Weird North Korean attractions Americans have been denied access to

DONALD Trump has banned Americans from visiting the hermit kingdom. These are some of the bizarre attractions they’ve been denied access to.

The body of late North Korean President Kim Il Sung is displayed at Kumsusan Assembly Hall (currently called Kumsusan Memorial Palace) in Pyongyang, North Korea. Picture: AP

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump is putting his foot down in the conflict with North Korea — as of today, Americans are banned from travelling to the hermit kingdom.

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As tensions reach boiling point following North Korea’s latest missile launch over Japan and threats to the US island territory of Guam, President Trump said “all options are on the table”.

His decision to stop Americans from visiting also follows the case of US citizen Otto Warmbier, who died after being sent home in a coma for North Korean detention where he was held for more than one year.

The State Department long has advised Americans not to visit but the decision by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flatly bars use of U.S. passports “to travel in, through, or to North Korea,” spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

US citizen Otto Warmbier died following his year of detention in North Korea. Picture: AFP

“The safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is one of our highest priorities,” she added.

The country’s reclusive culture and sizeable investment in military hardware are just a few of the reasons that have made North Korea a drawcard for tourists. That, and the fact that any country with 28 state approved haircuts is surely worth a visit.

These are some of the attractions that Americans won’t be able to see again for some time, if ever.

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Kim Jong-un has escalated up his threats to the US and its allies. Picture: AFP

PYONGYANG METRO

Pyongyang’s metro boasts one of the world’s deepest subways systems, lying 110 metres beneath the ground. Conveniently, it also doubles as a nuclear bunker in the eventuality war breaks out with the US.

MANSU HILL GRAND MONUMENT

The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill features larger-than-life bronze statues of the Great Leaders, Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, who is Kim Jong-un’s grandfather. North Koreans treat this monument with reverence and expect foreigners to do the same.

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MISSILES

Where else can you see missiles paraded around like a Christmas float? North Korea revealed what appeared to be new intercontinental ballistic missiles at a military parade to mark the 105th birthday to mark the anniversary of its late founder, Kim Il Sung.

MORE: What would a war with North Korea look like?

PYONGYANG’S KORYO HOTEL

The Koryo Hotel is the second largest operating hotel in North Korea. It’s also where former basketballer Dennis Rodman stayed during his bizarre trip to the country in June.

THE PALACE OF THE SUN

The most popular attraction in the country is the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where visitors can take a look at Kim Il-Sung’s embalmed body — if you’re into that kind of thing.

The former palace has been transformed into a mausoleum for North Korea’s supreme leaders.

STATE EVENTS

North Koreans love celebrating North Korea. Events such as Day of the Sun, a holiday that marks the birth of Kim Il Sung, are a licence to do whatever they want — including showing a video simulation of North Korean missiles blowing up the US.

PROPAGANDA

Some countries have fast-food advertisements, others have posters encouraging kids to build rockets.

A Pyongyang scene I saw today pic.twitter.com/zVTvEWVGug

— David Guttenfelder (@dguttenfelder) August 29, 2017

VICTORIOUS WAR MUSEUM

The Victorious War Museum, also known as the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, is an fascinating war museum illustrating the DPRK’s struggle against the Japanese and, later on, the Americans.

WEIRD ARCHITECTURE

North Korea's architecture is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. While the city monuments are the most striking feature, the capital is also recognised for its wide streets and boulevards. And unsurprisingly, there’s a strong military theme.