culture

Moran Hill in the heart of the capital city of Pyongyang is now brimming with vernal fragrance which adds charm to the scenery.

Beautiful and curious ridges, valleys and cliffs, fresh air and thick foliage, antique-looking pavilions and moss-grown ruins of ancient walls—all these blend in with each other to form the hill’s well-known scenic beauty.

Getting its name from the fact that the chain of round ridges centring on the Choesung Pavilion, the highest spot of the hill, looks like a just blown peony blossom, Moran Hill is a popular attraction all the year round.

In spring when everything comes to life, wedding couples are often to be seen there.

They pose for wedding photos, which would be remembered for the rest of their lives, at the entrance to the hill where water flows down into a pond and the Phyonghwa Pavilion and an arch stone bridge add national sentiment to the scenery.

As you climb up along the paved road that goes well with the surrounding natural scenery, the green foliage of trees and carpet-like turf and the sounds of flowing streams in valleys and chirping of birds enliven your spirit.

In the pavilions built in different places, including the Sangchun and Aeryon pavilions, people sing and dance fascinated by the spring scenery of Moran Hill.

Ri Kyong Hwa, 70, who climbs the hill almost every day, said that she feels ten years younger as she sings and dances with others and enjoys fresh air on the picturesque hill, adding it is a pride of Pyongyang.

There are many historical sites on the hill dating back to the period of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668), including the Ulmil, Choesung, Chongnyu and Pubyok pavilions and Chilsong Gate.

The Ulmil and Choesung pavilions were used as lookout and command posts in the olden times.

Enjoying spring on the Ulmil Pavilion which offers an unobstructed view of the vernal landscape of Pyongyang and viewing the first full moon on the Pubyok Pavilion are included in the eight famous scenes in Pyongyang.

Moran Hill is also a good place for schoolchildren’s nature study.

The children broaden their common knowledge of animals and plants listening to the explanation of teachers and keepers and bear in mind the patriotism, wisdom and talents of their ancestors looking round the Ulmil and Choesung pavilions, Hyonmu Gate and other relics.

The sight of painters representing the beautiful scenes of the hill on their drawing boards stirs up a special emotion.

Among them are old veteran artists, university students who are training to be artists and even little children.

Many passers-by gather behind the artists who are absorbed in painting and admire the pictures that make them feel all the more appreciative of the beauty of Moran Hill and Pyongyang.

A keeper who has worked there for over 30 years said that the state pays deep attention to keeping the hill, a favourite haunt of people, beautiful, adding he feels great pride in his job.

The bases for cultural and leisure activities and public catering service amenities on the hill, including the Moranbong Theatre, Moran Restaurant and Ulsongjong Restaurant, are adding pleasure to visitors.