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The best sights and architectural jewels to see in Pyongyang


It's one thing to explore Pyongyang through the breathtaking scenes and shots in Money Heist while standing still in front of your flatscreen, and a completely different experience when you set foot in the city and stop by to behold the historically rich and architecturally unique sights.

As one of the oldest cities in the country, Pyongyang cannot fall short of expectations but rather ticks all of a tourist's boxes when they're looking for constructions and buildings full of symbolism and significance that astound not only through tectonic beauty but also the story they transcend you into.

It's time to shine some light on something different than the city's economic, political, or ideological matters that have been making the headlines for years. The “Capital of the Revolution” could be granted more credit and recognition for the sublime yet lesser-known gems and landmarks that are one of the reasons why some sights here have been starring on the cover of books, movies, and other artistic pieces for decades.

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Tower of Juche Idea

The Tower of Juche Idea may as well be the only place you'll be joyously queueing at, so prepare for the time to, fortunately, feel like passing faster than usual. Inaugurated in 1982, this Pyongyang monument and staple proudly bears the denomination of the Juche ideology launched by the first leader of the country, namely Kim Il Sung.

There's a widespread belief that Kim Jong Il, the leader's successor and son, made significant contributions to the architectural design. Yet, just like statements made and spread through word of mouth may be hardly contested or confirmed through facts, it's safe to say that beholding the architectural masterpiece influenced by stone pagodas of premodern Korea is enough to tick this attraction off your checklist contentedly.

With boundless plaques sent from Juche followers and enthusiasts worldwide, a slow enough lift ride enabling you to admire the sights, and some astounding views from the top that overlooks the city, you'll thank yourself for having visited this attraction. This is the second tallest monumental column worldwide after the U.S.'s San Jacinto Monument, nestled in Texas, so ticking it off your list will undoubtedly rank among your top memories.

To ensure a stress-free trip, keep in mind that your safety around these places is mostly your priority. Try to minimize instances of walking around with your eyes glued to your smartphone and other distractive activities that could have impactful aftermaths like trips, slips, and falls. Experts from Personal Injury Claims Care highlight that one's personal duty of care differs from place to place, which is why it's best to treat your safety seriously.

Worker's Party foundation monument

Proudly rising from the city center's core and boasting a 50-meter height, the Workers Party Foundation Monument is one of the prominent landmarks of Pyongyang – though its history doesn't span that many years. Founded and inaugurated in 1995 in the core of the city, the memorial tower has been catching spectators' views from a distance ever since. It's now a must-visit scenic spot in the whole country that tells the story of the classes and the founding of the Labour Party.

The left fist holding the hammer depicts the working class, the right fist with the scythe portrays the peasants, and last, the intellectuals are represented by the middle fist clutching a brush. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Workers Party, the grand-scale monument is anything but modest, especially if you think that this startlingly grandiloquent assembly has made the covers of numerous books about the country.

The Mansu Hill grand monument

Broadly known as one of the most outstanding and weighty landmarks in Pyongyang, The Mansu Hill Grand Monument has attracted the largest crowds of visitors over time, most dressed according to the code and season. Embracing 229 figures, all aimed at celebrating the history of the revolutionary efforts of the leaders and people of the country. A spin-off of this statue has also been built after Kim Jong Il to commemorate the leadership.

Enthusiast visitors have the freedom to leave flowers as an admiration sign and glance at the monument, whether we talk about locals or foreigners. Just like with every other national landmark and attraction, flawless and irreproachable behavior will keep everyone content with their visits, ensuring no other individual is bothered in any way.

Tanjun mausoleum

Many individuals can attest that they understand the magnitude of the country's respect and awe towards the first two leaders only after they catch sight of the startling monument. It is unquestionably one of the sights that pretty much no one leaves the city without visiting, assuming they're given this chance. Furthermore, it will be challenging to tell what impresses most during the visit, as everything there eludes richness, grandiosity, reverence, expense, and adoration.

With over-dimensional and mind-blowing architecture and full of culture and history, the Tanjun Mausoleum could become the most impressive and notable memorial one may visit during their life, especially on Asian grounds. Dress appropriately, leave your mobile devices at home, and prepare to be taken aback throughout your journeying, for this place is anything but ordinary. North Korea has some of the strictest rules when it comes to attires and looks, so there's no such thing as “too over clothed or reserved.”

The Triumphal Arch

Suppose you've ever explored France's Paris or Romania's Bucharest. In that case, you may already have an idea of what to expect when coming across the triumphal arch in Pyongyang, for such construction is not the “one-of-a-kind monument” you may expect. Instead, what Pyongyang has that other cities don't is the pride of hosting the most significant such monument worldwide, securing this designation ever since its inauguration in 1982. The style takes inspiration from the Roman-styled triumphal arches initially intended to split a road and mainly built of several massive piers and an arch. Many times, the Roman arches were made of wood and other materials, having gradually shifted to stone in several areas of the world.

You may find this astounding spot relatively easy to get to and visit, offering superb views from any profile and the potential to have a 360-degree bird's view of the city. As a colossal structure and monument, expect to be taken aback by its massiveness and the abundance of materials used.

Remember to have impeccable behavior and impeccable outfit, and you can have one of the most memorable visits of your life in Pyongyang.

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