Most of North Korea’s museums, nature reserves and places of historical significance are already included on the approved tour itineraries offered by major operators. If you’re especially keen on seeing a region or attraction that is not mentioned, it’s best to ask your chosen travel partner ahead of time. Otherwise, if it’s in an area you’re already visiting, a quiet word with your guide might get results.

Kaesong Old Town

Kaesong Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in North Korea, although you’ll have to ask your tour guide to let you explore it as a favor as it’s not usually on the official tourist agenda. The ancient streets boast traditional Joseon buildings which are well worth visiting.
Address: Kaesong city, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Royal tombs, Kaesong

Set on a hill just a few miles outside of Kaesong city are the tombs of King Kongmin and his queen, which are sadly not usually included on tours, but are worth seeing for the stunning views across the countryside.
Address: near Kaesong, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Sonjuk Bridge, Kaesong

This quaint, 13th century stone bridge is tiny, measuring just over seven yards long and three yards wide, and is named for an impressive bamboo tree which grew on the adjacent river bank.
Address: Kaesong, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Kaesong Koryo Museum

Set in a Koryo Dynasty Confucian university, the Koryo Museum displays a good number of original artifacts from the era along with reproductions of items now housed in the Koryo Museum in the capital. It also boasts a useful souvenir shop.
Address: Kaesong, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

The title of this Pyongyang museum says it all, as the buildings are packed with North Korean military memorobilia and huge paintings of the forces during the Korean War, as well as captured US and UN tanks, planes and weapons. Tour groups are led by an officer of the Korean People’s Army.
Address: Pyongyang, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Korean Folklore Museum

This interesting museum displays thousands of artifacts linked with folk customs from the Stone Age to the late 19th century, and gives an insight into the heritage and traditional lifestyle of the Korean people over the eras.
Address: Pyongyang, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Mount Myohyang

The 6,000-foot Mount Myohyang is located a hundred miles from the capital in the midst of stunning, natural features such as waterfalls, deep canyons and picturesque valleys. Walkers can stretch their legs in the cool shade of the forest while watching indigenous wildlife and bird species.
Address: Myohyang, North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Wonsan

Set along the eastern coastline of North Korea, the port city of Wonsan is close to lovely Lake Sijung, the sandy beaches of Songdowong, the Ullim Waterfalls and the Mount Kumgang region with its historic sites and ancient Buddhist temples.
Address: eastern North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a

Sacred Mount Paekdu

The massive dormant volcano of Mount Paekdu lies on North Korea’s border with China and is home to the world’s largest crater lake. The mountain is sacred for its mythological position as the place where the Son of the Lord of Heaven came to earth to begin the first Korean kingdom. Much more recently, it has been claimed as the mystic birthplace of the recently deceased Dear Leader, Kim Jung-il.
Address: northern North Korea
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a