The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, formerly known as the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, and sometimes referred to as the Kim Il-sung Mausoleum, is the mausoleum for Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, and his son Kim Jong-il. A visit to this iconic building is a solemn affair, showcasing the deep reverence for the former leaders. The guided tour offers visitors a carefully choreographed experience starting with a long walk on moving walkways, passing through numerous security checks, and finally reaching the inner sanctum wherein the embalmed bodies of the leaders are displayed in glass sarcophagi. Visitors are expected to dress formally and follow strict behavioral protocols, including bowing at the feet and sides of the leaders' bodies. Photography inside the palace is prohibited. The experience is both a deep-dive into North Korea's political culture and a unique journey through grandiose halls and corridors, all aimed at reinforcing the grandeur of the DPRK's ruling dynasty.
Throughout the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, visitors will find several statues and images of the Great Leaders. The tour includes time spent observing these representations, which depict Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in various poses of leadership and guidance. Viewers will notice the attention to detail and the craft involved in creating these images that serve not only as art but as powerful symbols of the State's political ideology. Guides typically provide commentary on the significance of the statues and the proper etiquette required while viewing them. This segment of the tour provides an intimate look at the way the leaders continue to be honoured and immortalized in North Korean culture.
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun houses the train carriages and personal cars used by Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il during their lifetimes. The train carriages, in particular, are of historical significance as they were used for state visits to various parts of the former Soviet Union and China. The vehicles are preserved in their original state and are displayed as a symbol of the leaders' efforts to maintain close ties with neighboring socialist countries. Visitors get a glimpse into the personal traveling style of the leaders, the amenities provided within these carriages, and the luxury afforded to them even while on the move. The information provided by guides helps visitors to contextualize the importance of these transport modes within North Korea's political history.
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun also features an extensive display of gifts and honors bestowed upon Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il by international leaders, dignitaries, and various organizations. These gifts range from the commonplace to the highly exotic, each telling a story of the diplomatic relationships held by North Korea. This part of the tour offers a somewhat surreal insight into how the outside world has engaged with the DPRK's leadership. With everything from ornate vases to golden swords and elaborate pieces of art, the collection serves as a testament to the geopolitical reach and the personality cult of the leaders. The exhibition is extensive, and visitors are often surprised by the variety and strangeness of some of the gifts.
At the end of the tour, visitors are taken to the Memorial Hall. This space is dedicated to contemplation and reflection on the lives and legacies of the leaders. Here, visitors can pay their respects, observe a minute of silence, or simply take in the gravitas of the place. The hall, with its high ceilings and somber atmosphere, is designed to evoke a sense of awe and solemnity. Tour guides often use this time to share deeper insights into the philosophy of the Juche ideology and the accomplishments attributed to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. It's a moment that encapsulates the mournful reverence and the deep nationalism that permeates the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
While not an indoor activity, the observance of the guard change ceremony outside the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun is a visual spectacle. This ceremony happens at designated times and involves a highly choreographed routine by the honor guards. Dressed in full ceremonial attire, the guards march with precision, representing the respect and protection afforded to the Great Leaders even after death. Visitors typically watch from a set distance, taking in the elaborate movements and the martial bearing of the troops involved. The ceremony is silent but for the orders given and the synchronized marching of boots, making it a poignant reminder of the military's role in North Korea's political and social hierarchy.
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