Kumsusan Palace Of The Sun (Pyongyang) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, formerly known as the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, is a landmark in Pyongyang, North Korea. It serves as the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung, the founder and Eternal President of North Korea, and his son Kim Jong-il, the country's second leader. The palace is a symbol of reverence, and it is an important site for North Korean ideology and pilgrimage.

Yes, but access to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is heavily restricted and only possible as part of an organized tour with an approved tour operator. Additionally, visits are typically scheduled only on specific days of the week and may be subject to sudden cancellations.

Visitors can expect strict protocols and requirements for dress and behavior. Photography inside the mausoleum is not allowed, and visitors will be expected to bow at several points in the tour. The tour usually involves viewing the embalmed bodies of the former leaders, which are displayed inside glass sarcophagi.

Visitors are expected to follow a strict dress code, typically formal attire, and to behave solemnly and respectfully throughout the visit. Bags, cameras, mobile phones, and personal belongings must be left outside the mausoleum. Also, visitors may be required to walk through long corridors and pass several security checks.

There are typically no entrance fees for Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, but the overall cost of the government-approved tour in North Korea, which includes a visit to the palace, can be quite expensive.

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is one of the most sacred sites in North Korea. It signifies the reverence for the country's leaders and is a place for North Koreans to pay homage to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. It also highlights the regime's ideology of the Eternal Leaders and the Workers' Party's rule.

To include the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in your itinerary, you must book a tour through a travel agency authorized to operate tours in North Korea. These tours are usually comprehensive and include a strict schedule, which the North Korean government approves.

The best time to visit is during the months of April to October when the weather is more favorable for travel. However, it's crucial to check with tour operators for the specific days the mausoleum is open to visitors, as it is not accessible every day.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. Visitors may be able to take pictures outside the building, but it's essential to follow the guide's instructions and local regulations at all times.

Visitors should be aware of the deep cultural significance of the site for North Koreans. It is essential to show respect by following all instructions regarding behavior, dress code, and silence. Any gestures or comments that could be viewed as disrespectful are strongly discouraged and could have serious repercussions.