Kaesong is North Korea's southernmost city, close to the Demilitarized Zone and the border with South Korea. Its old core holds the remains of the Manwoldae palace, and the city is ringed by the mountains Songak and Pongmyong, with the much smaller Mt. Janam sitting right in the centre.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the historic sights cluster around the old city centre, and the surrounding landscape is low hills and river plains rather than dense urban sprawl. This guide covers the areas you can realistically base yourself in, and what each one means for how you spend your days.
Best areas to stay in Kaesong
1. The old city centre, near Nam Gate
This is the historic heart of Kaesong, within a few blocks of the Nam Gate and the remains of the Manwoldae palace. It is where most visitors are placed, in accommodation built from traditional Korean houses and courtyards, and it is the most convenient base for walking to the city's main historic sights.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the old city on foot rather than by vehicle. Expect traditional-style courtyard accommodation rather than modern hotel blocks, and note that if you are not part of a tour group you may find the place very quiet.
2. The area around Mt. Janam
The city centre surrounds Mt. Janam, a small hill that rises inside the urban area and carries the city's Kim Il Sung statue. Staying in this part of the centre puts you within the built-up core, close to the streets and services of the city rather than out among the hills.
It suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things and don't mind a modest climb or a short walk to reach the hill. The terrain here is gentle compared with the mountains on the edges of the city, so it is manageable on foot.
3. Koryŏ-dong
Koryŏ-dong is one of the city's central districts, and Anhwasa temple is located here. Basing yourself in this district keeps you inside the old urban area, within reach of the centre and its sights.
It suits visitors who prefer a quieter residential setting while still being in the city proper. As with the rest of the centre, the streets are on low ground, so walking is straightforward.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: In Kaesong the practical distinction is less about price tiers than about how you travel. Independent travellers who are not part of a tour group may find themselves with very few other guests around, and the accommodation on offer is traditional courtyard housing rather than a range of cheap modern options.
- Mid-range: The traditional Korean houses and courtyards converted for visitors sit in this bracket by default, with a small souvenir shop and restaurant on site. This is the standard choice for most visitors.
- Splurge: There is no established luxury tier in the areas covered here; the alternative to courtyard accommodation is a hotel in the city, such as the Janamsan Hotel, rather than a higher grade of the same thing.
Best area for a first visit
The old city centre near Nam Gate is the best base for a first visit. Most visitors are placed there, and it puts you a few blocks from the Nam Gate and within the historic core rather than out in the surrounding hills. It is also the area where the traditional courtyard accommodation and its restaurant are found, which keeps the practical side of the trip simple.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most visitors to Kaesong stay?
The majority of visitors are placed in the traditional Korean houses and courtyards converted for guests, just a few blocks from the Nam Gate. If you are not part of a tour group, you may have the place largely to yourself.
What kind of accommodation is available in Kaesong?
The main option is traditional Korean houses and courtyards converted into accommodation, with a small souvenir shop and restaurant. There is also at least one hotel in the city, the Janamsan Hotel.
Is the city centre walkable?
Yes. The centre surrounds the small Mt. Janam and the historic sights, including the Nam Gate and the Manwoldae palace remains, are close together. The mountains that ring the city are outside the urban core, so the centre itself is on low ground.
How does Kaesong's location affect where I should stay?
The city sits close to the Demilitarized Zone and the border with South Korea, and the surrounding area is low hills and river plains rather than continuous city. Staying in the central districts keeps you close to the sights rather than out in the surrounding countryside.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.