The town of Samjiyon, nestled in the mountainous region of Ryanggang Province, is home to one of North Korea's most grandiose monuments – the Samjiyon Grand Monument. This monumental complex has been a focal point for revolutionary history within the country and greatly contributes to the national narrative that North Korea promotes to both its citizens and foreign visitors.
The Samjiyon Grand Monument holds significant historical importance as it commemorates the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggles led by Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea. Erected near Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain and the highest peak on the Korean peninsula, the location is also considered sacred as it is mythologized as the birthplace of Kim Jong-il, Kim Il-sung's son and the nation's second leader.
The monument itself boasts a large bronze statue of Kim Il-sung, surrounded by figures representing Korean People's Revolutionary Army guerrillas and narrative tableaus depicting scenes from the anti-Japanese resistance period. This impressive ensemble serves not only as a tool for nationalistic education and propaganda but also is a symbol of the country's resistance against foreign influence.
Tourism in North Korea is heavily regulated by the government, and most visitors to the country partake in guided tours that are carefully curated to showcase select aspects of North Korean life and history. The Samjiyon Grand Monument is included in such tours, offering tourists – primarily from China, Russia, and a small number from western countries – a glimpse into the DPRK's historical narrative.
In recent years, sustainable tourism and eco-tourism have been growing trends worldwide; however, in North Korea, such global tendencies are not openly promoted or discussed due to the tight control over the economy and foreign influence.
The focus of tourism in North Korea, instead, continues to be directed at showcasing the country's ideological history and its achievements. Although Samjiyon has been developed further to cater to tourists, with new infrastructure and facilities like the Samjiyon Potato Farina Production Factory, it is aimed more at demonstrating the DPRK's self-reliance and less at tapping into broader tourism trends.
Anyone interested in visiting the Samjiyon Grand Monument must do so through state-sanctioned tours, which typically include visits to other significant landmarks and monuments throughout the country. All visitors should be aware of and follow local laws and customs, as regulations in North Korea are strict, and the penalties for non-compliance can be severe.
While North Korea does not publish tourism statistics, it is evident that the country uses tourism strategically to garner foreign exchange and reinforce its ideological narrative. Monuments such as those in Samjiyon are integral to that strategy, as they provide controlled environments in which the state can share its version of history and culture with the outside world.
Beaches (4)
Historical Places (17)
Museums (7)
Mountains (2)
Island (3)
