The Top 50 · 50

Attractions in North Korea

The finest attractions in North Korea at a glance: castles, natural wonders, historic old towns and more. Each place links to a detailed page with map, tips and photos.

🗺️ See all on the mapCulture & History (12)Nature (18)More highlights (20)

Culture & History

Ulmil Pavilion (Ulmildae)
Monument

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.

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Chilsong Gate
Monument

Chilsong Gate

The Chilsong Gate (Gate of the Seven Stars) is the north gate of the ancient inner fortification of Pyongyang and is located on the edge of Moranbong…

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South Gate of Kaesong (Namdaemun)
Monument

South Gate of Kaesong (Namdaemun)

Namdaemun (South Gate) is the only remaining gate of the ancient inner city wall of Kaesong, built towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty in 1394.

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Sonjuk Bridge
Monument

Sonjuk Bridge

Sonjuk Bridge is a small stone bridge in Kaesong, built in 1290.

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Ryugyong Hotel
Landmark

Ryugyong Hotel

An unfinished 105-story skyscraper in Pyongyang.

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Sukchon
Landmark

Sukchon

Sukchon is a significant agricultural hub, known for its fertile plains and as a model for modern agrarian development in North Korea.

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Rungrado 1st of May Stadium
Landmark

Rungrado 1st of May Stadium

The largest stadium in the world, with an official capacity of 114,000.

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Pyongyang TV Tower
Landmark

Pyongyang TV Tower

A 150-meter-tall free-standing concrete tower with an observation deck and a panoramic restaurant.

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Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Landmark

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Serves as the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the former leaders of North Korea.

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Arch of Reunification
Monument

Arch of Reunification

A monument at the southern entrance to Pyongyang, symbolizing Kim Il-sung's proposals for Korean reunification.

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Grand Monument on Mansu Hill
Monument

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.

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Party Foundation Monument
Monument

Party Foundation Monument

A monument in Pyongyang that glorifies the Workers' Party of Korea.

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Nature

Wonsan Youth Park
Park

Wonsan Youth Park

A public park in Wonsan providing recreational areas, sports facilities, and green space for the city's residents.

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Ryongaksan Pleasure Ground
Park

Ryongaksan Pleasure Ground

A large natural park on Mount Ryongak on the western outskirts of Pyongyang, used for hiking and recreation.

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Kaesong Folklore Park
Park

Kaesong Folklore Park

A park showcasing traditional Korean architecture, customs, and lifestyles from the Koryo dynasty.

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Ryongmun Cave Park
Park

Ryongmun Cave Park

A natural park surrounding an extensive karst cave system with impressive rock formations.

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East Korea Bay East Coast
coast

East Korea Bay East Coast

A large bight on the east coast, including the cities of Hamhung and Wonsan, featuring deeper waters and sandy beaches.

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Heaven Lake
Lake

Heaven Lake

A crater lake on the summit of Paektu Mountain, on the border between North Korea and China.

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Korea Bay West Coast
coast

Korea Bay West Coast

The northern part of North Korea's west coast, forming the Korea Bay, with numerous islands and estuaries.

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Sijung Lake
Lake

Sijung Lake

A coastal lagoon in Kangwon Province, renowned for its therapeutic mud.

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Chosan Bay Coast
coast

Chosan Bay Coast

A coastal area on the Yellow Sea in North Pyongan province, with extensive tidal flats.

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Ongjin Peninsula Coast
coast

Ongjin Peninsula Coast

A peninsula on the Yellow Sea with a highly indented coastline and numerous offshore islands.

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Tongchon Coast
coast

Tongchon Coast

A stretch of coast in Kangwon province, featuring sandy beaches and scenic cliffs.

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Paektu Mountain
Mountain

Paektu Mountain

An active volcano on the border with China and the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula.

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Mount Chilbo
Mountain

Mount Chilbo

A mountain in North Hamgyong province, known for its exceptional rock formations and views of the Sea of Japan.

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Changbai Mountains (Korean Side)
Mountain

Changbai Mountains (Korean Side)

The Korean side of the mountain range forming the border between China and North Korea.

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Northern Taebaek Mountains
Mountain

Northern Taebaek Mountains

The northern extension of the Taebaek mountain range, which extends into North Korea and includes the Kumgang Mountains.

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Kumgang Mountains
Mountain

Kumgang Mountains

Also known as the Diamond Mountains, famous for its scenic rock formations, waterfalls, and ponds.

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Mantap-san
Mountain

Mantap-san

A mountain in North Hamgyong Province, known as the location of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site.

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Ullim Falls
river

Ullim Falls

A relatively newly discovered waterfall, its name meaning 'Echo', which has been developed into a tourist attraction.

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More highlights

Battle of Kumsong Battlefield
battlefield

Battle of Kumsong Battlefield

The Kumsong Valley in Kangwon Province was the scene of the last and most massive offensive during the Korean War in July 1953, just weeks before the…

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Anguk Temple
historical-site

Anguk Temple

Anguk Temple in South Pyongan Province (near Pyongsong) is one of the oldest temples in North Korea, originally founded in 503 AD.

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Pyohun Temple
historical-site

Pyohun Temple

Pyohun Temple is one of the most famous surviving Buddhist temples in the Diamond Mountains (Kumgang-san).

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Hwangryong Fortress
ruin

Hwangryong Fortress

The ruins of the Hwangryong Fortress (Yellow Dragon Fortress) stretch across the rugged coastal mountains near Nampo on the Yellow Sea.

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Manwoldae (Palace Ruins)
ruin

Manwoldae (Palace Ruins)

Manwoldae, translated as 'Hill of the Full Moon', was the site of the magnificent royal palace of the Koryo Dynasty in Kaesong.

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Sungyang Academy (Seowon)
historical-site

Sungyang Academy (Seowon)

The Sungyang Academy in Kaesong, founded in 1573, is a classic example of a Seowon - a private Confucian academy of the Joseon period.

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Anhak Palace Ruins
ruin

Anhak Palace Ruins

The ruins of Anhak Palace in Pyongyang mark the site of the grand royal residence of the Goguryeo Dynasty after the capital was moved there in 427.

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Tomb of King Kongmin
historical-site

Tomb of King Kongmin

The Tomb of King Kongmin is one of the best-preserved royal mausoleums of the Koryo Dynasty, located in Kaesong.

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Kwangbop Temple
historical-site

Kwangbop Temple

Kwangbop Temple is located on Mount Taesong in Pyongyang.

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Pohyon Temple
historical-site

Pohyon Temple

Pohyon Temple in the Myohyang Mountains is one of North Korea's most important Buddhist complexes.

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Koryo Museum (Songgyungwan)
historical-site

Koryo Museum (Songgyungwan)

The Koryo Museum in Kaesong was originally the highest Confucian academy of the Koryo Dynasty, known as Songgyungwan.

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DMZ (Panmunjom)
tourist-attraction

DMZ (Panmunjom)

The Demilitarized Zone, a buffer zone separating North and South Korea.

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Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve
wildlife-area

Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve

An important wetland on the west coast, serving as a crucial stopover for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

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International Friendship Exhibition
tourist-attraction

International Friendship Exhibition

A large museum complex in the Myohyang Mountains.

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Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area
tourist-attraction

Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area

A large-scale tourism development project in Wonsan.

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Samjiyon Potato Farms
agriculture

Samjiyon Potato Farms

Large-scale potato farms in the cool region of Samjiyon, promoted as a model for the country's modern agriculture.

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Kwail County Forests
forest

Kwail County Forests

An area in South Hwanghae Province whose name means 'Fruit', renowned for its extensive orchards and forests.

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Changja River Fish Farm
agriculture

Changja River Fish Farm

An aquaculture facility in Chagang province, focusing on breeding freshwater fish to supply the region.

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Sinpyong Kumgang Tourist Area
kid-friendly

Sinpyong Kumgang Tourist Area

A scenic area known as 'little Kumgang', being developed for its picturesque valleys and hiking trails.

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Ryongam Cavern
valley

Ryongam Cavern

A large karst cave system near Pyongyang, known for its underground rivers and unique rock formations.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top attractions in North Korea?

Among the most popular are Ulmil Pavilion (Ulmildae), Chilsong Gate, Battle of Kumsong Battlefield, Anguk Temple, Pyohun Temple and many more – the full top 50 list is on this page.

When is the best time to visit North Korea?

May to October offers the most pleasant weather; July and August are warmest and busiest.