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North Korea

There is quite simply nowhere on Earth like North Korea. Now on its third hereditary ruler, this nominally communist state has defied all expectations and survived the collapse of the Soviet Union to become a nuclear power. A visit to North Korea offers a glimpse of the world's most isolated nation, where the internet and much of the 21st century remain relatively unknown, and millions live their lives in the shadow of an all-encompassing personality cult.

The compromises required to travel here are significant. You’ll be accompanied by two state-employed guides at all times and hear a one-sided account of history while being bussed from sight to sight. Those who can’t accept this might be better off staying away – but those who can will undertake a fascinating journey into another, unsettling world.

Explore North Korea

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North Korea.

  • Monument

    Tower of the Juche Idea

    This tower honours the North Korean philosophy of Juche and was unveiled to mark President Kim Il-sung's 70th birthday in 1982. Indeed, the tower is made…

  • Museum

    International Friendship Exhibition

    This exhibition hosts a massive display of gifts given to Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Housed in a mountainside vault that is vaguely…

  • Tomb

    Tomb of King Kongmin

    The 31st Koryo king, Kongmin reigned between 1352 and 1374 and his tomb is the best preserved and most elaborate in the country. It is richly decorated…

  • Monument

    Mansudae Grand Monument

    Every itinerary includes an homage to these vast bronze statues of the smiling Great Leader and Dear Leader, the latter in his trademark parka. The first…

  • Square

    Kim Il-sung Square

    Pyongyang’s central square is where North Korea’s massive military parades normally take place. The plaza is ringed by austere-looking buildings: most…

  • Architecture

    Pyongyang Metro

    Visiting the impressive Pyongyang metro is definitely a highlight of the capital. The network, which is made up of two lines, has a simultaneous function…

  • Monument

    Triumphal Arch

    Your guides will tell you proudly that the Triumphal Arch is 6m higher than its cousin in Paris, making it the largest of its kind in the world. The arch…

  • Market

    Rajin Market

    Tours here usually take in this fascinating, modern market, the only one in the country tourists are allowed to visit and shop at. Sadly, however,…

  • Monument

    Chollima Statue

    This impressive statue portrays Chollima, the Korean Pegasus. It’s an interesting example of how the North Korean state has incorporated traditional…

  • Historic Site

    USS Pueblo

    The USS Pueblo is a US surveillance vessel that was seized by the North Koreans off the east coast of Korea in January 1968, during a heightening of…

  • Public Art

    Kim Il-sung Mural

    This massive mural depicts the hypothetical scene of the joyful masses celebrating Kim Il-sung's arrival in Pyongyang, even though the event wasn't quite…

  • Tower

    Tower of Immortality

    The writing on this tower, through the base of which traffic drives, pledges that the 'Great Leader Kim Il-sung and the Dear Leader Kim Jong-il will…

  • Area

    The DMZ

    The sad sight of a divided nation remains one of the most poignant aspects of any trip to North Korea. Even if you're just in North Korea for a couple of…

  • Volcano

    Paekdusan

    Paekdu, one of the most stunning sights on the Korean peninsula, straddles the Chinese–Korean border in the very far northeastern tip of DPRK. Apart from…

  • Tomb

    Tomb of Tan'gun

    History continues to evolve in North Korea, with new revolutionary discoveries being made every year. While the government announced in 1993 that its…

  • Monument

    Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun

    Kim Il-sung’s residence during his lifetime, the Kumsusan Palace remained so after his death. North Koreans come here en masse to pay their respects to…

  • Film Location

    Pyongyang Film Studios

    Several films a year are churned out by the country’s main film studios in the suburbs of Pyongyang. The two main focuses are predictably the anti…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in North Korea.

  • Activities