Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

The Eternal Resting Place of the DPRK's Leaders

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (금수산태양궁/錦繡山太陽宮) stands as the most revered place in the DPRK, a grand complex in northeast Pyongyang where President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il lie in state. Often called the heart of the nation, it embodies the enduring respect Koreans hold for their leaders.

Spanning over 115,000 square feet, with some corridors stretching nearly a kilometer in length, the palace is considered the largest mausoleum of its kind in the world. Korean people, especially those in the Pyongyang area, will make a respectful visit here on important occasions, sometimes as families or in organized groups. Many Koreans living outside of the Pyongyang area may never have the opportunity to set foot inside this sacred hall.

For international guests, visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is one of the most solemn and unforgettable experiences of any trip to the DPRK. The palace welcomes foreign visitors only on Thursday and Sunday mornings, or on special occasions, and a visit here offers a powerful window into the deep cultural traditions and history of the country.

From Presidential Residence to National Mausoleum

Originally constructed in the 1976 as President Kim Il Sung's official office and residence, the Palace was known as the Kumsusan Assembly Hall. Soon after the President's passing in 1994, the building was renovated and transformed into Kumsusan Memorial Palace. When General Kim Jong Il passed away in 2011, the palace was further expanded to enshrine both leaders together. On February 16^th, 2012, the Kumsusan Memorial Palace was given its current name, the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, in commemoration of the General's 70^th birthday.

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun sits at the heart of a meticulously kept complex, surrounded by still reflecting pools, broad stone plazas, and carefully tended ceremonial gardens. Its architecture is grand, balanced, and symmetrical, giving the place a quiet strength that matches the seriousness of the site.

Inside the Palace

Access to the Palace is strictly controlled and limited to approved, guided groups. Taedong Tours will provide a full briefing before your visit, including what to wear, how to behave, and what to expect inside. As the most formal and sensitive site in the DPRK, the Palace is not considered a tour destination, but rather a place for citizens and foreigners alike to pay respect to the country's leadership. Those who do not wish to partake in this activity are welcome to remain outside of the Palace, while those who enter are asked to treat the visit with the seriousness and solemnity expected by the Korean people.

After arriving, visitors first pass through a security and attire check. All personal belongings, including phones, cameras, and bags, must be left on the bus or handed over to security for safekeeping. From there, you'll begin the quiet journey into the heart of the palace, riding on moving walkways flanked by red carpeting with soft, solemn music playing in the background as you pass portraits of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il along the way. Everything from the lighting to the atmosphere is designed to instill a sense of reflection and respect.

You then arrive to the mausoleum chambers where the leaders lie in state, preserved in glass sarcophagi. Before entering, guests walk through a machine that gently blows air to remove dust from clothing while rotating brush rollers on the floor gently clean the soles of your shoes. Visitors enter in rows of four and are expected to bow three times: once at the feet, and once at each side. The process is quiet, respectful, and taken seriously.

Afterwards, you will visit a series of exhibition spaces that highlight the lives and legacies of the leaders. These include rooms showcasing the many awards, titles, and honors they received over the years, as well as galleries filled with gifts presented by individuals, organizations, and governments all around the world. You'll also see memorial halls displaying personal items and photographs from their travels, both within the DPRK and overseas. Toward the end, you'll enter the transport halls, where some of their vehicles are preserved, including official cars, train carriages, and even the yacht once used by General Kim Jong Il.

At the end of the visit, guests are allowed to take photos in the outdoor park area surrounding the palace complex. This is where we usually take group photos.

Dress Code and Etiquette

This is the most formal site in the country. Proper attire and respectful behavior are mandatory.

Dress Requirements:

• Men: Dress shirt, long pants, dress shoes (no sneakers)
• Women: Conservative blouse and skirt or formal pants, closed-toe footwear
• Absolutely no jeans, t-shirts, sandals, shorts, or casual wear

Behavior:

• Silence is expected throughout the interior of the palace
• Visitors will bow as directed in tribute halls and before the leaders
• No photographs or electronics are permitted beyond the entrance hall
• Gum, food, hats, sunglasses, and hands in pockets are strictly prohibited

Taedong Tours staff and local guides will brief and accompany all guests to ensure a respectful and smooth visit.