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Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (North Korea)

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The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang serves as the official mausoleum for Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, and his son Kim Jong-il. Originally constructed in 1976 as the Kumsusan Assembly Hall, the building functioned as Kim Il-sung's official residence and office until his death in 1994. Following his passing, the complex was extensively renovated into a memorial site and officially dedicated in 1995. Located in the northeast of the capital, it is recognized as the largest mausoleum in the world dedicated to a Communist leader. Visitors access the central halls via long corridors equipped with moving walkways to view the embalmed bodies of the two leaders resting in glass sarcophagi. The vast grounds are enclosed by a moat and high walls, featuring a massive public square used for state ceremonies. The architectural style emphasizes monumental scale and rigid symmetry, underscoring the site's central role in the nation's political and ideological framework.

Location: North Korea
Top sights: Three Revolutions Monument · Kumsusan Palace of the Sun · Three Revolution Exhibition
Nearby: Pyongsong (13 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 Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is officially a memorial and can only be visited on strictly controlled guided tours. Visitors must register in advance and are subject to strict behavioral rules, with photography prohibited inside.

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Typical hours

Opening hours are highly restricted and only announced for official visitor groups. Visits are typically possible only on specific days and by prior appointment.

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Photography

Photography is strictly forbidden throughout the palace grounds, especially inside the mausoleum halls. It is strongly advised not to use any cameras or smartphones to avoid any conflicts.

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Time needed

A guided tour typically lasts about two to three hours, as the grounds are very extensive. Allow extra time for security checks and travel to the site.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the Mansudae Art Studio or Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang. These sites are relatively close and offer deep insight into North Korean culture.

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Getting there

The palace is located in northeastern Pyongyang and is only accessible by official tour bus or authorized vehicle. Public transport is typically not permitted for foreign tourists.

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Insider tip

Book the tour exclusively through a licensed North Korean travel agency, as independent travel is not allowed. Dress respectfully and avoid political discussions during the visit.

Geography

Coordinates

39.06280, 125.79030

Facts

The building functioned as the official residence of Kim Il-sung from 1976 until 1994.
Renovating the structure into a mausoleum in 1994 cost an estimated 900 million dollars.
It is the largest mausoleum in the world, significantly larger than Lenin's or Mao's memorials.
The embalmed bodies are kept in a climate-controlled environment at a constant 16 degrees Celsius.
A strict dress code is enforced for all visitors, requiring formal attire without jeans or sneakers.
Exhibits inside include Kim Jong-il's personal armored train car and his private Mercedes-Benz.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rungrado 1st of May Stadium1 km · SEExplore →

Pyongyang Central Zoo2 km · NWExplore →

USS Pueblo (AGER-2)3 km · SEExplore →

Taesongsan Amusement Park3 km · NExplore →

Pyongyang Textile Mill3 km · EExplore →

East Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant4 km · NEExplore →

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang4 km · SExplore →

Ryongwang Pavilion5 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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Overnight stops

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

Sights in the town Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (4)

Three Revolutions Monument🏺 historical

The Three Revolutions Monument is a towering landmark symbolizing North Korea's ideological, technical, and cultural transformations.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun🏛 museum

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a monumental mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state.

Three Revolution Exhibition🏛 museum

The Three Revolution Exhibition is a massive complex showcasing North Korea's achievements in aerospace and heavy industry.

Kumgang Temple📍 landmark

Located near the Kumsusan Palace, Kumgang Temple impresses with its beautifully curved Buddhist roofs and inner courtyards.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main function of this palace?

It serves as a mausoleum for the deceased leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

Is there a dress code for visitors?

Yes, formal attire is mandatory (no jeans, no shorts).

On which days is the palace open to tourists?

The palace is normally open to visitors only on Thursdays and Sundays.

Is photography allowed inside?

No, photography and filming inside are strictly prohibited.

How long does a typical visit take?

You should plan for at least 2 to 3 hours for the entire ceremony.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: where is it located?

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is located in North Korea.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: what is there to see?

Highlights include Three Revolutions Monument, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Three Revolution Exhibition.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: when is the best time to visit?