders from countries worldwide. The exhibition spans multiple floors and showcases everything from luxury cars to traditional crafts, providing insight into North Korea's international relationships and diplomatic history.

Booking Tip: This attraction is typically included in organized tours to Mount Myohyang. Visits are strictly guided and photography inside is prohibited. Tours usually cost $200-400 per person for a day trip from Pyongyang, including transportation and guide fees.

Explore Pohyon Temple

Visit this historic Buddhist temple complex dating back to 1042, featuring traditional Korean architecture set against the mountain's dramatic backdrop. The temple houses important cultural artifacts and offers a peaceful retreat with its ancient halls, pagodas, and meditation areas surrounded by pristine forest.

Booking Tip: Temple visits are included in most Mount Myohyang tour packages. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Respectful dress is required - long pants and covered shoulders are mandatory.

Hike Mountain Trails

Trek through the mountain's well-maintained trails that wind through dense forests of pine, oak, and maple trees, leading to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. The trails offer varying difficulty levels and showcase the area's rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.

Booking Tip: Hiking must be done with approved guides and on designated trails only. Tours range from $150-300 per person depending on duration and difficulty level. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage.

Visit Manpok Valley Waterfalls

Discover the spectacular Manpok Valley with its series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The valley offers some of the most photogenic scenery in Mount Myohyang, with multiple viewing platforms and walking paths.

Booking Tip: Waterfall visits are weather-dependent and best during spring snowmelt or after summer rains. Include this in a full-day mountain tour for $250-350 per person. Bring waterproof clothing as mist from the falls can be heavy.

Stay at Hyangsan Hotel

Experience overnight accommodation at this unique hotel built into the mountainside, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The hotel provides a rare opportunity to wake up in one of North Korea's most beautiful natural settings and enjoy traditional Korean hospitality.

Booking Tip: Overnight stays must be booked through authorized tour operators well in advance. Expect to pay $400-600 per person for a two-day, one-night package including meals, accommodation, and guided activities. Book during shoulder seasons for better availability.

Getting There

Mount Myohyang is accessible only through organized tours departing from Pyongyang, as independent travel is not permitted in North Korea. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours by road from Pyongyang, traveling through scenic countryside and small villages. Most visitors arrive via charter bus or private vehicle as part of a guided tour package arranged through authorized tour operators. International visitors must first fly into Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport, typically via Beijing or Vladivostok, before joining domestic tours to Mount Myohyang.

Getting Around

All movement within the Mount Myohyang area is strictly controlled and must be done with official guides and designated transportation. Visitors travel by tour bus or van between attractions, with walking permitted only on approved trails and designated areas around temples and exhibition sites. Private exploration is not allowed, and all activities follow predetermined itineraries. Local transportation is provided as part of tour packages, and guides accompany visitors at all times to ensure compliance with local regulations and provide cultural interpretation.

Where to Stay

Hyangsan Hotel (mountain resort)

Pyongyang hotels with day trips

Chongchun Hotel (nearby)

Ryanggang Hotel (regional option)

International hotels in Pyongyang

Authorized guesthouses in surrounding areas

Food & Dining

Dining options at Mount Myohyang are limited to restaurants within the Hyangsan Hotel complex and designated facilities for tour groups. Meals typically feature traditional Korean cuisine including kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, and local mountain vegetables, often served family-style with multiple banchan (side dishes). The hotel restaurant offers both Korean and limited international dishes, with meals usually included in tour packages. Local specialties include mountain herbs, wild vegetables, and freshwater fish from nearby streams. Visitors should note that dining choices are predetermined by tour itineraries, and independent restaurant visits are not permitted.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Mount Myohyang is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable and the scenery is at its most spectacular. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage, while autumn offers stunning fall colors with maples and other deciduous trees creating a brilliant display. Summer can be hot and humid with frequent rainfall, though this is when waterfalls are most impressive. Winter visits are possible but cold, with snow-covered landscapes providing a different but beautiful perspective of the mountain's dramatic scenery.

Insider Tips

Bring a good camera with extra batteries as charging opportunities may be limited, but always ask permission before photographing and respect no-photo zones

Pack layers of clothing as mountain weather can change quickly, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for temple and trail visits

Learn basic Korean phrases and show respect for local customs, especially when visiting religious sites - this greatly enhances the cultural experience

Things to Do in Mount Myohyang