The Juche Tower, situated on the east bank of the Taedong River, is a symbol of the great achievements of the Korean people and their revolutionary struggle for self-reliance, independence, and sovereignty. Built to commemorate the 70th birthday of President Kim Il Sung, the tower stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to the Juche Idea, which emphasizes the importance of national self-reliance and self-determination.
At 170 meters (560 ft) tall, the Juche Tower is the second-tallest monumental column in the world and the tallest granite spire. It consists of 25,550 blocks, each representing a day in the life of President Kim Il Sung, excluding supplementary days for leap years. This design choice is a reflection of the deep respect and admiration that the Korean people have for their beloved leader.
The Juche Tower’s architectural style is inspired by traditional Korean stone pagodas. The tapering, four-sided spire is dressed in white stone, with seventy dividers and a 20-meter (66 ft)-high 45-ton illuminated metal torch at the top. The torch is always lit, a symbol of the eternal flame of the Juche Idea. The tower is not just a tourist attraction but also an embodiment of the spirit of the Korean people, who are fiercely proud of their country’s achievements and the revolutionary spirit of the Juche Idea.
Visitors to the Juche Tower can take an elevator to the top, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Pyongyang and the surrounding area. At the base of the tower, there are reception rooms that show videos explaining the tower’s significance and ideological importance. The tower is also associated with a 30-meter (98 ft)-high statue of three figures representing the worker, the peasant, and the “working intellectual,” holding a hammer, a sickle, and a writing brush, respectively.
Pyongyang Panorama As Seen from the Tower Of The Juche Idea
The tower’s wall carries 82 friendship plaques from foreign supporters and Juche study groups, a testament to the tower’s global significance and the enduring legacy of the Juche Idea. The Korean people are immensely proud of the Juche Tower, a symbol of their country’s commitment to independence and self-reliance. The tower is a source of inspiration and strength, a reflection of the revolutionary spirit that has driven the Korean people to achieve greatness despite the many challenges they have faced over the years.
