10 Things to Do in Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Anju, North Korea
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Anju is a unique and historically significant site in North Korea. Located in the Anju Special City, the palace was originally the home of the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung and his wife Kim Jong-suk. After Kim Il-sung’s death in 1994, the palace was turned into a memorial and museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the leader. Today, the palace is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors a chance to learn more about North Korean history and culture. Here are 10 things to do when visiting Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Anju.
1. Explore the Museum: The palace is home to a large museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Kim Il-sung. Here, visitors can learn about the leader’s life, his accomplishments, and his vision for North Korea. The museum also features artifacts from the leader’s life, including his personal belongings, photographs, and documents.
2. Visit the Mausoleum: The mausoleum at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Anju is the final resting place of Kim Il-sung and his wife Kim Jong-suk. The mausoleum is a solemn and sacred place, and visitors are expected to follow strict rules of conduct while inside.
3. Attend a Ceremony: The palace is the site of several regular ceremonies, including the annual celebration of Kim Il-sung’s birthday. During these ceremonies, visitors have the chance to witness North Korean military parades and other displays of national pride.
4. Visit the Tower of the Sun: Located in the palace grounds, the Tower of the Sun is a unique structure that was built to commemorate the leader’s death. The tower is made up of three separate sections, each representing a different stage in the leader’s life.
5. Take a Tour: Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Anju offers guided tours of the palace and its grounds. The tours are led by experienced guides who can provide visitors with more information about the palace and its history.
6. Attend a Performance: The palace hosts regular performances of traditional North Korean music and dance. These performances are a great way to learn about North Korean culture and to experience the country’s unique and vibrant art form.
7. Visit the Gift Shop: The palace has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia related to the leader and his legacy. The shop also sells books, postcards, and other items related to North Korean culture.
8. Visit the Gardens: The palace grounds are home to several gardens, including the Kim Il-sung Memorial Garden and the Kim Jong-suk Memorial Garden. Both gardens feature beautiful flowers and plants and are a great way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the palace grounds.
9. Take a Walk: The palace grounds are also a great place to take a leisurely walk. Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, taking in the sights and sounds of the palace and its gardens.
10. Have a Meal: The palace grounds are home to several restaurants, offering visitors a chance to sample some of North Korea’s traditional cuisine. The restaurants serve a variety of dishes, including noodles, dumplings, and rice dishes.
Visiting Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Anju is a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in learning more about North Korean history and culture or simply want to take in the sights and sounds of the palace grounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this unique and historic site.