| Mangyongdae
(Kim Il Sung's birthplace) other
sites in Pyongyang |
Pyongyang, North Korea |
This is the birthplace of Kim Il-Sung, ruler of North Korea until 1994. Although Kim was probably born near Pyongyang, it is unknown whether this is the actual location. The site, dedicated in 1947, comprises several grass roof houses built in a style commonly found in northern Korea. The |-shaped buildings consist of several rooms linked by a shallow wooden verandah. Unlike the traditional homes of southern Korea, there are no open-floored ('maru') spaces because the climate is too severe.
The North Korean propaganda machine has spun elaborate tales about Kim's ancestors. Supposedly his grandfather directed the mob that burned the US warship General Sherman in the river off Pyongyang in 1868. The General Sherman had sailed up the Taedong river in an effort to force trade negotiations with the Choson government (1392-1910).
One interesting exhibit is a water jar that was purchased by Kim Il Sung's mother. It shows her frugality because although it was misshapen, it could still hold water.
A broadcast on April 12, 1988 boasted that 215,000 foreigners from 150 nations had visited the site in the past 20 years.
Bibliography:
All images
copyright 2000 Dr. T. C. Kim
Chong,
Bong-uk (editor). A Handbook on North Korea.
Naewoe Press. Seoul. 1988