Pyongyang - Pyongyang

Pyongyang
Phyŏngyang Chikhalsi - 평양
Kim Il-sung Square
StateNorth Korea
RegionPyongan
Altitude27 m a.s.l.
Surface3,194 km²
Inhabitants2.999.466 (2014)
Time zone UTC 8:30
Position
North Korea map
Reddot.svg
Pyongyang

Pyongyang (평양, Phyŏngyang) is the capital of the North Korea.

To know

When to go

ClimategenFebmaraprmagdownJulneedlesetOctnovdec
 
Maximum (° C)−1,22,68,917,123,127,128,629,225,218,69,31,3
Minimum (° C)−11,2−7,9−24,811,216,820,820,814,56,7−0,5−7,6
Precipitation (mm)15,519,824,85774,493288,3201,59043,43915,5

The climate, humid continental, is largely determined by the dry and cold Siberian winds coming from the north. Temperatures usually do not exceed 0 ° C from December to February. Winter is generally drier than summer. Snowfall is quite frequent in winter. The transition from cold and dry winter to hot and humid summer occurs rapidly between late April and early May. A similar and abrupt return to winter conditions occurs in October and November. The humidity of the summer is due to the far-eastern monsoon, which occurs between June and August.

Background

According to legend, the city was founded in 2334 BC. with the name Wanggŏmsŏng (왕검성; 王儉 城). It became an important city under the Gojosŏn dynasty. Becoming the provincial capital in 1896, its importance grew after 1945, when the Japanese occupation ended and the city was occupied by Soviet forces. Thus in 1948 it became the provisional capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (the government planned to recapture the official capital, Seoul). It was badly damaged during the Korean War, both due to the occupation of South Korean forces (the only case in the history of Western troops taking the capital of a Communist country) and the heavy UN aerial bombardment in 1952. It was rebuilt at the end of the war thanks above all to Soviet aid (still today many buildings show clear influences of Stalinist architecture).

How to orient yourself

List of 18 districts (구역, guyŏk) and counties (군, gun) which form the city of Phyŏngyang


How to get

By plane

Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA: FNJ) is 24km north of Pyongyang and has flights to Beijing, Shenyang, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur is Vladivostok.

On the train

There are three international rail services to Pyongyang, from Moscow and from Beijing.

How to get around

In North Korea, tourists are accompanied by a guide or guides who plan the visits and tourist trips that can be made. However, foreign visitors to Pyongyang are free to roam, unless the North Korean authorities have explicitly said not to. Foreign residents cannot use the bus service.

What see

Arch of Triumph
Juche Tower
Founding Museum of the Workers' Party of Korea
Statues of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-il
Fresco from the tombs of Goguryeo
  • 1 Tomb of King Tongmyŏng. Mausoleum built for King Tongmyŏng (died 19 BC), a UNESCO heritage site, is the oldest building in North Korea and the entire Korean peninsula. 
  • 2 Arch of Triumph (평양 개선문). This arch was built to commemorate the Korean resistance against the Japanese of 1925-1945. 60 m high and 50 m wide, it is the largest arch in the world built so far. The arch is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 
  • 3 Arch of Reunification (Monument to the Three Points Charter for National Reunification, 조국 통일 3 대헌장 기념탑). Arch opened in 2001 to celebrate a Korean reunification proposed by Kim Il-sung. 
  • 4 Changchung Cathedral. One of the four Catholic churches in North Korea and seat of the bishop of Pyongyang. 
  • 5 Large house for the people's studies. Theater built in 1982 to celebrate Kim Il-sung's 70th anniversary. 
  • 6 Juche Tower (Tower of the Juche Idea, 주체 사상 탑). Ecb copyright.svg5 €. 170 meters high tower built in 1982 to celebrate Kim Il-sung's 70th anniversary and the Juche idea. From its top it offers an excellent view of the city from above. 
  • Tomb of Kija (기자 릉). Tomb dating back to the Middle Ages. 
  • 7 Kumsusan Sun Palace (Kim Il-sung Mausoleum, 금수산 태양 궁전). Built in 1976, it is the former home of the head of state, then converted into the mausoleum of the eternal president Kim Il-sung in 1994. 
  • Liberation Monument. Built in 1947 to celebrate the liberation of Korea from the Japanese. 
  • 8 Monument to the Labor Party of Korea (당 창건 기념탑). Monument dedicated to the single party of the Labor Party of Korea. The elements depicted are the hammer, the pen and the sickle supported by three hands, representing the workers, intellectuals and peasants respectively. The monument therefore wants to represent their union. 
  • 9 Okryu Bridge (옥류교). Bridge built in 1958, spanning the Taedong River. 
  • 10 Statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. This attraction will probably be the first you will visit. Statues depicting Eternal President Kim Il-sung and Great Leader Kim Jong-il. It is good to bow before them, wear formal clothes and place bouquets of flowers specially prepared by the guide. 
  • 11 Rungrado May Day Stadium (May Day Stadium). It is the largest stadium in the world with 150,000 seats inaugurated in 1987 and home to the North Korea national football team and the one-party propaganda demonstrations of the Labor Party of Korea, such as the Arirang festival. 
  • 12 Ryongwang Pavilion (련 광정). Built in the 16th century during the Goguryeo dynasty. 
  • 13 Sungryong Hall (숭령전), Via Sumon. Temple dedicated to the founding kings of ancient Korea, built in 1429. It is still a national treasure. The temple was bombed by US forces during the Korean War, partially destroying it. Today only the main hall, the ceremonial altar and the entrance gate remain of the sanctuary. 
  • 14 Yŏngmyŏngsa (영명사). Buddhist temple dating from the early Middle Ages to the end of the Koguryŏ dynasty, rebuilt around the 15th century. 
  • 15 Kim Il-sung Stadium (김일성 경기장). Inaugurated by the Japanese in 1926. It mainly hosts football matches. 
  • 16 Pyongyang Arena. Indoor arena with about 12,000 seats. 
  • 17 Kim Il-sung Square (김일성 광장). One of the largest squares in Asia and the 30th in the world 
  • Cemetery of the Martyrs of the Revolution. Cemetery dedicated to the North Korean fallen of the Korean War. 
  • 18 Museum of the Korean Revolution (조선 혁명 박물관). Museum dedicated to the seizure of power of Kim Il-sung and the Labor Party of Korea and the liberation from the Japanese. 
  • 19 Museum of the liberation of the Motherland (Korean War Museum). Dedicated to the Korean War, inside the museum there is the Hall of captured weapons and losses of American imperialist aggressors and portraits of national leaders and heroes. 
  • 20 Koguryŏ tomb complex (고구려 고분군). Archaeological site part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, consisting of 63 individual tombs dating back to the Koguryŏ dynasty. 
  • 21 Kaeson amusement park (Near the Arc de Triomphe). This amusement park collects new attractions. To take advantage of these and other attractions, you will need a park guide (therefore not the one that will usually accompany you). This guide will take note of the rides you have gone on and the total cost. 
  • 22 Bronze statue of Chhŏllima. (천리마 동상), Via Sungri (Close to the Korean Revolution museum). It is located at a height of 170 m and is 14 m high. Two young men are placed on the horse, the man carries a letter to the Korean Workers' Party and the woman carries a lair of rice. This statue was built in 1961 to celebrate the rapid reconstruction after the Korean War (1950-1953). 
  • 23 Munsu water park, Eastern Pyongyang. Ecb copyright.svg10 €. Opened in October 2013, it is a large park with many water games. 
  • 24 Children's palace. Almost every North Korean city has its own children's palace, and Pyongyang is the largest. After the morning classes, the selected children spend the afternoon here, applying their skills. Children choose their area of ​​specialization collaboratively with teachers, once they are old enough to attend (at around 11) and then continue with that skill every day until they graduate or complete the study area. The areas of specialization include: ballet, rhythmic dance, gymnastics, computer programming, singing, musical instruments, chess, volleyball, basketball, embroidery and calligraphy. 
  • 25 Tangun Mausoleum (단군릉) (In Kangdong County). It is the burial place of Tangon, the legendary founder of the Ko Chosŏn State. 


Events and parties

  • Arirang Festival (Great Mass Games and Arirang Artistic Performance, 아리랑 축제), Rungrado May Day Stadium. This Festival, which takes place between August and October, gathers around 100,000 people in the stadium; during the various performances, dancers, gymnasts and spectators in the stands perform synchronicity exercises with colored cards and other objects. The Games are aimed at extolling the Party of Labor of Korea, the national armed forces and leaders Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. The various choreographies present a complex and allegorical iconography. 


What to do

The main activity for a traveler is mere tourism: touring, looking, photographing, buying. There are few recreational activities you can take part in.

  • 1 Bowling. Bowling is available at minimal prices. 
  • 2 Pyongyang public swimming pool. Foreigners are allowed to use the swimming pool and ice skating rink on Saturday mornings. It is preferable to avoid accidents, medical help can take a long time to arrive. 
  • Shot. There are many places to go shooting, usually with air rifles. In addition to the standard targets, some places offer live chickens as targets for a small additional price. If a chicken is killed, it can be kept. 
  • Pyongyang Marathon (Kim Il-sung Stadium). Annual 10 km marathon, held in April. 


Shopping

There are few department stores, which have few things of tourist interest. Souvenirs can be bought in places like tourist sites and hotels. One of the most sought after souvenirs are the badges depicting the faces of the three presidents Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. These badges can be difficult to purchase from a foreigner; they are easier to buy on purchasing websites. There have been reports of these badges being seized by customs authorities on departure.

  • 1 Stamp shop, Changwang Street (Next to the Koryo hotel). Here you can buy North Korean stamps, with designs ranging from Olympic pleasure craft to typical Korean food and the history of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. 


How to have fun

There are few bars and similar, although North Korean beer is available at hotels. Some may even offer foreign beers, such as Heineken. The local draft beer is excellent, and costs from € 0.50 to € 1.40.

There are three main places, besides restaurants and hotels, where foreign residents gather to socialize; the old diplomatic club, near the Juche tower by the river, the Friendship, within the Munsu dong compound, and the Random Access Club (RAC), run by the United Nations (UN). Nightlife shrank as foreign aid organizations left the country in 2009.

  • 1 Diplomatic Club. In addition to the swimming pool and restaurant, there is a karaoke area, a billiard room and a small bar upstairs. 

Night clubs

  • 2 Underground of the Yanggakdo Hotel. There is a nightclub and casino in the basement of this hotel. 


Where to eat

Meals are normally eaten in the hotel and most of the restaurants are aimed at local workers and not recommended for foreigners. However, there are restaurants especially for tourists.

Average prices

  • 1 Chongryu (종류) (On the right bank of the Potong River). Restaurant designed in the shape of a cruise ship. It is a great choice for lovers of traditional Korean cuisine. More than 120 Korean dishes are available. 
  • 2 Dangogi Gukjib. Ecb copyright.svg30 €. The most famous place for those who want to try the Korean specialty of eating dog meat. 
  • 3 Okryu (On the bank of the Taedong River). Ecb copyright.svg3-6 €. On the bank of the Taedong River, Okryu Restaurant was founded in 1960 and this makes it one of the oldest restaurants in the country and one of the few with branches overseas. It is famous for its typical cold noodles. 
  • 4 Pyolmuri, Changkwang Street. Ecb copyright.svg1.50-2.50 €. It is the first North Korean Italian restaurant, offering Italian pasta, pizza and wine. 
  • Ryugyong restaurant. Restaurant specializing in meat. 
  • 5 Haedang hwakwan (해당 화관), 대동강 구역 옥류 1 동 (East of the Taedong River), ☎ 850 2 678 3333. Ecb copyright.svg30-70 €. It is one of the best restaurants in the city. The cooks were trained in China. 


Where stay

The place to stay will also be decided by the tour guide who will accompany you.

Moderate prices

  • 1 Heabangsan hotel, Via Sungri, ☎ 850 2 37037. It is a 5-storey building, the cheapest choice in Pyongyang. It has 83 rooms and the accommodation of tourists is not always allowed. 
  • 2 Morangbong Hotel. It has 12 rooms and is the smallest hotel in town and the only one with alfresco dining. 
  • 3 Pyongyang hotel, Via Sungri, ☎ 850 2 38161. Second class hotel with 170 rooms. It was opened in 1961. 
  • 4 Taedonggang hotel, Via Sungri, ☎ 850 2 38346. Second class hotel built in 1956. 

Average prices

  • Potongang Hotel, ☎ 850 2 381 2229. First class hotel, located by the Potong River about 4km from the city center. It has 216 rooms equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone and satellite TV. Facilities include restaurants, bars, gift shop and beauty salon. 
  • 5 Ryanggang Hotel, Chongchun Street, in the Mangyongdae District. Opened in 1989, this first-class hotel has 317 rooms and a revolving rooftop restaurant. 
  • 6 Sosan hotel, Kwangbok Street, ☎ 850 2 71191. First class option, it has recently been refurbished. It has a swimming pool, bar, internet and cable TV. 
  • 7 Yanggakdo hotel (Near the Yanggak Bridge). Opened in 1995, this hotel is located on Yanggakdo Island in the Taedong River. It has 47 floors, has several restaurants (including a revolving restaurant on the top), and a casino in the basement where you can watch Chinese players go wild. It also has a bowling alley and a shoe shop. Prices range from € 70 for a third class room on one of the lower floors, to € 420 for a room on the upper floors. Meals are included. 

High prices

  • 8 Koryo hotel, Changkwang Street, ☎ 850 2 381 4397. The most luxurious hotel in the city together with the Yanggakdo hotel. It has 45 floors and over 500 rooms. Located in the city center, near the train station, it is less isolated than Yanggakdo. The price of a single room is € 175, that of a double room is € 290. 


Safety

Pyongyang is a very safe city for foreigners who respect the rules. See the main article section for North Korea safety information.

How to keep in touch

Telephony

North Korea's telephone area code is 850. Foreigners staying in Pyongyang can sign up for the Koryolink mobile phone service. The cost of the SIM card and the voice service is 80 €. The 3 GB data recording costs an additional 180 €. The rates for the mobile service are € 10-20 per month. The data plan provides 50 MB of data. Note that the telephone network available to foreigners has no interconnections with the network used by citizens.

Internet

Hotels provide Internet access for foreigners, although this should be requested in advance. If you do not have Internet access and need a connection, the easiest option is to contact your embassy.

Around


Other projects

  • Collaborate on WikipediaWikipedia contains an entry concerning Pyongyang
  • Collaborate on CommonsCommons contains images or other files on Pyongyang
2-4 star.svgUsable : the article respects the characteristics of a draft but in addition it contains enough information to allow a short visit to the city. Use i correctly listing (the right type in the right sections).