North Korea: First Introduction to Pyongyang

Straight off the plane we were taken to the city’s heart and central point – Kim Il Sung Square – a vast square where all the parades and festivities take place (last one was a massive celebration of the most recent nuclear test). The square faces the Grand People’s Study House (built in a traditional Korean architectural style), beautiful and expansive fountains, parade viewing stand, headquarters of the Workers Party, and ministries of foreign affairs and foreign trade. And on the opposite side – the Taedong river and the Juche Tower across the water. A leisurely walk along the waterfront introduced many of Pyongyang’s architectural highlights, as well as ordinary Koreans – walking, playing, fishing, and smiling at the rare foreign tourists.
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