Understand

Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, underwent a remarkable transformation after being devastated during the Korean War. With the goal of boosting morale in the post-war years, the entire city was reconstructed to showcase wide boulevards lined with trees and stunning public buildings adorned with terraced landscaping, mosaics, and elaborately decorated ceilings. The city's architecture, influenced by Russian style, gives it a unique charm reminiscent of a winter snowfall in Siberia, while traditional Korean design elements lend a softer touch. During the summertime, Pyongyang comes alive with its flowing rivers, graceful willow trees, vibrant flowers, and expansive parks. In spring, cherry blossoms blanket the city, creating a breathtaking sight. The city layout follows a meticulously planned grid system, with north-south and east-west streets, giving Pyongyang an orderly and structured appearance. Drawing inspiration from Swedish urban design, Pyongyang features self-contained neighborhoods that provide necessary amenities for its residents, such as food stores, barber shops, tailors, bathhouses, clinics, post offices, and libraries. While Pyongyang's outer appearance may seem lacking in comparison to bustling metropolises like New York or London, it is crucial to note that only the privileged North Koreans have the opportunity to reside in this exclusive city. Due to national poverty, the streets of Pyongyang are sparsely populated, with just a handful of slow-moving cars throughout the day. The only time the city springs to life is during lunchtime, and you will witness a flurry of activity as most residents travel by pushbike.

Get in

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure to Pyongyang, the mesmerizing capital of North Korea. This awe-inspiring destination awaits avid explorers, and there are various avenues to reach this fascinating city. The majority of visitors choose to arrive by plane or train from Beijing, the bustling metropolis that serves as a gateway to this enigmatic land. It is essential to obtain a visa before your journey, ensuring a smooth and seamless travel experience. Sunan International Airport, located 24km north of Pyongyang, offers scheduled services to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Vladivostok, Chongjin, Sondok, Samjiyon, and Wonsan. Embark on a flight with Air China, experiencing their modern and secure service, or opt for Air Koryo, bringing you closer to the heart of this captivating nation. While Air Koryo offers a more authentic experience, be prepared for some limitations as the airline has faced safety concerns within the EU. For those who can seize the opportunity, discounted Beijing tickets are available for purchase at the Youth Hotel or the Air China office. Experience the thrill of arriving in Beijing, armed with a sense of wonder and ready to embark on an extraordinary expedition to one of Asia's most alluring capitals. Trains from China also journey to Pyongyang, arriving at the main central train station. Embrace an authentic travel experience as you mingle with the locals and traverse the bustling city streets. Your guides will eagerly greet you outside the station, ushering you into a realm of captivating sights and enchanting encounters. Prepare for customs clearance if you have transported goods via freight, assuring you a smooth transition through the customs office located conveniently at the back of the building. Delve into the simplicity of the bureaucracy, relieved that collecting customs-cleared goods incurs no charges. Experience the charm and intrigue of Pyongyang as you set foot in this extraordinary destination, pulsating with a vibrant blend of history, culture, and adventure.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Kimchi Jjigae - This traditional North Korean stew is a spicy mix of fermented vegetables, known as kimchi, and tofu. It can also include various types of meat such as pork, beef, or even dog meat, making it non-vegetarian. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a comforting and filling dish.

Ponggi - Also known as North Korean cold noodles, this refreshing dish consists of buckwheat noodles served chilled with a side of marinated vegetables and seasoned soup. The noodles come in both round and thick, hand-pulled varieties and are typically mildly flavored, making them a versatile option. While usually vegetarian, some variations may include seafood.

Naengmyeon - Another popular cold noodle dish in North Korea, Naengmyeon features translucent noodles made from sweet potato starch. Often served in a chilled broth with assorted ingredients like cucumber, radish, and hard-boiled eggs, it's typically a vegetarian dish. However, some versions may include seafood.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing