The national heritage elements, the wealth of our country, include historical sites and relics, scenic spots, natural monuments, intangible cultural heritage and others.

The capital city of Pyongyang alone has many historical sites, including the Taedong Gate, Pothong Gate, the Ryongwang, Ulmil and Chongnyu pavilions, the Nam Gate of the Taesongsan Fort, the Kwangbop Temple, the Pobun Hermitage and Ryonggok School.

There are more than 120 historical relics in Kaesong City, the capital of Koryo (918-1392).

Our country conducts national heritage protection month activities in spring and autumn every year.

As for the historical relics, the colourful painting and repainting are done on the principles of historicism, protecting facilities put up, hedges planted, landscaping done, masonry carried out and retaining walls built.

Scenic spots, service buildings and facilities are spruced up, approach and sightseeing roads flattened and embankments built as measures to provide convenience for visitors.

Such historical relics as the Mausoleum of King Tangun, the Mausoleum of King Tongmyong, the Mausoleum of King Wang Kon, the Mausoleum of King Kogugwon (Anak Tomb No. 3), the Tokhung-ri mural tomb, the Sungin-ri dolmens Nos 1 and 2, and the Phyongsan dolmen are also positively protected and managed.

This year alone, the Myongbu Hall of the Woljong Temple in Anak County of South Hwanghae Province, the Taehung Temple in Kaesong City were repaired and restored to their original state. And many other historical relics were colourfully painted on the principles of historicism. They include the Kyongam Pavilion in Sariwon City and the Simwon Temple in Yonthan County of North Hwanghae Province, the Chuksong Hall at the Pohyon Temple in Hyangsan County of Jagang Province, the Manse Pavilion at the Ryangchon Temple in Kowon County of South Hamgyong Province and the Junghung Temple in Samsu County of Ryanggang Province.

Kaesong City took measures to preserve historical sites and relics in their original state, take good care of facilities and protect the ecological environment of scenic spots.

Amid the brisk work to unearth, verify and inherit and develop more intangible cultural heritage elements, Korean folk song “Arirang”, the Kimchi-making practice, national sport ssirum, the practice of making Pyongyang cold noodles and the custom of the Korean costume dressing were put on the list of the global intangible cultural heritage.

On display were over 100 national and local intangible cultural heritage elements at the intangible cultural heritage exhibition-2025 held from late October to early November. The exhibition served as a significant occasion in raising public awareness of intangible cultural heritage and in carrying forward and developing the excellent traditions and customs created by our ancestors as required by the times.

It is an all-people patriotic undertaking to positively protect and manage the national heritage associated with the time-honoured history and culture.