Things To Do
in Anju
Anju is an industrial city in South Pyongan Province of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), historically known for coal mining and heavy industry. The city sits on relatively flat terrain with river and canal networks that support local agriculture and transport. Anju’s urban core is modest in scale compared with Pyongyang, with a mix of Soviet-era architecture, workers’ housing, and local marketplaces.
Visitors will encounter a tightly managed environment where access is controlled and most travel is done as part of organized, guided programs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a visit to Kim Il-sung Square, where you can observe the iconic architecture and the grand monument of the country's founder. Enjoy a guided tour that offers insights into Korea's history and notable landmarks. Capture photos of the bustling city life and the surrounding hills.
After lunch, head to the Korean Central History Museum to delve deeper into the rich culture and heritage of North Korea. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from different eras. Don’t miss the chance to engage with your guide, who can share fascinating stories behind the displays.
Wrap up the day with a traditional North Korean dinner at a local restaurant. Experience local cuisine while enjoying live performances of traditional music and dance. The evening offers a unique opportunity to interact with locals and perhaps learn a few Korean dances.
Start early to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a highly significant area separating North and South Korea. Join a guided tour to learn about the historical context of this border and the ongoing tensions. You’ll have the opportunity to see the Joint Security Area and hear stories from your guide.
Continue your exploration by visiting the Third Infiltration Tunnel, which adds an intriguing dimension to your understanding of the conflict. Witness the engineering marvel and its implications for both nations. Take a moment to reflect on the divisions while standing in the tunnel’s depths.
Return to Pyongyang and enjoy a peaceful evening at Kim Jong-suk Pyongyang Children’s Park, where you can see families enjoying leisure time. The park lights up in the evening, providing a delightful atmosphere to relax after a rigorous day. Grab a light snack from local vendors as you stroll along the park pathways.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea (hotel/café) | $1-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (hotel/bar) | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/driver fare (local) | $2-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (foreign visitor rate) | $50-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique, rarely visited destination offering a view into a different social and historical context
- Low tourist density means uncrowded sites and focused, guided experiences
- Accessible countryside and working-town scenery for documentary photography
- Organized itineraries provide structured, educational visits
- Travel is heavily restricted and possible only with approved tour operators and guides
- Limited services for independent travelers (ATMs, diverse dining, nightlife)
- Strict rules on movement and photography; surveillance and enforcement are possible
- Medical and emergency infrastructure is limited compared with more developed destinations
- "안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me / Pardon me
- "도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo)" - Please help me
- "화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodieyo?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Anju
Visit one of these nice places.
Shots of planned urban blocks, wide boulevards and local life give a sense of the city’s scale and industrial heritage; always check with your guide before photographing individuals or official buildings.
The waterways near Anju provide tranquil scenes of agriculture, small boats and riverside embankments—good for landscape and documentary-style photos.
Outskirts that reflect Anju’s mining history can be photogenic for industrial archaeology; access to such sites may be restricted and requires prior permission.
Capture tableaus of produce, baskets and daily commerce; always ask your guide and, when possible, the vendor before taking portraits.
Food in Anju
Anju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented vegetables (especially cabbage and radish) served as multiple small side dishes; you’ll encounter variations at every meal and they are a staple of local dining.
Must-Try!
A chilled noodle dish popular across Korea; it’s refreshing in summer and often available in hotel restaurants or on guided menus.
Hearty broth-based dishes with tofu, vegetables and occasional meat, commonly prepared for communal eating in colder months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Markets in Anju are modest and best visited with a guide; you can observe fresh produce, small baked items and occasionally prepared snacks, but open street food culture is limited compared with other countries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Public displays of respect toward national symbols, leaders and monuments are expected; avoid political commentary in public or photographing sensitive sites.
Use formal greetings (a slight bow or nod) and maintain a calm, respectful demeanor. Loud or confrontational behavior can draw unwanted attention.
Never photograph military personnel, checkpoints, airports, bridges or government buildings unless your guide explicitly permits it. Ask before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Anju
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not an entrenched local custom and can be sensitive. For foreign visitors, small tips to guides or drivers are sometimes accepted and appreciated but should be given discreetly and usually through the tour leader rather than in public.
Cash is essential. Foreign currency (typically euros, Chinese yuan or US dollars) may be required for certain services; credit cards and ATMs are generally not available for foreign visitors in most areas. Confirm with your tour operator which currencies are accepted and carry small denominations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with occasional heavy rain; comfortable for countryside visits but expect higher temperatures and the possibility of rain interruptions for outdoor plans.
Crisp, clear weather and pleasant temperatures make autumn one of the best times for photography and hiking; foliage can be attractive in nearby hills.
Cold, often below freezing with snow and icy conditions. Dress in warm layers; some rural roads and outdoor activities can be limited or more challenging.
Cool to mild weather with budding landscapes; occasional rain and wind are possible. Good time to see agricultural activity begin for the season.
Anju at Night
Hiking in Anju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, local hikes offering views of farmland and the city’s industrial fringe; suitable for half-day excursions with a guide and proper footwear.
More substantial mountain areas exist within a regional drive—such excursions are possible through specialized tour arrangements and offer scenic vistas, temples and forested trails. Access depends on permissions and logistics provided by your tour operator.
Airports
How to reach Anju by plane.
The primary international airport serving the DPRK and the most common entry point for organized foreign visitors. It is approximately a one- to two-hour drive from Anju depending on route and permissions; flights are limited and typically operate via Beijing or charter arrangements.
Closer to the northwestern border with China; access is more complicated for foreigners and international flight services are limited or subject to special arrangements with authorities and tour operators.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of residents are ethnic Koreans engaged in industrial, agricultural and service-sector work.
Anju has a significant population connected to mining and associated industries, shaping local employment and community life.
Surrounding districts include farmers and cooperative agricultural communities that contribute to the local food supply and seasonal rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is widely played and followed; you may see local matches or mass-participation sports events.
Large coordinated gymnastics and performance displays are a prominent cultural feature of the DPRK and may be showcased at national or regional events.
Table tennis and traditional martial arts (including Taekwondo) are common recreational activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Anju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarianism requires advance planning. Although vegetable dishes and tofu are available, many broths are meat-based. Inform your tour operator and guide before travel so they can arrange suitable meals.
Strict vegan or allergy-sensitive diets are difficult to accommodate on short notice. Bring any specialty food items or supplements you need and communicate dietary restrictions well ahead of your visit.