Things To Do
in Kaesŏng
Kaesŏng is a historic city located in North Korea near the border with South Korea. It has a rich cultural heritage, with many well-preserved traditional Korean buildings and artifacts. One of its most famous landmarks is the Kaesŏng Namdaemun, a large gate that is one of the city's main entrances.
Kaesŏng is also known for its production of ginseng, a valuable medicinal herb.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $70
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Koryo Museum, where you can explore artifacts from Korea's Goryeo Dynasty. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and gaining insight into the region's rich history.
Head to the Tomb of King Weng and experience the historical significance of this royal burial site. The surrounding scenery is perfect for a leisurely walk.
Dinner in a local restaurant allows you to savor North Korean cuisine, such as cold noodles. Try to engage with local customs for a genuine experience.
Begin with a stroll through Kaesŏng's ancient streets, taking in the traditional architecture. Visit the Statues of the Three Knights to learn about the region's folklore.
Visit the Koryo Inscription Stone, an important historical artifact, and enjoy some time at the local market. Here, you can engage with locals and see everyday life.
Enjoy a quiet night walk near the Namdaemun Gate, soaking in the evening ambiance of the city. Consider sampling street food for a taste of local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic location near the border with South Korea, facilitating potential economic collaboration.
- Home to the Kaesŏng Industrial Region, which has historically provided employment opportunities and economic activity.
- Cultural and historical significance as a city with deep roots in both North and South Korean heritage.
- Political tensions between North and South Korea can impact the stability and economic viability of the region.
- Restrictions on freedom of movement and limited access for foreigners and South Korean companies.
- Lack of infrastructure development compared to other regions, leading to challenges in business operations.
Best Activities in Kaesŏng
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom to take a peek into the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and witness the border between North and South Korea.
Explore the historical site and beautiful surroundings of the Mausoleum of King Kongmin, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kaesŏng.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Korea by visiting the Koryo Museum, which houses a wide range of artifacts from the Koryo dynasty.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kaesŏng with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kaesŏng
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape
Food in Kaesŏng
Kaesŏng Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chewy buckwheat noodles served in a tangy and refreshing broth, commonly topped with pickled radish, cucumber, and a slice of meat. Try at Changgwangsan Hotel Restaurant or Okryugwan Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A variety of small side dishes including grilled fish, seasoned vegetables, and soybean soup, served in an elaborate presentation. Experience at Kaesŏng Folk Hotel or Junmyeon Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kaesŏng better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market to sample a wide array of local street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds and nuts).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kaesŏng, it is important to show respect for elders through polite language and gestures, such as bowing.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes or certain indoor spaces as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Etiquette around dining includes using chopsticks and not sticking them upright in rice, as well as refraining from leaving food on the plate to show appreciation for the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kaesŏng with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kaesŏng
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kaesŏng, Korea, North, tipping is generally not expected or practiced. It is not common to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Kaesŏng, Korea, North. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry enough cash for purchases and services.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kaesŏng.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kaesŏng, Korea, North is during spring (April to June) when the weather is mild and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Expect pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes.
Summer (July to August) can be hot and humid in Kaesŏng. It's also the rainy season, so expect occasional rainfall and high humidity levels.
Autumn (September to November) brings cool and comfortable weather, making it another great time to visit Kaesŏng. The fall foliage is stunning, particularly in the surrounding mountains.
Winter (December to February) can be cold in Kaesŏng, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, visiting during this time provides unique opportunities to experience winter activities and see the landscapes covered in snow.
Kaesŏng at Night
Hiking in Kaesŏng
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountain range offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Known for its picturesque landscapes and unique rock formations.
Famous for its beautiful fir forests and rich cultural heritage, Mount Myohyang features several hiking trails that lead to impressive viewpoints and historical sites, including the International Friendship Exhibition.
The highest mountain in North Korea, Mount Paektu is a popular destination for experienced hikers seeking breathtaking vistas, a crater lake, and cultural significance associated with Korean history and folklore.
A scenic trail alongside the Namgang River, offering a pleasant walking and hiking experience with beautiful views of the surrounding nature and the chance to explore local flora and fauna.
A less frequented hiking area near Kaesong, Daeheung Mountain provides a tranquil environment, lovely forested paths, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kaesŏng through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kaesŏng by plane.
Located in Incheon, South Korea, approximately 120 km from Kaesŏng, this is the largest airport in South Korea and a major hub for international flights.
Situated in Seoul, South Korea, about 100 km from Kaesŏng, Gimpo serves domestic and some international flights, mainly to East Asia.
Located in Yangyang, South Korea, roughly 155 km from Kaesŏng, this airport serves as a gateway to the east coast of South Korea.
Approximately 160 km from Kaesŏng, located in Cheongju, South Korea, this airport serves domestic flights and a few international destinations.
About 430 km from Kaesŏng, located in Busan, South Korea, this airport accommodates both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Koreans make up the majority of the population in Kaesŏng.
There is a small population of Chinese individuals in Kaesŏng, primarily for business and trade.
Includes a few individuals from other ethnic backgrounds, though they constitute a very small percentage of the population.
The Soul of Kaesŏng
Discover the essence of Kaesŏng through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Kaesŏng, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Table tennis has a strong following in Kaesŏng, with many local clubs and tournaments.
Basketball is commonly played in schools and communities, gaining traction among the youth.
Volleyball is a favored sport in both schools and recreational settings, often played in teams.
Traditional wrestling matches are popular, especially during cultural festivals and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kaesŏng.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kaesŏng's traditional cuisine often features meat, many restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes such as bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) and various tofu dishes. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly when ordering.
Gluten-free options may be limited, but dishes like grilled fish, fresh vegetable wraps, and rice-based dishes can often accommodate gluten-free requirements. Check with restaurant staff about suitable menu items.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kaesŏng with these cultural adventures.
