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May Day Stadium, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Things to Do in May Day Stadium

May Day Stadium

May Day Stadium, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Complete Travel Guide

May Day Stadium is located in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea (조선민주주의인민공화국). This massive stadium, officially known as Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, is the world's largest stadium by capacity, holding up to 114,000 spectators. The stadium serves as the centerpiece for North Korea's most spectacular cultural performances and sporting events, situated on Rungra Island in the Taedong River. Pyongyang itself is a carefully planned socialist capital featuring wide boulevards, grand monuments, and distinctive architecture. The city showcases North Korea's ideology through its numerous monuments, museums, and cultural sites. Visitors experience a unique glimpse into one of the world's most isolated nations, with every aspect of tourism carefully organized and supervised by government guides.

Top May Day Stadium

Attend Mass Games Performance

The Mass Games at May Day Stadium represent one of the world's most spectacular synchronized performances, featuring tens of thousands of performers creating elaborate displays through gymnastics, dance, and card stunts. These performances celebrate North Korean history, culture, and achievements through impressive choreography and precision. The scale and coordination of these events is unmatched anywhere in the world.

Booking Tip: Mass Games are seasonal (typically August-October) and must be booked through authorized tour operators months in advance, with tickets ranging from $100-300. Best seats are in the VIP section for optimal viewing of the card displays.

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

This sacred mausoleum houses the preserved bodies of North Korea's former leaders and serves as the most important site in the country. Visitors must follow strict dress codes and protocols while touring the elaborate halls and viewing chambers. The palace showcases the reverence held for the nation's leadership through its opulent design and solemn atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Access requires advance booking through official tour operators with strict dress code enforcement (formal attire mandatory). Photography is prohibited inside, and tours typically cost $50-100 as part of guided packages.

Juche Tower and Monument

This 170-meter tower represents North Korea's Juche ideology of self-reliance and offers panoramic views of Pyongyang from its observation deck. The monument features flame at the top and intricate bronze reliefs depicting the country's revolutionary history. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for spectacular city views and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Tower access costs around $5-10 for the elevator ride to the observation deck, best visited during clear weather for optimal city views. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography.

Tour the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

A day trip to Panmunjom and the DMZ offers visitors a chance to stand at one of the world's most heavily fortified borders. The tour includes visits to the Joint Security Area, observation points, and museums explaining the Korean War's history and ongoing division. This sobering experience provides unique insights into the Korean conflict's continuing impact.

Booking Tip: DMZ tours cost $100-200 and require advance booking with passport details for security clearance. Tours run year-round but can be cancelled due to political tensions, so book flexible arrangements.

Pyongyang Metro System

The Pyongyang Metro features some of the world's most ornate subway stations, decorated with chandeliers, mosaics, and revolutionary artwork. These deep underground stations double as bomb shelters and showcase impressive socialist realist art. Riding the metro provides insight into daily life for ordinary Pyongyang residents.

Booking Tip: Metro tours are typically included in city tour packages costing $20-40, with visits usually limited to 2-3 showcase stations. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so check with guides first.

Getting There

International access to Pyongyang is extremely limited and must be arranged through authorized tour operators. Most visitors arrive via Air Koryo flights from Beijing, with some seasonal connections from Russia or Shenyang. All tourism requires pre-approved visas and participation in organized group tours - independent travel is not permitted. Train travel is possible from Beijing via Dandong, offering a unique overland entry experience, though flights remain the most common option.

Getting Around

All transportation within Pyongyang is arranged by official tour guides and operators, with visitors traveling in designated buses or vehicles. Independent movement is not permitted, and all activities follow pre-planned itineraries supervised by government guides. The city features wide boulevards designed for organized transportation, though traffic is notably light compared to other major capitals. Walking is possible in designated areas under guide supervision.

Where to Stay

Yanggakdo International Hotel
Koryo Hotel
Sosan Hotel
Haebangsan Hotel
Ryanggang Hotel
Potonggang Hotel

Food & Dining

Dining in Pyongyang occurs at designated restaurants approved for foreign visitors, offering traditional Korean cuisine alongside some international options. Hotel restaurants provide the most consistent dining experiences, featuring Korean barbecue, kimchi, cold noodles (naengmyeon), and local specialties. Restaurant meals are typically included in tour packages, with some opportunities to experience local beer and soju. All dining is supervised and occurs at pre-selected venues as part of the organized tour experience.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Pyongyang

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

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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)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Pyongyang is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters are harsh with temperatures well below freezing. The Mass Games typically run from August through October, making this peak season for cultural performances despite warmer weather. Political situations can affect tourism availability regardless of season, so flexibility in travel dates is essential.

Insider Tips

Bring sufficient cash in euros or Chinese yuan as credit cards are not accepted and currency exchange options are extremely limited
Photography restrictions are strictly enforced - never photograph military personnel, construction sites, or people without permission from guides
Respect all protocols and never criticize the government or leadership, as this can result in serious consequences for both visitors and guides

Activities in May Day Stadium