North Korea Travel Information

It is worth noting that tourism in North Korea is heavily restricted and controlled by the government, and it is only possible to visit as part of a guided tour. That being said, the country has a unique and fascinating culture and history, and visiting can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some travelers.

1. Visit the capital city of Pyongyang

Explore the capital city of Pyongyang, and see iconic landmarks such as the Juche Tower, the Grand People's Study House, and the Korean Revolution Museum.

2. Take a tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Visit the DMZ, the heavily guarded border between North and South Korea, and learn about the history of the Korean War and the current political situation.

3. Visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

See the mausoleum where the bodies of North Korea's former leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, are displayed.

4. Visit the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

Explore the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to the Korean War.

5. Attend a performance of the Mass Games

See the Mass Games, a massive gymnastics and artistic performance involving thousands of participants, held in the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang.

6. Take a cruise on the Taedong River

Cruise on the Taedong River, which flows through Pyongyang, and see the city from a different perspective.

7. Visit the Pyongyang Metro

Ride the Pyongyang Metro, one of the deepest metro systems in the world, and see the unique stations and murals.

8. Visit the International Friendship Exhibition

See the International Friendship Exhibition, a collection of gifts presented to the North Korean leaders by foreign dignitaries.

9. Take a hike in the Myohyang Mountains

Hike in the Myohyang Mountains, a beautiful mountain range located in the north of the country, and explore the local temples and waterfalls.

10. Visit the Rungnado May Day Stadium

See the Rungnado May Day Stadium, the largest stadium in the world by seating capacity, and attend a football or soccer match or other sports event.

Climate

North Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

• Spring (April to June) is mild and rainy, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm.
• Summer (July to August) is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and more than 12 hours of daylight.
• Autumn (September to November) is cool and dry, with colorful foliage.
• Winter (December to March) is cold and dry, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C (-4°F) and heavy snowfall. ### Best Time to Visit The best time to visit North Korea depends on what kind of weather and activities you prefer.
• Spring is a good time to visit for comfortable temperatures and flowers blooming.
• Summer can be hot and humid, but it's the best time to experience the country's festivals and outdoor activities.
• Autumn offers the best weather, with cooler temperatures and clear skies.
• Winter is the coldest time to visit, but it's also the best time to see snow-covered landscapes and experience winter sports.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

State-Owned Hotels

The majority of accommodations in North Korea are state-owned hotels. These hotels are generally of decent quality and offer basic amenities such as private bathrooms, air conditioning, and heating. Some of the more well-known state-owned hotels include the Koryo Hotel in Pyongyang, the Yanggakdo Hotel in Pyongyang, and the Sosan Hotel in Pyongyang.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are also an option for accommodation in North Korea. These are typically smaller and more basic than state-owned hotels, and are usually reserved for lower-budget travelers. Guesthouses may not have amenities such as private bathrooms or air conditioning, but they are an authentic way to experience local life in North Korea.

Private Accommodations

Staying in private accommodations such as homes or apartments is not typically allowed for tourists in North Korea. However, in recent years, there have been reports of some tourists being able to stay in private homes in rural areas, but this is not something that is commonly offered or advertised.

It's worth noting that North Korea is a closed society and a unique destination, the accommodation options might be limited and have some restrictions. Tourists have to follow strict rules and regulations and have little freedom to move around.

Air Travel

Air travel is the most common way for tourists to enter North Korea. The main airport in North Korea is Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, which is located just outside of the capital city of Pyongyang. There are flights from Beijing, Shenyang, Vladivostok, and other cities in Asia. The state-owned airline Air Koryo operates flights to and from several destinations in Asia, including Beijing, Shenyang, Vladivostok, and Dandong.

Train Travel

Taking a train is another option for getting to North Korea. The main train station in North Korea is Pyongyang Station, which is located in the capital city of Pyongyang. There are train connections to Beijing and Moscow, as well as other destinations in Asia.

Bus Travel

Buses are also a common mode of transportation in North Korea. There are bus connections between major cities such as Pyongyang and Kaesong, as well as between cities and towns in the countryside.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in North Korea, but tourists are usually not allowed to use them without a guide. Taxis are usually only used by tourists as part of a pre-arranged tour package.

It's worth noting that North Korea is a closed society and a unique destination, the transportation options might be limited and have some restrictions. Tourists have to follow strict rules and regulations and have little freedom to move around.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.