Pyongyang

Pyongyang, North Korea

It's the largest city , the capital and the political, cultural and economic center of North Korea. Residential quarters take up 20% of the city's surface area, while parks and vegetation, 80%. Pines are everywhere. Willows line Taedonggang and Potonggang, two rivers that flow through it. Like a garden, Pyongyang is one of the world's “greenest” cities.

See and Do

• Arch of Triumph

  The 60-meter-high, 5.2-meter-wide monument at the foot of Moran Hill was built in 1982 and is made of over 10,000 pieces of carved granite.

• Former residence of Kim Il-sung

  A thatched home is enclosed by low fences. It was where Kim Il-Sung was born.

• International Friendship Exhibition

  The large museum complex located in Myohyangsan contains two multi-story halls of traditional Korean style. On display are gifts presented to former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il by foreign dignitaries.

• Myohyangsan

  Historical and cultural sites blend in with natural caves, waterfalls and peaks in this mountainous region.

• Pohyon Temple

  Built in 1042, the temple is North Korea's cultural treasure. It contains numerous halls, a pagoda and carved steles.

  
  
  
• Taedonggang

  One of North Korea's five biggest rivers, it flows southwards through Pyongyang and finally empties into the Korean Bay. Attractions along the river include Kim Il-Sung Square and Tower of the Juche Idea.