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Tourists who have been able to visit the usually bustling capital cities
of other Asian countries may find themselves in for a shocking change of
pace at Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. A perfect example of the
Korean communist regime’s determination to project an image of
discipline and progress, tourists can expect to see order, precision and
stringent rules with regard to the creation of near-perfection in
Pyongyang. Don't expect a bustling Asian capital alive with street
hawkers and televisions being carried on the backs of bicycles. For that
matter, don't even expect bicycles.
It is said that the allowed residents in the nation’s capital city are
only those with the proper 'class background' and proven records of
unswerving loyalty to the country's leaders. Until recently people with
disabilities, the very old, animals, street vendors and even pregnant
women were just never seen.
Built around the banks of the Taedong River, the city boasts of two
mid-river fountains that rise to a height of 150m, reputedly the highest
in the world.
First day tours are usually done with a car and a guide. One of the
first probable sights visitors will be taken to see is the Tower of the
Juche Idea, a high needle that stands at 170 meters high on the east
bank of the Taedong.
 Another sure stop is the Arch of Triumph, which marks the spot where Kim
Il-sung made his rallying speech after the Japanese were routed. Expect
to be reminded that the North Korean Arch is a full three meters taller
than its Parisian counterpart, the Arc de Triomphe.
The Kim Il-sung Stadium, one of the world’s largest stadiums, and the
Chollima Statue, a bronze Pegasus designed to represent the high-speed
progress of the North's reconstruction, are also both worth a visit.
For a better understanding of North Korea’s history and background,
there are numerous museums and monuments dedicated to Kim Il-sung and
the Revolution. There are also more traditional sights for tourists like
two of the old city gates, the Chilsong and Taedong Gates.
The State Circus is housed in a large circular building and run by the
People’s army. Expect to see the whole audience do a collective head
turning to stare at foreigners.
A visit to the metro station is a trip like no other into a center of
extravagance. The station’s corridors and halls are adorned with bronze
sculptures, murals, mosaics and chandeliers, while the pillars, steps,
corridors and platforms are all made of marble.
Visitors to Pyongyang may find accommodation rates to be expensive. Most
times though, the cost of whatever hotel tourists choose to stay is
already included in the tour charge. Tourists may also expect eager
recommendations from guides and tourist offices to stay at the deluxe
P'yongyang Koryo Hotel, a 45-storey tower with a revolving restaurant on
top. It has 500 rooms, and given the small number of tourists, there
shouldn’t be any trouble making reservations.
There are other deluxe hotels, but most are not as conveniently located
- the Koryo is a five-minute walk from the railway station. The most
popular C class hotel is the Changgwangsan Hotel, located less than 2km
from the station. While meals may be had at the hotel, it is possible to
arrange with a guide to eat elsewhere.
Visit beautiful Korea today! |
