Friendship Tower, 30-meter monument in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Friendship Tower is a 30-meter monument in Pyongyang built from granite and marble. The structure contains an elevator to a small cafe at the top where visitors can view sections of the city.
China built this tower in 1959 as a memorial to Chinese forces who supported North Korea during the Korean War. The work marks the military support that occurred between 1950 and 1953.
The tower's name reflects the historical bond between China and North Korea. Visitors today can see symbols of this partnership displayed throughout the interior and exterior decorations.
The elevator operates regularly and makes the climb to the observation area straightforward. The cafe at the top provides a place to rest and a good vantage point of the surroundings.
The monument underwent major renovation in 2019 before a high-level Chinese state visit. This refresh demonstrates how important the bilateral relationship remains to leadership in both countries.
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