Welcome to North Korea 😊
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is located in East Asia on the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is a closed and reclusive state led by a dictatorial regime, which imposes strict control on its citizens. The country is known for its controversial nuclear weapons program and the alarming human rights abuses committed against its own people. Despite its negative reputation, North Korea features pristine natural landscapes, martial arts, and unique cultural traditions, such as its elaborate Mass Games performances. Visitors must follow strict guidelines and are accompanied by specially trained guides, but can experience a country that has largely been untouched by modernization and tourism.
Quick Facts About North Korea
- Currency: North Korean won
- Population: 25.7 million
- Languages: Korean
Money and Finances
The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean won (KRW). Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 won, while notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 won.
ATM Network
ATMs in North Korea are not widely available and are typically only found in major cities, such as Pyongyang. Travelers are advised to bring enough cash with them for the duration of their trip.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in North Korea and it is recommended to bring cash to pay for expenses. Visa and Mastercard are not accepted, while AMEX may be accepted in some hotels and high-end shops in Pyongyang. It is advisable to check with your bank regarding the availability of using credit cards in North Korea before your trip.
Internet and Phones
Internet access in North Korea is heavily restricted and censored by the government. Only a small percentage of the population has access to the internet, and the average internet speed is very slow at around 1 Mbps for both uploads and downloads.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
In North Korea, there is only one mobile phone service provider, Koryolink, which is owned by the government. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is quite high and not readily available to most people. Visitors are not allowed to use their own SIM cards, and are required to purchase a local one.
Dialling to North Korea
To call North Korea from abroad, the country code is +850. When dialing within the country, there are no area codes used.
Transport Around North Korea
Air Travel
North Korea has two major international airports, Pyongyang Sunan International Airport and Wonsan Kalma International Airport. Domestic flights are also available, connecting major cities in the country.
Train Travel
North Korea's inter-city train network is quite extensive, connecting major cities and towns. Train tickets are relatively cheap, with prices ranging from 1,000 KPW to 10,000 KPW. Journey times can vary depending on the distance, for example, the journey from Pyongyang to Kaesong takes around 3 hours.
Metro / Local Trains
North Korea has only one metro system, located in the capital city of Pyongyang. The system consists of two lines, with a total of 17 stations. It is cheap and efficient, with a flat fare of 5 KPW per ride.
Buses
North Korea has a limited network of inter-city buses, with most of them being used for tours or excursions. However, they can be a cheap and convenient way to explore the country. Ticket prices range from 50 KPW to 500 KPW, depending on the distance and type of bus.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies are not available in North Korea.
Driving by Car
Driving in North Korea is difficult for foreigners, as international driving permits are not recognized. The usual speed limit is 60-70 km/h in cities and 100 km/h on highways. North Korea uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In North Korea, tipping is not customary. Locals usually greet each other with a bow and the higher the status, the lower the bow. It is important to address people with their appropriate titles and use formal language. There are strict rules for speaking with strangers and it is best to avoid sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Men and women generally address each other using formal titles and do not use first names unless they are family or close friends.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
North Korea's healthcare system is primarily operated by the government. Medical facilities are generally understaffed and under-equipped. Foreign visitors are required to have comprehensive medical insurance, as the cost of medical treatment can be very high. A visit to a doctor in North Korea can cost around $50-$100.
COVID Situation
North Korea closed its borders early on during the COVID-19 pandemic and has taken strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus. However, there is limited information on the actual rates of coronavirus cases in the country, as North Korea has not released official data.
Common Health Risks
North Korea has a low risk of infectious diseases. However, visitors should take precautions to avoid food poisoning and waterborne illnesses. Malaria is present in some rural areas, so it is recommended to take preventative measures if traveling to those regions. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the risk of traffic accidents, as road conditions can be poor.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is legal and readily available in North Korea, although public drunkenness is frowned upon.
Recreational Drugs
Drug use of any kind is strictly prohibited and can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment or even execution.
Pre-Marital Relationships
In North Korea, pre-marital relationships are not considered acceptable and are socially discouraged.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
North Korea has no laws explicitly criminalizing homosexuality, but it is not accepted or openly discussed in society.
Firearms / Guns
Owning guns and firearms is strictly controlled and limited to government officials or soldiers.