Overview
The Jangsusan Hotel is centrally located in Pyongsong, roughly 30km from Pyongyang. It’s currently the only hotel option in Pyongsong for foreign visitors.
The Jangsusan Hotel first became available in 2012 to the overflow of foreign visitors attending President Kim Il Sung’s 100th anniversary to assist with a shortage of hotel rooms in Pyongyang. Pyongsong soon opened to regular tourism visits, and the Jangsusan Hotel has been a mainstay on these excursions since. There are 92 rooms in the Jangsusan Hotel.
Whilst convenient and comfortable, the Jangsusan Hotel is by all accounts dated, and basic amenities and limited facilities should be expected. The hotel is a considerable step down in quality from the Koryo Hotel and Yanggakdo Hotel in Pyongyang, but it’s certainly reasonable and its friendly staff and rural atmosphere make for a memorable stay.
Rooms
Standard rooms are typical, with two single beds, a small coffee table, a fridge, CRT television receiving state TV channels, and a bathroom including a bath, showerhead, sink, and toilet.
Upgraded rooms are suites and include larger bathrooms and a living room and office area.
There is no lift in the hotel, and as such the upgraded rooms are on lower floors. Standard rooms facing the street on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors all have balconies facing life outside, which perhaps makes them the most interesting choice!
Beds are hard by western standards, but extra bedding is available. There are limited hours of hot water in the morning and evening, typically 6:30am – 8:00am. The power in rooms is typically turned off overnight until 6:30am. Our guides will confirm these times on arrival.
Entertainment & Services
The Jangsusan Hotel will certainly keep you occupied for an overnight, with billiards, table tennis, and karaoke all available. The bar is cozy and retro, and the bartender is extremely personable and knows how to mix a great cocktail. Beer is cold, cheap and of the local Ponghak brand. There’s a small shop in the lobby selling snacks, essentials, and unique souvenirs.
Additional services such as a hairdresser, massage parlour, and sauna are onsite. These services should be arranged in advance through your guides.
Aside from the banquet hall, there are private dining rooms and an outdoor bar becomes available in the courtyard during the summer months. Meals are primarily Korean, but basic western breakfasts can be served.
Tips
- There is no lift in the Jangsusan Hotel. The hotel bellboys will assist you in taking your luggage up the stairs to your room.
- The hotel, particularly the hallways, can get extremely cold in winter. Your rooms and communal areas such as the bar will be heated.
- Bring a flashlight as unexpected power cuts can occur. The hotel hallways are not lit overnight.
- The door locks are old and can be temperamental. The torch will come in handy with this!
- The light switch to the atrium area of your room is actually outside in the hallway.
- If softer beds and 24/7 facilities are priorities for you, we suggest staying instead in Pyongyang. Pyongsong is just 40 minutes drive away and can be experienced as either a day trip or stopover trips.
Visiting on Our Tours
We stay at the Jangsusan Hotel on select group tours. We can arrange to stay at the Jangsuan Hotel on any private tour. Staying at Jangsusan Hotel is an efficient way to get a headstart on your trip to Mt. Myohyang further north.