Chongjin is an industrial city located in the North Hamgyong Province of North Korea. Known for its steel production and heavy industry, Chongjin is also the country's third-largest city.
Tourism in North Korea, and particularly in cities like Chongjin, has a short and limited history. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has traditionally been closed off to the outside world with a focus on self-reliance, known as the Juche ideology. It wasn't until the late 20th century that North Korea began to allow limited tourism, initially mostly from communist allies and later, from other countries.
Specifically in Chongjin, tourism is still in a nascent stage. As a major industrial city, it has not been a focal point for tourism development, which has concentrated on showcasing historical and cultural sites rather than industrial or urban life.
Access to Chongjin, as with the rest of North Korea, is tightly controlled. Typically, visitors must be part of an organized tour, operated by travel companies that have been sanctioned and approved by the North Korean government. Independent travel is not permitted.
Pohang Square is a public square in Chongjin, known to be utilized for public events, celebrations, and gatherings. Given the city's lack of openness and information, specific historical details and the development of Pohang Square as a tourist destination are sparse and not well-documented in international sources.
While detailed information on tourism trends in Chongjin is not readily available due to the secretive nature of the DPRK, broader trends in North Korean tourism have included attempts to attract tourists interested in visiting natural scenery, engaging in cultural exchanges, and observing large-scale public events like the Mass Games. The country occasionally advertises spa resorts, ski resorts, and beach holidays, aiming for a broader tourism market.
There has also been a spike in “dark tourism”, where visitors are attracted to places with a turbulent history or known for human rights violations. However, tourism in North Korea, and specifically to places such as Chongjin, remains tightly controlled, limiting the impact of these trends.
As a destination, Chongjin, and particularly Pohang Square, represents a unique window into North Korea's industrial might rather than its touristic appeal. While recent tourism trends do show a desire by the North Korean authorities to increase tourism, this is predominantly focused on controlled and curated experiences that reflect well on the country.
For prospective travelers, it's essential to remain aware of travel advisories, abide by local laws and restrictions, and follow the predetermined itineraries set by the approved tour operators.
Beaches (4)
Historical Places (13)
Museums (4)
Mountains (2)
Island (3)
