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Rungrado 1st of May Stadium

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Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)

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The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located on Rungra Island in Pyongyang, is the largest stadium in the world by seating capacity. Opened on May 1, 1989, the stadium officially has a capacity of 150,000 spectators, though modern estimates after renovations place the figure closer to 114,000. Its striking architecture features a roof composed of 16 arched segments arranged to resemble a blooming magnolia flower. While it hosts football matches and athletics, the stadium is internationally renowned as the venue for the Arirang Mass Games. These monumental performances involve up to 100,000 gymnasts and dancers performing synchronized routines. The stadium underwent major renovations in 2014 to meet modern international standards, including the installation of a new pitch and updated facilities. Spanning a total floor space of 207,000 square meters, it serves as a primary symbol of the North Korean state's emphasis on collective sports and mass mobilization.

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 Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang is the largest stadium in the world and can usually only be visited on organized tours. Access is highly regulated and tied to mass games or state celebrations.
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Typical hours
The stadium is only open during events; the famous mass games usually take place in August and September. Exact dates are set by North Korean authorities and are known only short-term.
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Photography
Photography on the stadium grounds is usually allowed but with strict restrictions. It is forbidden to photograph military installations or undesirable subjects; follow the guide's instructions.
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Time needed
A stadium tour as part of an organized group usually lasts 1-2 hours. For attending the mass games, allow half a day into the evening.
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Combine with
The stadium is on Rungrado Island in the Taedong River; nearby are Kim Il-sung Square and the Juche Tower. An organized city tour of Pyongyang combines several sights.
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Getting there
Pyongyang is only accessible with an organized tour group and official permission. The stadium is visited by bus as part of the tour; independent travel is not possible.
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Insider tip
Book your trip through a specialized tour operator that has the necessary permits. Bring binoculars to better see the impressive choreographies of the mass games.

Geography

Coordinates
39.04300, 125.78400

Facts

  • The stadium was officially opened on May 1, 1989.
  • It holds the record for the largest seating capacity of any stadium in the world.
  • The roof peaks at 60 meters above the ground level.
  • Total floor space within the stadium exceeds 207,000 square meters.
  • It is the primary venue for the Arirang Mass Games, a UNESCO-listed event.
  • The 2014 renovation added high-definition screens and modernized seating areas.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kumsusan Palace of the SunKumsusan Palace of the Sun1 km · NWExplore →
Party Foundation MonumentParty Foundation Monument2 km · SEExplore →
Pyongyang Textile MillPyongyang Textile Mill2 km · EExplore →
Moranbong ParkMoranbong Park3 km · SExplore →
Pyongyang Central ZooPyongyang Central Zoo3 km · NWExplore →
PyongyangPyongyang4 km · SEExplore →
East Pyongyang Thermal Power PlantEast Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant4 km · NExplore →
Taesongsan Amusement ParkTaesongsan Amusement Park4 km · NWExplore →

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Sights in the town Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (3)

Munsu Water Park🎡 recreation

Opened on October 15, 2013, the Munsu Water Park is an expansive aquatic recreation facility.

Chongnyu Bridge📍 landmark

The Chongnyu Bridge features a modern cable-stayed design spanning the urban waterway.

Ar-Rahman Mosque📍 landmark

The Ar-Rahman Mosque serves as a prominent Muslim place of worship with distinct Islamic architectural features.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many spectators can fit in the May Day Stadium?
It is one of the largest stadiums in the world with a capacity of about 114,000 seats.
What major event often takes place here?
The stadium is famous for the Arirang Mass Games.
Can the stadium be visited without an event?
Yes, guided tours of the stadium interior are often offered to tourists.
Where is the stadium located?
It is located on Rungna Island in the Taedong River.
What is unique about the stadium roof?
The roof resembles a magnolia blossom and consists of 16 arched segments.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium: where is it located?
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is located in North Korea.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Munsu Water Park, Chongnyu Bridge, Ar-Rahman Mosque.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located on Rungra Island in Pyongyang, is the largest stadium in the world by seating capacity.
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Nearby cities

Pyongyang — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital and political center of North Korea, located on the Taedong River.

History & landmarks

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (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.
Pyongyang TV Tower — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Pyongyang TV Tower
A 150-meter-tall free-standing concrete tower with an observation deck and a panoramic restaurant.
Ryugyong Hotel — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Ryugyong Hotel
An unfinished 105-story skyscraper in Pyongyang.

Nature

Taedong River — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Taedong River
The second-longest river in North Korea, flowing through the capital city of Pyongyang.
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Manphung Lake
An artificial lake northeast of Pyongyang, used for recreation and fishing.

More places

Party Foundation Monument — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Party Foundation Monument
A monument in Pyongyang that glorifies the Workers' Party of Korea.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2) — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
A US Navy research ship captured by North Korea in 1968.
Pyongyang Textile Mill — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Pyongyang Textile Mill
One of the largest textile mills in Pyongyang, named in honor of Kim Jong-suk, Kim Il-sung's wife.
Moranbong Park — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Moranbong Park
A popular park in central Pyongyang, known for its beautiful scenery and historic pavilions.
Juche Tower — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Juche Tower
A monument in Pyongyang, symbolizing the Juche ideology.
Pyongyang Central Zoo — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Pyongyang Central Zoo
The national zoo of North Korea, founded in 1959.
Ulmil Pavilion (Ulmildae) — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Ulmil Pavilion (Ulmildae)
The Ulmil Pavilion (Ulmildae) stands majestically on Moran Hill in the center of Pyongyang and originally dates back to the 6th century.
Pyongyang Peneplain — Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (North Korea)
Pyongyang Peneplain
An extensive, low-lying plain that surrounds the capital city of Pyongyang, one of the country's main agricultural regions.