Kaesong, North Korea: travel guide
Former Goryeo capital of royal tombs, old bridges and ancient heritage
Kaesong is a historic city just north of the inter-Korean border and former capital of the Goryeo Kingdom (918–1392).
About Kaesong
Kaesong was the capital of the Goryeo Kingdom, and that medieval past still defines the city. It sits just north of the inter-Korean border, and its historic monuments are among the most important reminders of early Korean civilisation in the country.
Things to do in Kaesong centre on heritage: the Goryeo Museum, the stone Sonjuk Bridge and the tomb of the dynasty's founder, King Wanggeon. The old quarter has a quieter, more traditional feel than the showpiece capital, with low roofs and tiled courtyards.
Kaesong suits travellers drawn to history and architecture rather than nightlife. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for walking between the sites.
- Country
- North Korea
- Currency
- KPW
- Time zone
- Asia/Pyongyang
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kaesong
Koryo Museum
historic museum · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Koryo Museum occupies the former Sungkyunkwan — a Goryeo-era Confucian academy in historic Kaesong. Its outstanding collection spans Goryeo celadon pottery, Buddhist art and dynasty artefacts (918–1392 CE). A UNESCO World Heritage…
Sonjuk Bridge
historic bridge · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic stone arch bridge where Goryeo loyalist general Jeong Mong-ju was assassinated in 1392. Red stains on the stones are said to be his blood — a powerful symbol in Korean cultural memory. A UNESCO World Heritage Site component…
Tomb of King Wanggeon
royal tomb · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Burial mound of Taejo Wang Geon — founder of the Goryeo Kingdom (918 CE) — in hills outside Kaesong. Reconstructed in 1993, the mausoleum complex features a traditional Korean tumulus, stone guardian statues, and ceremonial gates. A UNESCO…
Things to do
- Kaesong UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour Cultural · 3 h · from INR 10,000 per person
Where to stay in Kaesong
- Kaesong Folklore Hotel Zone about KPW 80 per night
Traditional Korean hanok-style hotel in Kaesong used for overnight stays. Day-trippers typically do not stay overnight but the Kaesong Folklore Hotel offers an authentic traditional Korean accommodation experience.
Hotels
- Kaesong Folk Hotel 3-star · EUR 70 to EUR 110 per night
Where to eat
- Kaesong Folk Hotel Restaurant Korean, Goryeo Traditional · about EUR 18 per person
Getting to Kaesong
Nearest airport: Seoul (GMP), about 50 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Coach
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial "Guide" Approach
Kaesong historic site entrance
In rare cases, visitors to Kaesong have reported individuals posing as supplementary guides and offering to show "extra" sites outside the tour route. This is not authorised and can put both visitor and local at risk.
How to avoid it: Stay strictly with your official DPRK guide. Do not follow unofficial individuals anywhere, regardless of how credible they appear.
More in North Korea
Frequently asked questions about Kaesong
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Kaesong?
- The highest-rated places in our Kaesong guide are Koryo Museum, Tomb of King Wanggeon, Sonjuk Bridge.
- Where should I stay in Kaesong?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kaesong: Kaesong Folklore Hotel Zone.
- How do I get around Kaesong?
- Ways to get around Kaesong covered in our guide: Coach, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Kaesong?
- Scams reported to us for Kaesong include Unofficial "Guide" Approach. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.