Koryo Tours North Korea Travel Guide: Kaesong
Kaesong
Introduction
Highlights
Accommodation
Transportation
Kaesong Introduction
Kaesong was the capital of all Korea during the Koryo Dynasty.
During the division of Korea in 1945, it was a South Korean city. After territory changed hands during the Korean War, Kaesong became the southernmost major North Korean city.
Due to its unique situation, it managed to escape heavy carpet bombing, which destroyed most other cities in the North, leaving the old quarter of the city largely unscathed.
The city is located just north of the DMZ making it the ideal spot to stay during a trip to Panmunjom on the border.
Kaesong Highlights
Panmunjom and DMZ
Perhaps one of the most recognisable places on the peninsula, Panmunjom is the only place along the Demilitarized Zone where North Korean forces stand face to face with South Korean and US forces. It is located just 10 minutes away from Kaesong city.
The iconic blue conference buildings which straddle the military demarcation line between the two countries are often open to foreign visitors who want to step, technically, into South Korea. A must-see attraction for anyone visiting North Korea.
It's possible to eat here at the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Restaurant.
Concrete Wall and DMZ viewpoint
A point from which the southern side’s defences are visible.
The concrete wall erected on the southern side is seen by the north as an attempt by the US to permanently divide the peninsula.
A 45-minute drive from Kaesong.
Kaesong Koryo Museum
A former Confucian school and now a museum of the Koryo dynasty exhibiting historical artefacts, statues, pagodas and porcelain from that era.
The Kaesong Koryo Museum is one of the many UNESCO world heritage sites located in the city.
King Kongmin’s Tomb
Tomb of the 31st king of the Koryo Dynasty, a talented statesman who was buried near Kaesong alongside his Mongolian wife.
Another UNESCO world heritage site.
Janam Hill
The short walk up Janam Hill in central Kaesong City provides a great view of some of the older buildings and houses in Kaesong, and a great view of the city as a whole.
It only takes about 10 minutes to the top - but the walk is a little steep.
At the top is also a temple area.
Ginseng Factory
Whilst there are many more spectacular factories to visit in North Korea, and this one does not take much time to look around, it is worth taking a look around. Kaesong is a noted source of ginseng. Here you can learn a little more about how it goes from the pure root form to the myriad of products that you see it in today.
Kaesong SchoolChildren's Palace
The same function as Mangyongdae Children’s Palace , a public facility where schoolchildrencan engage in extra-curricular activities and hone their skills. Openied in 1961 based on traditional Korean architecture but on a massive scale, the most imposing building in Kaesong. It is possible to visit and see students sing, dance, emoboider etc.
Kaesong Accommodation
Janamsan Hotel
A basic hotel with distinct USSR-style architecture and friendly staff. Ideal for tourists wanting a western bed, hot water and reliable electricity.
Minsok Folk Hotel
Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city.
From this hotel, you are just 10-15 minutes away from the DMZ North-South Korean border. Located in the heart of the city, it is in an ideal location for a morning walk before going to Panmunjom (DMZ).
Kaesong Transportation
Getting to Kaesong requires a 2.5-3 hour drive from Pyongyang down the 160km ‘Reunification Highway’ which passes through Sariwon.
Read more on the Reunification Highway.
Interested in a tour to North Korea?
Travel to North Korea with the only
North Korea travel experts, Koryo Tours
North Korea Travel Guide PDF | Sign up to the mailing list | About Koryo Tours
Share