Pyongyang Travel Secrets, The Rise of North Korea’s Modern Amusement Parks

Published on November 23, 2025

Historically, North Korea has been characterized by strict political control and limited personal freedoms. In such an environment, leisure activities, entertainment, or even the concept of public enjoyment seemed almost nonexistent. The regime’s focus on maintaining control left no room for personal amusement. However, under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, this narrative began to shift. The country’s leisure sector underwent significant changes, primarily benefiting the elite and growing middle class. These transformations are now attracting attention from global travelers. As North Korea opens its doors more to the outside world, this shift presents a rare opportunity for visitors to experience a side of the country that contrasts sharply with its historically repressive image.

North Korea’s Movement Towards Modern Leisure

For most of North Korea’s history, public entertainment was almost non-existent. Under Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, leisure activities were reserved for the political elite, leaving the broader population with very few outlets for relaxation or enjoyment. Public spaces for recreation were virtually nonexistent, and the available leisure activities were limited to seasonal retreats or communal gatherings, mostly for those with political privileges. In the 1980s, the country attempted to introduce amusement parks, such as Mangyongdae Funfair and Taesongsan Funfair, but these were small, basic facilities designed mostly for the elite. These parks were not comparable to the large, sophisticated theme parks found elsewhere in the world, and they failed to meet the general population’s recreational needs.

This situation began to change with Kim Jong Un’s rise to power in 2011. Over the next decade, North Korea underwent a construction boom, especially in the capital, Pyongyang, and in select other regions. This was part of Kim Jong Un’s broader plan to modernize the country and improve the living standards for certain segments of the population. One of the key developments was the creation of new leisure facilities such as Munsu Water Park, Mashikryong Ski Park, and Yangduk Hot Spring Park. These new facilities marked a significant shift in how the country approached leisure, positioning North Korea as a more modern and tourist-friendly destination, with new opportunities for both locals and foreign visitors to enjoy recreational activities.

The Rise of Modern Amusement Parks in North Korea

The expansion of modern amusement parks in North Korea stands as one of the most notable changes under Kim Jong Un’s leadership. Mangyongdae Funfair, one of the oldest parks in Pyongyang, serves as an example of this transformation. Initially opened in 1982 to commemorate Kim Il Sung’s 70th birthday, the park had fallen into disrepair by the 2010s. Upon taking power, Kim Jong Un personally criticized the park’s condition and ordered its complete renovation. This renovation signified the start of a new era for leisure in North Korea—one that would see the introduction of modern, high-quality leisure facilities throughout the country.

Today, North Korea is home to a range of modern amusement parks that cater not only to the elite but also to international tourists. One prominent example is the Rungra People’s Pleasure Ground, which features a dolphinarium, a water park, and a 3D movie theatre. Some parks even boast Italian-made roller coasters and Western-style fast food restaurants, bringing a level of sophistication to North Korea that had previously been unimaginable. These parks contrast sharply with the older, outdated facilities and reflect Kim Jong Un’s commitment to modernizing the country. The expansion of these high-quality leisure facilities also highlights North Korea’s ambition to become more appealing not only to its citizens but also to foreign visitors.

The Political and Economic Dimensions of North Korea’s Leisure Transformation

The growth of leisure facilities in North Korea is more than just an effort to provide entertainment; it is deeply tied to Kim Jong Un’s political agenda. The development of parks and recreational spaces has been carefully designed to project an image of prosperity and modernity, positioning North Korea as a thriving, progressive nation. By offering modern leisure activities, Kim Jong Un aims to demonstrate to the world that the country is modernizing and improving the quality of life for its citizens, particularly the growing middle class.

However, the expansion of these facilities also highlights a growing divide between the elite and the general population. The new parks, particularly the more sophisticated ones, are mostly reserved for people living in Pyongyang, especially those in the wealthy or entrepreneurial donju class. For the majority of the population, especially those outside the capital, access to these leisure spaces remains out of reach. High costs, political restrictions, and logistical obstacles prevent most people from enjoying these modern amenities. Satellite images of North Korea vividly illustrate this inequality, showing well-lit parks in Pyongyang while the rural areas remain dark and underdeveloped. This contrast visually underscores the socio-economic disparities that persist across the country.

North Korea’s Evolving Impact on Global Tourism

As North Korea’s leisure industry continues to develop, the country’s changing leisure landscape is starting to have a notable impact on global tourism. For many years, North Korea was considered a difficult destination for travelers due to its political restrictions and limited access. However, with the creation of new amusement parks and leisure facilities, the country is now attracting growing interest from international tourists, particularly those seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Western tourists, in particular, have found North Korea’s amusement parks to be an intriguing destination. These parks offer a completely different experience from those found in the West. The ticketing systems, pricing structures, and overall atmosphere of North Korean parks differ significantly from what visitors are used to, adding to the attraction. For many international tourists, the opportunity to experience North Korea’s leisure attractions is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a side of the country that is typically off-limits.

Despite the political complexities and logistical challenges involved in traveling to North Korea, many tourists who have visited the country’s parks have described their experience as memorable. The stark contrast between the modern parks in Pyongyang and the surrounding poverty-stricken areas only adds to the fascination. The juxtaposition of modernity in the parks and the underdevelopment of the countryside offers a thought-provoking experience for many tourists, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political realities of life in North Korea.

What the Future Holds for North Korea’s Leisure Industry

Looking toward the future, the leisure industry in North Korea is expected to continue growing, but it will likely remain an exclusive experience for the elite and a select number of international visitors in the foreseeable future. Kim Jong Un’s continued commitment to modernization suggests that North Korea will continue to improve its leisure infrastructure and expand its offerings. As the country’s parks and recreational spaces become more sophisticated, international interest in North Korea is expected to increase, particularly from travelers looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

However, it is important to understand that these leisure facilities are more than just recreational spaces; they are political tools. These parks are designed to project an image of a modern, prosperous North Korea, while masking the deeper socio-economic struggles that the country faces. While the parks in Pyongyang are well-maintained and modern, the stark contrast with the underdeveloped rural areas exposes the deep-rooted inequality within North Korean society. The tension between the vibrant capital and the poorer rural areas will likely continue to shape the country’s political and social landscape for years to come.

North Korea’s Leisure Transformation and Its Global Effects

In conclusion, North Korea’s leisure industry is undergoing a profound transformation, signaling a departure from the country’s traditionally isolated and repressive image. Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, North Korea has made significant strides in modernizing its leisure infrastructure, with the development of modern amusement parks and recreational spaces. While these developments primarily benefit the elite and emerging middle class, they mark a departure from the historically isolated image that North Korea has long portrayed.

For global travelers, North Korea presents a rare opportunity to explore a society that remains largely misunderstood and shrouded in mystery. As the country continues to evolve and gradually opens up, it is likely that more travelers will seek out its unique attractions. However, the inequality between the modern parks in Pyongyang and the poverty in rural areas highlights the continuing socio-economic challenges that persist within the country. North Korea’s evolving leisure industry offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s changing society, but it also reveals the complex realities of life within the country. The growing interest in North Korea’s leisure sector will undoubtedly continue to shape global tourism and influence the way the world views this enigmatic nation in the years ahead.