PYONGYANG 평양

The name Pyongyang means "flat land" or "cozy place". The city has about 2 million inhabitants.

Pyongyang is situated at the Taedong River. Northwest of the city are hills. The capital of the DPR Korea seems to have been built to impose. The enormous Juche Tower and buildings like the Koryo Hotel can be seen from far away. The city is the best-kept and most modern place in North Korea, and as such also a ‘showcase’. There are a lot of high-rise buildings, wide roads, many imposing monuments, al lot of them dedicated to the big leader Kim Il Sung.

Although it is a big city, there is not much life to be seen. Even in some of the rather new apartment buildings there is no light to be seen at nighttime, as if nobody is living there. Also during the daytime there are not many people on the streets. There is hardly any streetlife. There are hardly any vendors, only a few foodstalls, to be seen. Even many of the shops are quiet.

One immediately notices how clean the city is. Streets are being wiped constantly, mainly by small groups of women. There is only a little traffic and that also helps keeping the streets clean. There is hardly any pollution by traffic. One sees packed busses, many of them trolley busses, not many cars, but also not many bicycles. A lot of people go by foot.

During a city tour the guides will show their guests the things the DPRK is proud of: so the emphasis will be on the big monuments that should testify to the superiority of the Korean version of communism. It is exploring the architecture of a grand political anachronism, and at the same time it is meeting the people of a very special nation.

Geography

Pyongyang is located in the low land in the northwest of the Korean Peninsula. It has an area of 2,630 sq km. The height is 84 m. It has plains, Pyongyang Plan (950 km2 and Suna Plain (190 km2); mountains, Moran Hill (95m), Mt. Ponghwa (196m), Jangsu Peak on Mt. Taesong (270m) and Mt. Ryongak (292m); and rivers, Taedong River, Pothong River, Sunhwa River, Nam River, Hapjang River and Sangwon River.

History

About 2000 years ago in today's Rangnang District a small town developed. After Koguryo established its capital in this place the first walls were built. In 427 Koguryo moved the citadel to today's Taesong District. That is considered to be the founding year of Pyongyang. During the 6th century the city walls were re-build. After that the city comprised the present center and Pyongchon District.
16-km long walls in which there were 16 gates protected the city. The walled city had a circumference of 16 km and had 16 gates. Actually the city was divided in four parts: the inner fort (of which Taedong Gate was the east gate), the central fort (of which Pothong Gate was the west gate), the outer fort in the middle and the northern fort.

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TAEDONG RIVER

The Taedong River, which flows through Pyongyang, is 450 km long and is the source for irrigation of an area, which is more than 20.000 km² big. The river seems remarkably clean.
Five bridges connect west and east Rungna Bridge over Rungna Island in the north, south of that Ongnyu (Clear Stream) Bridge, Taedong Bridge in the center, in the southeast over Yanggak Island Yanggak Bridge en in the via Ssuk Island Chungsong Bridge.

Rungna Island
The 2.7-km long Rungna Island is in the Taedong River, northeast of the town center.
On the island is the May Day Stadium. It was built in 1989 and has 150,000 seats. The architecture should remind a magnolia. The stadium is the place where during festivities enormous masses of people by waving flags and signs are making tableaus, giant paintings sometimes.

Yanggak Island
Yanggak Island (Yanggakdo) is southeast of the center and connected to the town with a bridge. The island is long in size and has an n area of 1,2 km².
On the island there are a few remarkable buildings. The big and modern Yanggakdo Hotel is a comfortable accommodation. The Yanggakdo Football Stadium was also built in 1989 and has 30.000 seats. The Pyongyang International Cinema Hall dates from 1989 and has various rooms with in total 3150 seats.

Ssuk Island
Ssuk (Wormwood) Island is located south of the center. The area is 38 ha big. On the island is a 13,5 meters high monument in memorization of the United Front; here in 1948 politicians from the North and the South got together in order to negotiate unification. This was after World War Two and before the Korea.

Juche Tower

On the eastern shore of Taedong River, opposite the Kim Il Sung Square, is the 170 meters high Tower of Juche Idea. The white tower itself is 150 meters high. On top of it is the 20 meters high gold-colored torch. The torch is lightened at night and flickers like a real flame. The tower was built in 1982, on occasion of the 70th birthday of Kim Il Sung. At the bottom is a wall with signs of all kind of organizations and 'Kim Il Sung Study-groups' from many countries that support the concept of Juche. An elevator brings you to the top and from there you have a nice view of Pyongyang.
In front of the tower is a group of three, 30 meters high statues carrying the signs of the Korean Workers Party: a laborer, a farmer and an intellectual, symbolized with a hammer, a sickle and a (writing) brush. Sculptured groups, symbolizing Juche Industry, Bumper Harvest, Land of the Learning, Land of Longevity, Juche Art, and Impregnable Fort, flank the tower. In front of the tower there are two grand fountains in the middle of Taedong River.

Kim Il Sung Square

The big Kim Il Sung square is located in the center of town, at the western shore of Taedong River. The square was constructed in 1954 and later extended and now has an area of 75.000 m². On the granite surface at certain times there are many people gathered, participating in mass rallies. From the square you will see the Juche Tower at the opposite bank of the river.

Grand People's Study House
The Grand People's Study House, the National Library, is situated on Nam Hill, west of the Kim Il Sung Square. The ten-story building dates from 1982. The roofs are in traditional palace style and covered with blue-glazed tiles. In the hall there are several study-rooms and more than 30 million books are stored in the library. It can accommodate 10,000 persons a day.

Korea Central History Museum
The History Museum is located at the western shore of the Taedong River, opposite the Juche Tower. In it on a surface of 10.400 m² thought artifacts, images and paintings the Korean history from prehistorical times until the revolution is shown. The museum was opened in 1945; the present building is from 1977.

Korean Art Gallery
Opposite the Korean Central History Museum is the Korean Art Gallery. It was opened in 1954. On a surface of 11.000 m² a big collection of ancient and contemporary Korean art is shown.

Korean Folklore Museum
This museum which opened in 1956 is located near Taedong Gate. On a surface of 1.800 m² there is a large collection of folklore items to be seen, starting from the stone age to the end off the 19th century.

TAEDONG GATE

Taedong Gate stands on the shore of the river, north of the Historical Museum. The gate dates from the 6th century although the present construction is from 1635. Taedong Gate was the eastern entrance to the Inner Fort, the central citadel of the walled city. The gate has a base of granite. On top of that there is a two-story pavilion. There is a placate with Uphoru: Pavilion Facing Clear Stream.

Pyongyang Bell
Between Taedong Gate and Ryongwang Pavilion was the Bell Tower. The bronze bell dating from 1726 has survived. It is 3.10 meters high and has a diameter of 1.60 meters. It is carved with Chinese characters. Until 1890 the bell was used to inform the time and to warn of disaster.

Ryongwang Pavilion (Ryongwangjong)
Not far from Taedong Gate is the well-known Ryongwang Pavilion. On this place near the river during Kogoryo (37 BC- AD 668) there was the eastern tower of the walled city. In the twelth century, during Koryo (936-1392) a new pavilion was built. Its names changed with renovations from Sansujong, Ryongwangjong, Cheiludae and Manhwaru to Ryongwang (Good View) Pavilion in 1670. The pavilion has many stories connected to it. Kim Hwang Won, a famous poet from Koryo, once cried out loud because he could not find the words to expres the unique beauty of Ryongwang. The patriotic hero Kye Wol Hyang art the end of the 16th century killed a Japanese general in order to defend the pavilion.

MANSU HILL

Mansu Hill is located in the center of town, not far from the Taedong River and north of the Kim Il Sung Square. In the past there was a fort here. Now this place has much revolutionary architecture.

Grand Monument
On Mansu Hill there is the bombastic Grand Monument. An enormous bronze statue of Kim Il Sung was erected here in 1972, to honor his 60th birthday.
Two memorials are on each side of the Great Leader. They show the class struggle. They consist of 23 meters high red 'flags' with lots of images. The memorials are 5 meters high and have a total length of 200 meters.
The monument is much visited, mostly by groups of people, groups like school classes, or members of the youth shock brigade, a paramilitary youth organization resembling scouting.
It is customary to show respect by leaving flowers (natural or artificial). Foreign groups are expected to do this too.
A background to the Grand Monument is an enormous mosaic, 13 meters high and 70 meters wide, showing the revolutionary sacred Paektu Mountain. It symbolizes the ancient and ever continuing revolutionary spirit of the Korean people. The mosaic is on the wall of the Korean Revolution Museum.

Korean Revolution Museum
Behind the Grand Monument is the Korean Revolution Museum. It was opened in 1972. On a floor space of 54.000 m² the exhibition is showing the inevitable victory of socialism, after the struggles, revolutions and wars the Koreans have fought. There are several cycloramas and there is a documentary room of slogan-bearing trees.

Chollima Statue
This statue, made in 1961 on the occasion of the 49th birthday of the Great Leader, stands a little bit north of the Grand Monument, at the foot of Moran Hill. On a 46 meters high granite basement is the 14 meters high bronze Pegasus (the winged horse from Greek antiquity), symbolizing the fast socialist development of North Korea. On the horse there are the 7 meters high Korean archetypes of The Laborer and (in the female manifestation) The Farmer.

Mansudae Hall
Mansudae Hall, dating from 1984, seems to have been designed in the style of neo-classical Stalinist architecture. It is the meeting hall for the National Assembly of the DPRK.

Mansudae Art Theatre
This big cultural complex was opened in 1976. It comprises several theatres and exhibition halls. The main hall has a 40 meters high rotating stage. The walls are covered with paintings and reliëfs, among which a gigantic image of Kumgang Mountains.

Mansudae Fountains Park
In front of the Mansudae Art Theatre is this park which was opened in 1976. The big fountain reaches up to 80 meters. There are many fountains showing different designs in water.

Sungnyong Temple
Near the Mansudae Park this old temple, dating from 1429 can be found. It is dedicated to Tangun, the legendary founder of Kojoson (Ko-choson), and to Tongmyong, the founder of Koguryo.

Sungin Temple
The Sugnin Temple dating from 1325 is dedicated to the rulers of Koryo (936-1392). It is next to the Sungnyong Temple.

Pyongyang Children's Palace
The Palace for Students and Schoolchildren north of the Kim Il Sung Square was founded in 1963. Here talented children will get a special training in things like singing, dancing, music, painting, sports, etceteras..

MORAN HILL

North of the center, north of Mansu Hill and Kim Il Sung Square, there is the 95 meters high Moran Hill. At the foot of the hill are the Arc of Triumph, the Kim Il Sung Stadium and the Kaeson Youth Park. On the hill, in a park-like environment, are many historical remains from Koguryo, among which parts of the city walls.

Arch of Triumph
The neo-classical Arch of Triumph is located north of the center and at the south foot of Moran Hill. The Arch is 60 meters high, not accidentally 3 meters higher than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was built on the place where Kim Il Sung in 1945 after the Japanese had left held his famous speech in which he proclaimed the independence of Korea. The Arch was built in 1982, on the occasion of Kim’s 70th birthday. On the Arch there are inscriptions, the "Song of General Kim Il Sung", and the years 1925 and 1945, the year in which Kim officially started the national struggle for liberation and the year in which he accomplished independence. There are also some sculptured reliefs on the Arch.
Near to Arch next to the football stadium there is a big propaganda painting on which Kim Il Sung pleads for free speech and free expression of opinion. That was in 1945 when Kim was asking for free elections in both the North and South and when the USA, in fear that Kim might win, blocked the elections.

Kim Il Sung Stadium
This big stadium is located at the foot of Moran Hill. It used to be the Moranbong Stadium, but this was renovated in 1982, enlarged to 100,000 seats and renamed the Kim Il Sung Stadium.

Kaeson Youth Park
Near the Kim Il Sung Stadium and in the west foot of Moran Hill is this park which was opened in 1984. It comprises an area of 40 ha. There are several pavilions, gardens and playgrounds.

Ryonghwa Temple
This temple is located left of the entrance gate of Kaeson Youth Park.

Moranbong Youth Park
The 46 ha park is located at the southern foot of Moran Hill. It contains a small zoo and an open-air theatre..

Moranbong Park

This 270 ha big park is located north of Moran Hill. It contains the Ulmil, Choesung, Chongnyu and Pubyok Pavilions and Chilsong, Hyonmu and Jongum Gates.

Chilsong Gate
Chilsong (Big Bear) Gate is located in Moranbong Park, just north of the Chollima Statue and the Grand Monument, at the foot of Moran Hill. The gate dates from the 6th century. In Koguryo it was the northern gate of the Inner Fort. The gate was rebuilt in 1712. Chilsong Gate is also called the "gate of happiness and love".

Hongbok Pagoda
About 120 meters from Chilsong Gate, up the hill, is a 5,35 meters high hexagonal pagoda of seven stories. It used to belong to the Hongbok Temple.

Ulmil Pavilion
The well-known Ulmil Pavilion is just near Hongbok Pagoda. The pavilion is standing on an 11 meters high basement. In the 6th century this was the northern defense work of the Inner Fort. It was rebuilt in 1714. The pavilion derives it name from General Ulmil from Koguryo. Another story says that this place was so beautiful that the fairy Ulmil descended from heaven.

Hyonmu Gate
This gate is located about 100 meters downhill from the Ulmil Pavilion. It was the northern gate of the Northern Fort in the city walls of Koguryo. The name Hyonmu is of a mythical animal, a combination of a black turtle and a snake, the guardian god of the northern side.

Choesung Pavilion
On top of Moran Hill the Choesung Pavilion is located. The place offers a nice view in all directions. The pavilion dates from the 6th century and used to be a command post in the walls of Pyongyang. The pavilion was rebuilt in 1716.

Chongum Gate
This gate used to be the southern gate of the Northern Fort of the walled city in Koguryo. It was rebuilt in 1712. The gate is the access to the ferry in Taedong River.

Pubyok Pavilion
This pavilion is located halfway up the hill. It dates from 393 and used to belong to the (vanished) Yongmyong Temple. In the beginning of the 12th century it was renamed the Pubyok (Floating Walls) Pavilion, because of the reflection in the Taedong River. The pavilion is regarded to be one of the most beautiful places in Pyongyang.

Chongnyu Pavilion
Further down, near the Chongnyu Cliffs, is the Chongnyu Pavilion, which dates from 1716. It used to be part of Chonghae Gate, the western gate of the Northern Fort, but was later moved to its present location..

Liberation Tower
Northeast of the Grand Monument is the Liberation Tower. It was built in 1946 to remember the contribution of the army of the Soviet Union in the Korea War. The 30 meters high tower was rebuilt in 1985.

Friendship Tower
In the northern part of the city, just north of the Arch of Triumph, is the Friendship Tower. It symbolizes the friendship between Korea and China. The tower was built in 1959 and renovated and enlarged in 1984.

Jonsug Revolutionary Site
In Jonsung-dong, Moranbong District is the site devoted to "the brilliant victory of the Fatherland Liberation War led by the great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung". Here are the buildings, including a mine office, where Kim Il Sung worked during the Korea War.

Chonsung Revolutionary Museum
In the northern outskirts, near the Friendship Tower.

HAEBANG HILL

The 35 meters high Haebang Hill is located south of the Kim Il Sung Square.

Party Foundation Museum
On the southern slope of Haebang Hill is the building where Kim Il Sung used to work in the first period after ‘Liberation’, where in 1945 the Communist Party was founded and where the Central Committee had its seat. In 1970 it became a museum. Next tot the Party Foundation Museum is the house where Kim used to live.

Monument to Party Foundation
In 1075 the Monument to Party Foundation was erected to mark the occasion of the 50th birthday of the WPK. The monument consists of three hands holding an enormous hammer (worker), sickle (farmer) and brush (intellectual). On the round granite belt is the slogan: "Long Live the Workers' Party of Korea, the Organizer and Guide of the Victory of the Korean People!"

Monument for the Soldiers
On top of Haebang Hill is the Monument for the Soldiers of the Korean People's Army who were killed during the Korea War. The monument was erected in 1959. It is 24 meters high and on top is a 6 meters high image of The Soldier.

International Culture House
Near Haebang Hill is this cultural center, which was opened in 1988. Its purpose is cultural exchange with developing countries.

POTHONG RIVER

The Pothonggang is a tribute of the Taedong River. In the past the Pothong flooded often. In 1946 one started to canalize the river and since then the flow can be controlled better. It flows through the city and with it canals waters a large area of 360 ha, also called the Pothonggang Pleasure Ground.

Pothonggang Monument
In 1971 this monument was erected to remind the big waterworks of 1946. It consists of a 13 meters high, whit tower shaped as an obelisk, and a memorial plate on which the important role of Kim Il Sung in initiating the waterworks is emphasized.

Pothong Gate
Pothong Gate is at the Pothong Riverbank, at the western end of Mansudae Street and the beginning of Chollima Street. In the 6th century, during Koguryo, this was the west gate of the central fort of Pyongyang. The gate was rebuilt in 1473. During the Korea War it was destroyed and later rebuilt. The gate has a stone base and on top of that a two-story pavilion.

People's Palace of Culture
Near Pothong Gate there is this big center which opened its doors in 1974. The style is traditional, with its 21 classical roofs. It is used for cultural education and for international conferences.

Pyongyang Indoor Stadium
In the center of Chollima Street, near the People's Palace of Culture, is this large stadium. It was opened in 1973 and has 20,000 seats.

Ice Rink
In Chollima Street, across the Indoor Stadium, you can find this stadium. The design is futuristic, like a huge loudspeaker. It was opened in 1982 and is mainly used for ice hockey..

CHONGCHUN: SPORT STREET

In Chongchun Street, 8-km southwest of the city center, there is a concentration of sport facilities. The stadiums and gymnasiums all are luxuriously designed in a modern style.

Sosan Football Stadium On top of a hill; 25,000 seats.
Handball Gymnasium 2,380 seats.
Table Tennis Gymnasium 4,303 seats.
Athletics Gymnasium 4,056 seats.
Combat Sports Gymnasium 2,376 seats.
Swimming Pool Complex 3,372 seats.
Wrestling Gymnasium 3,000 seats.
Weight Lifting Gymnasium 2,002 seats.
Volleyball Gymnasium 2,057 seats.
Basketball Gymnasium 2,076 seats.
Taekwon-Do Gymnasium 2,400 seats.

Changgwang Health Complex
Near the Ice Rink on Chollima Street there is this huge complex, which opened in 1980. It can accommodate 6,000 people a day. There are several bathhouses and swimming pools inside.

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
At the junction of Hyoksin and Yongung Street; 6 km west of the city center and at Puthong River. Opened in 1953.

Monument to Victorious Fatherland Liberation War
In 1993, on July 27, on occasion of the 40th anniversary of the end of the war with the armistice in 1953, this monument was erected. It is composed of a gate, the Victory Tower and ten sculpture groups..

Korea Film Studio

About 16 km north of the city center the Korea Film Studio is located. The studio was opened in 1947 and now comprises an area of 1 million m². There are several sets, some with traditional streets, some with revolutionary sites. In North Korea film is an important tool of propaganda. Therefor it is interesting to see this Korean imagination of history and society.

MANGYONGDAE

Just outside Pyongyang, 12 km from the city center is Mangyongdae situated at the Taedong River and the Sunhwa River. Here Kim Il Sung was born on April 15, 1912, and raised. This `cradle of revolution' now has become an ideological place of pilgrimage, where schools and other groups of people, including foreign tour groups come. It is located in a very nice and remarkably green park, which attracts visitors. The smell is very nice and the air seems to be very clean (the anti-thesis to development?). There also is a model village nearby.

Native House of Kim Il Sung
The native house of Kim Il Sung is to show that the Great Leader has humble class roots. His father Kim Hyong Jik was a poor teacher and a peasant on the side and was able to hire this simple house from a local landlord. The small house has a straw-thatched roof, low eaves and mud walls. It was the usual dwelling for rural Korean folk during that time. Inside are some furniture, some utilities and tools, and some family pictures to be seen. On them are his father and his mother, Kang Pa Sok. One of the water vessels is misshapen, therefor it was a bargain when Kim's father, who could not afford much, bought it. Around the house the family graves are scattered under the trees.

Mangyongdae Revolutionary Museum
About 100 meters from the native house there is the museum that was opened in 1970. The exhibition focuses on the revolutionary deeds of Kim and his family.

Mangyong Hill
Not far from the native house there is a hill with a pavilion on top where young Kim used to read and think about the future of his people. You will have a nice view here on the Taedong River.

Mangyongdae Funfair
The Mangyongdae Funfair is 60 ha big and can receive 100, 000 visitors per day..

KWANGBOK

North of Mangyongdae is the 6 km long Kwangbok Street. Here you can admire the Juche city development, showing in 25.000 flats and other buildings.

Mangyongdae Children's Palace
The Mangyongdae Children's Palace was opened in 1989. It is a huge complex, built to impose and to show the ‘superiority of Kim’s socialism’. In front of the Children's Palace there are a grand sculture-group and two enormous fountains, rising 90 and 100 meters. Every day thousands of children come here to learn or amuse themselves. This children's palace is on many tourist itineraries. Visitors are shown around the different rooms and can see children dance, play the violin or the kayagum (traditional harp), accordion, practice calligraphy or embroidery, etceteras. After the tour usually there is a show in the theatre. Hundreds of children participate in a big social-realistic show.

Chigol Revolutionary Museum
In the former village Chigol in 1892 Kang Ban Sok was born. Her main revolutionary asset is that she was Kim Il Sung's mother. In front of her family house is her statue, which was erected in 1972..

RYONGAK HILL

Four km north of Mangyongdae and 13 km west of the city center the 292 meters high Ryongak Hill is located. There are walking paths and you can find several pavilions in the nice green area of Ryongak. Here you can find the Pobun Monastery and the Ryonggok Academy.

Tagyong Hall
The Tagyong Hall is located on top of Kamtu Peak in the Ryongak Hills. Here you will have a splendid view in all directions.

Pobun Monastery
Halfway Ryongak Hill the Pobun Monastery is located. It dates from Koguryo, but was rebuilt during the Li Dynasty. The monastery has the Main Hall, the Rahan Temple, the Sansin Pavilion, the Chilsong Pavilion and the monks' quarters.

Songdok Pavilion
On Tae Peak, the highest peak of Ryongak, is the Songdok Pavilion. You will have a view here on the city and the countryside.

Ryonggok Academy
Ryonggok Academy on Ryongak Hill dates from 1656 and was rebuilt as an academy in 1713. It comprises six buildings. The main hall is the auditorium, the Ryonggok Sowon.

Mangyongdae Youth League Camp
At the foot of Ryongak Hill the Mangyongdae Youth League Camp is located. It was built in 1971. The camp has a lake and other recreational facilities..

TAESONG MOUNTAIN

Taesong (Big Fort) Mountain is located 10 km northeast of the center. Taesong is known because of the revolutionary cemetery and the big pleasure park, the Taedongsan Funfair.

Taesong Fort
On the 272 meters high mountain for more than 150 years Koguryo had its citadel (427-586). The fort had 20 gates. The walls connected the six peaks and used the cliffs as natural defense.

Nam Gate
The 19,5 meters high south gate of the fort was built before 427. However, the gate is not original; it was rebuilt in 1978 using cement in a style intended to resemble an old wooden building.

Kwangbop Temple
The Kwangbop Temple is situated at the northeastern foot of Taesong Mountains. The temple originates from 392. In 1953 bombs destroyed the temple and in 1982-90 it was rebuilt. The temple looks like being made of wood, but it is constructed of cement. The Taeung Hall has a double hip-saddle roof and a small white pagoda in front. In the temple there are six monks living, they are supposedly dependent upon the alms given to them by devotees.

Taesongsan Funfair
Comprising an area of 8 ha this fun park was opened in 1977. It has many recreational attractions and the capacity for 30.000 visitors a day.

Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery
This cemetery was built in 1975 and enlarged in 1985. It comprises an area of 30 ha. Via a monumental (modern) gate wide stairs will lead you to the sculpture groups and the memorial pillars. Heroes who died before this cemetery was built have been reburied here. New graves are added when old revolutionaries die. On each grave there is a bronze bust of the deceased. Behind the cemetery there is a big red flag made out of granite.

Kim Il Sung Memorial Palace
Near to the Revolutionary Cemetery there is the Memorial Palace in which Kim Il Sung lies in state in a glass coffin. It is however very exceptional for a foreigner to get permission to visit the mausoleum. The authorities want to be completely sure that Kim will be treated with nothing but the utmost respect.

Central Zoo
At the foot of Chujek Peak, 10 km northeast of the city center, is the Central Zoo. It was opened in 1959. It has 5,400 animals of 640 species.

Central Botanical Garden
Opposite the Central Zoo is the 300 ha botanical garden. It has more than 5,00 species, among which the Kimilsungia and the Komjongilia.

PONGHWA REVOLUTIONARY SITE

Ponghwa-ri is located 36 km northeast of the center of Pyongyang. It is a Kim-dynastic revolutionary sight. This is the place where Kim Hyong Jik, the father of Kim Il Sung, in 1916-17 for 1½ years was a teacher at the local Myongsin School. He, according to history, with his revolutionary knowledge enlightened the students and during the evenings also the villagers.
Things to be seen are the school, in front of it the bronze statue of Kim Hyong Jik, the house where he used to live, the morning exercise ground, the pear tree, the Ponghwa Revolutionary Museum, the Ponghwa Monument for Kim Hyong Jik’s Revolutionary Activities and the Monument to Pisok-Gye (Stone Monument Association).

MAUSOLEUM OF TONGMYONG

The Mausoleum of Tongmyong is located in Ryongsan-ri (Ryiokpho District), 25 km east of the center of Pyongyang. King Tongmyong, or Ko Ju Mong as his original name was, was in 277 BC the founder of Koguryo. The mausoleum was built in the early 5th century and moved here when Koguryo moved its capital to Pyongyang. The tomb was built of stone blocks and has burial chambers with wall paintings. It was renovated in 1993. Around the Mausoleum Tongmyong there are 20 other tombs of high ministers from Koguryo.

Jongnung Temple
The mausoleum also comprises Jongnung Temple. It is composed of an octagonal seven-story pagoda, Pogwang Hall, Ryonghwa Hall and Kungnak hall..

MAUSOLEUM OF TANGUN

The Mausoleum of Tangun, the founder of Kojoson, is located in Munhung-ri (Kangdong County), 38 km northeast of the center of Pyongyang. It was built in ancient style 1994 by using white blocks of granite.
The gateway is flanked with white columns. The 40 meters wide stairs lead to the tomb. The stairs have along both sides statues of Tangun's ministers and his four sons. On the four corners of the tomb there are dagger towers and tiger statues. The tomb itself is 50 meters high and has the form of a pyramid. The remains of Tangun and his wife are in the chamber. The mausoleum covers an area of 45 ha..