Mansudae Grand Monument, Pyongyang

The Mansudae Grand Monument sits on Mansu Hill in central Pyongyang and consists of two 22-metre bronze statues: Kim Il-sung (founder and “Eternal President”) and Kim Jong-il (his son and successor), both depicted in military overcoats and gazing south across the city. The original statue of Kim Il-sung was erected in 1972; Kim Jong-il’s was added in 2012 following his death. Behind them a mosaic mural depicts Paektu Mountain with Korean soldiers and workers.

Visiting the monument is not optional for foreign tourists in North Korea. It is on virtually every state-organised itinerary. Foreign visitors are expected to bow, and many bring flowers. Going through the motions is the practical course of action.

Current Access Status (June 2026)

Western tourism to North Korea – for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and most European countries – remains prohibited. North Korea had a brief opening for non-US/UK/Japanese/South Korean tourists in the Rason Special Economic Zone in early 2025, but closed its borders again in March 2025. As of June 2026, only Russian passport holders can visit as tourists. International passenger trains between Beijing and Pyongyang resumed in March 2026 and Air China resumed weekly Beijing-Pyongyang flights from March 30, 2026, but these serve primarily Chinese visitors and North Korean nationals. Western visitors remain barred.

Check the current status with authorised operators (Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours) before making any plans; the situation has changed rapidly in both directions over recent years.

If Borders Reopen: What to Expect

Travel to North Korea requires joining an officially approved tour through an authorised operator. Independent travel is not permitted. Your schedule, accommodation, meals, and movements are arranged by your tour company and local guides; you cannot go anywhere unaccompanied.

In Pyongyang:

The Mansudae Art Studio produces the country’s official sculptures, murals, and artworks – an unusual factory tour for thousands of state-employed artists. The Arch of Triumph on Moran Hill (built 1982, deliberately taller than the Arc de Triomphe) commemorates Korean resistance to Japanese occupation. The Korean War Museum presents the 1950-53 war from the North Korean perspective, which differs substantially from American and South Korean accounts. The captured USS Pueblo is moored nearby and is part of the tour.

Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) is the national dish, typically served in cold broth. Okryugwan Restaurant, the standard tour stop for naengmyeon, is genuinely large and the noodles are genuinely good.

Photography: Most tourist sites are permissible. Military personnel, certain government buildings, and anything a guide indicates are not. Carry no criticism of the government in writing or on devices. Cameras may be reviewed on exit.