Kim Il Sung Square facts for kids
| Kim Il-sung Square | |
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Quick facts for kids Korean name |
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|---|---|
| Chosŏn'gŭl |
김일성광장
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| Hancha | |
| Revised Romanization | Gim Il-seong Gwangjang |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kim Il-sŏng Kwangjang |
Kim Il Sung Square is a very large open space in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. It is named after Kim Il Sung, who was the first leader of the country. This important square was built in 1954. It was part of a big plan to rebuild Pyongyang after the Korean War.
The square opened in August 1954. It sits on the west side of the Taedong River. Right across the river, you can see the famous Juche Tower. Kim Il Sung Square is one of the biggest squares in the world. It covers about 75,000 square meters. This huge space can hold over 100,000 people at one time. It is a very important place for North Korea. Many big events like parades and dances happen here.
What is Kim Il Sung Square Like?
Kim Il Sung Square is in the middle of Pyongyang. It is on the west bank of the Taedong River. The design of the square is much like Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. Both squares are used for similar big events. Since it was finished, many parades have been held here. These parades celebrate important events. They also show off North Korea's military strength.
The square looks very grand because it is right by the river. If you stand in the square, the Juche Tower on the other side of the river seems to be directly in front of you. This is a cool trick of perspective! The square is a bit lower in the middle than near the river. This makes the tower appear closer.
Buildings Around the Square
Many important government buildings are around the square. The Grand People's Study House is at the east end. This large building is like a national library. It is a place where people can study and learn.
In the past, pictures of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin hung on some buildings. These were taken down around 2012. For a while, only Kim Il Sung's picture was displayed. After Kim Jong Il passed away, his picture was also added to the buildings. In 2013, two tall flagpoles were put up. They are used for national events.
The old viewing stand on the south side was updated in 2020. This is where leaders watch parades. There is also a department store under the square. It sells many different products, including toys. Kim Il Sung Square is also the "kilometre zero" for North Korea. This means all road distances in the country are measured from this spot.
Changes in Propaganda
After a meeting between North Korea and the United States in Singapore in 2018, some things changed. North Korea removed some anti-American messages from Kim Il Sung Square. They also canceled a yearly event that used to protest against the US. In 2017, about 100,000 people attended these protests. Also, special anti-US stamps were made in 2017.
Images for kids
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Pyongyang as seen from the Juche Tower, looking across the Taedong River. Kim Il Sung Square is in the center.
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Kim Il Sung Square, with the Grand People's Study House in the background.
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Kim Il Sung Square and the Juche Tower, seen from the Grand People's Study House.
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Kim Il Sung Square, as viewed from the Study House towards the Juche Tower.
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Fireworks at Kim Il Sung Square on New Year's Eve, January 2017.
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A robot for kids.
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See also
