Overview
The Monument to Party Founding, otherwise known as the Party Foundation Monument, is located on Munsu Square in Pyongyang’s Taedonggang District. It was inaugurated on October 10, 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and was constructed to immortalise, for future generations, the achievements of President Kim Il Sung in building the party. The monument depicts three hands raising up a hammer, sickle and brush which represent the workers, farmers and intellectuals, respectively. These are said to be the primary components of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
The entire site of the Monument to Party Founding is 250,000m² which includes over 53,000 trees, 12 fountains, and a square for public use.
Design and Symbolism
The Monument to Party Founding has deep political significance. Its design closely resembles the emblem of the Workers’ Party of Korea, an adaption of the communist hammer and sickle with the Korean addition of the calligraphy brush.
Constructed of granite blocks, all measurements of the Monument to Party Founding are calculated and deliberate. The monument stands at 50 metres tall to symbolise the 50th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The pedestal of the monument, 70 metres in diameter, represents the 70-year history of President Kim Il Sung’s Down-With-Imperialism Union which is credited as the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
The monument’s round belt is emblazoned with a slogan that reads ‘Long Live the Workers’ Party of Korea, which organizes and guides all the victories of the Korean people!’
The belt is constructed of 216 granite blocks with an inner diameter of 42 metres to signify General Kim Jong Il’s birth on February 16, 1942. Three bronze sculptures are carved onto the inside of the belt which glorifies the history of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Behind the Monument to Party Founding stands two symmetrical red residential buildings depicting flags, with the words ‘Ever Victorious’ at the top.
The monument stands 2.16km symmetrical to the Mansudae Grand Monument, North Korea’s widely recognised bronze statues of the Great Leaders. This distance also signifies General Kim Jong Il’s birth on February 16, 1942. Fun fact: This line of sight to the Mansudae Grand Monument will soon be blocked by the new Pyongyang General Hospital, which began construction in March 2020.
Visiting on our tours
As one of Pyongyang’s most iconic monuments, the Party Foundation Monument is included on most of our tours. The monument is visitable all year round, and a knowledgeable site guide will approach the monument with us to explain its history. Impromptu photo stops at the monument are permitted, and its monolithic architecture can be captured from an aerial view from the nearby Tower of the Juche Idea!
North Korea’s famous mass dances are commonly held at the Monument to Party Founding, and we are welcome to witness and even participate if one takes place during our tour.
We often visit the Pyongyang House of Culture situated behind the monument for unique souvenirs, including paintings you won’t find anywhere else.
The Monument to Party Founding is nearby the Tower of the Juche Idea, the Kimilsungia-Kimjongilia Flower Exhibition, Golden Lane Bowling, the skate park and an indoor ice rink.
You won’t miss the Monument to Party Founding on our visits to Pyongyang! Check out our scheduled group tours or arrange a private tour.