Things to Do in Pyongyang

Pyongyang, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Complete Travel Guide

Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is one of the world's most unique and tightly controlled travel destinations. This meticulously planned city showcases grand socialist architecture, wide boulevards, and carefully curated attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into one of the world's most isolated societies. From towering monuments to underground metro stations adorned with chandeliers, Pyongyang presents a surreal urban landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Visiting Pyongyang requires joining an organized tour group and being accompanied by government-appointed guides at all times. The city's attractions include impressive monuments like the Arch of Triumph, the massive Kim Il-sung Square, and the ornate Pyongyang Metro system. While tourism here is highly regulated, it provides an extraordinary opportunity to witness a society that has remained largely unchanged by globalization, offering insights into North Korean culture, ideology, and daily life through carefully orchestrated experiences.

Top Things to Do in Pyongyang

Pyongyang Metro Tour

Explore one of the world's deepest metro systems, featuring palatial stations decorated with chandeliers, mosaics, and marble columns. The ornate stations serve as underground monuments to socialist ideology and showcase impressive North Korean artistry and engineering.

Booking Tip: This is included in most tour packages and costs are typically part of the overall tour price ($1,500-3,000+ for multi-day tours). Book through authorized tour operators only, as independent travel is not permitted.

Kim Il-sung Square Visit

Stand in one of the world's largest public squares, surrounded by imposing government buildings and used for massive military parades and political rallies. The square offers views of the Grand People's Study House and serves as the heart of North Korea's political symbolism.

Booking Tip: Included in standard city tours with costs covered in tour packages. Visit timing is controlled by guides, but morning visits often provide the best lighting for photographs when permitted.

Juche Tower Ascent

Climb or take the elevator up this 170-meter granite tower dedicated to North Korea's Juche ideology for panoramic views over Pyongyang. The tower offers one of the few elevated perspectives of the city's unique urban layout and architectural monuments.

Booking Tip: Elevator rides cost around $5-10 per person and are usually included in tour itineraries. Best visited on clear days for optimal city views, typically scheduled in afternoon tours.

Mansudae Grand Monument Experience

Visit the massive bronze statues of North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, where visitors are expected to bow and lay flowers as a sign of respect. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in North Korea and offers insight into the country's leadership cult.

Booking Tip: Flower laying ceremonies cost around $2-5 per bouquet and proper etiquette is strictly enforced. Dress formally and follow guide instructions precisely - inappropriate behavior is not tolerated.

Mass Games Performance

Witness the spectacular Arirang Mass Games featuring thousands of performers in synchronized displays of gymnastics, dance, and card stunts that create massive moving pictures. These performances represent one of the world's largest choreographed spectacles when available.

Booking Tip: Performances are seasonal (typically August-October) and tickets cost $100-300+ depending on seating. Book well in advance through tour operators as availability is extremely limited and performances may be cancelled without notice.

Getting There

Reaching Pyongyang requires flying into Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, primarily via Air Koryo flights from Beijing, or overland travel through the China-North Korea border at Dandong. All visitors must be part of an organized tour group arranged through authorized tour operators based in China or other approved countries. Independent travel is strictly prohibited, and tourist visas are only issued through these official tour companies who handle all transportation arrangements as part of their packages.

Getting Around

Transportation within Pyongyang is entirely controlled and provided by your tour group, typically using private buses or vans with assigned drivers and guides. Visitors cannot use public transportation independently, hail taxis, or walk around the city unaccompanied. All movement is pre-planned and supervised, with guides determining routes, stops, and timing. The city features wide boulevards and is relatively compact for touring, but remember that photography restrictions apply in many areas and your guides will indicate where pictures are permitted.

Where to Stay

Yanggakdo International Hotel

Koryo Hotel

Sosan Hotel

Ryanggang Hotel

Haebangsan Hotel

Chongnyon Hotel

Food & Dining

Dining in Pyongyang is arranged through your tour operator and takes place in designated restaurants serving Korean cuisine, with some hotels offering international options. Meals typically include traditional dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, naengmyeon (cold noodles), and various banchan (side dishes), often accompanied by local beer or soju. Restaurant choices are limited to approved establishments, and you'll dine where your guides direct. Some hotels feature revolving restaurants or special banquet halls, and occasional cultural performances may accompany meals. Food quality varies but is generally adequate, though Western dietary restrictions can be challenging to accommodate.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Pyongyang is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer can be hot and humid with occasional heavy rains, while winter brings harsh cold and limited daylight hours. The Mass Games and other cultural performances typically run from August through October, making autumn particularly appealing despite higher demand. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and the possibility of seeing the city's parks and monuments in bloom, though tour availability may be more limited during certain political periods or national holidays.

Insider Tips

Bring sufficient cash in euros or Chinese yuan as credit cards don't work and currency exchange options are extremely limited

Pack conservatively and formally - casual wear, jeans, or clothing with Western logos/political messages are strongly discouraged or prohibited

Expect very limited internet access and consider bringing books or offline entertainment as international communication is heavily restricted