How do North Koreans celebrate New Year?

On New Year's Eve, citizens of Pyongyang will gather in Kim Il Sung Square.
Every year the celebrations differ slightly, but often include an impressive firework display, and in 2019 the famous Moranbong Band played in the centre of Kim Il Sung Square. there was a concert in the square and firework display across the river at the Juche Tower which included laser beam displays and lighted drones in the sky.

See below for some photos of bringing in the New Year in Pyongyang.

New Year in North Korea: New Year's Address

On New Year's Day, North Koreans will watch the annual New Year's Address (신년사 | 新年辭).

This address outlines national policy and priorities for the coming year.

See below for the recording of the 2019 New Year's Address.

New Year in North Korea: What Do North Koreans do?

Koreans will be required to study, learn, and memorise the contents of the New Year's address in the coming week at work, in units, or at school.

The address is also printed in North Korean newspapers and displayed throughout the country.

Foreign 'North Korea Watchers' across the world will also closely analyze the contents of the address.

Here is an excellent summary of the 2019 North Korean New Year's Address from NK News.

New Year's Day is a public holiday and people have the day off. Most Korean families will stay home and clean house.

There is a tradition to watch the romantic television drama Our Warm House which itself is set during the New Year.

Happy New Year from Koryo Tours!

Happy New Year from North Korea from Koryo Tours and this North Korean snowman!

Thank you to all those who travelled with us this year and all those planning to travel with us in the new year.

Your continued support makes possible our continuing cultural engagement in North Korea and humanitarian projects.

See you soon!

North Korea New Year Tour

North Korea New Year Budget Tour

Koryo Tours runs an annual New Year's Eve Tour which can be found in trips to North Korea. We can also arrange an independent tour with an itinerary designed just for you for the holiday. What else can you see in North Korea? Download our free KoryoTours 75-page guide to North Korea for the definitive list of what there is to see and follow the Koryo Tours Blog for in-depth descriptions of locations and events.