Korea is a peninsula in eastern Asia, washed by the Japan and Yellow Seas. It is separated from the continent by the valleys of the Tumangan and Amnokkan rivers, as well as by the volcanic massif located at their head.
There are two states on the peninsula: in the south - the Republic of Korea (the capital is Seoul), and in the north - the DPRK (the capital is Pyongyang). They are separated by a demilitarized line as they are in a state of confrontation.
The capital of the Republic of Korea is a huge metropolis with a population of up to 10 million people. Seoul stands on the large Hangang River, the width of which reaches a kilometer. Although the city has a very ancient history, it is almost impossible to find old buildings here: they all burned down or were destroyed.
The capital of the DPRK - Pyongyang - is the economic and cultural center of the country with only two million inhabitants, and its very name means "wide land" or "comfortable area".
The city traces its history from the depths of centuries: it is more than two thousand years old. Here you can see relics and monuments of the primitive period. Some of them were created millions of years ago.
Many historical finds in Pyongyang discovered during excavations over timerule of the people's power.
Since ancient times, the capital of the DPRK was called the "willow city", but today, along with willows, you can see many other different trees and flowering plants. There are squares and park areas everywhere where you can meet beautiful mountain birds.
Pyongyang is distinguished by an abundance of pompous official structures and buildings, the construction of which the authorities spared no expense, because the capital of the DPRK was originally intended to become a "showcase of the successes of socialism."
Many comfortable hotels for foreigners have been built here. Pyongyang is the venue for the most grandiose festivities dedicated to Kim Il Sung and important events in the life of the country.
The interior design of the subway is very reminiscent of Moscow underground stations of the thirties.
Many historical monuments have been preserved here, such as the ruins of the fortress walls of 427, the recently restored Daedongmun and Pothonmun gates, the Pubyeongnu and Yeongwangjeon pavilions, masterpieces of Korean architecture.
Almost all of them were destroyed in the war, but were later restored.
The capital of the DPRK is also famous for the famous bell cast in 1714: its weight is more than 13 tons.
After the war, Pyongyang was practically rebuilt, and now such grandiose public buildings astonish the imagination, such as the Bolshoi or Moranbong theaters, the Mansudae Palace, etc.
All the major museums of the country are located in the capital. The historical museum, built on Mount Moranbong, is famous for its exhibits: starting from the eraPaleolithic to the present. The Museum of the Revolution, established in 1948, is dedicated to the Koreans' resistance to foreign invaders, especially during the years of Japanese subjugation. The Museum of Ethnography has a collection of items from everyday life of all historical eras in Korea. The art gallery displays several thousand paintings from the early Middle Ages to the twentieth century, although more than half of the exhibition is contemporary art glorifying the socialist system.
