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Grand Monument on Mansu Hill

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Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)

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The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang is one of the most significant political landmarks in North Korea. At the center of the complex stand two monumental bronze statues of leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, each reaching a height of approximately 20 meters. The original statue of Kim Il-sung was erected in 1972 to commemorate his 60th birthday and was initially covered in gold leaf. Following the death of Kim Jong-il in 2011, the monument was expanded to include his statue, while the original depiction of his father was slightly modified. Behind the statues, a massive mosaic mural of Mount Paektu is displayed, representing the sacred birthplace of the Korean revolution. Flanking the central figures are two large granite sculptural groups depicting the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle and the socialist construction of the state. The site serves as a venue for major state ceremonies and is a mandatory stop for visitors to pay respects to the leadership.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-4281621232318113-6
Rain mm1018265880101318263113495119

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The monument is accessible to visitors as part of a guided tour arranged through a state-approved travel agency. You can view the statues from a designated area and explore the surrounding bronze reliefs.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open during daylight hours, but exact times depend on the tour schedule. Most visits occur in the morning or early afternoon.
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Photography
Photography is allowed, but you must not take pictures of the statues in a way that obscures them or mimics disrespectful gestures. It is best to ask your guide about current rules to be sure.
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Time needed
A typical visit lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, including the walk from the parking area. You can also spend extra time at the nearby fountains and bronze reliefs if you wish.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with Kim Il-sung Square and the Arch of Triumph, both within a short drive. The Korean War Museum is also nearby and features deeper historical context.
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Getting there
Access is only possible as part of an official guided tour arranged through a state-approved travel agency. Private travel to the site is not permitted, and you must register in advance.
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Insider tip
Bring a few coins to buy a small bouquet from the flower sellers at the entrance; it is customary to place flowers at the base of the statues. Dress modestly and follow the guide's dress code instructions.

Geography

Coordinates
39.02800, 125.75300

Facts

  • The original statue of Kim Il-sung was unveiled on April 15, 1972.
  • The bronze statues stand at a total height of approximately 20 meters.
  • The first statue's gold leaf coating was removed and replaced with bronze shortly after opening.
  • The flanking sculptural groups consist of a total of 229 individual granite figures.
  • The Mount Paektu mosaic in the background measures 70 meters in width and 13 meters in height.
  • Visitors are expected to bow as a sign of respect before the monumental statues.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Taedong GateTaedong Gate<1 km · EExplore →
Arch of Triumph, PyongyangArch of Triumph, Pyongyang1 km · WExplore →
Victorious Fatherland Liberation War MuseumVictorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum2 km · SExplore →
USS Pueblo (AGER-2)USS Pueblo (AGER-2)2 km · NExplore →
Rungrado 1st of May StadiumRungrado 1st of May Stadium4 km · NExplore →
Pyongyang Textile MillPyongyang Textile Mill4 km · NExplore →
Pyongyang Central ZooPyongyang Central Zoo6 km · NWExplore →
Arch of ReunificationArch of Reunification7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Sights in the town Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (1)

People's Theatre🎭 culture

Opened in 2012, the People's Theatre is a monumental performing arts venue in the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who do the statues on Mansu Hill represent?
The giant bronze statues depict Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
What is expected of visitors in front of the statues?
It is customary to bow together as a sign of respect.
Are there rules for photographing the statues?
Photos must always show the statues in their full height; cropping is not allowed.
Can flowers be laid there?
Yes, visitors can buy and lay bouquets or baskets of flowers at the base of the monuments.
Is entry to the site free?
Access to the monumental site is included as part of the tours.
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill: where is it located?
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill is located in North Korea.
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill: why is it worth visiting?
The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang is one of the most significant political landmarks in North Korea.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Pyongyang — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital and political center of North Korea, located on the Taedong River.

History & landmarks

Pyongyang TV Tower — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
Pyongyang TV Tower
A 150-meter-tall free-standing concrete tower with an observation deck and a panoramic restaurant.
Ryugyong Hotel — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
Ryugyong Hotel
An unfinished 105-story skyscraper in Pyongyang.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
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The largest stadium in the world, with an official capacity of 114,000.
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Serves as the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the former leaders of North Korea.

Nature

Taedong River — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
Taedong River
The second-longest river in North Korea, flowing through the capital city of Pyongyang.
🗺️
Manphung Lake
An artificial lake northeast of Pyongyang, used for recreation and fishing.

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Moranbong Park — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
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Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang — Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (North Korea)
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