Discover Pyongyang | The Ultimate Travel Guide

| The Ultimate Travel Guide. Hey everyone👋, here's a super practical Pyongyang travel guide! As the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang boasts a rich history and unique cultural charm, making it a great place to explore exotic cultures💖. Ready to uncover its mysteries with me? Let's go! 1. Pre-Trip Preparations📝 Visa Application✈️: You need a visa to travel to North Korea. You can find a reliable travel agency to handle it for you. Provide your original passport, two 2-inch photos, and other required materials. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days, but it might be delayed during peak season. You can also download the application form from the official website of the North Korean embassy or consulate in your country, prepare the required materials, make an appointment for submission, and wait for approval, which usually takes 5–7 working days. Be sure to plan. Transportation🚇: Pyongyang offers various transportation options. The subway, which opened in 1968, runs very deep and features beautifully decorated stations. For example, the murals at Puhung Station depict scenes of labor. The subway is a fast and affordable way to reach the city center. Buses cover a wide network of routes and are decorated with propaganda posters, offering a glimpse into the city's landscape. Taxis can be hailed on the street, with reasonable starting fares. Be aware that traffic jams can occur during peak hours, so plan ahead for a smoother journey. Currency Exchange💰: North Korea uses the North Korean won. You can exchange currency at the airport, banks, or designated exchange points. Banks are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Remember to bring your passport for currency exchange. Exchange rates fluctuate, so stay updated. Once you have local currency, shopping and dining will be convenient. 2. Must-See Attractions🌟 Juche Tower🗼: Completed in 1982, the tower stands 170 meters tall and consists of a tower body, a torch, and a base, all made of white marble. The front of the tower features the word "Juche." The night light show is stunning, with the torch shining brightly, creating amazing photo opportunities📷. Pyongyang City Streets🚶‍♀️: The streets blend tradition and modernity. Traditional buildings are mostly wooden structures with flying eaves and brackets. Residential buildings have elegant exterior walls and exquisite doors and windows. Modern buildings, such as commercial centers, feature glass curtain walls and metal frames. Walking down the street, you'll see traditional tea houses and modern cafes, experiencing the city's unique charm. Chollima Statue and Mansudae Grand Monument🌄: The park's high-definition telescope can rotate 360 degrees, offering clear views of Pyongyang's urban architecture, the Taedong River flowing through the city, and boats on the river. The distant mountains and vegetation change color with the seasons, creating a breathtaking panorama. Kim Il-sung Square and Arch of Triumph🎉: Kim Il-sung Square covers 75,000 square meters and was built in 1954 for major events. The Arch of Triumph, built in 1945 to commemorate the liberation, stands 30 meters tall. The sculptures at the top depict scenes of celebration. Standing here, you can gain a deeper understanding of North Korean history and culture📚. Pyongyang Botanical Garden & Lake Sunan🌳: The Pyongyang Botanical Garden covers over 100 hectares and houses many rare plants, offering diverse scenery throughout the year: a sea of flowers in spring, a cool escape in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a silver wonderland in winter. Lake Sunan is vast and clear, home to wild waterfowl and surrounded by willow trees, making it a pleasant place for a stroll😌. 3. Special Activities🎉 Sports Events🥇: In winter, the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium bustles with activity. Figure skaters perform graceful moves, swimmers power through the water, and the atmosphere is electric. You can experience the vitality of North Korean sports. Culinary Delights🍱: Spicy white fish soup is a classic dish. Fresh white fish is cut into sections, pan-fried, and then simmered with seasonings. The fish soup is delicious, slightly spicy, and rich, instantly making you fall in love with North Korean flavors. Cultural Exchange🎭: The Folk Art Exhibition Hall showcases exquisite embroidery, paper-cutting, and wood carvings. The embroidery features fine needlework and beautiful patterns, while the paper-cutting boasts smooth lines. In dance performances, dancers in traditional costumes perform fan dances and long drum dances, showcasing the charm of North Korean culture. 4. Travel Tips📋 Respect Local Customs😇: Dress modestly when entering religious sites. Women should avoid wearing short skirts or shorts, and men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or slippers. Use respectful language when communicating with elders, and do not touch public or military facilities. Cooperate with Your Guide🤝: Guides are professional and familiar with the history of attractions and local customs. Active cooperation will ensure a smoother trip and a better appreciation of Pyongyang's charm. Safeguard Your Belongings👜: In crowded areas, keep your camera, phone, and wallet in a zipped pocket in front of you. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash to prevent theft. Environmental Protection🌍: Pyongyang's streets are clean. Do not litter in scenic areas, do not pick flowers or plants, and do not throw anything into the lake. Help maintain the city's beauty. 5. Dining and Accommodation Recommendations🛏️ Pyongyang offers a rich culinary scene😋. North Korean cold noodles are made with chewy buckwheat noodles in a sweet and sour broth with various toppings. Chicken stew is made with local chicken, potatoes, and other ingredients, simmered slowly for a rich and flavorful broth. For accommodation, the high-end Koryo Hotel in the city center offers comprehensive facilities and excellent service. Budget-friendly guesthouses in residential areas provide a local living experience. There's something for everyone. 6. Shopping Destinations🛍️ Pyongyang's shops are like treasure troves. Embroidery shops offer brightly colored and beautifully patterned embroidery pieces, such as those with traditional festival themes, featuring lifelike depictions of people and clothing. Wooden carving shops showcase realistic tiger and human figure carvings. You can also buy North Korean green tea, known for its beautiful appearance and rich aroma, as well as soft and chewy rice cakes, to share the taste of Pyongyang back home🎁. Pyongyang is full of charm. Pack your bags, grab this guide, and embark on a memorable and enjoyable journey🥰!