Rason Travel Guide (Donghae Coast/North Korea/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Rason

Rason is a vibrant city in North Korea that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the Donghae Coast, in the northernmost part of North Korea, Rason is a special economic zone that has been open to foreign investments since 1991. Despite its strategic location, Rason remains one of the most under-explored and unexploited cities in North Korea, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers who are eager to discover new horizons.

List of Places to Visit in Rason

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

One of the most interesting aspects of Rason is its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in the city’s museums and historical places. The most notable among them are:

Rajin Museum: This museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the local people. It consists of several exhibition halls that showcase various aspects of the city’s past, including the life of its people, the city’s trade and commerce history, and its transformation into a modern economic zone.
Duman Hill Fortress: Located in the center of Rason city, Duman Hill Fortress is one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in North Korea. Built in the 10th century to protect the city from invaders, the fortress offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes and is an excellent spot for photography.
Sonbong Revolutionary Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Korean war and the revolutionary struggle for independence. It showcases a range of artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and personal belongings of the heroes of the Korean revolution.

Natural Attractions of Rason: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Apart from its cultural attractions, Rason is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Some of the best natural attractions in Rason are:

Mount Bujak: Located on the northern outskirts of Rason, Mount Bujak is a scenic mountain that offers excellent hiking opportunities. The mountain is also home to several species of rare plants and animals and is a natural wonder to explore.
Lake Kwanmobong: This beautiful lake is located in the heart of the city and is an excellent place for fishing, boating, and relaxing. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and is an ideal spot for photography.
Chilbo Mountain: Chilbo Mountain is a breathtakingly stunning mountain range located on the eastern coast of North Korea. It is one of the most scenic places in the world and offers excellent hiking opportunities for adventure-seekers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rason

Rason is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a vast range of hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Rason are:

Rajin-Sonbong Promenade: This scenic promenade in Rason is an ideal place for a leisurely walk or cycle, with beautiful views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Chilbo Mountain Range: The Chilbo Mountain Range is a paradise for hikers, with several challenging trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Mount Bujak: Mount Bujak is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Rason, offering a range of trails for both novice and experienced trekkers.

Best Things to Do in Rason: Activities and Tours

Rason is full of exciting and unique experiences that are worth indulging in. Some of the best things to do in Rason are:

Visit the Rajin Port: This enormous port is one of the busiest in North Korea, with cargo ships from all over the world calling here. A visit to the port provides visitors with a glimpse into the local trade and commerce industry.
Tour the North Korean Agricultural Development Exhibition: This exhibition showcases North Korea’s achievements in the field of agriculture and is a must-visit for anyone interested in farming practices.
Enjoy a traditional North Korean massage: Experience the unique and traditional North Korean massage, which is renowned for its healing properties and relaxation.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rason

A week-long itinerary for Rason could look something like this:

Day 1-2: Explore Rason City by visiting its museums, historical landmarks, and local markets.

Day 3-4: Hike or bike Mount Bujak and Lake Kwanmobong.

Day 5-6: Take a tour of the Rajin-Sonbong Special Economic Zone and visit the Port of Rajin.

Day 7: Enjoy a traditional North Korean massage and sample some of the local delicacies.

Food and Drink Scene of Rason

Must-Try Dishes

Rason is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, with several local delicacies that you must try:

Cold Noodles: A comforting and refreshing dish that consists of chilled noodles served with beef, vegetables, and egg.
Seafood Platter: Being a coastal city, Rason has an abundance of fresh seafood, which is best tasted in a seafood platter consisting of seasonal fish, squid, and shrimp.
Dumpling Soup: A warming soup made with homemade dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Local Beverages

Rason has a thriving tea culture, and tea is a popular beverage in the city. Besides tea, the city also has several local breweries that produce beer and spirits, which are worth trying.

Where to Stay in Rason: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Despite being a developing city, Rason has several accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in Rason are:

Lotus Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located in the heart of Rason city, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
Furong Hotel: A luxury hotel located in a scenic and peaceful location in the city, which offers a range of amenities and services.
Jin-An Hotel: A mid-range hotel located in Rajin that offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

What to Buy in Rason: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rason is known for its traditional handicrafts, which make great souvenirs to take back home. Some of the best things to buy in Rason are:

Handwoven rugs: The city has several artisans who weave beautiful rugs and carpets in traditional designs and colors.
Handmade pottery: Rason is known for its local pottery and ceramics, which are perfect for gifting or adding to your collection.
Kimono-style robes: Rason has a thriving textile industry, and the city is known for its beautiful kimono-style robes, which are perfect for lounging at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Rason

Rason is deeply rooted in traditional Korean culture, and visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions. Some of the common customs to keep in mind while in Rason are:

Remove shoes before entering homes and some public buildings.
Bowing is a way of showing respect in Korea.

Best Time to Visit Rason

The best time to visit Rason is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rason

Do:

Respect the local culture and customs.
Try local foods, drinks, and experiences.
Hire a local guide who can show you around.

Don’t:

Take photographs of military or restricted areas.
Bring any type of propaganda material.
Disrespect the North Korean leaders, national symbols or flag.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rason

Rason is a relatively safe city with low rates of crime or violence against tourists. However, it is advisable to practice general safety precautions and avoid venturing out alone at night.

Health in Rason

North Korea has a national healthcare system, which provides basic medical care to all citizens. However, the quality of medical facilities in Rason is limited, and visitors are advised to bring their own medication and take safety precautions.

Getting to Rason: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rason

The closest international airport to Rason is the Vladivostok International Airport in Russia, which is approximately a two-hour drive from the city. Alternatively, visitors can fly to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, and take a domestic flight to Rason.

Bus Stations Near Rason

Rason is well-connected to several major cities in North Korea through a network of buses. There are regular buses from Pyongyang and other major cities, which offer a convenient and affordable way to travel to Rason.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Rason by boat or train, although these options are less commonly used.

How to Get Around in Rason

Rason is a relatively small city, and most attractions are within walking distance from each other. However, visitors can also use taxis, buses, or hire a car with a driver to explore the city and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Rason: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

From Rason, visitors can explore several nearby destinations and embark on adventurous excursions. Some of the best places to visit near Rason are:

Chongjin: A vibrant industrial city located on the eastern coast of North Korea, known for its historical landmarks and natural beauty.
Mount Chilbo: A breathtakingly beautiful mountain range located near Rason, which offers excellent hiking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Lake Jangsu: One of the most scenic places in North Korea, located near Rason, and known for its clear water and beautiful sunsets.

Conclusion

Rason is a hidden gem in North Korea that offers a range of unique experiences to visitors. From its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to its exciting food and drink scene and adventurous outdoor activities, Rason has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their trip to Rason, explore the best places to visit and things to do, and indulge in a memorable and exciting experience in this captivating city.

Rason Image Gallery

Location of Rason in the far north east of North Korea

Downtown Rajin

Imperial Hotel and Casino (formerly The Emperor Hotel and Casino)

Visit a beach

The Rajin Hotel

The hotel in Pipa Island, taken in 2011.