The Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory is located in Nampo, a port city on North Korea's west coast. Nampo lies about an hour’s drive southwest of the capital, Pyongyang, making it an accessible day trip for visitors who are staying in the capital. The city is known for its industrial activities, and the glass factory is one of the primary sites that draw the attention of those keen to explore North Korean factories.

Exterior View

A visit to the factory is often included in broader tours to Nampo, giving travelers a deeper understanding of the country’s manufacturing capabilities and the role of industry in North Korean society.

Furnace used to melt glass at the Tae'an Friendship Glass Factory

Window Samples

In Korean, the Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory is known as "대안친선유리공장" (Tae'an Chinson Uri Kongjang). The term "Tae’an" refers to the region where the factory is located, while "Friendship" symbolizes the cooperation and assistance received from China, particularly in the factory's construction and technology transfers.

KTG Travellers check a furnace at the factory. If going, please do not get too close to furnaces or machinery!

"Glass Factory" simply describes its purpose—producing a wide range of glass products used in both domestic and industrial settings across North Korea.

A Brief History of the Factory

The Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory was built in 2005 with assistance from China, as part of a broader strategy to boost North Korea’s manufacturing infrastructure. This factory was seen as a symbol of North Korea's ties with China, reflecting the mutual cooperation between these two socialist countries.

While the factory is a hub for producing glass products, it’s also a testament to North Korea's focus on self-reliance and its attempts to modernize its industries despite economic sanctions and isolation from much of the world.

Over the years, the factory has not only supplied essential glass products for North Korea’s construction and manufacturing sectors but has also become a key stop for visitors on North Korea tours who are interested in seeing the country’s industrial achievements firsthand.

Inside the Factory

As you step into the Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory, you're immediately struck by the immense scale of the facility. High ceilings, long corridors lined with massive machinery, and a constant hum of activity give you a sense of the factory's productivity.

There’s a certain cold war feeling that lingers throughout the facility, a sense of stepping into a time capsule where industrial progress and socialist ideology are deeply intertwined. The tour starts with a visit to the factory’s main production floor, where you can see workers in their distinct blue uniforms busy at work, handling everything from raw materials to the final glass products.

One of the most fascinating parts of the visit is observing how the workers skillfully manage the factory’s equipment, shaping glass with precision and efficiency. This hands-on experience is something most tourists never get to see, offering a rare glimpse into North Korean daily life and work culture.

One of the highlights of the Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory tour is the opportunity to see the factory workers in action. Visitors are guided through walkways above the factory floor, providing an elevated view of the bustling production lines below. You’ll witness workers in real-time as they handle molten glass, operate large industrial machines, and carry out meticulous tasks with impressive focus.

The factory tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to observe up close the skill and dedication of the workers. It’s not uncommon to spot propaganda slogans around the factory that encourage workers to strive for excellence in the name of socialism, adding to the overall atmosphere of the place.

We walk by too the quality control rooms.

A visit to the Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory isn’t just a chance to see glass production in progress—it’s also an opportunity to experience the unique socialist culture that permeates everyday life in North Korea. As you walk through the facility, you’ll notice colorful propaganda paintings adorning the walls.

These images often depict smiling workers, proud of their contributions to the country, while slogans encourage them to work harder for the prosperity of the nation.

Image depicting people sacrfying their lives in order to protect trees with the Leaders' names inscribed on them, an incident that allegedly took place in the Northeast in the 1990s

The factory is filled with phrases like "Glory to the Workers!" and "Advance with Self-Reliance!"—reminders of North Korea's unwavering commitment to its socialist ideals. These messages reflect the pride the regime takes in its factories and workers, and they give visitors an authentic sense of the environment in which North Korean citizens live and work.

Visiting the Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory requires advanced planning, as it’s not a site you can simply walk into. If going on a private tour, please tell us in advance that you would like to visit the factory.

The Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring North Korea beyond the usual tourist spots. As you tour the factory, you’ll not only witness the impressive industrial capabilities of this isolated country but also experience firsthand the socialist values that guide its workforce. Whether you're fascinated by North Korean factories or simply seeking an undiscovered destination, a visit to this factory will undoubtedly leave you with a deeper understanding of North Korea’s work culture, history, and indsutrial ambitions.

If you're considering a tour to Nampo, and are interested in the industrial side of the DPRK, then be sure to include the Tae’an Friendship Glass Factory in your itinerary—it’s an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of North Korea's industrial spirit.