Top 10 Most Beautiful Tourist Destinations in North Korea

Mount Myohyang-san, also known as Mount Diệu Dương, is a breathtakingly beautiful mountain that looks like a painting. It boasts stunning natural scenery, a fresh and refreshing atmosphere, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Korea. At the peak of the mountain stands an ancient temple, Pohyon Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Visitors can immediately sense a delightful fragrance in the air just by stepping near the mountain, which is why the mountain is often called the 'Mountain of Fragrance'.

Legend has it that in the Dangun Cave of Mount Myohyang, the god Hwanung met the beautiful girl who transformed from the bear Ungnyeo and gave birth to King Dangun, the founding ancestor of the Korean people. As a result, Mount Myohyang is considered the ancestral land of the modern Korean nation. Another fascinating site on the mountain is the International Friendship Exhibition Center, which displays gifts received by North Korean leaders over the years.

The Pyongyang Metro, also known as the Pyongyang Subway, is famous for being the deepest metro system in the world. The stations are located 110 meters underground, and it takes about 4 minutes to travel down to the platforms using the escalators.

However, the Pyongyang Metro is more than just a transportation system; it is a reflection of North Korea’s unique way of life. The metro stations and trains offer a glimpse into daily life in the capital, which is largely unknown to the outside world. Some of the metro stations are even referred to as 'bomb shelters' due to their reinforced steel doors and high-pressure walls, designed for use in case of war.

Surprising as it may seem, North Korea boasts a grand and fascinating tourist destination: Masikryong Ski Resort. Located atop Mount Taehwa, this renowned resort spans over 1,400 hectares, making it the largest tourism complex in the country. The resort offers more than just skiing—it's a place where visitors can experience North Korea's evolving tourism sector.

In an effort to boost revenue, North Korea plans to host regional and international sports events, and also invites business meetings and ski enthusiasts to Masikryong Ski Resort. The resort is designed to welcome up to 6,000 visitors per day, offering a unique experience for both locals and international guests.

In addition to the previously mentioned Mount Myohyang, North Korea is home to many other majestic and stunning peaks that are must-sees for any visitor. One such beautiful mountain is Mount Paektu (Changbai), also known as Baekdu Mountain, which straddles the border between North Korea and China. Standing at an elevation of 2,744 meters above sea level, this mountain is famous for its vast volcanic crater and breathtaking surrounding views.

According to Korean mythology, Mount Paektu is the birthplace of Dangun, the legendary founder of the Gojoseon kingdom (Ancient Korea). His father, Hwanung, is said to be the son of the Sky, and his mother, Ungnyeo, was a bear transformed into a woman. Throughout Korean history, successive kingdoms, including Buyeo, Goguryeo, Balhae, Goryeo, and Joseon, have all regarded Mount Paektu as a sacred site.

The mountain is also considered an important revolutionary base, closely tied to the leadership of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. North Korea claims that Kim Jong-il was born here, although some sources suggest he was born in the Soviet Union. Many visitors to Mount Paektu will encounter a mural depicting Kim Il-sung and his wife holding a young Kim Jong-il at the entrance to the so-called 'Secret Base' of Kim Il-sung during the Korean War.

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is the final resting place of North Korea's founding leader Kim Il-sung and his son, Kim Jong-il. It is the only mausoleum in the world that houses the remains of two national leaders. In 2007, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nong Duc Manh, visited the mausoleum to pay respects to Kim Il-sung during a state visit to North Korea.

Originally constructed in 1976, the grand building was initially the Kumsusan National Assembly Hall, including the Presidential Palace and residence of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). The grounds span about 10,700 square meters, with several large halls extending over a kilometer in length.

The building was repurposed into a mausoleum after the death of Kim Il-sung in 1994. Following the passing of Kim Jong-il in 2011, the palace was temporarily closed, but by February 2012, it was renamed the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and reopened after renovations. Today, it serves as a site of pilgrimage for North Koreans and visitors, where they pay homage to both leaders.

North Korea is home to a blend of modern architectural marvels, including the Sci-tech complex shaped like an atom, as well as iconic national monuments like the Workers' Party Monument and the Unification Arch.

The Unification Arch, completed in the early 21st century, is located in the capital city of Pyongyang, right beneath the Unification Highway. This arch, made of concrete, spans the Unification Highway that connects Pyongyang to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The arch’s symbolic design portrays two mothers from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea dressed in traditional Choson-ot attire, symbolizing the unity between North and South Korea. The two figures lean forward to hold a globe showing a unified Korean Peninsula. The monument was constructed to commemorate North Korea's vision of reunification. At the base of the structure, inscriptions from various individuals, organizations, and countries offer messages of support for reunification and peace.

As previously mentioned, North Korea is a mysterious land rich in history, home to numerous kings and royal tombs. If you visit this fascinating country, it would be a missed opportunity not to explore its historical burial sites. One notable site is the tomb of King Gongmin, the 31st monarch of the Goryeo dynasty, and his queen, who was a Mongolian princess.

King Gongmin is known for his efforts to reform the royal court and his exceptional talents in the arts. Reflecting his significance, his tomb is an architectural marvel. Today, the Tomb of King Gongmin is recognized as a World Heritage site and is considered one of the best-preserved royal tombs in North Korea.

One of the first must-see landmarks is Kim Il-sung Square. This vast square is located in the heart of Pyongyang, having been completed in August 1954 and named after the great leader who founded North Korea. The square is situated on the west bank of the Taedong River, with the Juche Tower visible across the water. Directly above the square stands the National Library of North Korea.

Kim Il-sung Square is the 16th largest square in the world, covering an area of about 75,000 square meters and capable of hosting over 100,000 people for major events.

This square is perhaps the most iconic location in North Korea, often featured in global media, particularly during large-scale events like military parades and important state celebrations.

Juche Tower, also known as the Juche Tower, is not only one of the most popular tourist attractions in North Korea, but it also stands as an enduring symbol of the country. Located in the capital city of Pyongyang, this towering structure is a monumental icon. At the base of the tower, you will find three statues holding a hammer, sickle, and a brush, representing the Workers' Party of Korea, with Kim Il-sung as its founder. From the top of the tower, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Pyongyang.

As with many structures in North Korea, Juche Tower is imbued with deep symbolism. The tower is constructed with 25,550 bricks, each symbolizing a day in Kim Il-sung’s life. For those interested in the history behind the monument, videos at the base of the tower provide a detailed explanation of the significance of the Juche ideology and its role in North Korea’s development under the leadership of the eternal president Kim Il-sung.

Another iconic architectural masterpiece of North Korea that is a must-see is the Arch of Triumph. This grand structure stands 60 meters tall and stretches 50 meters in width. Modeled after the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it is a testament to North Korea's architectural ambition.

The Arch of Triumph was built to honor the sacrifices of soldiers who fought in the anti-imperialist war against Japan between 1925 and 1945. The arch features four separate gates, each standing 27 meters high, with beautiful floral patterns of azaleas adorning its structure.