The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

North Korea is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Koguryo tombs, historic monuments in Kaesong, and Mount Kumgang.

Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, is known for its monumental architecture, including the Juche Tower, the Arch of Triumph, and Kim Il Sung Square.

Mount Paektu, on the Chinese border, is considered a sacred mountain and a symbol of North Korea’s national identity.

North Korea is known for its traditional Koryo celadon pottery, famous for its distinctive green glaze.

North Korea’s traditional Korean clothing customs were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024.

North Korea has its own distinctive cold noodle tradition, known as Pyongyang Raengmyon, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2022.

North Korea has its own domestic intranet, Kwangmyong, which provides access to approved websites, email, news, and search services.

Pyongyang’s metro is sometimes called an “underground palace” because of its elaborate station designs.

North Korea’s International Friendship Exhibition is a large museum with over 150 rooms displaying gifts presented to its leaders by foreign dignitaries.

The traditional folk song Arirang is a key part of North Korea’s cultural heritage and was recognized by UNESCO in 2014.

Foreign visitors to North Korea generally cannot use the local currency (North Korean won) and instead pay in euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan.

North Korea introduced the Juche calendar in 1997, counting years from Kim Il Sung’s birth in 1912, but began phasing it out in October 2024.