15 Cities to Visit in North Korea & Top Attractions

Explore the best cities to visit in North Korea: Officially known as Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea is a country that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Despite being one of the most closed-off nations in the world, it remains a popular destination for tourists interested in experiencing its unique culture, history, and way of life. While travel to North Korea is heavily restricted and closely monitored, it is still possible to visit certain parts of the country and explore some of its most important cities.

Best Places to Visit in North Korea

1. Pyongyang

This is the capital and largest city of North Korea, Pyongyang is a must-see destination for any tourist visiting the country. The city is home to many important historical and cultural sites, including the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which serves as the final resting place of the country’s first leader, Kim Il-sung. Visitors can also tour the city’s many monuments and statues, including the Juche Tower and the Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification.

2. Kaesong

Located just south of the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea, Kaesong has a rich history and culture. The city’s most famous attraction is the Koryo Museum, which contains a vast collection of artifacts and art from the Koryo Dynasty, which ruled Korea from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Visitors can also explore the city’s many temples and palaces, including the Kaesong Sonjuk Bridge and the Tomb of King Kongmin.

3. Wonsan (Tourist places in North Korea)

Located on the country’s east coast, Wonsan is a popular destination for tourists interested in experiencing North Korea’s coastal culture. The city is home to many beautiful beaches, including the famous Songdowon International Children’s Camp, where visitors can swim and sunbathe. The city is also home to the Wonsan Kalma Airport, the only airport in the country open to foreign tourists.

4. Mount Kumgang

Located just north of the border with South Korea, Mount Kumgang is a beautiful mountain popular with tourists for its scenic hiking trails and stunning views. The mountain is also home to some important cultural and historical sites, including the Kuryong Waterfall, the Kuryong Cave, and the Kumgang Temple. Visitors can also take a cable car to the mountain’s summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

5. Nampo (Top cities in North Korea)

Located on the country’s west coast, Nampo is a port city known for its bustling marketplaces and lively fishing industry. Visitors can tour the city’s many shipyards, see the local fisherman at work, and visit the Nampo Dam, which provides electricity to the city. The city is also home to the West Sea Barrage, a massive dam connecting Nampo to Pyongyang and serving as a transportation route for ships and vehicles.

6. Hamhung (Best cities to visit in North Korea)

Hamhung is the second-largest city in North Korea and is known for its heavy industry, including steel and chemical production. The city is home to the Hamhung University of Chemical Industry, one of the country’s most prestigious universities. Visitors can also tour the city’s many factories and plants, including the Hamhung Fertilizer Complex and the Hamhung Steel Mill.

7. Sariwon

Sariwon is a city located in North Hwanghae Province, and it is known for its traditional Korean architecture and rich history. The city’s most famous attraction is Sariwon Folklore Street, a traditional Korean market street lined with shops, restaurants, and other vendors. Visitors can also tour the Sariwon Fortress, a well-preserved fortress that dates back to the 16th century.

8. Pyongsong (Famous Cities to visit in North Korea)

Pyongsong is a city located in South Pyongan Province, and it is known for its high-tech industries, including biotechnology and IT. The city is home to the Pyongsong College of Science, one of the country’s most prestigious universities. Visitors can also tour the city’s many factories and plants, including the Pyongsong Tractor Factory and the Pyongsong Computer Factory.

9. Sinuiju

Sinuiju is located in North Pyongan Province, the main port of entry for tourists visiting North Korea. The city is home to the Sinuiju International Airport, the only airport in the country open to foreign tourists. Visitors can also tour the city’s many monuments and statues, including the Sinuiju Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery and the Sinuiju Youth Hero Monument.

10. Hyesan (Cities to visit in North Korea)

Hyesan is a city in Ryanggang Province, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can tour the city’s many attractions, including the Hyesan Botanical Garden, the Hyesan Youth Power Station, and the Hyesan Grand Monument. The city is also home to the Hyesan Mine, one of the country’s largest mines for precious metals and minerals.

11. Haeju

Haeju is a city in South Hwanghae Province, known for its traditional Korean architecture and rich history. Visitors can tour the city’s many attractions, including the Haeju Fortress, a well-preserved fortress that dates back to the 16th century, and the Haeju Folklore Street. This traditional Korean market street is lined with shops, restaurants, and other vendors. The city is also home to the Haeju Traditional Korean Medicine Hospital, which offers traditional Korean medical treatments to visitors.

12. Chongjin (Top cities to visit in North Korea)

Chongjin is the third largest city in North Korea and is located in North Hamgyong Province. The city is known for its fishing industry, port, and traditional Korean architecture. Visitors can tour the city’s many attractions, including the Chongjin Traditional Korean Medicine Hospital, which offers traditional Korean medical treatments to visitors, and the Chongjin Folklore Street. This traditional Korean market street is lined with shops, restaurants, and other vendors. The city is also home to the Chongjin Children’s Palace, a cultural center for children featuring music and dance performances.

13. Sinpho

Sinpho is a small city located in South Hamgyong Province, and it is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal scenery. Visitors can tour the city’s many attractions, including Sinpho Karma Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the Sinpho International Friendship Exhibition, which showcases gifts from foreign leaders and dignitaries. The city is also home to the Sinpho Fish Market, where visitors can buy fresh seafood and try local delicacies.

14. Unryul (Top Attractions in North Korea)

Unryul is a small city located in North Hamgyong Province, and it is known for its beautiful parks and gardens and traditional Korean architecture. Visitors can tour the city’s many attractions, including the Unryul Botanical Garden, which features a wide variety of plants and flowers, and the Unryul Folklore Street. This traditional Korean market street is lined with shops, restaurants, and other vendors. The city is also home to the Unryul Children’s Palace, a cultural center for children featuring music and dance performances.

15. Onsong

Onsong is a small city located in North Hamgyong Province, and it is known for its beautiful parks and gardens and traditional Korean architecture. Visitors can tour the city’s many attractions, including the Onsong Botanical Garden, which features a wide variety of plants and flowers, and the Onsong Folklore Street. This traditional Korean market street is lined with shops, restaurants, and other vendors. The city is also home to the Onsong Children’s Palace, a cultural center for children featuring music and dance performances.

Plan A Trip to North Korea

North Korea offers visitors a unique and fascinating glimpse into a country essentially closed off to the rest of the world. While travel to North Korea can be challenging and requires careful planning and preparation, those who make an effort will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, North Korea has something to offer everyone. We hope this guide has provided information on the top cities to visit in North Korea, and we wish you all the best on your journey!