December is not an ideal time to visit Pyongyang for the following reasons:
- Cold weather: Temperatures in Pyongyang during December can drop below freezing, making it uncomfortable to explore the city.
- Limited tourist activities: Many tourist attractions, such as parks and museums, may have reduced hours or be closed altogether during the winter months.
- Fewer travelers: December is generally a low season for tourism in Pyongyang, which means there may be fewer opportunities to interact with locals or other tourists.
- Political sensitivities: December is a politically sensitive time in North Korea due to the anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong-il on December 17th.
Weather In Pyongyang During December
North Korea
Things To Do In Pyongyang In December
Pyongyang in December
December in Pyongyang offers a unique blend of traditional Korean festivities and winter charm. Here are some noteworthy events and attractions to consider during your visit:
Celebrations and Festivals:
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display: Pyongyang’s skyline lights up with a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the arrival of the New Year.
- Kimilsungia Flower Festival: Held annually from December 10th to 19th, this festival celebrates the Kimilsungia, a hybrid orchid named after the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung.
- Pyongyang Drama Festival: A cultural event featuring a showcase of Korean traditional and contemporary theater performances.
Attractions and Activities:
- Mansudae Grand Monument: Visit the monumental statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, which stand proudly in the city center.
- Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: The mausoleum of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, offering a glimpse into the history and reverence accorded to the North Korean leadership.
- Pyongyang Metro: Experience a ride on the underground subway system, adorned with elaborate mosaics and statues depicting Korean history and culture.
- Arch of Triumph: Modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this towering monument commemorates the Korean resistance against Japanese occupation.
- Rungna People’s Pleasure Ground: An extensive amusement park with rides, waterparks, and a large indoor water park.
- Ice Skating at Kim Il-sung Stadium: Enjoy ice skating on an outdoor rink in the heart of the city, surrounded by towering buildings.
- Taedonggang Winter Sports Zone: Engage in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing at this scenic mountain resort on the outskirts of Pyongyang.
Tips:
- Dress warmly as temperatures can drop significantly during December.
- Respect North Korean customs and traditions at all times.
- Prioritize visiting iconic landmarks and attending major events to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Pyongyang during this festive season.
Tourism In Pyongyang, “Korea During December
Tourism in Pyongyang, North Korea, during December is a unique and controlled experience. Visitors are closely guided by government-appointed tour guides and have limited freedom to explore the city independently.
Pyongyang offers several carefully curated attractions, including:
- Mansudae Grand Monument: A colossal bronze statue complex honoring former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
- Ryugyong Hotel: An unfinished skyscraper that dominates the city skyline, standing as a symbol of North Korea’s ambitions.
- Juche Tower: A 170-meter-tall monument celebrating the country’s founding ideology.
- War Museum: Exposing alleged atrocities committed by the United States during the Korean War.
- Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: The mausoleum of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, where visitors can pay their respects.
While visitors have access to these designated attractions, they are accompanied by tour guides at all times and cannot stray from the established routes.
Interactions with locals are heavily monitored, and visitors are expected to adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct, dress, and photography. The city’s controlled environment ensures a sanitized and highly-organized experience that offers a glimpse into North Korea’s carefully crafted narrative and propaganda.
