Arirang Mass Games are a real spectacle. Because they’re in North Korea not everyone will have the chance to see them but we do recommend it if you have the chance.
We travelled to the DPRK just before we started a family. It was an interesting trip with glimpses of a land that I was desperate to explore further.
What intrigued me most were the glimpses of the people, often working in the fields or hurrying in the streets. They were always so friendly, waving shyly over to us, smiling.
One of the things we knew we wanted to see were the Arirang Mass Games, the amazing, hypnotic displays of synchronised movement.
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The Arirang Mass Games, North Korea
I had read up as much as I could about the Mass Games before we travelled to North Korea. But absolutely nothing could prepare me for the sheer spectacle of it.
The noise of chanting, shouting and music filled the Rungrado May Day Stadium (or May Day Stadium) in Pyongyang. I literally felt filled up with its beat.
The whole experience was absolutely breathtaking with the sounds and sights.
The Arirang Mass Games really are like nothing else. Even watching on film cannot prepare you for what it sounds like in real life.
It is incredible.
If you don’t know anything about the Mass Games they are basically displays of gymnastics conducted by thousands of people at one time. They dance, conduct martial arts, do acrobatics, all in unison and the effect is spellbinding.
While the choreographed dances are happening the seats behind them are filled with 30,000 children each holding up a board which they flick to change the picture throughout. Each child is like a single pixel to create a whole large picture.
The audience sat facing the children across the stadium can see the full picture. It’s incredible and the choreography of the whole event is often baffling.
Nearly all of the dances have a political message which is conveyed through the music and the changing scenery behind.
Some of the outfits were military based but others were beautiful Korean dresses.
Each performance lasts 90 minutes and is over much, much too fast. We were really lucky to be able to watch it twice.
This is something if you get the chance to see I would say grab the opportunity, it really is unique.
5 reasons to visit the Arirang Mass Games
- It’s like nothing else you can experience
- It’s a real insight into North Korea
- The music is infectious
- It’s an insight in the DPRK’s military ambitions
- It probably won’t be around forever so good to go while you can
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the Mass Games in North Korea?
Hopefully this post will have given you some insight into what the Mass Games are. The photos here also show how spectacular it is.
The Mass Games really are unique. Up to 100,000 performers take part in synchronised gymnastics, music and political messaging.
2. What is the purpose of the Mass Games in North Korea?
The Mass Games normally take part at set points in the year. For example the birthdays of the former leaders or national holidays.
3. What does Arirang mean?
Arirang is the name of a Korean folk story. It’s about a couple who were torn apart by a landlord. The meaning is representative of Korea.
WOW! I’ve just caught this post! This is fantastic, I would LOVE to visit North Korea! It’s really high up on my wish list!
You must go!! And go soon before it changes. It’s the most amazing country to visit – so strange and beautiful all in one. You have to suspend so much you normally do when you travel, it’s like entering a whole new world with totally different rules. I really, really want to go back!
I definitely will! I cant wait to see it! I love feeling this excited about the possibility of travelling somewhere new!
Me too! There are so many places to visit – the dreaming about them is half the fun!!
Oh my, that looks so interesting. I look forward to reading more on your travels there, it must have been quite an experience!
It was definitely an experience!! We really loved it there. I will be posting more on it in the New Year 🙂 Thank you for your comments!
What a cool place to say that you have been to – arhhhh so much colour!! Great post GM.
Not many can say they have been to North Korea. I hope to make it their one day! 🙂
I plan to make it to the Arirang Festival this year — something I have been dying to do for as long as I remember. Happy to hear that y’all enjoyed the experience and now am even more stoked to see it firsthand. Cheers!
Really like your photos of the Mass games, and I’d really love to do the same and go to North Korea, that’s just such an experience!