North Korea

Places in North Korea

• Kaesong

  Kaesŏng is a rare opportunity to visit a historic Korean capital that was the seat of the Goryeo Dynasty from 918-1392 CE. In 2013, twelve historic monuments and sites here were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of the most culturally significant destinations in North Korea.

  Atlas entry

• Kumgangsan

  Kumgangsan (Diamond Mountains) is North Korea's second tallest mountain range with peaks reaching 1,638 meters at Pirobong. The area was listed as a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025, recognized for its dramatic scenery of waterfalls, lagoons, mineral springs, Buddhist temples, and hermitages.

  Atlas entry

• Manpo

  Manpo is one of the most inaccessible destinations on Earth, located in North Korea's restricted Chagang province. The city opened to limited Chinese tour groups in 2019 and remains closed to most foreign nationals as of January 2026.

  Atlas entry

• Pyongyang

  Pyongyang serves as the showcase capital of North Korea, rebuilt after Korean War destruction with orderly grid streets, Russian-style architecture, and abundant green space. The city offers unique attractions like the Mansudae Grand Monument, Juche Tower, and the deepest metro system in the world at over 110 meters.

  Atlas entry

• Rason

  Rason (formally Rajin-Sŏnbong) is North Korea's only visa-free zone and special economic area, sitting at the northeastern corner where China and Russia meet. With a population of approximately 195,000, this combined city of the former Rajin and Sonbong receives only a small percentage of the nation's Western tourism.

  Atlas entry

• Sinuiju

  Sinuiju serves as North Korea's primary border crossing with China, connected to the Chinese city of Dandong by the Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge. For most travelers, this is less a destination to visit independently and more a vantage point observed from Dandong.

  Atlas entry