2025 Pyongyang In-Depth Travel Guide: The Right Way to Unlock the Mysterious City

Pyongyang, Pyongyang Directly Administered City I. Pre-Trip Preparations 1. Best Time to Travel Pyongyang has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) are the best times to visit. The temperature is moderate (average 15-25°C) with less rainfall, suitable for outdoor activities. If you want to experience large-scale events, you can check out the Pyongyang International Marathon in April (held on April 6, 2025) or the Arirang Mass Games from August to October (confirmation of performance times is required in advance). 2. Visa and Entry - Visa Application: Chinese tourists need to apply for a group visa through a travel agency. Individual travel is not yet open. You need to provide your passport, ID card, photo, and employment certificate. Temporary entry permit policies may simplify procedures, but the latest requirements from the travel agency should be followed. - Ports of Entry: Primarily enter Pyongyang from Dandong by train via Sinuiju (about 5.5 hours), or fly directly from Shenyang/Beijing to Pyongyang (flight time about 50 minutes). 3. Essential Items - Power Adapter: North Korea's voltage is 220V, and some sockets are German standard, so it is recommended to bring an adapter. - Cash: International credit cards cannot be used in North Korea, so exchange euros or US dollars in advance. RMB can be used in some stores, but the exchange rate is not transparent. - Medicine: It is recommended to bring commonly used medicines. Medical treatment for foreigners is at their own expense and the process is complicated. II. Transportation and Accommodation 1. International Transportation - Flights: Air Koryo offers direct flights from Beijing/Shenyang to Pyongyang (2-3 flights per week); China Southern Airlines' Shenyang-Pyongyang route costs about 800 RMB for a one-way ticket. - Train: The cross-border train from Dandong to Pyongyang is a classic route, offering a unique perspective of crossing the Yalu River. 2. City Transportation - Subway: The Pyongyang subway is over 100 meters deep and also serves as an air-raid shelter. Stations like "Puhung Station" and "Yonggwang Station" are decorated with marble, making it an underground art palace. The fare is only 2 North Korean won (about 0.2 RMB). - Taxi: Limited in number and must be booked through the hotel. Prices are high and must be paid in foreign currency. - Walking and Cycling: Attractions in the city center are concentrated and can be reached on foot. Bicycle rentals are not yet common, so consult your guide in advance. 3. Accommodation Options - Deluxe Hotels: Such as the Yanggakdo International Hotel (shaped like a goat's horn, surrounded by the river on three sides) and the Koryo Hotel (landmark twin-tower building). Facilities are relatively complete, but internet access is limited. - Unique Experiences: Some travel agencies arrange stays in ordinary homes, allowing for close contact with local life (advance application required). III. Must-See Attractions and Experiences 1. Landmark Buildings: Witnessing the Symphony of Politics and History - Mansudae Grand Monument: Featuring bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Serious reverence is required, and imitating poses for photos is prohibited. - Tower of the Juche Idea: A 170-meter-high tower symbolizing North Korean ideology. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of both sides of the Taedong River. - Arch of Triumph: 10 meters higher than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, commemorating the victory against Japanese aggression. The details of the reliefs are worth savoring. 2. Cultural Venues: Decoding the Core of the North Korean Spirit - Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum: Panoramic paintings depict scenes from the Korean War, and the military equipment exhibition hall displays captured US military equipment. - Pyongyang Grand Theatre: Watch revolutionary operas such as "The Flower Girl" and experience the passionate performance style. 3. Unique Experiences: Immersing in Local Life - Pyongyang Metro: Ride the world's deepest subway, share escalators with uniformed citizens, and observe the portraits of leaders inside the carriages. - Okryu-gwan Cold Noodles: Enjoy authentic Pyongyang cold noodles at a state banquet-level restaurant, paired with bronze bowls for a ceremonial experience. - Pyongyang Marathon: The 2025 race route passes through landmarks such as Triumph Street and the Friendship Tower. Amateur runners can register for the 5km event and cross the finish line amid the cheers of 50,000 spectators. IV. Food and Shopping 1. Food Recommendations - Pyongyang Cold Noodles: Buckwheat noodles with beef broth, sweet and sour, and refreshing. Okryu-gwan is the most famous restaurant. - Tteok and Rice Wine: Traditional tteok is glutinous and chewy, and rice wine is sweet and low in alcohol, suitable for meals. - Bronze Bowl Banquet: Experience North Korean aristocratic food culture, with up to nine kinds of side dishes, exquisitely arranged. 2. Shopping Guide - Foreign-related Stores: Such as Friendship Store, airport duty-free shops, where you can buy ginseng, embroidery, stamp sets (be careful to avoid buying South Korean products). - Local Markets: Such as Tongil Street Market, where you can buy handicrafts, but photography is prohibited and a guide is required. V. Practical Precautions 1. Behavioral Taboos - Photography Restrictions: Photography is strictly prohibited along the route from Sinuiju to Pyongyang, military facilities, and markets. Cameras may be inspected by customs, and sensitive photos will be deleted. - Speech Regulations: Avoid discussing sensitive political and economic topics. Refer to South Korea as "South Korea." - Etiquette Requirements: Bow to show respect when visiting statues of leaders. Do not turn your back or laugh. 2. Communication and Internet - Mobile Phone Use: You can bring your mobile phone into the country, but you need to purchase a Koryolink SIM card (14-day temporary card for 400 RMB), limited to 3G network and unable to access international websites. - Wi-Fi Restrictions: There is no free Wi-Fi in public places, and unauthorized use may result in hefty fines. VI. Itinerary Suggestions Classic 3-Day Tour - Day 1: Mansudae Grand Monument → Tower of the Juche Idea → Kim Il-sung Square → Arch of Triumph → Taedong River cruise (night view of city lights). - Day 2: Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum → Pyongyang Metro → Okryu-gwan for lunch → Tongil Street Market → performance at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. - Day 3: Myohyangsan (requires a day trip) → return to the city to buy souvenirs. In-Depth 5-Day Tour Extension - Add the West Sea Barrage, the Panmunjom Demilitarized Zone (requires special permission), and the Kaesong Koryo Museum. VII. Travel Philosophy: Understanding and Respect Pyongyang's uniqueness lies in its strong sense of order and collectivist atmosphere. Tourists need to observe with an open mind and avoid stereotypes. For example: - The Role of the Guide: Accompanying you throughout the trip is both supervision and a cultural bridge. You can actively ask about historical stories to enhance understanding. - Interaction with Citizens: Young people may be shy but friendly. A smile and simple English greetings are a good way to break the ice. Through this guide, you can not only efficiently plan your trip but also deeply perceive the hidden charm of this city. Pyongyang is like an incompletely deciphered book, with every corner hiding symbols waiting to be interpreted. The meaning of travel lies in personally unveiling this mysterious veil.