Introduction

   Situated in the mid-western part of Korea, 160 km south of Pyongyang, it is a beautiful city with a long history. It was the old capital of Koryo (918-1392), the first unified state of Korea, for nearly 500 years. The town is on the Military Demarcation Line which divides the Korean peninsula into two parts, drawn by foreign forces.

   It is also home to Koryo Insam, a world-famous medicinal herb.

   The area of Kaesong is a singular tourist destination. In the area there are Panmunjom and concrete wall as well as many places of historical interest and scenic spots. Visits to them will offer a glimpse of the time-honoured history and developed culture of Korea and the tragedy of the divided Korean nation.

   In Juche 102 (2013), 12 historical relics and remains in Kaesong were registered as the World Heritage Sites.

   You can visit Kaesong by train or by car and it is better to travel along the Pyongyang-Kaesong highway. Halfway between Pyongyang and Kaesong there is Sugok Tea House for travellers and a few tunnels further on, you can see fossil footprints of a dinosaur 180 million years ago.

Tourist attractions

Sonjuk Bridge

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   It is at the southern foot of Mt. Janam, Kaesong City. The small stone bridge has long drawn public attention, because it is the site where Jong Mong Ju, the last loyalist in Koryo Kingdom was murdered by the Ri Song Gye faction and the incident accelerated the replacement of Koryo dynasty by fedual Joson dynasty.  It was named Sonjuk according to a legend that a straight bamboo from stained part with Jong's blood grew there as if it showed his loyalty.

   Near the bridge are the Songin, Hama and Phyochung monuments built in praise of his loyalty. The bridge was registered as a world heritage site.