Mansu Hill Grand Monument Monument

Address: Taedonggang area, Pyongyang, North Korea

The Mansu Hill Grand Monument is a large commemorative complex on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang that features monumental bronze statues and sculptural groups honoring North Korea’s leaders and revolutionary history.

The site is dominated by two large bronze statues of the country’s leaders flanked by reliefs and sculpted groups depicting soldiers, workers and citizens; visitors commonly lay floral tributes at the base. Guided visits typically include a plaza area, steps up Mansu Hill and adjacent exhibition spaces and murals that form a broad public memorial.

The first major statue in the complex was unveiled in 1972 and later additions include a second large statue installed after the death of Kim Jong-il; the monument has been a focal point for official ceremonies and public homage since its construction. The complex has been periodically modified and expanded to reflect state commemorative practices.

The monument sits on Mansu Hill overlooking central Pyongyang and the Taedong River, within walking distance of other government and ceremonial buildings in the city.

• Unveiling history: The original monument to Kim Il-sung was unveiled in 1972; a second statue of Kim Jong-il was added after his death and the complex is used for state ceremonies and daily visitor homage.

What to See#

• Central statues: The central bronze statues portray Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il and form the focal point of the plaza, where visitors traditionally lay wreaths and pose for photos.
• Mural frieze and surrounding sculptures: A surrounding mural frieze and smaller statues depict revolutionary history, workers, soldiers and scenes of national achievement and sacrifice.

Access to Mansu Hill is included in organised tours within Pyongyang; independent travel is not permitted. Tours typically include coach transfers from central Pyongyang hotels.

• Visits are possible only on organized tours - follow guide instructions carefully about respectful behaviour and photography.
• Attend the monument at sunrise to see the statues in softer light; crowds are thinner early in the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes; surfaces around the statues can be hot in summer and slick in rain.