Home › Destinations › Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Things to Do in Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Things to Do in Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Complete Travel Guide

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun stands as North Korea's most sacred site, serving as the mausoleum for the country's founding leader Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il. Located in the northeastern outskirts of Pyongyang, this massive granite structure was originally built as Kim Il-sung's presidential palace before being converted into an elaborate mausoleum after his death in 1994. The palace represents the pinnacle of the North Korean leadership cult and is considered the most important pilgrimage site in the country. Visitors to the palace experience one of the most solemn and highly regulated tourist attractions in the world. The building itself is an impressive feat of architecture and preservation technology, featuring marble halls, crystal chandeliers, and advanced climate control systems. Access is strictly controlled and only possible as part of organized tours, making it an exclusive yet essential experience for understanding North Korean society and ideology.

Top Things to Do in Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Palace Mausoleum Tour

Take the mandatory guided tour through the sacred halls where the preserved bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il lie in state. The experience includes walking through marble corridors, viewing personal artifacts, and paying respects in the main chambers.

Booking Tip: Tours must be arranged through official North Korean tour operators and are included in most DPRK tour packages. Dress code is strictly formal - suits required for men, conservative dress for women. Photography is completely prohibited inside.

Revolutionary Museum Sections

Explore the extensive museum areas within the palace complex that showcase the revolutionary history and achievements of the Kim dynasty. Displays include gifts from world leaders, personal belongings, and detailed historical timelines.

Booking Tip: Access is only possible with the main palace tour and cannot be visited separately. Tours typically last 3-4 hours total including security procedures. Best visited during weekday mornings when less crowded.

Ceremonial Hall Viewing

Experience the grand ceremonial halls with their impressive architecture, including massive chandeliers, marble columns, and ornate decorations. These spaces showcase North Korean craftsmanship and serve as venues for state ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Viewing is part of the standard palace tour route. Visitors must maintain absolute silence and follow strict behavioral protocols. Tours are conducted in small groups with multiple guides.

Memorial Garden Visit

Walk through the carefully maintained gardens surrounding the palace complex, featuring manicured landscapes, fountains, and memorial sculptures. The grounds offer a rare glimpse of North Korean landscape architecture and design principles.

Booking Tip: Garden access depends on weather conditions and is sometimes excluded during winter months. Photography may be permitted in outdoor areas but always confirm with guides first. Visit during spring or autumn for best garden conditions.

Security and Protocol Experience

Participate in the elaborate security and preparation procedures required for palace entry, including multiple security checks, shoe covers, and formal briefings. This process itself offers insight into North Korean state protocols and reverence for leadership.

Booking Tip: Allow extra time for security procedures which can take 1-2 hours. Bring absolutely no prohibited items - even small personal items may be confiscated. Follow all instructions precisely as violations can result in tour cancellation.

Getting There

Access to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is only possible through organized tours arranged by authorized North Korean tour operators, typically as part of multi-day DPRK itineraries. International visitors must fly into Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport via Beijing or Vladivostok, or enter overland from China via train to Pyongyang. All transportation within North Korea, including to the palace, is arranged by official tour companies and includes dedicated tour buses with government guides. Independent travel is not permitted, and all movements are strictly controlled and monitored by authorities.

Getting Around

Transportation around the palace complex and Pyongyang area is exclusively provided by official tour operators using designated vehicles with government-assigned drivers and guides. Visitors travel in tour buses or private cars depending on group size, and all routes are predetermined with no deviation allowed. Walking within the palace grounds follows strict designated paths under constant supervision. Public transportation is not available to tourists, and independent movement outside of organized tour activities is prohibited throughout North Korea.

Where to Stay

Yanggakdo International Hotel
Koryo Hotel Pyongyang
Sosan Hotel
Ryanggang Hotel
Haebangsan Hotel
Pyongyang Hotel

Food & Dining

Dining options for visitors to Kumsusan Palace area are limited to restaurants approved for foreign tourists, typically located within designated hotels or specialized tourist restaurants in Pyongyang. Meals are usually included in tour packages and feature traditional Korean dishes alongside some international options. Popular restaurants include those in the Yanggakdo and Koryo hotels, as well as specialized venues like Okryu Restaurant famous for cold noodles. All dining is pre-arranged by tour operators, and independent restaurant visits are not permitted. The food tends to be formal banquet-style with multiple courses showcasing North Korean cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Pyongyang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pizzeria O

4.8 /5
(6343 reviews) 2

Bistecca Italian Restaurant in Da Nang

4.9 /5
(1689 reviews)

Rosso1924

4.8 /5
(1648 reviews) 2

Schedule Seoungsu Restaurant

4.8 /5
(1620 reviews)

Terraviva Pizza & Italian Cuisine

4.9 /5
(450 reviews) 2

Pasta Studio Jeju

4.8 /5
(320 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The palace is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when weather is mild and the surrounding gardens are at their most beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter visits may have limited access to outdoor areas. The palace observes important national holidays and anniversaries when special ceremonies may take place, but tourist access might be restricted during these times. Weekday visits are generally preferred as they tend to be less crowded and allow for a more solemn experience appropriate to the site's sacred nature.

Insider Tips

Dress in your most formal attire - this is considered the holiest site in North Korea and inappropriate dress will result in denied entry
Maintain absolute silence and respectful demeanor throughout the visit as any perceived disrespect can have serious consequences
Follow photography rules strictly - cameras are prohibited inside the main halls and violations are taken very seriously by authorities

Explore Activities in Kumsusan Palace of the Sun