The Grand People's Study House is the central library located in Pyongyang, North Korea. It serves as a national library and is an iconic symbol of North Korean culture and education, situated in Kim Il-sung Square. The facility claims to house millions of books, including foreign texts, and is used for studying the Juche ideology and the works of the North Korean leaders.
Yes, tourists can visit the Grand People's Study House as part of a guided tour. Visits are usually limited to guided tours since individual tourism is not allowed in North Korea. During the tour, guests may have the chance to see the main halls and possibly attend a music performance or language class.
The Grand People's Study House is located at Kim Il-sung Square in the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea. It faces the Juche Tower across the Taedong River.
During a visit to the Grand People's Study House, visitors can expect a guided tour of the premises, which includes viewing lecture rooms, study halls, and a selection of books. Tourists are often shown the facility's language lab and electronic classrooms. Visitors may also be treated to a musical performance if it coincides with their visit.
The Grand People's Study House reportedly covers an area of 100,000 square meters and can accommodate around 30 million books. However, these numbers might be exaggerated due to the secretive nature of the state.
Kim Il-sung Square is a central place in North Korean tourism as it is a historic site and often the stage for military parades, mass dances, and large public gatherings, particularly on national holidays. The square is surrounded by important North Korean landmarks such as the Grand People's Study House and is a must-see for visitors to get a sense of the grandiosity of North Korean state ceremonies.
When visiting the Grand People's Study House, tourists should follow guidelines set by their tour guides. Photography may be restricted, and visitors should dress respectfully. It is important to follow the instructions of the guides at all times and not to venture away from the group or engage in political discussions.
Photography inside the Grand People's Study House may be limited or prohibited. The rules for photography can change, and visitors should ask their guide for the current policy. In general, when allowed, photography should be done with care and respect.
The best time to visit the Grand People's Study House is during the spring or autumn months when temperatures are more moderate, and the chances of participating in a national holiday event increase. Visits must be coordinated with official tour operators that manage travel to North Korea.
Typically, the cost of visiting the Grand People's Study House would be included in the overall price of a pre-arranged tour to North Korea. Hence, there may not be a separate entry fee. However, this can vary depending on the tour operator and tour package chosen.
