Things to Do in Pyongyang

About Pyongyang

Step into one of the world's most enigmatic capitals, where grand boulevards and monumental architecture tell the story of a nation unlike any other. Pyongyang offers travelers an extraordinary glimpse into a society that has remained largely unchanged by globalization, presenting a journey that challenges perceptions and sparks profound reflection. This is a destination where every moment becomes part of a rare and unforgettable narrative few have experienced.

Travel Tips

• Guided Tours Are Mandatory: All foreign tourists must book through an authorized travel agency and will be accompanied by government-assigned guides at all times—independent travel is not permitted, so plan your itinerary through your tour operator before arrival.

• Bring Sufficient Cash in Euros or Chinese Yuan: Credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors, and you'll need to exchange hard currency for Korean won at official locations; US dollars are generally not accepted due to sanctions.

• Photography Restrictions Are Strictly Enforced: Always ask your guide for permission before taking photos, especially of military personnel, construction sites, and locals, as unauthorized photography can result in serious consequences including confiscation of your camera.

• The Metro System Requires Guide Accompaniment: While Pyongyang's ornate metro stations are a major attraction, you cannot use public transportation independently—your tour guide will arrange specific visits to approved stations, typically Puhung and Yonggwang on Line 1.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Pyongyang is during April to June and September to October, when temperatures range from 15-25°C with minimal rainfall and clear skies ideal for viewing landmarks like the Juche Tower and Kim Il-sung Square. April 15th (Day of the Sun, celebrating Kim Il-sung's birthday) and September 9th (National Foundation Day) feature the most spectacular Mass Games performances at the May Day Stadium and elaborate military parades, though these periods require booking tours 6-8 months in advance and come with significantly higher costs. Avoid December through February when brutal Siberian winds push temperatures to -15°C to -5°C and heating in hotels can be unreliable, though this period offers the unique experience of nearly empty streets and the stark beauty of the frozen Taedong River. July and August bring oppressive 30°C+ heat with 60-70% humidity plus North Korea's monsoon season (changma), causing frequent tour cancellations and making outdoor activities at sites like the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum exhausting. Budget-conscious travelers should note that the low season (January-March, November-December) occasionally offers 15-20% discounts on tour packages, but many cultural sites operate on reduced schedules and some rural excursions to places like Mount Myohyang become inaccessible due to snow.