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Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang (North Korea)

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The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang was erected in 1982 to celebrate the 70th birthday of Kim Il-sung and to commemorate the anti-Japanese resistance from 1925 to 1945. Located on Triumph Square at the foot of Moran Hill, the monument stands 60 meters high and 50 meters wide, making it one of the largest triumphal arches in the world. While modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it was intentionally built larger to signify national grandeur. The structure is composed of approximately 27,000 blocks of white granite and features four massive pillars connected by grand arches. The dates 1925 and 1945 are prominently engraved on the pillars, marking the beginning and end of the independence struggle. The arch is further adorned with bas-reliefs depicting revolutionary scenes and lyrics from patriotic hymns dedicated to the leadership. Inside, the monument houses various rooms and elevators that lead to an observation deck offering city views. The Arch of Triumph serves as a central symbol of North Korean patriotism and is frequently used as a backdrop for military parades and major national celebrations.

Location: North Korea
Top sights: Tolbak-san · Tower of Eternal Life · Inertia Flight Vehicle
Nearby: Mount Ryongak (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-8	-4	2	8	16	21	23	23	18	11	3	-6
Rain mm	10	18	26	58	80	101	318	263	113	49	51	19

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang is freely accessible from the outside at any time. Climbing the structure is usually only possible on a guided tour.

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Typical hours

The monument is accessible 24/7. The interior spaces and observation deck have typical visiting hours, announced during guided tours.

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Photography

Photography from the outside is unrestricted. Inside, special rules may apply - ask your guide.

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Time needed

A quick outside visit takes 15-20 minutes. With interior access and climb, allow about one hour.

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Combine with

The arch sits at the foot of Moranbong Park, first-rate to combine with Kim Il-sung Stadium. The nearby Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum complements the visit.

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Getting there

The arch is in central Pyongyang, easily reachable by metro or bus. Foreign tourists typically require a guided tour.

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Insider tip

Visit the arch in the evening when it is lit up - it provides a striking backdrop. Ensure your guide has permission for interior shots.

Geography

Coordinates

39.04690, 125.75330

Facts

The Arch of Triumph was completed in 1982.
It stands 60 meters tall and 50 meters wide.
The structure consists of roughly 27,000 granite blocks.
It is officially taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The dates 1925 and 1945 commemorate the independence era.
An elevator provides access to the top observation deck.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Chilsong Gate<1 km · EExplore →

USS Pueblo (AGER-2)2 km · NEExplore →

Ryugyong Hotel3 km · SExplore →

Pyongyang TV Tower3 km · EExplore →

Rungrado 1st of May Stadium3 km · NExplore →

Pyongyang Textile Mill5 km · NEExplore →

Pyongyang Central Zoo6 km · NExplore →

Taesong Reservoir Fishing Area7 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang (10)

Tolbak-san🌿 nature

A small peak near the Arch of Triumph that provides a quiet green backdrop to the city's monumental urban core.

Tower of Eternal Life🏺 historical

A towering stone obelisk dedicated to Kim Il Sung, featuring inscriptions that celebrate the leader's lasting legacy.

Inertia Flight Vehicle📍 landmark

A high-speed thrill ride in the Kaeson Youth Park that uses rapid rotation to simulate centrifugal flight forces.

Dive Tower📍 landmark

A popular drop-tower ride located within the Kaeson amusement zone, designed for vertical thrill-seeking.

Track Turntable📍 landmark

This mechanical ride features circular motion along a fixed track, providing a rhythmic experience for park visitors.

Revolutionary History Museum🏛 museum

This museum focuses on the partisan struggle against Japanese rule and the city's post-war socialist development.

Pyongyang Metro Museum🏛 museum

A specialized museum documenting the complex engineering and deep construction of the city's underground railway network.

Sino-Korean Friendship Tower🏺 historical

Built in 1959, this monument commemorates the Chinese volunteers who fought alongside North Korea during the 1950s conflict.

Jonsung Revolutionary Museum🏛 museum

Located in a former military command post, this museum details the strategic leadership during the Korean War.

Autograph of President Kim Il Sung Triumphal Return Speech🏺 historical

This stone monument is engraved with the leader's own calligraphy from his historic speech upon returning to Pyongyang.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pyongyang Arch of Triumph larger than the one in Paris?

Yes, at 60 meters high, it is the second tallest arch of triumph in the world.

When was the arch inaugurated?

It was officially inaugurated in 1982 for the 70th birthday of Kim Il-sung.

What is the monument made of?

It was built from over 25,000 white granite blocks.

Can you go inside the arch?

There are stairs and an elevator leading to an observation platform.

Where is the structure located?

It stands in Triumph Square at the foot of Moran Hill.

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang: where is it located?

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang is located in North Korea.

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang: what is there to see?

Highlights include Tolbak-san, Tower of Eternal Life, Inertia Flight Vehicle.

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang: when is the best time to visit?