Arch of Triumph Tourism

The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, North Korea is a monumental archway located at the foot of Moran Hill in the heart of the city. Erected in 1982 to commemorate the 70th birthday of Kim Il-sung, North Korea's founding leader, and his role in the military resistance against Japanese rule, this arch was modeled after Paris's Arc de Triomphe but stands slightly taller, at 60 meters (197 feet). It features 25,500 blocks of finely-dressed white granite, each representing a day of Kim Il-sung's life up to that point. Inscriptions on the arch include the dates of his birth and the day he returned to Pyongyang (after the end of World War II), and on its body, revolutionary hymns and carved figures depict various aspects of the struggle against Japanese occupation. The structure has dozens of rooms, balconies, and viewing platforms, offering visitors panoramic views of the city. The architectural style follows traditional Korean motifs, symbolizing the nation's sovereignty and self-reliance, and it plays an essential part in the country's iconography and celebrations.