Why You Should Visit North Korea: What to See and Do
Traveling to North Korea is a unique and often misunderstood experience that offers a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most isolated nations. While the country’s strict regulations and controlled tourism may deter some travelers, those who choose to visit will find a destination filled with historical significance, striking architecture, and cultural experiences that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Here’s what you need to know about visiting North Korea, including what to see, do, and why this destination might be worth considering.
Image Credit: CC BY 2.0 Joseph Ferris III
Traveling to North Korea is an opportunity to step into a world that remains largely hidden from view. With its grand monuments, historical sites, and unique cultural experiences, it offers a journey unlike any other. For those willing to navigate the complexities and restrictions, North Korea can be a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
What to See in North Korea
North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, is the centerpiece of most travel itineraries, offering a mix of monumental architecture, grand plazas, and historical sites. A visit to Kim Il-Sung Square is a must, where massive parades and military displays are held. Nearby, the Mansudae Grand Monument features towering statues of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il, offering a glimpse into the country’s reverence for its leaders. The Juche Tower, another iconic structure, provides panoramic views of Pyongyang from its observation deck.
Beyond Pyongyang, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is one of the most intriguing and tense places to visit. Located on the border with South Korea, this heavily fortified area offers a rare chance to see the stark division between the two Koreas. Tours typically include a visit to Panmunjom, the site of the 1953 armistice agreement, where visitors can step inside the Joint Security Area (JSA) and even cross briefly into South Korean territory.
For those interested in history, the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il are preserved, is a site of great importance. The Korean War Museum and the USS Pueblo, a captured American spy ship, provide further insights into the country’s historical narrative and its conflicts with the West.
What to Do in North Korea
While sightseeing is the primary focus of most visits, North Korea also offers a range of cultural experiences that provide a deeper understanding of the country. Attending a performance at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre or the Arirang Mass Games (if available during your visit) showcases the country’s passion for mass choreography and synchronized displays. The performances are a blend of traditional and modern elements, with thousands of participants creating visually stunning spectacles.
Engaging with locals is limited and highly controlled, but travelers may have opportunities to visit schools, factories, or farms, where they can observe daily life and interact with citizens in a supervised setting. These experiences offer a rare chance to see beyond the official narrative and get a glimpse of ordinary life in North Korea.
Why Visit North Korea
Traveling to North Korea is not for everyone, but for those with a keen interest in history, geopolitics, or simply the desire to see a part of the world that few others have, it can be a profoundly eye-opening experience. The country’s isolation has preserved a way of life that is starkly different from the globalized world, providing a unique perspective on issues such as governance, propaganda, and national identity.
Visiting North Korea also allows travelers to witness the contrast between the state’s portrayal of itself and the reality on the ground. It’s a journey that challenges preconceived notions and offers an opportunity to understand a complex and often misunderstood nation. While the experience is tightly controlled and limited in scope, the chance to see a place that is so rarely seen by outsiders makes it a compelling destination for the intrepid traveler.