North Korea is a country shrouded in mystery because very few outsiders have had access into the country. We have some idea of what some places look like from the hidden footage that has managed to leave the country. There is the notion that North Korea is a barren and impoverished country, which is probably correct. However, there are some parts of North Korea that are exceptional and these places are what the North Koreans want outsiders to see.

Pyongyang (평양) is the largest city in North Korea. It is also the capital city of North Korea. There are large monuments dedicated to Kim Jong Il, his father and to Communism in general. Some of the more famous monuments are the Arch of Triumph, the Juche Tower and the Rungrado May Stadium. You can read more about these monuments in this post: https://blogs.transparent.com/korean/north-korean-architecture/

Hamhung (함흥) is the second largest city in North Korea. It is also the second most populated city in North Korea. Hamhung is a large industrial center with factories producing metal ware, machinery, processed food and textiles. There have been reports that famine has struck this city several times. It is also a place reported to have had some labor and military revolts that were squashed by the North Korean government.

Chongjin (청진) is the third largest city in North Korea. It is a major seaport and fishing center in North Korea, with a large emphasis on international shipping and trade. Chinese and Russian products are sold both legally and illegally in this part of the region. After Pyongyang this city has the largest market for goods in the country. The Chinese and Russian Embassy is also located in this city, which is quite a rare thing to see because the North Koreans are distrustful of many nations.

Gaeseong (개성) is known for its archeological artifacts that date back to the Neolithic Period. Gaeseong is also known for its scenic beauty. A limited number of tourists are allowed every year to Gaeseong to view old artifacts and to enjoy the natural outdoors. Gaeseong has a lot of natural resources and is one of the regions responsible for yielding the highest rice output in North Korea. Gaesong is also one of the regions producing a high turnout of consumer goods and foods.

Wonsan (원산) is a port city that is famous for being a bathing destination because the waters are considered exceptionally clean and unpolluted. Wonsan is also home to the North Korean premier soccer league. The Korean Central Broadcasting Station is also located in Wonsan. This is the place where news is filtered out and distributed to North Korean citizens. There is also a passenger ferry to and from Japan, but this ferry service is off and on because of North Korea’s troubled relations with Japan.