Pyongyang Travel Guide: Explore the North Korean capital

[Love]Preliminary preparation Visa application North Korea only accepts group tours, and visas must be applied for through qualified travel agencies. Prepare a passport with a validity period of more than 6 months, 2 recent color photos with a white background (35mm×45mm), a copy of your mainland China ID card, and a truthfully filled application form for visiting North Korea. Visas are generally signed on a separate paper and do not affect other visa applications for your passport. [Glister]Item preparation Bring a proper amount of cash (RMB, US dollars or euros), which can be used directly in some places in North Korea; prepare a conversion plug (voltage 220V, most sockets are European standard round holes); since North Korea’s network is not open to tourists, there is no need to consider network equipment. However, you can bring a camera to record the beautiful scenery, but please note that it is forbidden to bring a high-power zoom lens. [RoundNails]Transportation Guide [Bowknot]External transportation From China, you can choose to fly directly from Shenyang to Pyongyang Sunchon Airport by plane, which takes about 1.5 hours; you can also take a train from Dandong, cross the Yalu River to enter North Korea’s Sinuiju, and then transfer to Pyongyang, which takes about 6 hours. [Bowknot] City Transportation The Pyongyang Metro is the main mode of transportation. Two lines run through the city. Tickets cost only 2 North Korean won, and the stations are gorgeously decorated. You can also take trams, trolleybuses, and buses, all for 1 North Korean won. There are fewer taxis. If you need to take one, confirm the price before getting on the bus. [RedHeart] Check in at attractions Kim Il Sung Square The core landmark of Pyongyang, you can visit the huge statue of Kim Il Sung and the magnificent People's Building. There will be grand celebrations on major holidays. Pyongyang Arc de Triomphe Taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, it commemorates the liberation of North Korea from Japanese colonial rule. The building is magnificent and full of reliefs, showing the struggle of the North Korean people. Juche Tower Located on the banks of the Taedong River, it is 170 meters high and is made of 25,550 pieces of granite, symbolizing the number of days after Kim Il Sung's birth. From here you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Pyongyang city and the Taedong River. Mangyongdae Kim Il-sung's birthplace, where his former residence and revolutionary relics are preserved, and the surrounding natural environment is beautiful, as well as scenic spots such as Mangyong Peak and Cheongryubi. [Sakura] Food Recommendation North Korean Cold Noodles A representative staple food, noodles are made of starch and buckwheat flour, paired with beef, eggs, kimchi, etc., topped with cold and sour sweet soup, refreshing and delicious. Korean Rice Cakes There are many varieties, such as Dagao, which is made by steaming glutinous rice and beating it with a wooden mallet, and paired with red bean paste, sugar or honey, which is soft, glutinous and sweet. Rice Wine A local traditional drink, brewed with glutinous rice, with a mellow, slightly sweet taste and low alcohol content, which can be bought in restaurants or shops. [Glister] Notes 1. Respect local customs and habits, remain serious in front of the bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and follow regulations when taking photos. 2. It is forbidden to take photos of sensitive areas such as military facilities and government agencies; taking photos is generally prohibited in the market, and taking photos with soldiers requires consent in advance.