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North Korea Attractions & Landmarks Guide

North Korea is a land of ancient temples and mausoleums, scenic mountains and lakes, and uncrowded beaches and ski slopes. It’s also the most isolated and little visited country in the world, which adds to its appeal for some travelers and -- along with its antagonistic political stance toward Western nations, especially the United States -- deters many others. Guided organized tours (of any size) are mandatory.

Visiting North Korea – officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) – is only for the adventurous: Not the physically adventurous, per se, but travelers willing to take risks to view a mostly closed, secretive, and dictatorially run destination for themselves. Only about 5,000 foreign tourists visit annually, and only a few hundred at most are Americans.

If you go, North Korea promises to be like no other country you’ve ever visited. Outside of your hotel, you’ll always be accompanied a government guide – or “minder” – and you’ll see only sights the guides want you to see. You’ll constantly be on your guard against offending the regime, whether it be taking unauthorized photos, trying to chat up the locals without permission, or making ill-advised comments about the country’s political system or leaders.

If you break any laws, your government guides may suffer consequences as well.

Recent reports are that things are opening up somewhat for the people of North Korea, including (illegal) importation of South Korean movies and other windows to the world. Some now operate small produce and other markets, largely in the face of official bans on such initiatives. But the government is potentially insecure enough that a severe crackdown on such activities could occur at any time.

All that said, curiosity is a strong motivator for travel, and many Western travelers are curious about life in North Korea. And a visit – limited though it may be in scope – is the best way to satisfy that curiosity. You may come to different conclusions about the country than the prevailing conventional wisdom would allow. Travel is always an enlightening and broadening experience on some level, if you approach it with an open mind.

Here are some of the places you’re likely to visit if you go:

Visiting Pyongyang, North Korea

North Korea’s capital and largest city is the most affluent region of this mostly rural nation. It’s filled with monuments, mausoleums, and museums (the Korean War Museum – which glorifies North Korea’s “valiant resistance to U.S. aggression” -- being the most notable).

Also on view is the U.S.S. Pueblo, a spy ship seized by the North in 1968 and kept on display by the riverside.

Many buildings and monuments may well seem extravagant in such a poor country, but they cater to the North Korean elite and are designed to impress foreign visitors. A ride on the metro system, again mainly for the elite, is a standard activity. A trip to the circus, complete with accomplished acrobats and trapeze artists, may provide needed relief from the capital’s endless parade of statues and propaganda.

Visiting The DMZ in North Korea

For all practical purposes, the Korean War ended in the early 1950s, but technically North and South Korea are still at war. The DMZ – or Demilitarized Zone – is really anything but that, as soldiers from both sides keep eyes and weapons trained on each other across massive concrete barriers, and occasionally fire on each other. It’s a sobering – but fascinating – part of any visit.

Other Notable North Korea Travel Destinations

Kaesong: Kaesong is an industrial city near the South Korean border, where the two Koreas have experimented with cross-border economic cooperation. It was also the capital of an ancient Korean dynasty and is the site of an historic palace.

Mountains and Lakes: North Korean mountain ranges offer scenic beauty of the kind generally associated with China. Unusual rock formations, deep-blue crater lakes, and flowing rivers are among largely unspoiled natural attractions.

The Countryside: You may be taken to schools, cooperative farms, or – depending on the season – to a beach or ski resort. (The Mansik ski slopes, complete with hotel, were opened a few years ago.) Expect that any schools, farms, or other facilities you visit will be stocked with the most up-to-date equipment and populated by happy-looking, well-fed citizens, while much of the farmland throughout the country has been reduced to dust.

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North Korea Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026

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North Korea Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Visiting Pyongyang, North Korea

Visiting The DMZ in North Korea

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