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AsiaNorth KoreaKaesong

Kaesŏng

Kaesong, North Korea · Asia

About Kaesŏng

Kaesŏng is worth a stop: 25 minutes from Paech’ŏn-ŭp, 57km from Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Kaesŏng is a city located in Kaesong, North Korea. With a population of 338,155, it is an important destination in Asia.

On a road trip, Kaesŏng sits in North Korea. It's in the Asia/Pyongyang time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Kaesŏng to your route.

About Kaesŏng

Kaesong (UK: , US: ; Korean: [kɛ.sɔŋ]) is a special city in the southern part of North Korea (formerly in North Hwanghae Province), and the capital of Korea during the Taebong kingdom and subsequent Goryeo dynasty. The city is near the Kaesong Industrial Region close to the border with South Korea and contains the

Read more remains of the Manwoldae palace. Called Songdo while it was the ancient capital of Goryeo, the city prospered as a trade centre that produced Korean ginseng. Kaesong now functions as North Korea's light industry centre. During the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, the city was known by the Japanese pronunciation of its name, "Kaijō". Between 1945 and 1950, Kaesong was part of South Korea and under its control. During the Korean War, North Korea captured the city, and the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement left the city under North Korean control. Due to the city's proximity to the border with South Korea, Kaesong has hosted cross-border economic exchanges between the two countries as well as the jointly run Kaesong Industrial Region. As of 2009, the city had a population of 192,578.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Kaesŏng

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Kaesŏng?

Kaesŏng offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Kaesŏng?

Plan your road trip to Kaesŏng with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Kaesŏng as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Kaesŏng located?

Kaesŏng is located in Kaesong, North Korea, Asia. The coordinates are 37.9708 latitude, 126.5544 longitude.

What is the population of Kaesŏng?

Kaesŏng has a population of approximately 338,155 people, making it a city in North Korea.

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Quick Information

Population
338,155
Continent
Asia
Country
North Korea
Region
Kaesong
Timezone
Asia/Pyongyang
Coordinates
37.9708, 126.5544

Tags

AsiaNorth KoreaKaesongCity

Worth the detour from Kaesŏng

7 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The heavily fortified border between North and South Korea, offering a sobering glimpse into the division of the Korean Peninsula.

11 km · about 20 min drive

castle

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty in Seoul, known for its grandeur and the picturesque changing of the guard ceremony.

57 km · about 65 min drive

landmark

Bukchon Hanok Village

A traditional Korean village of hundreds of hanok houses nestled between two major palaces in the heart of Seoul.

57 km · about 65 min drive

landmark

Changdeokgung Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage palace famed for its Secret Garden, considered the finest example of Joseon Dynasty palace architecture.

58 km · about 65 min drive

landmark

Insadong

Seoul's cultural heart lined with traditional teahouses, antique shops, galleries, and craft stores in a charming pedestrian street.

58 km · about 65 min drive

landmark

Cheonggyecheon Stream

A restored urban stream running through downtown Seoul with a beautiful 10.9-kilometer walking path beneath street level.

59 km · about 70 min drive

landmark

Myeongdong

Seoul's premier shopping and entertainment district packed with K-beauty stores, street food stalls, and fashion boutiques.

59 km · about 70 min drive

Driving roads near Kaesŏng

  • 60 kmN Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)A communication and observation tower atop Namsan Mountain offering panoramic views of Seoul and famous for its love lock fences.
  • 70 kmLotte World Tower Seoul SkySouth Korea's tallest building at 555 meters with the Seoul Sky observation deck offering sweeping views of the entire metropolitan area.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Kaesŏng.

Paech’ŏn-ŭp

🇰🇵 North Korea

22 km awayPop. 159,825

Yangsa

🇰🇷 South Korea

23 km away

Tanhyeon

🇰🇷 South Korea

23 km away

Munsan

🇰🇷 South Korea

24 km awayPop. 43,208

Songhae

🇰🇷 South Korea

24 km away

Hajeom

🇰🇷 South Korea

25 km away

Ganghwa-gun

🇰🇷 South Korea

26 km awayPop. 25,535

Paju

🇰🇷 South Korea

28 km away

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence