What’s pretty in Pyongyang

Think of your ideal holiday destination and North Korea may not feature in your Top 10. It may not even feature in your Top 20. After all, the hermit nation isn’t exactly a poster for beach vacays or idyllic mountain retreats. But then again, North Korea’s secretive aura has its own pull. It’s like a present that you must open to see what’s inside. In 2019, an estimated 200,000 foreign tourists visited North Korea. True, most of these (around 120,000) were from neighbouring China which serves as an entry point to the other Korea – the one not home to BTS, Parasite or Squid Games.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any interesting spots to check out. Guided tours – they are pretty much mandatory for tourists visiting North Korea – usually centre around the capital Pyongyang, although in recent years there have been some attempts to open up more areas to tourism. That was, of course, before Covid struck and shuttered tourism in North Korea. While tour groups are yet to resume, when they do – possibly next year – you could hope to visit landmarks like the Juche Tower, which was built to commemorate the country’s founding father, Kim Il-sung, in 1982. The 170-metre tower also has a viewing platform that can be accessed for panoramic views of Pyongyang.

You could also visit the Pyongyang metro, said to be the deepest in the world, while monuments like the Arch of Reunification hold historical and political significance. You would also probably drop by the Korean War Museum, said to hold some of the most well-maintained exhibits from the 1950-53 conflict. These include an American warship that was captured by North Korea. Tours could also take you to model schools in Pyongyang or have you dancing with locals. It all depends on the tour company you choose and the pre-planned packages you select.

Those packages could include a seat at the mass games that are held at Pyongyang Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 1.5 lakh people with tickets ranging from 100 to 800 euros. The audience is treated to extravagant cultural performances, North Korean style, with patriotic themes. The highlight of the show is the massive fireworks display that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.

Finally, a trip to the Demilitarised Zone from the North Korean side is likely to feature in your itinerary. It’s the Korean version of the Wagah Border but without the raucous crowds. It’s also reportedly a good place to shop if you are looking for souvenirs and propaganda posters.

Thus, when North Korea reopens for tourism, visitors to the hermit nation are in for a unique experience. There is charm of a bygone era with competing flickers of modernity. North Korea is certain to be an unforgettable encounter.

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