North Korea has opened its doors to tourists. While the country is still pretty guarded and not all the places are accessible, it still has a lot to offer. If you're planning a one-of-a-kind vacation, visit North Korea and discover the top 5 places in the world's most secretive country.
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun - Mausoleum of Kim Il-Sung
International Business Times, the Kumsusan Assembly Hall was built in 1976 and the palace served as Kim Il-Sung's official residence. After the death of the North Korean leader, his son, Kim Jong-Il converted the residence to the world's largest mausoleum for his father. Visitors are required to dress smartly.
The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (Mansudae)
Constructed in April 1972, the complex of monuments located in Pyongyang, North Korea highlights the 2 22-meters high statues of North Korean leaders Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. Situated behind the statues is a wall displaying a mural depicting a scene from Mount Paektu, considered to be the sacred mountain of revolution. While tourists can take photos of the statues, they are required to capture the entirety of the images of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il.
Visit The North Korea & South Korean Border, The DMZ
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was agreed upon at the end of the Korean War and serves as a neutral zone between the North Korea and the South Korea. The DMZ is 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide and within which the small Joint Security Area is situated. This heavily guarded installation between the North and South Korea runs along the Korean Peninsula.
Juche Tower - Based On Self-Reliance, The Official State Ideology Of North Korea
The 170-meter high Juche Tower is located in Pyongyang, North Korea and was built based on Kim Il-Sung's Juche ideology. The Juche ideology states that an individual is "the master of his destiny" and the North Korean people must act as the "masters of the revolution and construction," thereby achieving self-reliance. The tower was inaugurated in 1982 on the 70th birthday of Kim Il-Sung.
Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - North Korea's Perspective On The War
The war museum highlights the story of the North Korean's fight against foreign invaders. While there are many exhibits the visitors can learn from, the war museum will give tourists the North Korea's perspective on the war.
According to the Telegraph, obtaining a tourist visa for North Korea is simple, with the only requirement being the need to book a pre-planned tour with two North Korean guides for the company. The guides are specifically appointed by the country's Ministry of Tourism and are associated with a travel service based in Pyongyang.
