Pyongyang

Pyongyang, North Korea - Complete Travel Guide

Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, offers one of the world's most unique and controlled travel experiences. This meticulously planned city showcases grand socialist architecture, wide boulevards, and monuments that reflect the country's political ideology. Visitors can only explore through officially sanctioned tours that provide insight into North Korean culture, history, and daily life under strict supervision. The city features impressive landmarks like the Pyongyang, grand squares, and cultural performances that demonstrate the country's emphasis on collective achievement. While tourism is highly regulated and limited, those who visit gain access to a society rarely seen by outsiders, making it an extraordinary destination for travelers seeking truly unconventional experiences.

Top Pyongyang

Kim Il-sung Square and surrounding monuments

Explore the massive central square that serves as the heart of Pyongyang's political and ceremonial life. The square is surrounded by important government buildings and offers views of the Pyongyang, providing insight into North Korean architecture and urban planning.

Booking Tip: All visits must be arranged through approved tour operators, typically costing $1,500-3,000 for multi-day packages. Book 2-3 months in advance as tours are limited and require special permits.

the Pyongyang Metro system

Ride one of the world's deepest subway systems, featuring ornate stations decorated with chandeliers, mosaics, and marble. The metro showcases Soviet-influenced design and provides a glimpse into daily transportation for Pyongyang residents.

Booking Tip: Metro visits are included in most tour packages and cannot be accessed independently. Tours typically allow visits to 2-3 stations with photography permitted in designated areas.

Attend the Mass Games performance

Witness spectacular synchronized performances featuring thousands of participants in elaborate displays of gymnastics, dance, and card displays. These shows demonstrate North Korean artistic capabilities and political themes through massive coordinated spectacles.

Booking Tip: Performances are seasonal (typically August-October) and require advance booking through tour operators. Tickets cost $100-300 depending on seating, and shows often sell out during peak season.

Tour the Victorious War Museum

Learn about the Korean War from the North Korean perspective through extensive exhibits, artifacts, and displays. The museum provides insight into how historical events are interpreted and presented within North Korean society.

Booking Tip: Museum visits are standard inclusions in tour packages with guided explanations mandatory. Photography restrictions apply to certain exhibits, and respectful behavior is strictly enforced.

Mangyongdae Native House

Explore the birthplace of Kim Il-sung, preserved as a historical site showcasing traditional Korean rural life. The site includes the original house, surrounding gardens, and exhibits about the founder's early life and family history.

Booking Tip: This site is included in most complete tour packages and requires respectful conduct throughout the visit. Tours include detailed explanations from guides about the historical significance.

Getting There

Travel to Pyongyang requires joining an organized tour through approved operators, as independent travel is not permitted. Most visitors arrive via flights from Beijing or occasionally from Russia, with Air Koryo being the national carrier. Train travel from Beijing is also possible but takes approximately 24 hours. All visitors must obtain a North Korean visa through their tour operator, and certain nationalities (particularly South Korean and American citizens) face additional restrictions or requirements.

Getting Around

Transportation within Pyongyang is exclusively arranged by tour operators using private buses or vehicles with assigned drivers and guides. Visitors cannot use public transportation independently or explore the city unaccompanied. All movements are pre-planned and supervised, with specific routes and stops determined by the tour itinerary. Walking is permitted only in designated areas and always under guide supervision.

Where to Stay

Yanggakdo International Hotel

Koryo Hotel

Sosan Hotel

Ryanggang Hotel

Haebangsan Hotel

Pyongyang Hotel

Food & Dining

Dining in Pyongyang occurs at approved restaurants within hotels or designated establishments chosen by tour operators. Meals typically feature Korean cuisine including kimchi, bulgogi, naengmyeon (cold noodles), and various vegetable dishes, often served family-style. Some hotels offer international cuisine, and visitors may experience traditional Korean barbecue or hot pot meals. Alcohol, including local beer and soju, is usually available. All meals are pre-arranged as part of tour packages, and eating at non-approved establishments is not permitted.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Pyongyang is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer can be hot and humid with occasional heavy rainfall, while winter temperatures drop significantly below freezing. The Mass Games and other cultural performances typically occur in late summer and early autumn, making September-October particularly popular despite higher tour costs. Consider that tour availability is limited year-round and subject to political conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in euros or Chinese yuan as credit cards are not accepted, and currency exchange is limited

Pack conservatively and avoid clothing with Western political symbols or slogans, as dress codes are strictly enforced

Photography restrictions are extensive - always ask permission before taking photos and never photograph military personnel, construction sites, or anything that could be considered sensitive