Cities of North Korea. Pyongyang. Pyongyang (capital of North Korea) The capital of this country is Pyongyang flag

Chronology

According to legend, Pyongyang was founded in 2334 BC under the name Wangomseong. It was the capital of the ancient Korean state of Gojoseon. However, this date is controversial and is not accepted by many historians who believe that the city was founded at the beginning of our era.

In 108 BC. e. The Han Dynasty conquered Gojoseon, establishing several military regions in its place. The capital of one of them, Lolan County, was founded near modern Pyongyang. Lolan was one of the dominant forces in the region until it was conquered in 313 by the rising state of Goguryeo.

In 427, Wang Goguryeo moved the capital of the state to Pyongyang. In 668, the Korean state of Silla, in alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty, conquered Goguryeo. The city became part of Silla, remaining on the border with its northern neighbor, Parhae. Silla was replaced by the Goryeo Dynasty. During this period, Pyongyang increased its influence and was renamed Seogyong (서경; 西京; “Western Capital”), although Pyongyang was never actually the capital of Goryeo. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was the capital of Pyongan Province, and from 1896 until the end of the Japanese occupation, it was the capital of Pyongan Province.

In 1945, the period of Japanese occupation was over and Pyongyang fell into the zone of influence of the Soviet Union, becoming the temporary capital of the DPRK state formed in the north of the Korean Peninsula (Seoul, “temporarily” separated from the country, was then considered the permanent capital). During the Korean War, it was seriously damaged by aerial bombing and was occupied by UN troops from October to December 1950. After the war, with the help of the Soviet Union, the city was quickly restored.

Historical names

Over the course of its history, Pyongyang has changed many names. One of them was Ryugyong or "willow capital", as at that time there were many willow trees throughout the city, which was reflected in medieval Korean literature. Nowadays, there are also many willow trees in the city, and the word Ryugyong appears frequently on the city map (see Ryugyong Hotel). Other names of the city in different periods were Kison, Hwanseong, Rannan, Sogyong, Sodo, Hogyong, Chanan. During Japanese colonial rule, the city was known as Heijō (the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters 平壌 in the name of Pyongyang, written using hanja).

Geography

Located on the banks of the Taedong River (Tedong) not far from its confluence with the Yellow Sea. Forms a separate administrative unit with the status of a province. Another river flowing through the city is Pothongan.

The climate is monsoon with a sharp manifestation of different seasons and a clear distinction between the dry and rainy seasons. Although Korea is located at low latitudes and is surrounded on three sides by sea basins, its climate is more severe than in a number of countries located at the same latitude. In winter, powerful currents of cold, dry air coming from the interior of the continent bring dry, clear weather and cold weather to the Korean Peninsula. In summer, the country's territory is under the influence of oceanic air masses that bring abundant atmospheric moisture. During the three summer months, 50-60% of the annual precipitation falls. The average annual temperature is +7.6 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is about −11 °C, the hottest (August) is about +23 °C. An average of 925 millimeters of precipitation falls per year (most of it in summer).

Economy

Along with the country's special regions (Sinuiju and Kaesong), Pyongyang is the economic center of North Korea.

Transport

The Pyongyang Metro operates with two lines, with a total length of 22.5 km. The Pyongyang Metro was put into operation on September 5, 1973. The stations are spacious, the columns are decorated with marble, and on the walls there are large mosaic paintings, paintings, and relief images showing life and nature in Korea. Currently there are two lines and sixteen stations. Deep metro. The subway cars are mostly made in Germany. A special feature of the Pyongyang metro is that the escalator shafts are illuminated not with chandeliers or vertical lamps, but with glowing escalator walls. At the end of each carriage are portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

The city also has trolleybus and tram transport. Trolleybus service was opened on April 30, 1962. Tram service existed until the Korean War of 1950-1953, after which the tram was not restored. Pyongyang's modern tram system was built from scratch; tram service opened almost three decades after the launch of the trolleybus, on April 12, 1991, which is a rare case in world practice.

The number of private cars is small compared to most world capitals, although officials use a large fleet of Mercedes-Benz limousines.

There is a state-owned airline, Air Koryo, which operates flights from Sunan Airport to Beijing (PEK), Shenyang (SHE), Bangkok (BKK) and Vladivostok (VVO). There are also occasional charter flights to Macau (MFM), Incheon (ICN), Yangyang (YNY) and some Japanese cities. Air Koryo also operates several domestic flights.

International rail service operates between Pyongyang and the capitals of China and Russia, as well as Vladivostok. The journey to Beijing takes 25 hours 25 minutes (train K27 from Beijing / K28 from Pyongyang on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays); the road to Moscow takes 7 days.

Due to the almost complete isolation of the country from the rest of the world, tourism in Pyongyang is poorly developed. Most of the tourists come from China. To obtain a visa to the DPRK, you must submit an application to the official diplomatic or tourism mission of the DPRK no earlier than 20 days before departure. In special cases, a visa can be obtained at a crossing point on the border with the DPRK. In general, anyone can obtain a tourist visa, with the exception of journalists and residents of the United States and South Korea.

The import of literature about North and South Korea (except for those published in the DPRK), pornography, mobile phones, and propaganda literature is prohibited into North Korea. It is prohibited to photograph military installations, as well as to visit most attractions in informal clothing.

The government controls the movement of tourists around the city, developing special routes and sightseeing programs.

Attractions

During the Korean War (1950-1953), the city suffered greatly and was subsequently almost completely rebuilt. The new layout provided for wider streets, a large number of monuments and monumental structures.

The tallest building in the city is the Ryugyong Hotel with a height of 332 m (105 floors), the total area of ​​​​the premises is 360 thousand m². The construction of this hotel, which began in 1987 and was suspended in the 90s, has continued since 2008 with the participation of foreign companies. (Kiryanov O. Foreign investors want to complete the largest long-term construction project in North Korea // Rossiyskaya Gazeta. December 12, 2008.)

On April 15, 1961, on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the Chollima monument (Korean: “A thousand per hour”) was opened. According to the sculptors, it symbolized the will of the people for epoch-making achievements in the field of building socialism, moving “at the pace of Chollima” to prosperity of their homeland. The height of the monument is 46 meters, the height of the sculpture itself is 14 meters. The horse was saddled by a worker holding in his hands the “Red Letter” from the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and a peasant woman. The horse's front hooves are aimed at the sky, and its hind hooves seem to be pushing off the clouds.

On the occasion of Kim Il Sung's 70th birthday in April 1982, the Arc de Triomphe was opened. The height of the gate is 60 meters, width is 52.5 meters. The height of the arch is 27 meters, width is 18.6 meters. Carved on the gate are the words “Song of Commander Kim Il Sung” and the dates “1925” and “1945”, indicating the year of “Kim Il Sung’s entry into the path of reviving the Motherland” and the year of his “triumphant return to the Motherland” after its liberation from the Japanese (15 August 1945).

Also, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the Juche Idea Monument (170 meters high) was opened on the banks of the Taedong River. On the front and back of the monument are golden letters spelling out the word “Juche.” At the top of the pillar is a 20-meter-high torch, which symbolizes the “great and unfading triumph of the Juche idea.” In the dark, fire is simulated using backlighting. In front of the pillar stands a 30-meter sculptural group: a worker with a hammer, a peasant woman with a sickle and an intellectual with a brush. The crossed hammer, sickle and brush are the emblem of the Workers' Party of Korea. On the back side of the pedestal in a niche there is a wall assembled from more than two hundred marble and granite slabs sent by the heads of many countries of the world and famous political figures.

One of the most famous places in Pyongyang is Kim Il Sung Square. Korean People's Army parades, demonstrations, and mass gymnastic and dance performances are held here on public holidays.

In the very center of Pyongyang, on Mansu Hill (where the Pyongyang Fortress used to be) there is a monumental sculptural ensemble, famous primarily for the huge (about 70 meters in height) sculpture of Kim Il Sung. Opened in April 1972 on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday. It is curious that the standing Kim Il Sung points with his hand “towards a bright tomorrow”, to the south, towards Seoul. Behind the bronze statue is the Museum of the Korean Revolution, opened the same year, which has a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektusan on the wall. Its length is 70 meters, height - about 13. The panel symbolizes revolutionary traditions, since on Mount Paektu, located on the border with China, according to legend, there was a command headquarters where Kim Il Sung lived and worked during the years of the anti-Japanese struggle.

Other famous architectural landmarks of Pyongyang are the monument commemorating the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Liberation Monument built after World War II, the Reunification Arch and two stadiums that are among the largest in the world - Kim Il Sung Stadium - 70,000 spectators, 48- 1st in terms of capacity in the world and the “May Day Stadium” is the largest in the world, with a capacity of 150,000 spectators.

Culture

Pyongyang is the cultural capital of North Korea. All the leading cultural institutions of the country are located here, and cultural exchange with other countries takes place from here. In particular, in November 2005, in Pyongyang, representatives of the North Korean government and the Russian embassy signed the “Plan for Cultural and Scientific Exchange for 2005-2007.” between the governments of the DPRK and the Russian Federation." There is active propaganda of national culture and art among the population. The Research Institute of Korean National Music and Choreography (NIIKNMH) was even created, which is located in the Pyongyang International House of Culture.

There are several cultural institutions in the city. Among them are:
The Moranbong Theater is the first theater built in the country after World War II. In December 2004, on the personal instructions of Kim Jong Il, the reconstruction of the theater began, ending in 2005.
Pyongyang Cultural and Exhibition Complex - opened in 1998. There are exhibitions of artists and photographers, as well as new books, ranging from ancient Buddhist texts to the works of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Also in this complex there are exhibitions of Korean applied art - pottery, embroidery, mosaics, etc.
State Symphony Orchestra of Korea - was established in August 1946. The repertoire includes mainly national works (patriotic and glorifying the leaders of the country) and classics from Russian opera and ballet. In total, the orchestra's program includes more than 140 musical works.
Mansudae Art Theater
House of Culture "April 25"
Pyongyang Grand Theater
East Pyongyang Grand Theater
Central Youth House
Bonghwa Art Theater
Pyongyang Circus
People's Army Circus
People's Palace of Culture
Pyongyang International House of Culture
Pyongyang International Cinema
Korean Revolution Museum
Museum of Victory in the Patriotic Liberation War
Exhibition of achievements of three revolutions
Kimirsaenghwa and Kimjeongirhwa Flower Pavilion
Korean Art Gallery
Korea Central History Museum
Ethnographic Museum of Korea

Education

Pyongyang is home to a number of the country's leading universities, including the largest educational institution - Kim Il Sung University.

Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). Pyongyang is the administrative, cultural and historical center of the country. The word “Pyongyang” (according to Kontsevich’s system is transcribed into Cyrillic as Pyongyang) in Korean means “wide land”, “cozy area”. In 1946, the city was removed from the province of Pyongan-nam-do and received the status of a city of direct subordination (chikhalsi) - an administrative status at the provincial level.

Information

• Country: DPRK
• Former names: Wangomson, Ryugyong, Kison, Hwanseong, Nannan, Sogyong, Sodo, Hogyong, Chanan, Heijo
• Area: 1,578 km²
• Population: 4,138,187 people (2010)
• Time zone: UTC+8:30
• Telephone code: +850

Geography

Located on the banks of the Taedong River (Tedong) not far from its confluence with the Yellow Sea. Another river that flows through the city is the Pothongan. Forms a separate administrative unit with the status of a province. The population of modern Pyongyang and its suburbs exceeds 4 million people. The vast majority of residents are Koreans. Almost all residents of the city speak Korean.

Climate

The climate is monsoon with a sharp manifestation of different seasons and a clear distinction between the dry and rainy seasons. Although Korea is located at low latitudes and is surrounded on three sides by sea basins, its climate is more severe than in a number of countries located at the same latitude. In winter, powerful currents of cold, dry air coming from Transbaikalia and Mongolia bring dry, clear weather and frost to the Korean Peninsula. In summer, the country's territory is under the influence of oceanic air masses that bring abundant atmospheric moisture. During the three summer months, 50-60% of the annual precipitation falls. The average annual temperature is +10.6 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is about −6 °C, the hottest (August) is about +25 °C. An average of 933 millimeters of precipitation falls per year.
Compared to Seoul, Pyongyang's climate is cooler and there is slightly less rainfall.

Story

According to legend, Pyongyang was founded in 2334 BC under the name Wangomseong. It was the capital of the ancient Korean state of Gojoseon. However, this date is controversial and is not accepted by many historians who believe that the city was founded at the beginning of our era.
In 108 BC. e. The Han Dynasty conquered Gojoseon, establishing several military regions in its place. The capital of one of them, Lolan County, was founded near modern Pyongyang. Lolan was one of the dominant forces in the region until it was conquered in 313 by the rising state of Goguryeo.
In 427, Wang Goguryeo moved the capital of the state to Pyongyang. In 668, the Korean state of Silla, in alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty, conquered Goguryeo. The city became part of Silla, remaining on the border with its northern neighbor, Parhae. Silla was replaced by the Goryeo Dynasty. During this period, Pyongyang increased its influence and was renamed Seogyong (서경; 西京; “Western Capital”), although Pyongyang was never actually the capital of Goryeo. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was the capital of Pyongan Province, and from 1896 until the end of the Japanese occupation, it was the capital of Pyongan Province.
In 1945, the period of Japanese occupation was over and Pyongyang fell into the zone of influence of the Soviet Union, becoming the temporary capital of the DPRK state formed in the north of the Korean Peninsula (Seoul, “temporarily” separated from the country, was then considered the permanent capital). During the Korean War, it was seriously damaged by aerial bombing and was occupied by UN troops from October to December 1950. After the war, with the help of the Soviet Union, the city was quickly restored.

Historical names

Over the course of its history, Pyongyang has changed many names. One of them was Ryugyong or "willow capital", as at that time there were many willow trees throughout the city, which was reflected in medieval Korean literature. Nowadays, there are also many willow trees in the city, and the word Ryugyong appears frequently on the city map (see Ryugyong Hotel). Other names of the city in different periods were Kison, Hwanseong, Rannan, Sogyong, Sodo, Hogyong, Chanan. During Japanese colonial rule, the city was known as Heijō (the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters 平壌 in the name of Pyongyang, written using hanja).

Tourism

Due to the almost complete isolation of the country from the rest of the world, tourism in Pyongyang is poorly developed. Most of the tourists come from China. To obtain a visa to the DPRK, you must submit an application to the official diplomatic or tourism mission of the DPRK no earlier than 20 days before departure. In special cases, a visa can be obtained at a crossing point on the border with the DPRK. In general, anyone can obtain a tourist visa, with the exception of journalists and residents of the United States and South Korea.
The import of literature about North and South Korea (except for those published in the DPRK), pornography, mobile phones, and propaganda literature is prohibited into North Korea. It is prohibited to photograph military installations, as well as to visit most attractions in informal clothing.
The government controls the movement of tourists around the city, developing special routes and sightseeing programs.

Kitchen

A feature of national Korean cuisine is a large amount of pepper and spices, but in almost all restaurants for tourists the spiciness of dishes is moderate. The chefs working here undergo long-term professional courses, so they can offer dishes from any cuisine in the world: from Kiev cutlets to Wiener schnitzel.
One of the most popular dishes in Pyongyang that every tourist should try is guksu. It consists of cold buckwheat noodles seasoned with broth, meat and vegetables. They also always offer to try kimchi. The basis of this dish is pickled cabbage, and it is complemented by a wide variety of additives: radishes, herbs, garlic, onions, peppers, shellfish and even fruits. In addition, mandu dumplings, kalbi pork ribs, bulgogi kebabs and kadi-cha eggplant salad are ubiquitous.
Coffee and tea are practically not consumed in the DPRK, but various decoctions and herbal infusions are popular here. Often, only alcoholic drinks are offered during meals: ginseng vodka, rice wine, fruit liqueurs, etc. Local beer is also common and tastes quite good.

Entertainment and relaxation

Pyongyang is not only the administrative but also the cultural capital of the DPRK, so there are numerous establishments here that offer an opportunity to get acquainted with the art and culture of this distinctive country. Thus, there are several large theaters in the city: the Moranbong Theater, the Mansudae Art Theater, the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, the Ponghwa Art Theater and the Grand Theater. Also, all guests of Pyongyang are invited to visit the Pyongyang International Cinema, the State Symphony Orchestra of Korea, the People's Army Circus and the Pyongyang Circus. However, the most unforgettable impressions are made by national holidays (Independence Day, Constitution Day, May Day, etc.), which are celebrated here with special scope and entertainment. Moreover, these are not only military parades and colorful processions, but also grandiose gymnastic performances, as well as competitions in various sports. Among the latter, it is worth highlighting “polt-twi-gi” (all-around), archery, “raw” (wrestling with fabric belts) and “sonma kekku” (wrestling without belts). Also, athletics, tennis, volleyball and football competitions are often held at the capital's stadiums.
If we talk about nightlife, then in Pyongyang it is literally absent, and almost all establishments close before midnight. But the city has about 200 parks and gardens, among which it is worth highlighting the Daesongsan and Mangyongdae amusement parks, the Kaesong Youth Park, as well as the Central Botanical Garden and the Kimirsenhwa and Kimjeongirhwa Flower Pavilion.

Safety

In Pyongyang, as throughout the country, the crime rate is very low, so tourists will definitely not encounter pickpockets, robbers or scammers here. In addition, every foreigner must be accompanied by a guide, who must not only introduce him to the country, but also ensure compliance with all local laws and norms of behavior.

Sights of Pyongyang

The capital of the DPRK, Pyongyang, is very different from other Asian capitals. Instead of noisy city streets and crowds, there is widespread order and discipline. On the first day, all foreign tourists are taken on a general sightseeing tour. If a tourist is alone, he travels by car; groups usually travel by bus. The visiting card of the city is the Juche Idea Tower, 170 meters high. The monument is decorated with gold letters spelling out the word “Juche”, and the top is crowned with a twenty-meter torch. In front of the tower there is a 30-meter sculpture of a worker, a peasant woman and an intellectual. In their hands is a crossed sickle, hammer and brush - the emblem of the Korean Workers' Party.
In general, in the capital, most of the monuments, of course, are associated with the name of Kim Il Sung and the Juche ideas. For example, the Chollima monument, symbolizing the will to great achievements, was built in honor of the leader’s 49th birthday (the height of the sculpture without the pedestal is 14 meters, and with it - 46 meters). The program also includes a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, built on the spot where the leader made a speech about the unity and independence of the Korean nation after the victory over Japan (the height of the arch is 60 meters, which is three meters higher than the famous arch of the same name in Paris).
One of the iconic places in Pyongyang is Kim Il Sung Square, the site of military parades and demonstrations, as well as mass gymnastics and dance performances that accompany national holidays. In the center of Pyongyang there is a sculpture of the leader about 70 meters high, and the Museum of the Korean Revolution is located nearby. Other famous landmarks include the Party Founding Monument, Liberation Monument, Reunification Arch, Comrade Kim Il Sung's Mausoleum and two huge stadiums - Kim Il Sung Stadium and May Day Stadium. The capacity of the May Day Stadium is 150 thousand people, that is, this stadium is the largest in the world.
Of the attractions not related to party ideas, the metro stations are undoubtedly worthy of attention. Not everyone is given access there, much less the right to take photographs, but it is worth showing tact and respect and still asking the receiving party about it. The capital's metro is a real work of art; The decoration here is more luxurious than in some local museums. Pyongyang, like other Korean megacities, is famous for its skyscrapers. One of the newest and most impressive buildings is the pyramid-shaped Ryugyong Hotel. Another amazing place is the fountains on the Taedong River, on the banks of which Pyongyang is built. These are fountains unsurpassed in height in the whole world: two cascades rise to a height of 150 meters.

Pyongyang (평양 - Pyeongyang) has a population of about 2,750,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of North Korea. It is located on the banks of the Daedong River, in the southwest of the country.

How to get there

By plane

Almost everyone travels either by plane or by train from Beijing. You will need to apply for a visa before your trip, this will take at least 2 weeks.

Sunan International Airport is located 24 kilometers north of Pyongyang.

The Air China Beijing departs/arrives on Mondays and Fridays, with an additional service on Wednesday evenings in summer (from 1 April). It is worth noting that Pyongyang Airport does not have a glide path system, and in the event of bad weather conditions, flights may be canceled or even the plane may turn around. AirKoryo usually does not have such problems, so if you absolutely need to fly, you should use the services of this company. However, it is worth taking into account that Air China is equipped with more modern and safer equipment compared to Air Koryo. You can compare prices for flights to Pyongyang from different airlines, for example.

If you have financial problems, then you can buy half-price tickets from Pyongyang. They are sold at the Youth Hotel, Air China office. It is located approximately 10 km northeast of the city. In addition, you will be allowed to carry 30 kilograms of luggage free of charge.

By train

Trains from China arrive at Pyongyang Main Station. Foreigners can join the locals and use the main exit. Your guide will be waiting for you outside. Also, if any of your luggage was transported on a freight train, you can pick it up the next day. Customs is located at the back of the building and closes from 12.00 to 14.00. There are no fees for clearing goods through customs, and officials are not strict.

Note to tourists

Visitors to North Korea must be accompanied by a guide or guides who will show you what and how you can visit.

You can visit this city on your own, unless, of course, the authorities prohibit it. This happens, but very rarely.

Residents can easily walk around the area. However, they cannot use buses. But they can travel by metro, despite rumors of a ban. There are two metro lines and all stations are open to foreigners. Even though the trains are old, they are quite high quality and phenomenally cheap. The biggest disadvantage of this mode of transport is that the subway only runs on the west side of the river, while the Munsu-dong area, where all the foreign residents live, is on the east side.

You can also take a taxi, but Koreans are very careful with foreigners and may not provide their services to them. One exception can only be at the Koryo Hotel, which is located next to the station. Wait for the driver, then contact the hotel so he can pick you up. About 5 North Korean won will be enough to travel an average distance one way.

Clue:

Pyongyang - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 6

Kazan − 6

Samara − 5

Ekaterinburg − 4

Novosibirsk − 2

Vladivostok 1

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Pyongyang weather by month

Clue:

Pyongyang weather by month

Hotels. Where is the best place to live?

Budget choice

Heabangsan Hotel Sungri Road Central Tel. +850 2 37037. A five-story building that is the cheapest option in Pyongyang. There are 83 rooms here, but it is not a fact that you will be allowed to stay here as a foreigner.

Morangbong Hotel, Morangbong Hill, has 12 rooms and is the smallest hotel in Pyongyang. And the only one with an Al Fresco dining room.

Pyongyang Hotel, Sungri Street, Central District (next to Pyongyang Theater), Tel. +850 2 38161. Second class hotel with 170 rooms. It was opened in 1961.

Taedonggang Hotel, Sungri Street, Central Area (next to Taedonggang River), Tel. +850 2 38346. Second class hotel, which was founded in 1956.

Average cost

Koryo Hotel, Changkwang Road, Tel. +850 2 381 4397. The most luxurious hotel in the city, on par with Yanggakdo. Has 45 floors and more than 500 rooms. A three star hotel in the center of Pyongyang, close to the train station, making you less isolated than Yanggakdo. Single rooms: 175 won, double rooms: 290 won.

Potongang Hotel Tel. +850 2 381 2229. First class hotel located 4 kilometers from the city center. There are 216 rooms, each with air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone and satellite TV. There are also restaurants, a bar, a gift shop and a beauty salon.

Ryanggang Hotel, Chongchun Road, (at the junction of Taedonggang and Potonggang Rivers), Mangyongdae District, Tel. +850 2 73825. Was founded in 1989. A first class hotel with 317 rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

Sosan Hotel, Kwangbok Road, Tel. +850 2 71191. Another first class option, recently refurbished. It has a swimming pool, bars, Internet access and cable TV.

Yanggakdo Hotel Tel. +850 2 381 2134. Was founded in 1995. The place where most tourists stay in Pyongyang. Located on Yanggakdo Island in the middle of the Taedong River. It's a 47-story building with several restaurants (including a rooftop restaurant) and a kitschy underground casino where you can see nervous Chinese people. There is also a bowling alley, shoe repair and massage center. The main staff are Chinese. Prices range from 70 won for a third-class room on the lower floors to 420 won for deluxe rooms and above. Power included.

Main attractions. What to see

20-meter bronze statue of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in Mansudae

During the celebration of Kim Il Sung's centenary, a statue of Kim Jong Il was built. This colossally huge display is the first thing you should see. Be aware that locals expect some return from visitors in the form of respect for the monument. Your tour group will also need to place flowers on the statue's pedestal, which can be purchased for 3 - 10 KRW. Formal attire is encouraged, but not required.

Pyongyang Metro

The deepest metro system in the world is 110 meters. The stations feature large murals, each intended to embody a different ideal. Most people only see Puhung and Yonggwang on the Chollima Line.

Juche Tower

A 170-meter monument dedicated to the Juche philosophy of Kim Il Sung. Don't miss the 5 won trip to the top for great views of the city (although if you stay at Yanggakdo the view from the top floor is almost the same and it's free!).

Children's Palace

Almost every city has a Children's Palace; Pyongyang is the largest. After school, gifted children spend their day in this palace, practicing art or improving other personal skills. Children choose their occupation in consultation with teachers, and as soon as they are old enough (about 11 years old), they continue their studies in a certain field. Directions: ballet, rhythmic dance, gymnastics, computer programming, singing, musical instruments, chess, volleyball, basketball, embroidery and calligraphy.

Ryugyong Hotel (hotel)

This 105-story, 330-meter-tall building dominates the Pyongyang skyline. Construction began in 1987, but when funds ran out (in 1992), construction was suspended.

USSPueblo

Captured American ship.

Stamp shop

Located next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang Road, you can purchase a variety of DPRK postage stamps, from Olympic sports to Korean food and DPRK history. This is the best place to sell souvenirs, and there are brands for every taste. You can buy postcards and postage stamps for 200 won.

Arirang Mass Games

Here you can see gymnasts and artistic performances. These games have been around for several years. The greatest show on earth with over 100,000 acts.

Arch of Triumph

The arch was designed to honor the Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and liberation from Japanese occupation. The arch is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, at 60 meters high and 50 meters wide, it is the largest in the world.

Kaeson Funfair (fair)

Located next to the Arc de Triomphe, there is a small amusement park with several new attractions. You and your guides won't be able to just wander around this park; you'll need help from park staff to ride each attraction. You will also be allowed in without a queue. All attractions you visit can be paid for at the exit.

Chollima Statue (statue)

This is a statue of a man on a winged horse, representing the innovations of Korea. Located on top of Mansu Hill.

Grand Monument

This is a huge statue of Kim Il Sung, who is still officially considered the president of the DPRK, despite the fact that he died 15 years ago.

Kimilsungia-Kimjungilia Flower Exhibition Center

These are two-story houses with rare flowers named after Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.

North Korean Film Studio

Here you can see where North Korean films are made and watch films made in Japan, Russia, China and South Korea.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Korean War Museum (museum) is also known as a museum in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War. The museum's basement contains a number of American aircraft, tanks and weapons.

What to see in the area

Mangyongdae, the supposed birthplace of Kim Il Sung, is 12 kilometers from the city center. The leader's first home is located here, it is the main attraction and looks quite new despite the fact that the building is 100 years old. The suburb also has a Revolutionary Museum, an amusement park and a school for gifted children.

The Revolutionary Martyrs (cemetery), about 15 kilometers northeast of the city. You will walk 300 steps through the garden, where mourning music will play, and bronze portraits of the buried are depicted on marble slabs. Seriousness is strictly required here. You can take photographs and on clear days there are wonderful views of the city. At the foot of the hill there is a park and a zoo. It's inexpensive, but they're not always open. There is a metro station from which you can return to the city. The journey takes about 40 minutes. There are many tigers, dogs and chickens in the zoo. Two Korean dog breeds (lighter - northern, darker - southern), which are separated from each other by a fence and mostly just bark at each other.

Panmunjom. A village located on the border between North and South Korea and representing a truce zone. This is an unforgettable place, located one day's drive from Pyongyang.

Food. What to try

The average North Korean is unlikely to go to a restaurant. In their understanding, restaurants exist for foreigners and special guests of the country. You will usually have lunch at the hotel. With the current slow erosion of government control, Pyongyang has a variety of private and semi-private (supposedly state-owned) eateries, but these are mainly aimed at the working class. The menu is very simple: boiled corn, kimchi, fish or squid and white rice for those who want to splurge (North Koreans only eat white rice on holidays). If Koreans accept foreigners into their establishment, it could cause a huge embarrassment and cause a lot of problems for everyone involved.

Often, if you see a group of Koreans in a restaurant, it means that they work together and dine at the expense of their organization. They are very easy to recognize: Koreans almost never eat meat, so at the meat festival they drink as much as possible, and one of the drinks is rice alcohol. And small groups of people who regularly go to restaurants drink and eat much less.

No. 1 Boat Restaurant, located in Kim Il Sung Square, is the only one of its kind in Pyongyang that is accessible to tourists. You can dine on the outdoor terrace.

Chongryu. Located on the banks of the Pothong River. The design of the restaurant is made in the form of a river cruise liner. It was renovated in 2007 and is a good choice for those who love Korean national food, as it offers over 120 Korean dishes.

Dangogi Gukjib on Tongil Road is the most famous place to try dog ​​meat (many Koreans specialize in this), but the conditions for keeping these animals are extremely unfavorable and the methods of killing are very cruel.

National Restaurant can serve a wide variety of Korean dishes and also hosts live concerts.

Okryu, located on the banks of the Taedong River, was founded in 1960 and is a popular restaurant for those who want to experience Korean cuisine. It is famous for its Pyongyang-style cold noodles.

Pyolmuri, located on Changkwang Road, is the first Italian restaurant in North Korea. Here you can try pasta and pizza. Between 1.50 - 2.50 won.

Pyongyang Duck Barbecue is a good choice if you like grilled duck.

Pyongyang Ostrich Farm specializes in ostrich meat dishes.

Ryugyong Restaurant, located on Sang Taek Street, specializes in beef dishes. Recommended for meat lovers.

Samtaesung Hamburger Restaurant is the only one of its kind in Pyongyang. Here you can try hamburgers, French fries and soft drinks.

Pyongyang TV Tower Restaurant is located in the Pyongyang TV Tower. And many consider it one of the best restaurants in North Korea.

Beverages

There are very few bars and clubs here; North Korean beer is available in hotels. Many can offer both Chinese beer and some other types, such as Heineken. Local beer in barrels is very tasty and costs between 0.50 and 1.40 won. And bottled beer can give you a nasty hangover.

There are three main places, besides restaurants and hotels, that visitors can visit: the old Diplomatic Club next to the Juche Tower, near the river; "Friendship" - located inside Munsudong foreigners; as well as the Random Access Club, created by the UN, is located within Munsudong foreigners.

If you have transport (which is difficult to find) and permission (which is easier), then you can visit these places.

Safety. What to watch out for

The authorities here are very strict and crime is low. It is unlikely that you will have any problems with the locals. However, remember that the police and secret services are also strict with foreigners. Do not insult Great Leader Kir Il Sung, Kim Jong Il or Kim Jong Un in any way. Otherwise, you may be arrested or at least deported.

Things to do

Excursions in and around Pyongyang are the only way to spend your free time. Very rarely, visitors move around the city on their own.

There is one caveat regarding foreign residents visiting Pyongyang on their own. Usually they are allowed to walk freely around the city, but Koreans still prefer to help in such situations.

First of all, be careful when taking photos. It's okay to photograph monuments and palaces, but Koreans don't like being photographed without their permission. If you walk through a street market, it will look like this: everyone will run away from you (including sellers), for them this means some kind of failure. However, this is not always the case. Koreans get nervous a lot, so it's a good idea to smile more often. In such situations, it is better not to take photographs. Otherwise you will be arrested and deported.

Any innocent photograph in a Western market is unacceptable to North Koreans. Not only do they point out flaws in the political system, but the picture of abundance will be spoiled, which also worries residents.

There are many places to shoot air guns. Koreans love watching foreigners try their hand at it. For example, sometimes (unbeknownst to foreigners) they shot at images of Americans.

This way you can also shoot at live targets, namely chickens. It only costs a couple of North Korean won, and if you kill the chicken, you can take it.

Foreigners can use the main pool on Saturday mornings, and in winter it becomes an ice skating rink, which can also be used. It is important to be aware that if you get into an accident, you will not receive help from local residents, because... you are a foreigner with whom they do not like to contact. There was a case when once a tourist broke his leg at the skating rink, and only foreign-speaking people tried to help him. newcomers like him.

Shopping and shops

You can't buy many souvenirs here. There are several department stores, but they have few items of interest. Art, handicrafts and souvenirs can be bought at tourist spots or hotels. Metal amulets featuring one or both Kims are in demand in North Korea. For them it is like a national need, and therefore for Westerners they are not always available, because... the locals think they would never want to have such a thing. These “badges” were even confiscated by customs upon departure.

There are several government-supported stores stocking a wide range of groceries as well as consumer goods such as homemade shoes. The prices are very low compared to Western standards, and the sellers are honest because... Officials watch their every move, especially when selling anything to foreigners. These stores are very easy to recognize by their blue hemispherical roof. However, despite the fact that this is a Tonghil market, foreigners may be treated with caution or suspicion at best. Don't be surprised if you are escorted from this building.

Tonghil Market is perhaps the most interesting place, as relatively wealthy Koreans shop here. According to government regulations, Koreans are differentiated by their job/status. Everything else they can buy freely, at the local rate of won (about 1/30th of the black market price), again depending on their status, or at the market price, which means they can afford next to nothing. The average monthly salary is around £1.5/€2/$2.5 per month, which leaves most people completely dependent on the state.

You definitely need to exchange your currency into won to shop in these stores or markets, and photography is not allowed. You can get robbed in Tonghil, but this rarely happens.

North Korea has a lot of great things. Koreans clearly suffer from Gigantism and they contracted this disease from us. I didn’t want to draw conclusions, but I can’t resist. Apparently, the socialist system cannot offer anything else. In a closed society, you need to constantly prove to your people that they are the best, and this is done with the help of huge monuments and monumental buildings.

Kim Il Sung Square is North Korea's "Red Square". All parades and main celebrations of the country take place here. Despite the shortage of electricity in the country, the square is very well illuminated:

The square is a must-see for weddings:

There I also photographed the “inspiring” car. We have seen many of these minibuses with loudspeakers on the roof. The guide explained that they travel around the city and inspire people to perform feats of labor:

There is a sale of sweet sparkling water nearby. On the streets I saw only these tents:

The Bookstore for Foreigners has a large number of works by KIS and KCHI, translated into various languages. Despite the wealth of choice, we limited ourselves to only purchasing a DPRK flag for a child:

The largest triumphal gate in the world is also located here. As an example, I give the story of our guide:

“The gate was built in honor of the triumphant return of the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il Sung to his homeland. It was opened in April 1982 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of his birth. During the construction of the gate body, more than 10,500 neatly hewn granite slabs were laid in it. The height of the gate - 60 meters. Width - 52.5 meters. Arch height - 27 meters. Width - 18.6 meters."

Subway entrance. I will talk about the trip on the Pyongyang subway in an article about the last day of our trip:

Next to the arch is the 100,000-seat Kim Il Sung Stadium:

And the TV tower, reminiscent of Ostankino:

There are a lot of green park areas in Pyongyang. At lunchtime they are filled with snacking workers. Normal practice in many countries. As soon as the men sit on the grass, for some reason they immediately roll up their pants.

After the following photo, our guide very rudely accused me of disrespect for the Korean people. I couldn’t take pictures unnoticed, because the mirror of my camera slams with such a sound that at first everyone in the car jumped up, thinking it was gunshots:

Different tourists had different opinions about what you can and cannot photograph in Korea. Some were allowed everything, others were constantly stopped. As I already wrote, a group of psychologists traveled with us at the same time. They were allowed to film everything, because they filmed on a small soap box and only at stops at the monuments to the leader. And I, with my huge Mark and telephoto lenses, were constantly making comments. True, somewhere on the third day, they and I found a compromise. I didn’t shoot much and wasn’t outright dirty, but they didn’t make any comments to me.

We finished exploring the arch around one o'clock in the afternoon and were taken to lunch. Downstairs of the restaurant there was a typical currency shop:

A few words about the roads and avenues of Pyongyang. There are no traffic jams. At all. Getting around the city by car is very convenient - 5 minutes and you’re there. The avenues are wide. They were clearly copied from Moscow:

There are very few cars on the streets. There are practically no cars in private use. If a worker has a relative in Japan, he can accept a car as a gift for personal use. At the same time, the same car must be donated to the state. Late evenings and weekends it is prohibited to travel by private vehicle. High authorities prefer new silver SUVs or old Mercedes, which are called Benzes here. A lot of VW Passats:

Along these wide streets we were taken to the home of the Great Leader, Comrade Kim Il Sung, in the suburb of Mangyongdae, where he was born. Everything here suggests that KIS is from a poor family and had a difficult childhood:

From almost any point in the city, 2 huge structures are visible. 105-story unfinished hotel:

And a 170-meter monument to the Juche ideas. I suspect this is the largest monument in the world:

As an example, I give you our guide’s story about this monument:

"The monument was opened on April 15, 1982 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il Sung. The height of the Monument is 170 meters (the height of the pillar is 150 meters, the height of the torch is 20 meters). The weight of the plate and torch is 45 tons. The height of the sculptural group is made of The 3 figures standing in front of the table are 30 meters long, and its weight is 33 tons. On the back side of the pedestal is a wall made of 230 marble slabs and high-grade building stones sent by political and public figures, Juche thought study circles from more than 80 countries. world. In the center of the Taedong River, 2 large fountains with a water pressure of up to 150 meters were built."

Here is the same “wall of tiles”:

There is an elevator inside the tower and you can go to the top:

From there you can enjoy a city panorama. It’s a pity that there is always a haze hanging over Pyongyang:

Here is an excerpt from a guidebook I bought in Pyongyang about the Juche ideas:

The Juche idea, in short, means that the masters of revolution and construction are the masses of the people, that they are the driving force in revolution and construction. In other words, these ideas mean that you are the master of your own destiny, that you also have the strength to decide your destiny. The Juche Idea, developed by the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il Sung, became the guiding ideology of the Korean Revolution. The Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the republic, guided by the ideas of Juche, guide the revolution and construction.

There is a park nearby where we asked to “take a walk” for 5 minutes. An intern followed me and carefully watched that I didn’t take pictures of anyone. The most popular explanation: "Koreans don't like to be photographed":

Afterwards we were fed in a restaurant filled with Chinese tourists. I read in reviews of other tourists that they always ate in empty restaurants. This only happened to us once. There are a lot of tourists in the country, especially Chinese and Japanese:

Korea is called the most environmentally friendly state. Due to the absence of a large number of industries, the air is clean and fresh. Koreans themselves call their country “The Land of Morning Freshness.” In the evening, from our window there was a view of the “ecologically friendly” sunset:

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Pyongyang is the capital, as well as its cultural and historical center. Translated from Korean, its name sounds like “broad land”. Historians' opinions vary greatly about the time of the city's emergence. Some believe that it was founded more than two thousand years ago, and, according to others, only at the beginning of our era. Pyongyang is located on the banks of the Taedong River, which flows into the Yellow Sea. The capital of North Korea gives a complete picture of the culture and traditions of this country, and also allows you to fully appreciate the idealized version of the socialist system using the example of a state where it is established in full accordance with generally accepted canons.

Peculiarities

Being the main prototype of a socialist state, the city fully corresponds to the image that is drawn in the imagination of people who imagine all the aspects and main criteria by which a people's democratic republic lives. During the Korean War, which occurred in the middle of the last century, the capital of the state was almost completely destroyed and practically recreated a few years later. The modern architecture of the city is dominated by traditional Asian features, but at the same time there are many high-tech structures built on the basis of famous European designs. There are quite a lot of interesting sights, educational and municipal institutions. In North Korea, Pyongyang is known for its abundance of cultural monuments, museums and theaters. For many years, the city administration has been actively promoting high moral values, attracting citizens to cultural life and public events aimed at increasing patriotism and national pride. Various sports are also well developed in the capital. All residential areas have modern sports grounds and excellent opportunities for physical education and sports.

Tourism

It has now become a little easier for an ordinary tourist from Europe to get to Pyongyang than in the mid-80s and early 90s of the last century. At that time, North Korea was an absolutely closed country and, although local residents were always friendly towards foreigners, the North Korean authorities did not encourage such visits at all. In general, a kind of analogue of the Soviet Union. Now, to obtain a visa, it is enough to submit an application to any North Korean embassy at least three weeks before departure. At the same time, you must not be an American, South Korean or journalist. Due to the rather long period of the Iron Curtain, tourism in Pyongyang did not develop at all, but in recent years new hotels have begun to rapidly appear in the city, and the tourism infrastructure has begun to progress.

A brief excursion into history

Pyongyang has changed many names throughout its history: Ryugen, Kison, Hwangseong, Rannan, Sogyong, Sodo, Hogyong, Chanan and Heijo (during Japanese colonization). There is a controversial opinion that in ancient times the city was the capital of the Gojoseon state. In 427, the capital of the Goguryeo state was moved to Pyongyang, and two centuries later, Silla conquered the Korean state of Goguryeo in an alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty. During the reign of the Goryeo dynasty, Pyongyang increased its influence, but did not become the capital of this state. Korea became independent in 1945, and Pyongyang became the temporary capital of the DPRK, although Seoul officially held this status. During the Korean War, Pyongyang was heavily damaged by bombing, but was quickly restored, also thanks to the help of the Soviet Union.

Climate

Like the rest of the Korean peninsula, Pyongyang has a monsoon climate, with clearly separated seasons. Most of the precipitation falls between June and September, with an average temperature of only +20 degrees. In winter, snow falls extremely rarely, and the thermometer often drops below zero.

How to get there

You can get from Russia to Pyongyang by flights via Beijing. There are direct flights only from Vladivostok, which are operated by Air Koryo, flight time is 35 minutes.

Sunan International Airport (IATA: FNJ) is located 24 km north of Pyongyang.

Transport

The city has well-developed transport links. At the same time, there are very few personal cars on the city streets, but trolleybuses, trams and buses run regularly and on schedule. Metro stations operate uninterruptedly.

Attractions and entertainment

One of the main architectural attractions of Pyongyang is Arch of the Three Charters, symbolizing the unity of South and North Korea. It is located on Thonyir Avenue, at the southern entrance to the capital. Not far from the arch is located Kaesong Park, in the center of which stands the imposing city television tower. Outwardly, it looks very much like the Ostankino Tower in Moscow, apparently it was made in its likeness. At an altitude of more than a hundred meters, in the upper part of the structure, there is a revolving restaurant, from which, through the transparent windows of the establishment, a wonderful view of the city landscape opens. For local residents it is a real relic. statue Kim Il Sung on Mansu Hill. The bronze leader stands in the pose of an orator, raising one hand up, and looks with interest at the modern city. The height of the statue reaches 70 meters. Townspeople regularly come here and lay flowers at the monument to the leader of the people, while respectfully bowing to the statue, as if some deity from ancient Korean myths was standing in front of them. However, such an attitude towards leaders is characteristic of the Korean nation, in which it strongly resembles Soviet citizens during the times of stagnation. Until now, in Korean schools and higher education institutions, young people are instilled with an idealized idea of ​​the political system that exists here and the people who established it.

The whole of Pyongyang is literally filled with all sorts of monuments and landmarks, either related to ideological leaders, Ki Mer Sung and Kim Jong Il, or dedicated to certain events that influenced the socialist status of North Korea. The most magnificent of them is the Juche Idea Monument, built in 1982. It is a massive obelisk 170 meters high, the top of which is decorated with an elegant torch with artificial lighting. At the foot of the obelisk there is a sculptural group of representatives of three social classes: worker, peasant and labor intellectual. Around the main composition there are several more similar sculptures, combined with beautiful fountains. This entire architectural project looks especially impressive in the evening when illuminated by spotlights.

Occupying not too large an area, Pyongyang is replete with a whole scattering of all kinds of attractions and objects worthy of attention. Among them, museums, theaters, memorials, palaces of culture and various art exhibitions predominate. There is not a single street or alley where there is no place for at least one of these institutions. The capital of North Korea is known throughout the world as one of the safest cities on the planet. Walking through city blocks, it’s hard to disagree with this. The working day schedule for the townspeople is planned literally minute by minute. The streets begin to fill up as early as 7 o’clock in the morning, and at a certain time in the evening, people also go home in unison. On weekends, citizens take to the streets with their families, and the local parks are filled with large numbers of people. There are no traffic jams, no congestion, no accidents. It seems as if there is no place for crime here, and people live according to a long-established schedule without the slightest need to change anything.

Accommodation

Typically, accommodation issues are handled by a travel company that organizes tours. There are hotels of all categories in Pyongyang. The tallest building in the country is the Hotel Rügen with 105 floors.

Kitchen

An ordinary tourist can get acquainted with local dishes in the hotel restaurant; there are also several canteens in the city that are intended for local workers, and the menu is quite limited. There are a few restaurants that are suitable for tourists - Chongryu, located on the banks of the Potong River, has a good selection of traditional Korean dishes. Some of the best set meals at Haedanghwa Restaurant. One of the oldest restaurants, Okryu, is located on the banks of the Daedong River. The first Italian restaurant in Pyongyang is Pyolmuri, where you can order pizza, pasta and even Italian wine.

Shopping

The range of goods is extremely limited; you can find few things interesting for shopping in department stores. Arts and crafts items can be purchased from the hotel shops. One of the most desirable souvenirs for tourists is a badge with the image of one of the rulers of Korea, but it is extremely difficult for foreigners to purchase them, and even more difficult to take them out of the country, so it is recommended not to take risks. The city has markets where food and other goods are sold; prices are extremely low by Western standards.

Precautionary measures

Pyongyang is a very safe city for foreigners, you just need to follow the rules of behavior.