3. The Capital, Pyongyang

Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. It is located on the west side about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of the 38th parallel and has a population of 3 million — about one-seventh of
the national population.

Many party members and government officials live in Pyongyang.People who are healthy, loyal to the North Korean leaders, and who have the proper class background are selected to live in the capital city.

Many tourists visit Pyongyang as their main point of entrance into the country and so it has become the showcase and political centre of the nation. A huge children’s palace is there, along with a large maternity hospital and the Pyongyang Circus, famous throughout the country. It has many landmarks and historical monuments. Kim Il-Sung University, the top university, is there, as well as the Kim Il-Sung Square, Kim Il-Sung Stadium and a huge statue of Kim Il-Sung. The body of Kim Il-Sung is embalmed and on display for local citizens and international guests to see and pay their respects to. Instead of traffic lights, Pyongyang has women directing traffic, though there is not much. Three government-approved churches are found in Pyongyang.

But the local people usually do not mingle much with these international guests and often do not get use of these impressive facilities. As in any large city, there are some poorer areas, where housing is dilapidated and people lack basic amenities. Communal bathrooms, for example, are still common in some areas.

• Praise God for the three state approved churches in Pyongyang.
• Pray that the local citizens will be curious about international guests, which may lead to opportunities for foreigners to share the gospel.
• Pray for the physical and material needs of the people in Pyongyang, especially the poorer people.