Pyongyang
Once Goguryeo's capital, now the heart of the DPRK. Experience tradition blended with a modern socialist vision and a spirit of self-reliance.
Guide Content
Welcome to Pyongyang (평양/平壤), the beating heart of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea! Nestled along our namesake Taedong River, the city's name means "flat land" or "calm land." Discover millennia of history here, from Korea's ancient foundations to its modern capital. This unique, resilient city, proudly rebuilt after the Korean War, invites you to explore grand monuments, captivating museums, and daily life. Ride the Pyongyang Metro with locals, savor renowned cold noodles, and gain insights into the country's proud heritage.
A comprehensive tour of the city's highlights, included in many Taedong Tours itineraries, takes around three days. No matter what you're interested in, Pyongyang is sure to have something to offer!
Quick Facts
- Population: ~2.75 million
- Founded: Over 2,000 years ago
- Location: Southwest DPRK, on the banks of the Taedong River
A City Built with Purpose
Pyongyang was almost entirely destroyed during the Korean War. What rose in its place is a purpose-built capital showcasing socialist urban design, with massive public squares, wide boulevards, and monumental structures dedicated to revolutionary history. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that every building, monument, and mural tells a story.
Whether you're walking past mosaic-lined metro stations or watching schoolchildren perform synchronized dances in Kim Il Sung Square, you'll witness a unique blend of artistry and sense of order that can't be found elsewhere!
Top Landmarks in Pyongyang
- Mansudae Grand Monument – Towering bronze statues of the country’s leaders, flanked by detailed revolutionary sculptures.
- Kim Il Sung Square
- Korean War Museum
- Juche Tower – A 170-meter monument to the DPRK's core ideology, Juche ("joo-chay"), which holds that the Korean people are the masters of their own destiny through political independence, ideological consciousness, and economic self-reliance; the tower offers sweeping panoramic views of Pyongyang.
- Arch of Triumph – Larger than its Parisian namesake, this monument honors Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule.
- Monument to Party Foundation – Featuring a hammer, sickle, and writing brush to symbolize the unity of workers, farmers, and intellectuals.
- Ryugyong Hotel – The city’s most iconic skyscraper, a 105-story pyramid still under phased development.
Getting to Pyongyang
The two main ways to reach Pyongyang are by flight from Beijing or Shenyang, or by train. Most of our tours begin with a pre-tour meeting in Beijing, after which travelers taking the train will head directly to the station, while those flying in can go to the airport the following day at their own convenience, rejoining the group once in Korea. The train stops first in Dandong, where you'll clear exit customs before crossing the Yalu River via the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge into Korea. We highly recommend entering Korea by train, since it offers a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and your Taedong Tours guide, while enjoying the scenic countryside before arriving in Pyongyang.