Pyongyang is the capital of any country. Pyongyang: the capital that is hardly talked about. Old Pyongyang: visiting rules

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Pyongyang is the capital, as well as its cultural and historical center. Translated from the Korean language, its name sounds like "wide land". The opinions of historians differ greatly about the time of the city's emergence. Some believe that it was founded more than two thousand years ago, and, according to others, only at the beginning of our era. Pyongyang is located on the banks of the Taedongan River, which flows into the Yellow Sea. The capital of North Korea gives a complete picture of the culture and traditions of this country, and also allows you to fully appreciate the idealized version of the socialist system on the example of the state, where it is established in full accordance with generally accepted canons.

Peculiarities

Being the main prototype of the socialist state, the city fully corresponds to the appearance that is drawn in the imagination of people who imagine all the aspects and basic criteria by which the people's democratic republic lives. During the Korean War, which took place in the middle of the last century, the capital of the state was almost completely destroyed and practically rebuilt anew several years later. The modern architecture of the city is dominated by traditional Asian features, but at the same time, there are many high-tech buildings, built on the basis of well-known European designs. There are many interesting sights, educational and municipal institutions. In North Korea, Pyongyang is known for an abundance of cultural monuments, museums and theaters. For many years, the city administration has been actively promoting high moral values, attracting citizens to cultural life and mass events aimed at increasing patriotism and national pride. Well developed in the capital and different kinds sports. All residential areas are equipped with modern sports grounds and excellent opportunities for physical education and sports.

Tourism

It has become a little easier for an ordinary tourist from Europe to get to Pyongyang now than in the mid-80s and early 90s of the last century. Then North Korea was a completely closed country and, although the locals have always been friendly to foreigners, the North Korean authorities did not encourage such visits at all. In general, a kind of analogue Soviet Union... Now, in order to obtain a visa, it is enough to submit an application to any North Korean embassy at least three weeks before departure. You don't have to be an American, South Korean, or a journalist. Due to the rather long period of the Iron Curtain, tourism in Pyongyang did not develop at all, but in last years new hotels began to appear rapidly in the city, and the tourist infrastructure began to progress.

A brief excursion into history

Pyongyang has changed many names throughout its history: Ryugen, Kison, Hwanson, Rannan, Sogyon, Sodo, Hogyon, Chanan, and Heijo (during the Japanese colonization). There is a controversial opinion that in ancient times the city was the capital of the state of Gochoson. In 427, the capital of the state of Goguryeo was moved to Pyongyang, and two centuries later the Korean state Silla conquered Goguryeo in alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty. During the reign of the Goryeo dynasty, Pyongyang increased its influence, but did not become the capital of this state. Korea became independent in 1945, and Pyongyang became the temporary capital of the DPRK, although Seoul officially held this status. During the Korean War, Pyongyang was badly damaged by bombing, but was quickly rebuilt, including thanks to the help of the Soviet Union.

Climate

Like the rest of the Korean peninsula, Pyongyang has a monsoon climate, with clearly separated seasons. Most of the precipitation falls in the period from June to September, while the average air temperature is only +20 degrees. In winter, snow is extremely rare, and the thermometer often drops below zero.


How to get there

You can get from Russia to Pyongyang by flights via Beijing. There are direct flights only from Vladivostok, which are operated by Air Koryo, flight time is 35 minutes.

    Sunan International Airport (IATA: FNJ) is located 24 kilometers north of Pyongyang.

Transport

The city has well-developed transport links. At the same time, there are very few private cars on the streets of the city, but trolleybuses, trams and buses run regularly and on schedule. Subway stations work without interruption.

Attractions and entertainment

One of the main architectural landmarks of Pyongyang is Arch of the Three Charters, symbolizing the unity of South and North Korea. It is located on Thonyir Avenue, at the southern entrance to the capital. Not far from the arch is located Kaesong Park, in the center of which the imposing city TV tower rises. Outwardly, it looks very much like the Ostankino tower in Moscow, apparently it was made in its image. At a height of more than a hundred meters, in the upper part of the building, there is a revolving restaurant, from which, through the transparent windows of the establishment, a wonderful view of the city landscapes opens. For local residents, a real relic is the statue Kim il sung on the Mansu hill. The bronze leader stands in the pose of an orator, raising one hand up, and looks with interest at the modern city. The height of the statue reaches 70 meters. The townspeople regularly come here and lay flowers at the monument of the leader of the people, while bowing respectfully to the statue, as if some kind of deity from ancient Korean myths is standing in front of them. However, such an attitude towards the leaders is characteristic of the Korean nation, which makes it strongly reminiscent of Soviet citizens of the times of stagnation. Until now, in Korean schools and higher educational institutions, young people are instilled with an idealized idea of ​​the political system existing here and the people who established it.

The whole of Pyongyang is literally filled with all kinds of monuments and monuments related either to the ideological leaders, Ki Mer Sung and Kim Jong Il, or dedicated to certain events that influenced the socialist status of North Korea. The most magnificent of these is the Juche Ideas Monument, built in 1982. It is a massive 170-meter high obelisk, the top of which is decorated with a graceful torch with artificial lighting. At the foot of the obelisk there is a sculptural group of representatives of three social classes: worker, peasant and labor intellectual. Several more similar sculptures are placed around the main composition, combined with beautiful fountains. This entire architectural project looks especially impressive in evening time days with illuminated searchlights.

Occupying a small area, Pyongyang is replete with a whole scattering of all kinds of sights and objects worthy of attention. They are dominated by museums, theaters, memorials, palaces of culture and various art exhibitions. There is not a single street or alley where there is no place, even for one of these institutions. Globally, the capital of North Korea is known as one of the safest cities on the planet. Walking through the city blocks, it's hard to disagree. The schedule of the working day is scheduled for the townspeople literally by the minute. The streets begin to fill up at 7 o'clock in the morning, and at a certain evening time, people also go home together. On weekends, the townspeople take to the streets with their families, and the local parks are filled with a lot of people. At the same time, there are no traffic jams, no congestion, no accidents. One gets the impression that there is no crime scene here, and people live according to a long-established schedule without the slightest need to change anything.


Accommodation

Typically, accommodation is handled by a travel agency that organizes tours. Pyongyang has hotels of all categories. The tallest building in the country is the Rügen Hotel with 105 floors.

Kitchen

An ordinary tourist can get acquainted with local dishes in the hotel restaurant; there are also several canteens in the city, which are intended for local workers, and the menu is rather limited. There are several restaurants that are suitable for tourists - Chongryu, located on the banks of the Potong River, here a good choice traditional Korean food. Some of the best set dining at Haedanghwa Restaurant. One of the oldest restaurants in Okryu is located on the banks of the Taedong River. The first Italian restaurant in Pyongyang is Pyolmuri, where you can order pizza, pasta and even Italian wine.

Shopping

The assortment of goods is extremely limited, and few things can be found in department stores that are interesting for shopping. Arts and crafts can be purchased at hotel stores. One of the most coveted souvenirs for tourists is a badge depicting one of the rulers of Korea, but it is extremely difficult for foreigners to acquire them, it is even more difficult to take them out of the country, so it is recommended not to take risks. There are markets in the city where food and other goods are sold, prices are extremely low by Western standards.

Precautionary measures

Pyongyang is a very safe city for foreigners, you just need to follow the rules of conduct.

Chronology

According to legend, Pyongyang was founded in 2334 BC under the name Wangomson. It was the capital of the ancient Korean state of Gochoson. However, this date is controversial and is not recognized by many historians who believe that the city was founded at the beginning of our era.

In 108 BC. e. the Han Dynasty conquered Gojoseon, establishing several military districts in its place. The capital of one of them, Lolan County, was founded near present-day Pyongyang. Lolan was one of the dominant forces in the region until it was conquered in 313 by the growing state of Goguryeo.

In 427, Van Koguryeo moved the capital of the state to Pyongyang. In 668, the Korean state of Silla, in alliance with the Chinese Tang dynasty, conquered Goguryeo. The city became part of Silla, remaining on the border with its northern neighbor - Parhe. Silla was replaced by the Goryeo dynasty. During this period, Pyongyang increased its influence and was renamed Sogyong (서경; 西京; "Western Capital"), although in fact, Pyongyang was never the capital of Koryo. During the Joseon Dynasty it was the capital of Pyeongando province, and from 1896 until the end of the Japanese occupation it was the capital of Pyeongannam-do province.

In 1945, the period of Japanese occupation was over and Pyongyang fell into the zone of influence of the Soviet Union, becoming the temporary capital of the DPRK state formed in the north of the Korean Peninsula (Seoul was considered the permanent capital then, “temporarily” separated from the country). During the Korean War, it was seriously damaged as a result of aerial bombardments, from October to December 1950 it was occupied by UN troops. After the war, with the help of the Soviet Union, the city was quickly rebuilt.

Historical names

During its history, Pyongyang has changed many names. One of them was Ryugyon, or "willow capital", as at that time there were many willows growing throughout the city, which was reflected in medieval Korean literature. Currently, the city is also home to many willow trees, and the word Ryugyon is often found on the city map (see Ryugyon Hotel). Other names of the city in different periods were Kison, Hwanson, Rannan, Sogyon, Sodo, Hogyon, Chanan. During Japanese colonial rule, the city was known as Heij (the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters 平 壌 in Pyongyang's hanchcha).

Geography

Located on the banks of the Taedong River (Taedong), not far from its confluence with the Yellow Sea. Forms a separate administrative unit with the status of a province. Another river that flows through the city is Potongan.

The climate is monsoon with a sharp manifestation of different seasons and a clear distinction between the seasons of drought and rainy. Although Korea is located in low latitudes and is surrounded on three sides by sea basins, its climate is more severe than in some countries located in the same latitude. In winter, powerful currents of cold dry air from the interior of the continent bring dry, clear weather and cold weather to the Korean Peninsula. In summer, the territory of the country is under the influence of oceanic air masses, bringing abundant atmospheric moisture. During the three summer months, 50-60% of the annual precipitation rates fall. The average annual temperature is +7.6 ° C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is about -11 ° C, the hottest (August) is about +23 ° C. During the year, an average of 925 millimeters of precipitation falls (most of it in summer).

Economy

Along with the country's special regions (Sinuiju and Kaesong), Pyongyang is the economic center of North Korea.

Transport

The Pyongyang subway operates with two lines, with a total length of 22.5 km. The Pyongyang Metro was commissioned on September 5, 1973. The stations are spacious, the columns are decorated with marble, on the walls there are large mosaic paintings, murals, relief images showing life and nature in Korea. There are currently two lines and sixteen stations. Deep underground metro. The subway cars are mostly made in Germany. A special feature of the Pyongyang subway is that the escalator shafts are illuminated not by chandeliers or vertical lamps, but by the luminous walls of the escalator. At the end of each car there are portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

There is also a trolleybus and tram transport in the city. The trolleybus service was opened on April 30, 1962. Tram traffic existed until the Korean War 1950-1953, after which the tram did not recover. Pyongyang's modern tram system was built from scratch, the tram service opened almost three decades after the launch of the trolleybus, on April 12, 1991, which is a rare case in world practice.

The number of private cars is small compared to most of the world's capitals, although officials use a large fleet of Mercedes-Benz limousines.

The state-owned airline Air Koryo operates flights from Sunan Airport to Beijing (PEK), Shenyang (SHE), Bangkok (BKK) and Vladivostok (VVO). There are also non-scheduled charter flights to Macau (MFM), Incheon (ICN), Yangyang (YNY) and some Japanese cities. Air Koryo also operates several domestic flights.

International rail links operate between Pyongyang and the capitals of China and Russia, as well as Vladivostok. It takes 25 hours 25 minutes to reach Beijing (K27 train from Beijing / K28 from Pyongyang on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays); the road to Moscow takes 7 days.

Due to the country's almost complete isolation from the rest of the world, tourism in Pyongyang is underdeveloped. Most of the tourists come from China. To obtain a visa to the DPRK, you must submit an application at the official diplomatic or tourist mission of the DPRK no earlier than 20 days before departure. In special cases, a visa can be obtained at the crossing point on the border with the DPRK. Anyone can generally obtain a tourist visa, with the exception of journalists, residents of the United States and South Korea.

In North Korea, it is prohibited to import literature about North and South Korea(except published in the DPRK), pornography, mobile phones, propaganda literature. It is forbidden to photograph military objects, as well as to visit most of the attractions in informal clothes.

The government controls the movement of tourists around the city by developing special itineraries and sightseeing programs.

sights

During the Korean War (1950-1953), the city was badly damaged and was subsequently almost completely rebuilt. The new layout provided for wider streets, a large number of monuments and monumental structures.

The tallest building in the city is the Ryugyon Hotel, 332 meters high (105 floors), with a total area of ​​360 thousand square meters. The construction of this hotel, which began in 1987 and was suspended in the 90s, has continued since 2008 with the participation of foreign companies. (Kiryanov O. Foreign investors want to complete the largest long-term construction in North Korea // Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 12 December 2008.)

On April 15, 1961, on the occasion of the 49th birthday of Kim Il Sung, the Chollima monument (a thousand in an hour) was unveiled, according to the sculptors' plan, symbolizing the will of the people to epoch-making achievements in the construction of socialism, the movement at the Chollima pace to the prosperity of their homeland. The height of the monument is 46 meters, the height of the sculpture itself is 14 meters. The horse was saddled by a worker holding a Red Letter from the Central Committee of the Labor Party of Korea, and a peasant woman. The front hooves of the horse are directed into the sky, and the hind hooves seem to push away from the clouds.

On the occasion of Kim Il Sung's 70th birthday, the Arc de Triomphe was opened in April 1982. The height of the gate is 60 meters, the width is 52.5 meters. The arch is 27 meters high and 18.6 meters wide. The words “Song of the commander Kim Il Sung” and the dates “1925” and “1945” are engraved on the gate, denoting the year “Kim Il Sung entered the path of reviving the Motherland” and the year of his “triumphant return to his homeland” after its liberation from the Japanese (15 August 1945).

Also, on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Kim Il Sung, the Monument to the Juche Ideas (height 170 meters) was opened on the banks of the Taedong River. On the front and back of the monument there are golden letters, folded into the word "Juche". At the top of the pillar is a 20-meter-high torch, which symbolizes "the great and unfading triumph of Juche ideas." In the dark, fire is simulated with the help of illumination. A 30-meter sculptural group stands in front of the pillar: a worker with a hammer, a peasant woman with a sickle, and an intellectual with a brush. The crossing hammer, sickle and brush are the emblems of the Workers' Party of Korea. On the back side of the pedestal, in a niche, there is a wall assembled from more than two hundred marble and granite slabs sent by the heads of many countries of the world and famous politicians.

One of the most famous places in Pyongyang is the Kim Il Sung Square. It hosts parades of the Korean People's Army, demonstrations, and massive gymnastics and dance performances on public holidays.

In the very center of Pyongyang, on Mansu Hill (where the Pyongyang Fortress used to be), there is a monumental sculptural ensemble, known primarily for the huge (about 70 meters in height) sculpture of Kim Il Sung. Opened in April 1972 on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday. It is curious that the standing Kim Il Sung points with his hand "to a bright tomorrow", to the south, towards Seoul. Behind the bronze statue is the Museum of the Korean Revolution, opened the same year, with a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektusan on the wall. Its length is 70 meters, height is about 13. The panel symbolizes revolutionary traditions, since according to legend, the Headquarters of the Command was located on Mount Paektu, located on the border with China, where Kim Il Sung lived and worked during the anti-Japanese struggle.

Other notable architectural landmarks in Pyongyang are the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers' Party, the Liberation Monument built after World War II, the Reunification Arch and two of the largest stadiums in the world - Kim Il Sung Stadium - 70,000 spectators, 48 the largest in the world and the 1st of May Stadium - the largest in the world, with a capacity of 150,000 spectators.

The culture

Pyongyang is the cultural capital of North Korea. All the leading cultural institutions of the country are located here, from here cultural exchange with other countries is carried out. In particular, in November 2005 in Pyongyang, representatives of the North Korean government and the Russian embassy signed the “Plan for cultural and scientific exchange for 2005-2007. between the governments of the DPRK and the Russian Federation ”. The population is actively promoting national culture and art. The Research Institute of Korean National Music and Choreography (NIIKNMH) was even established, which is located in the Pyongyang International House of Culture.

There are several cultural institutions in the city. Among them are:
The Moranbon Theater is the first theater built in the country after World War II. In December 2004, on the personal instructions of Kim Jong Il, the reconstruction of the theater began, which ended in 2005.
Pyongyang Cultural and Exhibition Complex - was opened in 1998. It hosts exhibitions of artists and photographers, as well as book novelties, ranging from ancient Buddhist texts to the works of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Also in this complex are expositions of Korean applied arts - pottery, embroidery, mosaics, etc.
State Symphony Orchestra of Korea - was founded in August 1946. The repertoire includes mainly national productions (patriotic and glorifying the leaders of the country) and classics from Russian opera and ballet. In total, the orchestra's program includes more than 140 pieces of music.
Mansude Art Theater
House of Culture "April 25"
Pyongyang Bolshoi Theater
East Pyongyang Bolshoi Theater
Central Youth House
Bonghwa Art Theater
Pyongyang circus
Circus of the People's Army
People's Palace of Culture
Pyongyang International House of Culture
Pyongyang International Cinema
Museum of the Korean Revolution
Museum of Victory in the Patriotic War of Liberation
Exhibition of Achievements of Three Revolutions
Kimirsenhwa and Kimchenirhwa flower pavilion
Korean art gallery
Central History Museum of Korea
Ethnographic Museum of Korea

Education

Pyongyang is home to a number of the country's leading universities, including the largest educational institution - Kim Il Sung University.









Pyongyang(Korean 평양, 平壤, Pyongyang) - the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). Pyongyang is the administrative, cultural and historical center of the country. The word "Pyongyang" (according to Kontsevich's system is transcribed into Cyrillic as Pyeongyang) in Korean means "wide land", "cozy area". In 1946, the city was removed from the Pyeongannam-do province and received the status of a city of direct subordination (chikhalsi) - the administrative status of the provincial level.

Attractions ==
During the Korean War (1950-1953), the city was badly damaged and was subsequently almost completely rebuilt. The new layout provided for wider streets, a large number of monuments and monumental structures.

The tallest building in the city is the Ryugyon Hotel, 332 meters high (105 floors), with a total area of ​​360 thousand square meters. The construction of this hotel, which began in 1987 and was suspended in the 90s, has continued since 2008 with the participation of foreign companies. (Kiryanov O. Foreign investors want to complete the largest long-term construction in North Korea // Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 12 December 2008.)

On April 15, 1961, on the occasion of Kim Il Sung's 49th birthday, the Chollima monument ( cor. "A thousand per hour"), as conceived by the sculptors, symbolizing the will of the people for epoch-making achievements in the construction of socialism, the movement "at the pace of Chollima" to the prosperity of their homeland. The height of the monument is 46 meters, the height of the sculpture itself is 14 meters. The horse was saddled by a worker holding a Red Letter from the Central Committee of the Labor Party of Korea, and a peasant woman. The front hooves of the horse are directed into the sky, and the hind hooves seem to push away from the clouds.

On the occasion of Kim Il Sung's 70th birthday, the Arc de Triomphe was opened in April 1982. The height of the gate is 60 meters, the width is 52.5 meters. The arch is 27 meters high and 18.6 meters wide. The words “Song of the commander Kim Il Sung” and the dates “1925” and “1945” are engraved on the gate, denoting the year “Kim Il Sung entered the path of reviving the Motherland” and the year of his “triumphant return to his homeland” after its liberation from the Japanese (15 August 1945).

Also, on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Kim Il Sung, the Monument to the Juche Ideas (height 170 meters) was opened on the banks of the Taedong River. On the front and back of the monument there are golden letters, folded into the word "Juche". At the top of the pillar is a 20-meter-high torch, which symbolizes "the great and unfading triumph of Juche ideas." In the dark, fire is simulated with the help of illumination. A 30-meter sculptural group stands in front of the pillar: a worker with a hammer, a peasant woman with a sickle, and an intellectual with a brush. The crossing hammer, sickle and brush are the emblems of the Workers' Party of Korea. On the back side of the pedestal, in a niche, there is a wall assembled from more than two hundred marble and granite slabs sent by the heads of many countries of the world and famous politicians.
Kim Il Sung Square.
One of the most famous places in Pyongyang is the Kim Il Sung Square. It hosts parades of the Korean People's Army, demonstrations, and massive gymnastics and dance performances on public holidays.

In the very center of Pyongyang, on Mansu Hill (where the Pyongyang Fortress used to be), there is a monumental sculptural ensemble, known primarily for the huge (about 70 meters in height) sculpture of Kim Il Sung. Opened in April 1972 on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday. It is curious that the standing Kim Il Sung points with his hand "to a bright tomorrow", to the south, towards Seoul. Behind the bronze statue is the Museum of the Korean Revolution, opened the same year, with a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektusan on the wall. Its length is 70 meters, height is about 13. The panel symbolizes revolutionary traditions, since according to legend, the Headquarters of the Command was located on Mount Paektu, located on the border with China, where Kim Il Sung lived and worked during the anti-Japanese struggle.

Other notable architectural landmarks in Pyongyang are the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers' Party, the Liberation Monument built after World War II, the Reunification Arch and two of the largest stadiums in the world - Kim Il Sung Stadium - 70,000 spectators, 48 the largest in the world and the 1st of May Stadium - the largest in the world, with a capacity of 150,000 spectators.

Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). The city is the administrative, cultural and historical center of the country. Area: 1,578 km². The population according to the 2010 estimate is 4,138,187 people. Time zone: UTC + 9. Coordinates: 39 ° 01′48 ″ s. sh. 125 ° 43'48 ″ in. etc.

Pyongyang history


According to legend, a city called Wangomson was founded in 2334 BC. Many historians disagree with this date. It is customary for scientists to date the foundation of the city to the beginning of our era. In 108 BC. e. the territory of the modern city was conquered by the Han dynasty. In place of Wangomson, new town- Lolan.

In 313, the city fell under the rule of the state of Koruge. In 427, Pyongyang became its capital. In 668, the power in the city changed again. The Silla dynasty came first, then the Goryeo. During the reign last city increased its influence. Since 1896, Pyongyang has been the capital of the Pyongannam-do province.

The city was badly damaged during the Korean War. In 1950, the territory of the capital was occupied by UN troops. Pyongyang was under the strong influence of the Soviet Union, with the help of which it was very quickly rebuilt at the end of the war. Modern name Pyongyang translated from Korean means "cozy area".

Pyongyang today


Pyongyang is the economic center of North Korea. Leading higher education institutions are located in the capital. schools country: Politechnical University named after Kim Chaek, University named after Kim Il Sung, Institute of Light Industry named after Han Dok Soo. Production is represented by mechanical engineering, electrical, light and food industries. On the territory of the city there are such large enterprises as: a non-ferrous metal plant, a steel plant, an electromechanical plant, a brick and cement plant.

The movement of passengers in the city is provided by trolleybuses and trams. There is a deep underground. There is an international airport.

Pyongyang Map





Pyongyang landmarks


Since the city was rebuilt with the help of the Soviet Union, its architecture is very similar to the former Soviet cities.

The tallest building in the capital is the Ryugyong Hotel. The height of the landmark reaches 332 meters, which is equal to 105 floors.

The striving for socialism is symbolized by the Chollima monument. The monument represents a worker riding a horse.

In 1882, the Arc de Triomphe was opened. The height of the gate of the monument is 60 meters. Another famous monument is the monument of the Juche ideas, 179 meters high.

Other significant monuments include the Great Monument, the Liberation Monument, the Workers' Party of Korea monument, and the Reunification Arch.

The heart of the city is the Kim Il Sung Square. All major national holidays take place here.

The subway can also be ranked among the sights of the city. The stations of which are decorated with marble and decorated with large mosaic paintings. The Pyongyang subway has one very interesting feature: the lighting of the escalator shafts is due to the illuminated walls of the escalator.

There are many interesting cultural and educational institutions in the city. It is worth visiting the Moranbong Theater, the Pyongyang Cultural and Exhibition Complex, the April 25 House of Culture, the Pyongyang Circus, the Korean Art Gallery, the Central History Museum of Korea, the Ethnographic Museum of Korea.

Pyongyang Is the capital of North Korea.

Pyongyang is a large city with a population of over 4 million. It is the largest city in North Korea. The Taedong River flows through the city.

Story

Pyongyang was founded in 2334 BC. Scientists were able to accurately determine the year of the city's foundation, decipher ancient Korean petroglyphs (rock inscriptions).

The city was originally named Wagomson. Wagomsong was the capital city of the ancient Korean state of Gojoseon. And yet, some historians believe that Pyongyang is much younger in age and was founded around the beginning of our era, which is a difference of 2334 years.

In 108 BC. the state of Kojosan was conquered by the Chinese state of Han.

In 313, the Koreans, after four hundred years of Chinese rule, were able to reclaim their ancestral lands from the Chinese. Another Korean state, Goguryeo, was founded.

In 427, Pyongyang becomes the capital of Goguryeo.

In 668, Pyongyang became part of another Korean state - Silla.

In 1896, the Japanese conquered Korea. Pyongyang became the center of the Japanese province of Pyongannam-do.

In 1945, Korea got rid of Japanese oppression, and in 1946 the DPRK (North Korea) was formed. Pyongyang became the capital of North Korea.

Over its long history, the city has changed more than one name: Wagomson, Kison, Hwanson, Rannan, Sogyon, Sodo, Hogyon, Ryugyon, Chanan, Heijo (during Japanese rule). No capital city in the world has been renamed as many times as Pyongyang.

Map

Museums

There are few museums in Pyongyang, since there are still very few tourists in this country. V Lately The ruler of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, has relaxed the rules for the stay of tourists in the country, and every year there are more tourists, which means there will be more museums as well. Today, three museums are open for tourists in Pyongyang.

Museum of the Korean Revolution - the main museum of North Korea. There are many photographs showing the Korean leader Kim Il Sung, many interesting documents.

Museum of the Patriotic War of Independence - dedicated to the Korean War. North Koreans call this war the Patriotic Liberation War. The museum's exposition includes a Mig-15 jet fighter, patriotic sculptures, shot down military equipment of the United States and its allies, tanks, aircraft, US spy helicopters, Soviet military equipment, and the American spy ship "Pueblo".

Central Historical Museum - founded in 1945. There are 19 halls that tell about Korean history from the primitive communal system to the present day.

sights

Now you can walk around Pyongyang itself, of course, with a Korean guide. Each tourist (or organized tourist group) is assigned local guides who make sure that tourists do not take pictures of anything unnecessary. A walk around the city is also organized along a route pre-planned by Korean comrades. Guests, of course, will only be shown ceremonial Pyongyang!

Ryugyong Hotel Is the tallest building in Pyongyang. The height of the hotel is 332 meters, or 105 floors. The hotel is still under construction, and it began construction in 1987.

Kim Il Sung Square - the central square of Pyongyang. Military parades and organized demonstrations take place here.

Moranbon Theater - the first and so far the only theater in Pyongyang, which was built after the Second World War.

Cultural and Exhibition Complex - a venue for exhibitions of artists and photographers from all over North Korea. There is also an exhibition of pottery and embroidery.

Korean Symphony Orchestra - created in 1946. The repertoire of this orchestra includes national works.

Monuments

There are quite a few different monuments in Pyongyang:

- monuments to Kim Il Sung (there are more than ten of them);

- a monument to Kim Jong Il - the current leader of North Korea;

- Towers of Immortality (several pieces), installed in memory of Kim Il Sung;

- a monument to the Juche ideas;

- monument-bell "Pyongyang";

- a monument to the founding of the Korean Labor Party;

- Hollym's statue;

- Arc de Triomphe in honor of the victory over Japan.

Religious buildings

Religion in Pyongyang is very bad. The current regime bans Koreans from visiting Buddhist temples, all of them are in a dilapidated state. There is also one Orthodox church in Pyongyang - the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Railway stations

The city has Train Station... The city has direct rail links with China and Russia. From Pyongyang by train you can go to Beijing and Moscow, as well as to other Russian cities on the way to Moscow - Ussuriysk, Khabarovsk, Birobidzhan, Chita, Ulan-Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Tyumen, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Kirov , Yaroslavl, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod.

Parks

In the North Korean capital, there are two beautiful parks for recreation and walking - the Kaesong Youth Park and the Moranbong Youth Park. Both parks are clean and well maintained, there are many flower beds and benches for sitting.

Markets

In Pyongyang markets, food is expensive. In the capital, almost no vegetables and fruits are sold, only rice and other cereals.

Climate

Pyongyang's climate is monsoon, similar to that of Vladivostok. Winters are cold and snowy, summers are not very hot and very humid. The air temperature in summer does not rise above 25 degrees. Pyongyang residents can swim on the city beach in the Taedongan River, but the most suitable time for swimming is July and August, when the water in the river warms up to 20 degrees Celsius.