Kaesong - Discovering North Korea

Travelling to Kaesong

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Kaesong, a pretty good destination in North Korea (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Kaesong and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Kaesong, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through North Korea, here's everything to know about Kaesong for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Kaesong

Kaesong is a historic city located in the southern part of North Korea. It has great political, cultural and economic significance due to its strategic location near the border with South Korea. Kaesong is known for its well-preserved architectural buildings, particularly its ancient wooden pagodas and temples. The city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, and its cultural and historical significance make it a popular destination for tourists visiting North Korea.

What to visit in Kaesong

Kaesong, located in North Korea near the border with South Korea, is a city with a rich history and many cultural attractions. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Kaesong: 1. Kaesong Koryo Museum - This museum is dedicated to the Koryo Dynasty and displays various artifacts and relics from that period. It is located in the former site of the Kaesong Central District Court.
2. Sonjuk Bridge - This famous bridge was built in 1290 and is a good example of traditional Korean architecture. It is located in the heart of Kaesong and is a great place to take photos.
3. Koryo Songgyungwan University - This university was founded in 992 and is one of the oldest in Korea. It is now a popular tourist attraction and visitors can tour the campus and the old library.
4. Tomb of King Kongmin - This tomb belongs to King Kongmin, the 31st king of the Koryo Dynasty. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and is a great place to learn more about Korean history.
5. Janam-sa Temple - Janam-sa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the mountains outside of Kaesong. Visitors can participate in meditation programs and take in the serene surroundings.
6. Panmunjom - This village is located on the border between North and South Korea and is the site of the famous Joint Security Area (JSA) where North and South Korean troops stand face to face. Visitors can take tours of the area and learn about the history of the Korean War.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in North Korea, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Kaesong.

When to go on holiday to Kaesong

The best time to visit Kaesong in North Korea is during Autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. During this time, you'll be able to enjoy a pleasant temperature with less rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the city's historic sites. However, it's important to note that North Korea's climate is harsh, with heavy snowfall during winter and hot and humid conditions in summer. So, it's best to plan your trip during Spring or Autumn to avoid extreme weather conditions.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Kaesong

To get to Kaesong in North Korea, you need to follow these steps: 1. Obtain a North Korean visa from the DPRK embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
2. Book a tour with an authorized travel agency that specializes in travel to North Korea. The tour package will include all the necessary arrangements for your trip, including transportation, accommodations, and a local guide.
3. Fly to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, and then take a train or bus to Kaesong.
4. It is also possible to drive to Kaesong from South Korea, but this requires special permission and coordination between the two Koreas.
It is worth noting that travel to North Korea is tightly controlled, and tourists are only allowed to visit certain areas and participate in certain activities. Therefore, it is important to research and plan your trip carefully with a licensed travel agency.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Kaesong, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Kaesong

Kaesong is a city in North Korea known for its unique cuisine. Here are some typical foods of Kaesong with a short description for each of them: 1. Pansangi (Korean-style Table Setting): Kaesong has a rich culture of presenting foods on small plates called Pansangi. It usually includes nine dishes, including meats, vegetables, soups, and assorted side dishes.
2. Koryo Insam (Korean Ginseng): Kaesong is famous for producing Korea’s best-insam, a type of Korean Ginseng. It is used to make insam cha (ginseng tea), insam-ju (ginseng wine), and insam-samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).
3. Kaesong Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles): This traditional Korean dish is made with cold, chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour and potato starch, served with a tangy, spicy sauce.
4. Hansikgwejib (Kaesong Royal Cuisine): Kaesong was the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty, and its royal court cuisine is known for its elegance and finesse. Some popular dishes include Kalguksu (handmade noodle soup), Gujeolpan (nine-sectioned royal platter), and Jeonbyeong (pancake made with beef, mushrooms, and other ingredients).
5. Kaesong Mandu (Steamed Dumplings): These dumplings are filled with minced meat, vegetables, and seasoning and steamed to perfection. They are a popular snack or side dish in Kaesong.
6. Songpyeon (Korean Rice Cake): This traditional Korean dessert is made with glutinous rice dough filled with sweetened sesame seeds, beans, or chestnuts, shaped into crescent moon shapes, and steamed on top of pine needles.
Overall, the cuisine of Kaesong reflects the unique Korean culture and traditions, with a focus on using fresh, natural ingredients and simple cooking techniques to create flavorful dishes.
You can find general info about typical foods in North Korea here.

Is Kaesong an expensive destination for tourists?

It's difficult to provide an accurate answer to this question as the tourism industry in North Korea is highly regulated and there is limited information available regarding prices for Kaesong specifically. However, it is worth noting that overall, North Korea is known to be a relatively expensive destination for tourists. On top of the cost of visas and a mandatory tour guide, visitors are required to purchase an all-encompassing tour package, which includes accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is recommended to work with a reputable tour agency and conduct thorough research before planning a trip to North Korea.

Where to find accomodation in Kaesong

For visiting Kaesong in North Korea, the best area to find accommodation would be in the city center or near historic sites such as the Kaesong Koryo Museum or the Tomb of King Kongmin. Another option could be to stay at the Kaesong Folk Hotel, which is a traditional Korean-style hotel located in the heart of the city. It is important to note that due to the current political climate, tourism to North Korea is highly restricted and subject to government approval.
You can check hotel prices at Kaesong here:
Booking.com

Is Kaesong a safe destination for tourists?

Kaesong is generally considered a safe place for tourists, but it is important to note that travel to North Korea is heavily restricted and tightly controlled by the government. All tourists must travel with a government-approved tour operator and are accompanied by guides at all times. Visitors must also adhere to strict rules and regulations, and any actions deemed inappropriate or disrespectful to the government or its leaders may result in arrest, detention or other serious consequences. It is essential that travelers research and understand the risks and restrictions before visiting North Korea. Additionally, it is important to note that political tensions can rise quickly in the region, and travel advisories may be issued by foreign governments in response to any escalating tensions.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in North Korea here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Kaesong.

What type of travelers will enjoy Kaesong the most?

Unfortunately, as a helpful assistant, I must inform you that Kaesong, North Korea is not currently open for tourism. The North Korean government restricts tourism to several highly regulated tours, and travelers must obtain a special travel permit to visit the country. Furthermore, all tourism is suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any more questions about other destinations, please let me know.

How to get around Kaesong

The most common mode of transportation in Kaesong (North Korea) is by taxi or bus. Taxis are usually privately owned and can be hailed on the streets or booked through a hotel. Buses run on designated routes and stops, and usually have fixed fares. It is also possible to rent a bicycle to explore the city. However, please note that independent travel is not allowed in North Korea and visitors must always be accompanied by a government-appointed guide.

What to see around Kaesong

As a travel website, I must inform you that travel to North Korea is currently restricted for foreigners. Nonetheless, I can provide you with some information about the region in case restrictions get lifted in the future. Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Kaesong, North Korea: 1. Panmunjom - This is the famous Joint Security Area where North and South Korean military forces face-off against each other. In addition, the Panmunjom is historical peace village and a major tourist attraction.
2. Kaesong Koryo Museum - This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Koryo dynasty, which ruled from 918 to 1392 in Korea. 3. Sonjuk Bridge - The bridge is a historical landmark in Kaesong that was built during the Koryo dynasty. The bridge spans across the Taedong River and is a popular spot for taking photos.
4. Tomb of King Kongmin - This is the tomb of King Kongmin and his wife in Kaesong. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features unique architecture and artwork.
5. Tomb of King Wanggon - This is another important Koryo dynasty tomb located near Kaesong. The tomb is dedicated to King Wanggon, the founder of the Koryo dynasty.
For every travel information about North Korea you can click here.

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