
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Pyongyang, P’yŏngyang, Korea, North
1. Mansudae Art Library
A library specializing in art and literature situated near Mansudae Grand Monument. Offers a unique collection of Korean and international books.
- Art Focus: Specializes in art books, rare and hard-to-find titles
- International Collection: Features a selection of foreign language books
- Mansudae Location: Conveniently located near Mansudae Grand Monument, a famous landmark in Pyongyang
2. Korean Revolutionary History Library
A library dedicated to the history of the Korean revolution. Ideal for those interested in North Korea's political past.
- Revolutionary Focus: Provides extensive resources on the Korean Revolution and North Korea's political history
- Rare Documents: Holds unique documents and historical artifacts related to the Korean revolution
- Research Center: Offers a research center for scholars and history enthusiasts
3. Pyongyang Grand People's Study House
A large educational complex in the heart of Pyongyang. Offers libraries, classrooms, and study rooms.
- Educational Complex: Provides a variety of learning resources for self-study and research
- Central Location: Located in the center of Pyongyang, making it easily accessible to visitors
- Language Classes: Offers language classes for foreign visitors interested in learning Korean
4. Juche Idea Study House
A study center dedicated to the Juche ideology, the guiding philosophy of North Korea. Ideal for understanding the country's political system.
- Juche Ideology Focus: Provides in-depth resources on the Juche ideology and Kim Il Sung's thought
- Kim Il Sung Mausoleum Nearby: Located near the Kim Il Sung Mausoleum, a significant historical site in Pyongyang
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help visitors understand the ideology and its impact on North Korea
5. Pyongyang Foreign Languages Bookstore
A bookstore specializing in foreign languages. Offers a variety of books in multiple languages.
- Foreign Language Books: Stocks a wide range of books in multiple languages
- English Section: Has an extensive English section, catering to many foreign visitors
- Central Location: Located in the center of Pyongyang, making it easily accessible
6. Mangyongdae Revolutionary School Uploading Library
A library located near the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School, the childhood home of Kim Il Sung. Features books on revolutionary history and education.
- Revolutionary History Focus: Dedicated to the life and works of Kim Il Sung and the Korean revolution
- Mangyongdae Location: Located near Mangyongdae Revolutionary School, a historically significant site in Pyongyang
- Educational Resources: Offers educational resources for visitors interested in North Korean history and culture
7. Pyongyang Children's Picture Book House
A bookstore specializing in children's picture books. Ideal for families traveling with children.
- Children's Focus: Catering to young readers, offering a variety of children's picture books
- Interactive Section: Has an interactive section for children to enjoy and learn from their books
- Colorful Design: Features a colorful, kid-friendly design to stimulate young readers' imagination
8. Pyongyang Science and Technology Library
A library focusing on science and technology. Ideal for those interested in the technological advancements of North Korea.
- Science Focus: Specializes in books related to science, technology, and innovation
- Technological Advancements: Offers resources on North Korea's technological advancements and achievements
- Research Center: Features a research center for scholars and technology enthusiasts
9. Pyongyang National Library
The main library of North Korea. Offers a wide range of books in various subjects.
- Wide Selection: Features a vast collection of books on various subjects
- Historical Significance: Serves as the main library of North Korea, holding significant historical importance
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours for visitors to learn about the library's history and resources
10. Pyongyang Kim Il Sung University Library
The library of Kim Il Sung University. Offers a wide range of academic books and resources.
- Academic Focus: Specializes in academic books and resources
- University Location: Located on the campus of Kim Il Sung University
- Research Facilities: Offers research facilities for scholars and students
11. Pyongyang International Friendship Children's Library
A library focusing on children's literature. Offers books in multiple languages.
- Children's Focus: Catering to young readers, offering a variety of children's books
- Multiple Languages: Features books in multiple languages for international visitors
- Child-friendly Environment: Designed with a child-friendly environment to encourage reading and learning
12. Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk School Uploading Library
A library located near the Kim Jong Suk Middle School. Features books on education and children's literature.
- Education Focus: Specializes in books related to education, particularly for young readers
- Historical Significance: Located near the Kim Jong Suk Middle School, a historically significant site in Pyongyang
- Children's Literature: Offers a selection of children's literature for young readers to enjoy
13. Pyongyang People's Library
A library located in Moranbong District. Offers a wide range of books for adults.
- Wide Selection: Features a vast collection of books for adult readers
- Central Location: Located in Moranbong District, easily accessible to visitors
- Resource Center: Offers a resource center for research and study
14. Pyongyang Juche Idea Study House No.2
A second study house dedicated to the Juche ideology. Ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of North Korea's political system.
- Juche Ideology Focus: Provides in-depth resources on the Juche ideology and Kim Il Sung's thought
- Additional Resources: Offers additional resources not found at the first study house
- Research Center: Features a research center for scholars and history enthusiasts
15. Pyongyang Workers' Party Central Library
The main library of the Workers' Party of Korea. Offers a wide range of books on politics and social sciences.
- Political Focus: Specializes in books related to politics, social sciences, and North Korean society
- Historical Significance: Serves as the main library of the Workers' Party of Korea, holding significant historical importance
- Research Facilities: Offers research facilities for scholars and political enthusiasts