Korean Central History Museum

Located at the north end of Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, the Korean Central History Museum offers you a deep look into the nation's past. First established on Moran Hill by Kim Il Sung in December 1945, the original building was destroyed during the Korean War, though much of its collection was safely hidden. Rebuilt directly on Kim Il-sung Square in 1960 (or 1977), the museum was even commemorated on a series of postage stamps in 1998.

Today, it spans 10,500 square meters of exhibition space divided across 19 distinct rooms, holding around 100,000 relics and artefacts. When you visit, you will explore displays tracing Korean history all the way from primitive society to the modern age. Among its notable collections, you can view 1-million-year-old bones excavated from Komun Moru in 1966, as well as a replica of the world's first rocket battery.

In 2014, Kim Jong Un expressed his ambition to set this site as a base standard for history museums globally, and by 2015, the museum claimed to have welcomed 10 million visitors since its opening. It remains open to foreigners and tourists eager to experience North Korea's historical perspective.

What to see at Korean Central History Museum

• Displays covering Korean history from primitive society to the modern age
• 1-million-year-old bones excavated from Komun Moru in 1966
• Replica of the world's first rocket battery
• 10,500 square meters of exhibition space divided into 19 rooms
• Collection featuring around 100,000 historic relics and artefacts

Visiting tips

Please keep in mind that taking photos inside the museum is strictly prohibited.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Korean Central History Museum is easy to reach on Pyongyang’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and Arch of Reunification. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Pyongyang travel guide.