Why visit
Pyongyang is North Korea's monumental capital, a choreographed city of broad avenues, socialist-realist landmarks, metro stations, and political symbolism. Access is tightly controlled when trips operate at all.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Pyongyang is useful when you want a city-level starting point in North Korea. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Pyongyang, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in North Korea better matches the trip style.
Pyongyang at a glance
City population
3.2 million
Elevation
43 m
141 ft
Time zone
UTC+9
Asia/Pyongyang
Airport
FNJ
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
North Korea at a glance
Country center
40.0°, 127.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
120,538 km²
46,540 mi²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
North Korean won (₩)
KPW
Dial
+850
Language
Korean
Demonym
North Korean
Internet
.kp
UN
Member state
ISO code
KP / PRK
Where in the world
40.0° - 127.0°
North Korea
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Pyongyang's metro is known for deep stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, and political art.
- Kim Il Sung Square is the main ceremonial space in the city center.
- The 105-story pyramid-shaped Ryugyong Hotel broke ground in 1987 and has never opened.
- North Korea uses the Juche calendar, which counts from Kim Il-sung's 1912 birth. The Gregorian 2025 is Juche 114.
- The country's "Arirang Mass Games" at Pyongyang's Rungrado 1st of May Stadium involve tens of thousands of performers.
Bordering North Korea
Traveler notes
- Kim Il Sung Square is the central ceremonial space
- The metro is known for deep stations and elaborate interiors
- All visits follow fixed official itineraries
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Pyongyang
What currency is used in Pyongyang?
Pyongyang uses the North Korean won (₩), ISO code KPW.
What languages are spoken in North Korea?
The primary language is Korean.
What is the international calling code for North Korea?
The calling code is +850.
When is the best time to visit Pyongyang?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Pyongyang?
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA: FNJ).
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