North Korea - Historic Relics of Pyongyang

"Pyongyang, the cradle of the Korean nation, has a great number of sites of all the primitive ages; Paleolithic cave sites including Komunmoru Site (upper Paleolithic Age), sites of Neolithic Age, sites of Bronze Age, etc., and it has prospered as the political, economical, military and cultural center throughout the whole period of history. The city has been the capital of Ancient Korea for nearly 3000 years as the center of Taedonggang Civilization, which is representative of ancient civilization flourished 5000 years ago, and also of Koguryo from 427 till 668. During the period of Koryo Dynasty it was designated as the secondary capital, and continued to be the major city in the northwestern part of the Korean peninsula during the Li Dynasty as well. Hence, numerous sites during the Ancient Korea are found in and around the city; the Tomb of King Tangun (founder king of the Ancient Korea), castle sites such as Hwangdae Castle and Chongamdong Earthen Castle, village sites such as Namgyong Site. and Pyodae Site, and dolmens. Pyongyang abounds in the sites of Koguryo period as well. Koguryo moved its seat of power from Kuknae Castle (Jian, China) to the area in and around Mt. Taesong with Anhak Palace as its center, and again to the area of the present part of the city between the rivers Taedong and Pothong. This area was encircled by a large-sc aled castle and remained as the capital until 668. There still remain the ruins of Anhak Palace and parts of Mt. Taesong Fortress as the capital relics, and the defensive works of Jangan Fortress (the first urban fortress built in Korea) in the city. Jangan Fortress has been utilized by the later dynasties without any modification to its structure or purpose, and there are still the gates and other parts of the fortress such as Taedong Gate, Pothong Gate, Ulmil Pavilion and Ryongwang Pavilion. And in the heart of the city there remain Sungryong Hall and Sungin Hall and other temples, Confucian buildings, the five-storied octagonal pagoda in Yongmyong Temple and other numerous stone buildings."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List
I bought these North Korea postcards at the DPRK Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo, China.

Postcard 1 - Ulmil Pavilion

North Korea - Mt. Myohyang and the Relics in and around the Mountain

"Mt. Myohyang is the celebrated mountain famous for its curious, unique appearance and breath-taking scenery. Mt. Myohyang consists of steep mountain ranges and peaks as high as 1000~1900 meters above sea level stretching northwestward and southwestward from the Piro Peak, the top of the mountain. Mountain ridges winding in mild curves, peaks emerged from the clouds like giant figures, cliffs and rocks—all these make up the magnificent scenery. And the thick woods of various species of plants in Mt. Myohyang smell sweet, flavoring the beauty of the mountain according to the seasons. So Mt. Myohyang has been called "the mountain of curiosity, beauty and sweet smell". Its characteristics lie not only in its outatanding natural beauty, but also in the harmonization of cùltural properties with their surrounding natural landscapes. Mt. Myohyang is concentrated with many properties relating Buddibism, including some 20 temples, among which Pohyon Temple built in 1042 well represent the style of architecture and its evolution process peculiar to Korea. Particularly, the Archives of the 80,000 Wooden Blocks of the Complete Collection of Buddhist Sutras, the world's most complete Buddhist sutras published in the 13th century, are preserved in their original state in Mt. Myohyang."
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Mount Myohyang - Valley of Hyansan-Chon river. Thanks to Gisela who visited North Korea.

North Korea - Mt. Kumgang and the Historical Relics in and around the Mountain

"Mt. Kumgang is a strikingly beautiful mountain with numerous peaks and curious rocks amounting to some 1,2000, waterfalls and pools formed by crystal-like clear waters flowing from hundreds of gorges, as well as with the seascape stretched along the coastline. Mt. Kumgang is divided into Inner Kumgang, Outer Kumgang and Sea Kumgang according to its geographical location, every area presenting the unique scenery of its own. Thanks to its natural condition, the mountain shelters various species of plants, ranging from those in Temperate Zone to those in Sub-arctic Zone, of which there are species indigenous to the area, as well as provides a habitat for a great number of animals. Mt. Kumgang is permeated with numerous legends and cultural relics handed over down through generations. Typical are the properties relating Buddhism. Buildings with long history and unique architectural forms such as Jongyang Temple, Pyohun Temple and Podok Hermitage, and Myokilsang, Sambulam and other Buddhist statues carved on the rocks make the scenery of the mountain more beautiful, blending with their natural settings." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Nice postcard of Mount Kumgang of North Korea. Thanks to Chintung who visited Pyongyang and mailed it on August 4, 2012.