USS Pueblo, Intelligence vessel and museum ship on Taedong River, Pyongyang, North Korea
The USS Pueblo is a research vessel moored along the Taedong River in Pyongyang and now serves as a museum ship. The roughly 54-meter (177-foot) hull contains multiple decks with the bridge, radio room, and various compartments open for walk-through tours.
North Korean forces seized this American intelligence ship on January 23, 1968, in international waters and held the crew for nearly a year. After the sailors were released, the vessel remained in the country as an exhibit.
Guides lead groups through compartments where display panels and equipment present the North Korean perspective on military confrontations. School groups and organized parties often gather inside to listen to talks about national defense.
The ship sits at a museum complex outside the city center and typically requires an official guided tour for entry. Access to the decks involves narrow stairways, so visitors should expect tight spaces in the compartments.
The ship still bears its original American hull number and fittings from the year of capture. It remains the only active United States Navy vessel in foreign hands.
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