The Golden Lane Bowling Alley is located in East Pyongyang, along Juche Tower Street, not far from the iconic Juche Tower itself, the Monument to the Foundation of the Workers' Party of Korea and close to other leisure spots such as the Ryugyong Health Complex, the Pyongyang Skate Park Munsu Waterpark and, to some degree, the Rungna Dolphinarium, making it a prominent spot within the capital. This bowling alley is a hub of entertainment, drawing in locals and tourists alike.

Exterior View. Local guide Ms. Ri

It is busiest on holidays and weekends.

Retro screens

The Golden Lane Bowling Alley was built in the late 1980s as part of a push to develop recreational facilities for Pyongyang's residents. It was intended to promote physical activity while offering a space for locals to unwind. Over the years, it has become a favorite among the city's youth, particularly soldiers and students, who come here after work or school to bowl and relax.

There are 40 lanes at the Gold Lane Bowling Alley in Pyongyang

Stepping inside the Golden Lane Bowling Alley, you'll immediately feel like you've been transported to another era. The atmosphere is a mix of retro charm and a uniquely North Korean sense of order. The alley boasts 40 bowling lanes, making it one of the largest bowling facilities in the country. The lanes are well-maintained, and the mechanical sounds of pins crashing echo through the space, creating an energetic ambiance.

What makes this experience truly unique is how you'll be bowling alongside locals. North Koreans come here to relax and have fun, and it's a chance to witness them at leisure. You might spot a group of friends cheering each other on, or even families enjoying a night out. While North Korea is often seen through the lens of politics, here, you'll see people simply enjoying themselves.

In addition to the bowling lanes, the Golden Lane Bowling Alley offers much more. There's a restaurant, coffee shop and bar where you can enjoy traditional North Korean snacks and drinks. The bar serves local beers, and you might even get the chance to chat with a local over a glass of Taedonggang beer. For those who prefer a bit of variety in their leisure activities, the facility also includes pool tables and a collection of retro arcade machines from the 1990s, offering a nostalgic throwback for visitors from abroad.

One of the most intriguing aspects of visiting the Golden Lane Bowling Alley is the chance to mingle with locals in a relaxed environment. Unlike other tourist sites where interactions with North Koreans may be more formal or distant, the bowling alley provides an authentic look into how people have fun. Watching a group of Pyongyang residents knock down pins with enthusiasm, or laughing as a friend narrowly misses a strike, gives you a refreshing perspective on everyday life in North Korea.

Though this is a space for fun, you'll still notice some elements of North Korean ideology at play. Propaganda slogans are displayed throughout the alley, reminding visitors and locals alike of the values of socialism and collective success. Slogans emphasising the importance of sports for the whole nation or the work of the leaders are part of what gives this place its unique DPRK socialist touch.

Slogan at the Pyongyang Gold Lane Bowling Alley

The Golden Lane Bowling Alley is not just a place for bowling; it's also a snapshot of North Korea's past and present. The combination of retro arcade machines, a minimalist design, and a focus on community brings to mind bowling alleys from decades ago. However, the socialist elements, including the ever-present propaganda and organised atmosphere, set it apart from what you might find in other countries.

This blend of fun and ideology creates a distinctive vibe that's both nostalgic and fascinating. You might feel like you've stepped back in time, yet everything is imbued with the unmistakable spirit of North Korea. It's this kind of experience that makes the alley a must-visit for anyone curious about what fun in North Korea really looks like.

Winter at the Gold Lane Bowling Alley

A visit to the Gold Lane Bowling Alley can be arranged on the spot. However, it can be very busy on national holidays, so it is best to arrange beforehand if you would like to go then. Also, if you would like to eat at the restaurant in the bowling alley, we will need to arrange this before your arrival.

While the Golden Lane Bowling Alley is by far the most popular and largest bowling facility in Pyongyang, it's not the only one. There are a few other smaller alleys scattered throughout the city, such as at the Yanggakdo and Koryo Hotels.

Poster Sign at the Yanggakdo Hotel featuring the Hotel's Bowling Alley

If you're an avid bowler or just curious, and not staying at either of these hotels, you can ask your tour guide about the possibility of visiting them.

Bowling Alley at the Yanggakdo Hotel

To Sum Up

The Golden Lane Bowling Alley is a hidden gem in Pyongyang's entertainment scene, offering a rare chance to bowl alongside locals and experience a lighter, more relaxed side of life in North Korea. From its retro lanes and arcade games to its unique socialist atmosphere, this bowling alley is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring leisure life in North Korea.

Our friend and guide, Kim Jong Hwa

If you're planning a trip to Pyongyang and looking for an authentic way to spend an afternoon, head to the Golden Lane Bowling Alley. Whether you're knocking down pins or watching the locals have fun, it's an unforgettable glimpse into the leisure life of the people of Pyongyang.