Plizio Visual Lab
USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
tourist-attraction
Weather…
Water temperature…
The USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is a former US Navy environmental research and intelligence ship that was captured by North Korean forces on January 23, 1968. The incident led to a significant international crisis during the Cold War, with conflicting claims regarding whether the ship was in international or North Korean territorial waters. Today, the vessel is moored on the Potong River in Pyongyang and serves as a major exhibit of the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. It is the only commissioned ship in the US Navy currently held by a foreign power. Visitors can board the ship to see bullet holes from the skirmish and the confiscated encryption and spy equipment. The vessel is utilized as a central propaganda piece to demonstrate victory over the United States. The history of the 82 crew members, who were held captive for eleven months before their release following a formal US apology, is documented on-site from the North Korean perspective.
- Location: North Korea
- Top sights: Rungna Water Park · Rungna Bridge · East Pyongyang Grand Theatre
- Nearby: Pyongsong (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
Visiting
The ship is thoroughly accessible as part of an official, state-organized tour in Pyongyang, allowing visitors to closely inspect both the exterior decks and the interior cabins of the captured vessel.
Typical hours
Visit timings are strictly regulated and typically occur during daylight hours, adhering precisely to the rigid schedules maintained by the government-approved and state-sanctioned tour operators.
Photography
Photography on board is usually permitted, though it is highly recommended that visitors strictly follow the explicit instructions of their assigned local guides regarding permissible camera angles.
Time needed
A comprehensive guided walk through the various operational compartments of this unique museum ship generally takes about an hour, depending heavily on the specific tour itinerary and group dynamics.
Combine with
This controversial historical site is frequently combined with other major state monuments and massive military-themed museums in the capital city as part of a fully immersive guided tour package.
Getting there
Independent travel is strictly prohibited; access is exclusively granted through official, state-sanctioned tour groups that meticulously provide dedicated transportation directly to the mooring site.
Insider tip
Always keep in mind that the historical narrative presented on board entirely reflects the host country's official state perspective, providing a rather unique and uncompromising glimpse into their worldview.
Geography
Facts
- The ship was captured on January 23, 1968, off the eastern coast of Korea.
- One crew member was killed during the capture, while 82 others were taken prisoner.
- The crew was released in December 1968 after exactly 335 days in captivity.
- It remains the only US Navy ship currently held in captivity by a foreign nation.
- The vessel was moved from Wonsan to Pyongyang in 1999 to serve as a tourist site.
- Bullet holes from the 1968 engagement are still clearly visible on the hull and bridge.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town USS Pueblo (AGER-2) (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the USS Pueblo?
A US American spy ship captured by North Korea in 1968.
Can the ship be visited?
Yes, it is moored as a museum ship in the Taedong River in Pyongyang.
Is photography allowed on the ship?
Yes, photography and filming on board are allowed for tourists.
Do guides explain the history of the ship?
Yes, official guides explain the North Korean perspective of the capture.
How long does a visit to the ship take?
A guided tour, including a short film presentation, takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2): where is it located?
USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is located in North Korea.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2): what is there to see?
Highlights include Rungna Water Park, Rungna Bridge, East Pyongyang Grand Theatre.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2): why is it worth visiting?
The USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is a former US Navy environmental research and intelligence ship that was captured by North Korean forces on January 23, 1968.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in North Korea →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium
The largest stadium in the world, with an official capacity of 114,000.
Pyongyang TV Tower
A 150-meter-tall free-standing concrete tower with an observation deck and a panoramic restaurant.
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Serves as the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the former leaders of North Korea.
Ryugyong Hotel
An unfinished 105-story skyscraper in Pyongyang.
Nature
More places
Moranbong Park
A popular park in central Pyongyang, known for its beautiful scenery and historic pavilions.
Party Foundation Monument
A monument in Pyongyang that glorifies the Workers' Party of Korea.
Juche Tower
A monument in Pyongyang, symbolizing the Juche ideology.
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.
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill
A complex of monuments in Pyongyang, the central part of which are two 22-meter high bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
Ryongwang Pavilion
The Ryongwang Pavilion is located right next to the Taedong Gate in Pyongyang and was built in the 12th century for defense as well as a …
Taedong Gate
The Taedong Gate (Taedongmun) is the surviving east gate of the ancient walled city of Pyongyang, sitting majestically on the banks of th…
Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang
Modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, built to commemorate the Korean resistance to Japan from 1925 to 1945.