A Secret Trip to Pyongyang! A Super Detailed Travel Guide, Freshly Baked

Hey everyone👋! Today, I've gotta share this super practical Pyongyang travel guide with you! Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is mysterious and fascinating, blending ancient traditions and modern vibes in a unique way. Come with me and embark on this amazing journey to explore Pyongyang💖! 1. Pre-trip Preparations📝 Visa Application✈️: To travel to Pyongyang, you need to get your visa sorted in advance. I highly recommend going through official channels and applying directly on the website of the North Korean embassy in your country. When applying, have your valid passport ready with at least two blank pages for the visa stamp. Recent 2-inch passport photos with a white background are required, and make sure they are clear. Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring accurate personal information and reasons for travel. After submitting your application, it usually takes 5 to 7 working days for approval. During peak tourist season, it might take longer, so plan ahead to avoid delays. Getting to Pyongyang🚗✈️: Pyongyang has an international airport, Sunan International Airport, with direct flights from Beijing, Shenyang, and other cities. It's very convenient, and you can start exploring Pyongyang right after landing. If you want a different experience, taking the train is also a good option. There's an international train from Dandong, a city on the China-North Korea border. Along the way, you can enjoy the border scenery, mountains, rivers, and unique towns. Traveling by car is also possible, but the journey is a bit long, so inquire about road conditions and departure times beforehand. Language Barrier🗣️: People in Pyongyang speak Korean. If you don't understand Korean, don't worry. Download a translation app on your phone in advance, such as Youdao Translate, which supports both text and voice translation. Alternatively, bring a portable translator, like the iFLYTEK translator, which can work offline. Combine these tools with gestures, and communication won't be too difficult. 2. Must-see Attractions🌟 Juche Tower Amusement Park🎠: Oh my, this amusement park is a paradise of fun! The miniature models of world-famous buildings are incredibly realistic. Taking photos next to the miniature Eiffel Tower feels like being in Paris. There are countless amusement facilities, including thrilling roller coasters that make your heart race, and romantic carousels that transport you to a fairytale world. It's full of modern attractions, and you can easily spend a whole day here without getting bored. It's awesome😆! Kim Il-sung Square🌳: Located in the city center, Kim Il-sung Square is a popular spot in Pyongyang. The lake in the park is large and clean, with small fish and shrimp swimming around, and ducks playing on the water. The lawn by the lake is green all year round, and it's so comfortable to walk on it barefoot. The sculptures in the park depict traditional farming scenes with lifelike figures and tools, as well as historical events. Strolling along the lake is incredibly relaxing. Pyongyang City Center Square🎉: This place is bustling with activity, offering shopping, entertainment, and more. The shops sell traditional Korean clothing with vibrant colors and exquisite embroidery, as well as various electronic products. There are frequent art performances, showcasing beautiful traditional dances and energetic modern music. The musical fountain show is spectacular, with water columns dancing to the music and colorful lights illuminating the scene. The square's architecture blends Eastern elegance and modern simplicity, creating a charming atmosphere. Korean Central History Museum🏛️: Stepping into this museum feels like traveling through the long river of North Korean history and culture. The ancient bronze wares inside have unique shapes and exquisite patterns, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of the time. The noble costumes in the traditional clothing section are made of high-quality silk with impeccable embroidery, and the patterns carry deep meanings. The calligraphy and paintings showcase North Korean landscapes and folk customs, allowing visitors to experience the country's rich history and culture. Korean Revolution Museum📚: If you want to learn about the North Korean revolution, this is the place to be. The museum displays photos from the war, old weapons, and simulated war scenes. With lighting and sound effects, the revolutionary journey is presented vividly, offering valuable historical knowledge and a deeper understanding of North Korean history. 3. Food Guide🍱 Pyongyang offers a wide variety of delicious food🎉! North Korean cold noodles, made from chewy buckwheat noodles that have been kneaded and rested multiple times, are a must-try. The broth is simmered for hours with beef and chicken, seasoned with apple cider vinegar and other spices, resulting in a sweet and sour flavor that's perfect for cutting through richness. The dish is served with various toppings, creating a multi-layered texture. Bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with bean sprouts and other ingredients, topped with a half-cooked egg and special chili sauce, is another popular choice. The residual heat from the stone pot creates a crispy layer of rice at the bottom, adding a delightful aroma. Seafood dishes are prepared in various ways, from steaming to preserve the freshness to spicy stir-fries for a rich flavor. Grilled pork belly is also a favorite, with crispy skin and juicy meat, served with kimchi and lettuce. It's a fantastic way to experience North Korean food culture😋! 4. Accommodation and Shopping Guide🛏️🛍️ Pyongyang hotels offer attentive service and comprehensive facilities. High-end options like the Koryo Hotel, located in the city center, provide convenient access to everything. The rooms are luxuriously decorated, and the restaurants serve both international and authentic Korean cuisine. Budget-friendly choices like the Yanggakdo International Hotel offer excellent value, with clean rooms and nearby convenience stores and food stalls. For shopping, visit traditional craft shops. The embroidery shops offer exquisite needlework, while the wood carving shops display lifelike sculptures. Jewelry stores sell pieces that blend traditional and modern elements, making for sparkling souvenirs to take home. 5. Travel Tips📋 Respect Local Customs😇: When entering traditional buildings, such as houses in folk villages, remove your shoes. Use honorifics when speaking to elders. Dress appropriately for formal occasions, with men wearing shirts and trousers, and women wearing dresses or suits. Protect the Environment🌍: Pyongyang's streets are very clean. Avoid littering when visiting attractions and use designated trash bins. Refrain from picking flowers or damaging plants to keep Pyongyang beautiful. Don't Touch Animals🦝: Avoid feeding or touching wild animals like squirrels and birds, as well as livestock like cattle and sheep. They may carry diseases or become startled and cause harm. Observe them from a distance. Stay Safe⚠️: Keep your belongings safe in crowded areas. Store your phone, wallet, and other valuables in zipped pockets close to your body. Follow instructions when using transportation or visiting attractions. Pay attention to your surroundings and ensure a safe trip. Pack this guide and embark on an unforgettable journey in Pyongyang, filled with joyful memories🥰!