[1] Built in a traditional style, the halls opened on 26 August 1978[2] and consist of over 150 rooms covering a total area of between 28,000[3] and 70,000 square metres.

[4] According to a local legend, Kim Jong Il built the International Friendship Exhibition in three days; however, actual construction took a year.

[11] Visitors to the museum are informed that the number of gifts constitute "proof of the endless love and respect toward the Great Leader [Kim Il Sung].

"[12] However, North Korean visitors to the site are unaware of the ceremonial exchange of gifts in diplomatic protocol, and are described by Helen-Louise Hunter to be "impressed by the self-serving explanations offered to them.

"[13] Another author, Byoung-lo Philo Kim, states that the entire exhibition is "aimed at convincing [North] Korean visitors that their leaders are universally admired.