Impressive construction. There are fountains nearby which really show quite an artistic prowess. It's not the largest tower in the world but the quality is extremely high and the plaques demonstrate that despite the media informs you, there are myriad admirers of Juche Ideology around the world. I've seen both the Washington monument and the Tower of the Juche ideal and I must say the tower of the Juche Idea is more impressive. Pyongyang is worth a visit any day of the week and I highly recommend it.

For other admirers of progressive politics I recommend you read the blog "Banner of Songun" or the Korean Central News Agency. Also, reactionary Bush neo-con types would be well advised not to try to spread their lies in North Korea, Koreans will not put up with right wing lies.

The centrepiece of the North Korean communist ideology of Juche, which means "self-sufficiency". It is based upon a similar monument in Moscow, except that there are three characters in front of the tower, representing workers, farmers and the intellectuals. There are many plates on the Tower that were supposedly from "fellow admirers" of North Korea around the world. I loved this site because there were much open space around the Tower, with gigantic socialist realism statues glorifying the farmers, workers and military, giving a surreal feel. It was October 2005 and the weather was pleasant, plus there was next to no pollution because there were hardly any cars and next to no industries --- a welcome change for someone who came from Hong Kong like myself.

The tower of Juche Idea is dedicated to the North Korean philosophy of self-reliance. The tower sits on the shore of the river across from Kim Il Sung square. Huge plaza surrounding it with statues of happy prosperous workers and fountains. In front of the tower is a statue with the three Eastern communist symbols of hammer, sickle, and calligraphy brush. At the base of the tower are plaques from around the world from admirers and adopters of the Juche Idea. The tower is topped by a huge flame made of glass which is lit up at night.

One is surrounded by giantic socialist realist statues. Surrealism at its best

Don't go there on a windy day... ;-)