Destination attractions things to do in north korea

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea, is a country of great beauty and history. Legend has it that god-king Tangun founded Korea is 2333 BC. In 1592, Korea was invaded by Japan, then by China and eventually by Japan again in 1904. In 1945, national liberation from Japan occurred, but then the territories between north and south were divided with the USSR occupying the north and the United States occupying the south. Because many look down upon its socialist regime, North Korea is still a very reclusive and sometimes difficult country to visit.

The capital is Pyongyang and naturally the center of culture, politics and tourism. It is built on the banks of the Taedong River. The river has two fountains that rise 150 meters into the sky, reportedly the highest fountains in the world. Many attractions in the capital city either involve the image of their Great Leader, Kim IL Sung or were dedicated to him as an honor. The Chollima Statue is a Pegasus and symbolizes the spirit and progress of the North Korean people. It was inaugurated to honor Kim Il Sungs 49th birthday. The Mansudae Grand Monument was built to honor Kim Il Sung on his 60th birthday. This bronze monument is a sculpture of Sung raising his right hand to the sky and stands over 20 meters tall. It is customary to visit when you arrive and leave flowers at the feet of the statue to honor him. If you want to see the entire capital, you can take an elevator to the observation level of the Tower of the Juche Idea. The tower is 170 meters tall with a torch on top and was built to honor Sungs 70th birthday. The Arch of Triumph stands 60 meters tall and signifies the national liberation of North Korea from Japan. It is a replica of Paris's Arc de Triomphe, only taller, as North Koreans are quick to point out. The Arch of Triumph was also built to honor Kim Il Sungs on his 70th birthday. While in Pyongyang, you can visit the Kim Il Sung Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the world, seating over 100,000 people.

There are other attractions in Pyongyang such as the famous North Korean Circus. The circus offers great acrobatic feats, a few animal acts and clowns, often dressed as South Koreans. Youll want to visit the elaborate metro station. In addition to being a way to move between cities, it also is very ornate with pillars, corridors and platforms of marble, many bronze sculptures and murals and elaborate chandeliers. If you are in Pyongyang during Liberation Day (August 15), you may partake in the festivities. They include sporting events, cultural performances and tours to historic sites. If you dont make it during the celebration, performances, including operas, can be seen at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre. The Mangyongdae Children's Palace offers tours that show children learning to use musical instruments, dance and calligraphy. Most tours end with a show in the Palaces theatre. Kim Il Sung took great pride in promoting arts and culture in North Korea, as he was convinced of the superiority of North Korea and its people.

Kaesong, the city furthest south, was once the capital of the Koryo Dynasty. It houses the Songgyungwan Neo-Confucian College that dates back to 992. Inside it, you will find the Koryo Museum filled with historical items including pottery and other Buddhist items. Inside the college, there are ginko trees over 500 years old and a zelkova tree over 900 years old. Sonjuk Bridge, built in 1216, was the site of where the first king of the Ri Dynasty had his opponent killed. Just outside of town is the Tomb of King Kongmin, the 31st Koryo King. The King reigned between 1352 and 1374. The tomb managed to survive the many wars and invasions of North Korea. Pagyon Falls is near Kaesong and one of the countrys most famous falls. But Kaesong is perhaps best known for its demilitarized zone (DMZ). Kaesong is only 43 miles from Seoul, South Korea and it is here that the two countries meet. Tensions here run high and it is said that this is the most heavily guarded border in the world. The two rows of the United Nations blue border posts consist of the North Korean soldiers on one side and the South Korean and United States soldiers on the other side. Both buildings are used as meeting rooms for the two countries. Regardless of which side of the building you are on (both buildings sit on the border), be reminded that soldiers from both countries will be watching you closely.

In Kuwolsan, about 46 miles southwest of Pyongyang, you will find the Samsong Pleasure Ground, a favorite summer resort of many North Koreans. You can see many beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and former shrines and temples, such as the Woljongsa. Paekdusan, in the northern part of the county, is a sacred city for all Koreans. The Son of the Lord of Heaven was said to have arrived here and began the first Korean kingdom. You might want to visit Mt. Paekduan, a beautiful extinct volcano with a crater lake, Chonji (Lake of Heaven), at the foot of it.

Because of its socialist regime, there are some travel tips you should remember before going. Foreigners are not allowed to travel without a guide. Even North Koreans cannot travel freely around their county without permission. There are no domestic flights available for foreigners and few public buses run between cities. As a foreigner, you will be under close scrutiny. Therefore, it is best to keep your political views to yourself and ask your guide before taking photos of anything. Remember to be respectful of the county and its traditions.