Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
The sacred mausoleum housing the preserved bodies of North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid afternoon crowds
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Best Time
Avoid afternoon crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The sacred mausoleum housing the preserved bodies of North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
"A solemn and highly controlled experience, essential for understanding North Korean reverence."
Formal Dress Code Essential
No jeans or casual wear. Dress formally to show respect. :dress:
No Photos Allowed
Cameras and phones must be checked. Respect the strict no-photography rule. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eternal Leaders' Mausoleum
Main Hall
Witness the preserved bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, revered as eternal leaders.
Hall of Immortality
Main Hall
A solemn space where visitors pay their respects to the leaders.
Hall of Re-education
East Wing
Explore exhibits detailing the lives and achievements of the former leaders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Formal Dress Code Essential
No jeans or casual wear. Dress formally to show respect. :dress:
No Photos Allowed
Cameras and phones must be checked. Respect the strict no-photography rule. :camerawithflash:
Guided Tours Only
Visits are conducted in guided groups. Follow your guide's instructions. :walking:
Check Opening Days
The palace is not open daily. Verify operating hours before your visit. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Formal Dress Code Essential
No jeans or casual wear. Dress formally to show respect. :dress:
No Photos Allowed
Cameras and phones must be checked. Respect the strict no-photography rule. :camerawithflash:
Guided Tours Only
Visits are conducted in guided groups. Follow your guide's instructions. :walking:
Check Opening Days
The palace is not open daily. Verify operating hours before your visit. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a highly controlled and solemn site, offering a unique glimpse into North Korean reverence for its former leaders. Visitors consistently note the strict dress code and absolute prohibition of photography, which are paramount to the experience. While the preserved bodies are a central focus, the overall atmosphere is one of deep respect and political significance.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is typically arranged through official tour operators in Pyongyang. Independent travel is not permitted. Tours often include transportation as part of the package.
Public transport is not a viable option for visiting Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. All visits are managed through organized tours, which provide dedicated transportation.
Your tour operator will arrange transportation from your accommodation in Pyongyang directly to the palace. This is the standard and only method of access.
Visitors enter through designated security checkpoints as part of their guided tour. Follow your guide's directions precisely upon arrival.
Organized tours typically use private buses or cars to transport visitors to and from the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, ensuring a seamless journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are not sold directly to individuals. Admission is exclusively through pre-arranged tours booked with authorized North Korean travel agencies.
The palace has specific operating days and hours, often closed on certain days of the week. It's crucial to confirm these with your tour provider as they can change.
The admission fee is typically included in the overall cost of your North Korea tour package. There isn't a separate ticket purchase for individual visitors.
A strict formal dress code is enforced. Men should wear suits or dress shirts and trousers; women should wear dresses or skirts and blouses. No jeans, t-shirts, or casual attire are permitted.
No, independent visits are not allowed. All visitors must be part of an officially sanctioned tour group.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You will see the preserved bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in their respective mausoleums, along with exhibits detailing their lives and achievements.
Absolutely not. Photography is strictly forbidden inside and around the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. All electronic devices capable of taking photos must be surrendered before entry.
A visit usually lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the group and the pace of the tour.
Yes, there are thorough security checks. Visitors will be asked to surrender cameras, phones, and other electronic devices.
The atmosphere is solemn and respectful. Visitors are expected to maintain quiet and show deference to the preserved leaders.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally prohibited even around the exterior. It's best to confirm with your guide, but assume no photos are allowed.
Attempting to take photos inside can lead to serious consequences, including confiscation of your device and potential expulsion from the country.
No, there are no designated photo spots inside or immediately outside the palace. The focus is on solemn observation, not photography.
Your phone will likely need to be surrendered upon entry. Even for non-photography use, it's best to assume it will be confiscated during your visit.
All types of cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless, point-and-shoot, and even smartphone cameras, are strictly prohibited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do bring children, ensure they are dressed in formal attire and understand the importance of silence and respect. The guided tours are structured and may not be engaging for children for extended periods. It's advisable to gauge your child's temperament and maturity before deciding if this is an appropriate visit for your family.
🧐 Culturally Curious Travelers
Be prepared for an experience that is less about typical sightseeing and more about observing a deeply ingrained national ritual. The strict protocols are part of this experience, emphasizing the unique political system. Engaging with your guide (if possible) can provide further context, but always remember the limitations on open discussion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Inside, the experience is highly ritualized. Visitors walk through various halls, including the Hall of Immortality, where the embalmed bodies of the leaders lie in state under glass caskets. The temperature and humidity are meticulously controlled to preserve the bodies. The Hall of Re-education showcases exhibits related to their lives and achievements, often presented in a hagiographic manner. The entire visit is conducted in silence, with guides leading groups through a prescribed route.
Access to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a privilege, not a right, and is strictly controlled. It is only accessible to those on official tours booked through state-approved travel agencies. The stringent rules, particularly regarding dress code and photography, underscore the sacred status of the site. Any deviation from these rules can have severe repercussions, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural and political context of this unique destination.
Navigating the Strict Protocols
Another critical protocol is the prohibition of photography. Cameras, video recorders, and even mobile phones capable of taking pictures must be surrendered at a cloakroom before entering the palace. This rule is enforced rigorously, and any attempt to photograph inside or around the premises can lead to severe consequences, including confiscation of devices and potential expulsion. The focus is entirely on the visitor's solemn experience and respect for the site.
Furthermore, visits are always conducted in guided groups. Independent exploration is not permitted. Visitors must follow their guides precisely, maintaining silence and showing deference throughout the tour. The guides are responsible for ensuring all rules are followed and for providing context about the exhibits. Understanding and respecting these protocols are essential for a smooth and appropriate visit to this significant North Korean landmark.
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