Travel in North Korea
Pyongyang is the capital of DPRK. It is the heart of the socialist Korea. It is located in the middle of the northwestern part of the korean peninsula. It is divided in administrative districts and 4 countries with the population of over 2 millions.
The Capital has been called as one of the ‘8Scenic Wonders of Korea’ for its splendid views. Clear river Taedong and its branches harmonizing with hills like Mangyong and Moran create a whole wonderland. It is the cradle of Korean nation and culture as well as the capital city of Kojoson (Ancient Korea) about 5000 years ago and and that of Koguryo, the powerful stste of the Orient.
It is blessed with Mangyongdae, native home of President Kim II Sung and Kim II Sung University where the revolutionary achievements of General Kim Jong II are associated. Pyongyang is richer in monumental structures including the Grand Monument on Mansu Hill and the Tower of Juche Idea.
Monuments
Grand Monument on Mansu Hill
The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill shows in formative art the immortal history of the Korean people who conducted revolution under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung.
It was built in April Juche 61 (1972). The bronze statue of the President stands in the centre and two monuments titled "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" and "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" are on its both sides.
A mosaic mural depicting Mt. Paektu, sacred mountain of revolution depicted as a mosaic on the front wall of the Korean Revolution Museum behind the grand memorials. The memorials are 22.5 m in height and 50 m each in length. The sculptures are 5 m high in average.
Tower of Juche
It was built on the shore of River Taedong to symbolize the immortal Juche idea created by the President in April Juche. It is 170 m in height. The tower consists of a thematic sculpture of three people, six auxiliary group sculptures, two pergolas and two gigantic fountains in the middle of River Taedong. Marble and jade blocks in the wall of the niche part of the tower were presented from the parties and public organizations to the tower. The top of the tower body which is served by a lift, affords a panoramic view of Pyongyang.
Kim II Sung Square
It is the principal square of the country where political events, mass demonstration and meetings and parades have been held on official holidays and various occasions starting from the mass rally of Pyongyang citizens celebrating the victory in the Korean War on July 28, Juche 42 (1953). Completed in August Juche 43 (1954), it covers an area of 75,000 sq.m
Arch of Triumph
It was built in April Juche 71 (1982) at the foot of Moran Hill to memorize the triumphal return of President Kim Il Sung. 10 500 blocks of granite were piled up. It is 60 m in height and 52.5 m in width.
The four columns were decorated by embossed images. And the years "1925" and "1945" carved in relief symbolize the years when the President embarked on revolution and liberated Korea. Carved in relief are the words of "Song of General Kim II Sung"
The Chollima Statue
The Chollima Statue shows the heroic mettle and indomitable spirit of the Korean people who made continued innovation and uninterrupted advance in the spirit of Chollima, a legendary horse running 400 km a day in the period of postwar great upsurge of Chollima. It was erected in April Juche 50 (1961) with the height of 46 m.