North Korea, Pyongyang

Pyongyang Travel Guide: I. Travel Preparation 1. Visa Application • Group Tours: Tourists to Pyongyang must apply for a group tour organized by an official North Korean travel agency in advance to obtain the relevant visa. • Document Preparation: Understand the required materials and application process in advance to avoid delays. 2. Currency Preparation • North Korean Won: The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean won. Be sure to understand the exchange rate and exchange methods before departure for convenient local spending. • Foreign Currency Exchange: Foreign currencies such as RMB, USD, EUR, JPY, and HKD can be used directly in North Korea. 3. Communication Preparation • Mobile Phone Use: Since January 7, 2013, foreigners have been allowed to bring mobile phones into North Korea. Before entering the country, you need to fill out a customs declaration form and purchase a SIM card specifically for foreigners at Pyongyang Airport or Koryolink stores. The price is about CNY 400. The phone card can only be used to make international calls from North Korea (except to South Korea). The call charges are high, at USD 2 (approx. CNY 12) per minute. Internet access is also expensive, at approx. USD 200+/1GB. • Time Difference: Pyongyang time is one hour ahead of Beijing time. II. Must-See Attractions 1. Kim Il-sung Square • Significance: The central square of North Korea and an important venue for political activities and military parades, similar to Tiananmen Square in China. • Attractions: A giant statue of President Kim Il-sung stands in the center of the square, and portraits of Kim Il-sung, Marx, and Lenin hang on the surrounding buildings. • Activities: Celebrations, rallies, political and cultural activities, and military parades are often held here. 2. Juche Tower • Introduction: One of the symbols of North Korea. The tower is 170m high and has 70 sections, built of white granite. The words "Juche Idea" are engraved on the front. • Activities: You can take a high-speed elevator to 150m up the Juche Tower and enjoy a panoramic view of Pyongyang. 3. Arch of Triumph • Scale: Larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it commemorates North Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. • Features: The reliefs vividly depict the heroic struggles of the North Korean people and are well worth seeing. 4. Mangyongdae • Significance: The sacred place of the North Korean revolution and the birthplace of President Kim Il-sung. • Attractions: Many historical sites and cultural relics are preserved here, such as the Kim Il-sung Native House and the Mangyongdae Children's Palace. • Activities: You can watch student performances and learn more about the revolutionary history of North Korea. 5. Sino-Korean Friendship Tower • Introduction: Built to commemorate the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, the tower contains a list of the names of the volunteers' martyrs. • Significance: Almost a must-see for Chinese tour groups visiting North Korea. You can buy a bouquet of flowers and place it in front of the tower to pay silent tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend the country's borders. 6. Pyongyang Subway • Features: The Pyongyang subway is famous for its unique architectural style and cultural decorations, making it a great place to experience North Korean culture. 7. Korean National Folk Museum • Introduction: Showcases North Korea's rich folk culture, including traditional costumes, daily necessities, and folk performances. III. Food Recommendations 1. North Korean Cold Noodles • Features: Thin and chewy noodles served with a cold, sweet, and sour broth and various toppings such as beef, eggs, cucumbers, and kimchi. Refreshing and perfect for summer. 2. Bibimbap • Features: Rice topped with vegetables, meat (usually beef or pork), and an egg, plus a special sauce. Mix well before eating for a savory and spicy flavor. 3. Tteok • Features: Steamed glutinous rice is pounded into a dough, sliced, topped with red bean paste, and dipped in sugar or honey for a sweet and chewy treat. 4. Rice Cakes • Varieties: Various types, including hand-beaten rice cakes, sliced rice cakes, and sheet rice cakes. Delicate texture, sweet but not greasy. 5. Fish Soup • Features: Thinly sliced fish is boiled in cold water with seasonings for a delicious and tender soup. IV. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Yanggakdo International Hotel • Introduction: A high-end hotel jointly built by the North Korean government and France. It is considered a special first-class hotel by North Korean standards and is equivalent to a five-star hotel by international standards. • Facilities: 1,001 guest rooms with 1,963 beds, a swimming pool, a high-end bar, a sauna, a gym, and other facilities. • Location: Located on Yanggak Island in the Taedong River, offering panoramic views of Pyongyang. 2. Other Hotels • West Pyongyang Hotel: A star-rated hotel in Pyongyang with complete facilities and a convenient location. • Koryo Hotel: A hotel in Pyongyang that can be booked according to your needs and budget. V. Travel Tips 1. Follow the Rules • Laws and Regulations: Strictly abide by local laws, regulations, and customs while in North Korea. • Tour Guide Arrangements: Follow the arrangements and instructions of the local tour guide and do not leave the group without permission. • Photography Regulations: Some areas may not allow photography. Pay attention to relevant regulations when taking photos. 2. Pay Attention to Safety • Personal Belongings: Always be aware of your personal safety and keep your belongings safe. • Food Hygiene: Avoid eating unclean food to protect your stomach. 3. Respect the Culture • Public Places: Keep quiet in public places and avoid impolite behavior. • Civilized Travel: Respect the rights of local businesses, shop politely, and demonstrate the qualities of a civilized traveler. VI. Itinerary 1. Day 1 • Morning: Arrive in Pyongyang and check in to the hotel. • Afternoon: Visit Kim Il-sung Square, experience the atmosphere of the city center, and admire the surrounding buildings. 2. Day 2 • Morning: Visit the Juche Tower and the Arch of Triumph to learn about North Korea's spiritual culture and historical significance. • Afternoon: Experience the unique architectural style and cultural decorations of the Pyongyang subway. 3. Day 3 • Morning: Visit Mangyongdae to learn about the revolutionary history of North Korea. • Afternoon: Visit the Korean National Folk Museum to learn more about North Korea's folk culture. 4. Day 4 • Morning: Shop in the city for souvenirs. • Afternoon: Prepare for your return trip. I hope this guide will help you plan a memorable trip to Pyongyang, North Korea!