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Juche Tower

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Juche Tower in Pyongyang is a monumental landmark completed in 1982 to commemorate the 70th birthday of Kim Il-sung. Standing on the eastern bank of the Taedong River, the tower is dedicated to the official state ideology of Juche, or self-reliance. With a total height of 170 meters, it consists of a 150-meter stone spire topped by a 20-meter glowing metal torch. The structure was meticulously built using exactly 25,550 granite blocks, with each block representing a single day in the life of the nation's founder up to his 70th year. At the foot of the tower stands a 30-meter-high bronze statue of three figures, a worker, a peasant, and an intellectual, holding high the hammer, sickle, and writing brush. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck located just below the torch, offering a panoramic panoramic view of the entire city. The site also features various pavilions and commemorative plaques from international Juche study groups. As a symbol of national identity and political sovereignty, the tower remains a central venue for major state ceremonies and a key destination for tourists.

Location: North Korea
Top sights: Juche Tower · Taedong Bridge
Nearby: Mount Ryongak (16 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 Juche Tower is open to visitors, typically as part of organized tours. You can take the elevator to the observation deck and enjoy the panoramic view of Pyongyang.

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Typical hours

Opening hours follow the tour schedule, usually from morning to early evening. It is best to arrange the visit through an official travel agency.

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Photography

Photography from the observation deck is allowed, but avoid taking pictures of military or sensitive areas nearby. Flash is generally not needed.

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Time needed

Allow about one hour for the ascent, time at the top, and descent including photography. If you also explore the tower's base, plan an extra 20 minutes.

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Combine with

The tower is located by the Taedong River; combine the visit with Kim Il-sung Square and the Grand People's Study House. These sites are part of the standard Pyongyang tour itinerary.

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Getting there

The Juche Tower is located in Pyongyang and is only accessible as part of a guided tour. Your tour guide will arrange transport; independent travel is not possible.

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Insider tip

Bring binoculars to see the city details from the height. The tower is especially photogenic at sunset - ask your guide if a visit at that time is possible.

Geography

Coordinates

39.01810, 125.76330

Facts

The Juche Tower was inaugurated on April 15, 1982.
The total height of the structure is 170 meters.
It is composed of exactly 25,550 granite blocks.
The glowing torch at the top is 20 meters tall.
An elevator carries visitors to the observation platform.
The bronze statue at the base represents three classes of society.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Party Foundation Monument1 km · NExplore →

Ryongwang Pavilion1 km · SExplore →

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang2 km · SWExplore →

Rungrado 1st of May Stadium3 km · NWExplore →

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum3 km · SExplore →

Pyongyang Textile Mill3 km · NExplore →

Pyongyang Central Zoo6 km · NWExplore →

East Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant6 km · NExplore →

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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Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Juche Tower (2)

Juche Tower📍 landmark

Inaugurated on April 15, 1982, the Juche Tower is an iconic monument dominating the city's skyline.

Taedong Bridge📍 landmark

The Taedong Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning the river to facilitate urban traffic.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Juche Tower?

The tower is 170 meters high in total, including the 20-meter metal torch.

Can you go to the top of the tower?

Yes, an elevator leads to the observation platform directly under the torch.

How much does the elevator ticket cost?

The elevator ride usually costs about 5 Euros for foreigners.

When is the tower's torch lit?

The torch is lit at night and is visible from almost anywhere in Pyongyang.

Is there a museum in the tower?

In the base, there are rooms with memorial plaques from all over the world.

Juche Tower: where is it located?

Juche Tower is located in North Korea.

Juche Tower: what is there to see?

Highlights include Juche Tower, Taedong Bridge.

Juche Tower: when is the best time to visit?

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

Juche Tower: why is it worth visiting?

The Juche Tower in Pyongyang is a monumental landmark completed in 1982 to commemorate the 70th birthday of Kim Il-sung.

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