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Experience North Korea

Over 15 years of Safe and Premium Tours to North Korea

The North Korea Experience

“Seeing is believing” they say in North Korea. We invite you to gain a different perspective of the country by experiencing its people, touching its landscapes and learning about its rich culture and 4,000 years of history. Our tours show you the complexity and hidden beauty of this undiscovered country.

Featured Tours

The dprk classic – new years eve special – 5 nights.

Join us in Pyongyang for the 2024/25 countdown on this extended tour of North Korea for New Year’s Eve and beyond! This special tour will see you on Kim Il Sung Square alongside thousands of locals for New Year festivities, which [...]

The DPRK Highlights – Party Foundation Day Special – 4 Nights

In this special 4-night tour of North Korea, join the festivities of Party Foundation Day on October 10 including a mass dance, and discover the highlights of this fascinating country! We’ll tour the major political sites in Pyongyang and take a [...]

Ski and Snowboard North Korea – Kim Jong Il Birthday Special – 7 Nights

This is your chance to ski the fresh-power slopes of North Korea! See the grand monuments of Pyongyang, visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), spend time at the Masikryong Ski Resort, and be in the capital for the major festivities [...]

Why Book With Us?

15 years of experience.

Our tours are authentic and cultural with a sense of adventure. We promote education and understanding, providing a platform for people-to-people engagement. We have brought thousands of people to experience the uncharted territory of North Korea with us.

Premium Accommodations

A tour to North Korea is certain to be packed with activities and the importance of a good nights rest and reliable facilities and amenities cannot be overstated. Our packages include prestigious accommodations at standard tour rates, not second-class lodging and basic guest houses in remote areas.

All-Inclusive Packages

There is no add-on pricing. Our published package price is what you pay. Our tours are an all-inclusive experience of return flights between Pyongyang, DPRK visa, premium accommodations, vetted meals, air-conditioned transport and driver, English-speaking Korean guides, entrance fees and unparalleled service!

Small Group Size

Our group size cap is smaller than our competitors to maximize your engagement with our local guides. Unless otherwise stated, our group tours are capped at a maximum of just 12 while maintaining standard tour rates.

Expert Local Guides

Our tours are led by some of the best local guides in the country. They are native North Koreans with a passion for showing visitors the beauty of their nation. All guides speak fluent English. We can even arrange local guides that speak Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and German!

Unprecedented Access

We offer some of the most unique tours available. We offer family visits, cycling, skiing, marathons, surfing, and golf, all designed to maximize interactions with locals. We want you to experience the culture, the people, the landscapes and the history of North Korea.

Pyongyang is North Korea’s capital and largest city. An ideological stronghold of imposing architecture and grand monuments, Pyongyang is the beating heart of politics, economy, culture, and tourism in North Korea.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone separating the Korean Peninsula, acting as the de-facto border between North Korea and South Korea.

Mt. Myohyang

Mt. Myohyang is one of North Korea’s most beautiful nature reserves, weaved with rewarding hikes and dotted with ancient relics.

Kaesong, the ancient capital of the Koryo dynasty, is abundant with well-preserved UNESCO sites and cultural treasures. Situated near the South Korean border, Kaesong has played a crucial role in inter-Korean relations.

Wonsan is a charming seaside town on North Korea’s east coast famous for its immaculate yellow-sand beaches and fresh seafood.

Nampo is an industrial port city and key trade gateway to Pyongyang located at the estuary of the Taedong River on the west coast.

Pyongsong is a satellite city of Pyongyang and a developing hub of science and technology often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of North Korea.

Hayden Peters from Australia

One of the best customer experiences of my life, superb, safe and easy.

Coen Scott from Australia

To put it simply, my experience with Uri Tours was the best money I’ve ever spent on recreation. The larger part of every day was spent seeing new and unique locations, my personal favorite was the ‘Palace of the Sun’. (I mean, how many people outside of the DPRK can say they’ve seen Kim Jong Il’s mummy.. right!?) The hotel where we stayed was great! Friendly staff, clean facilities, good food and it also featured a multitude of shops and services, including but not limited to; a tailor, a bookstore, an art shop, a pool, a bar, a bowling alley and a masseuse!

Conner Brenner

My trip to North Korea was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to visit the country with my grandfather who was 78 at the time. Due to his age and his physical disabilities, there were a lot of potential issues that needed to be discussed prior to the trip taking place. The team at Uri Tours were incredibly helpful and courteous during this process. Every concern was addressed, and nearly every email I sent the company was responded to on the same day. I felt like I was being treated with the utmost professionalism.

Tara Mina Bayati

The trip was amazing and far exceeded my greatest expectations. I am sure all of the local guides are great, but I truly cannot imagine anyone better than the ones assigned to us. They could not have been more phenomenal and I felt genuinely sad saying goodbye to them at the airport. This was truly an experience of a lifetime which was made possible by Uri Tours. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the DPRK!

New From the Blog

Day of the sun in north korea – 110th birthday anniversary of president kim il sung.

Today, April 15, 2022, is a massive day in North Korea, marking the 110th birthday anniversary of President Kim [...]

Party Foundation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary

October 10 is an important date in North Korea, marking the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party [...]

National Day in North Korea – 74th Anniversary

National Day on September 9 is North Korea’s birthday and formally known as the Day of the Foundation of [...]

Can You Travel to North Korea From South Korea?

You’re on holiday in Seoul, South Korea and the idea of visiting North Korea has crossed your mind. Being [...]

Liberation Day in North Korea – 75th Anniversary

Today marks the 75th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. This is the [...]

North Korea Myths: Are All North Korea Tours the Same?

The gist of this myth, appearing often in online discussions about [...]

Victory Day in North Korea – 67th Anniversary of the Korean War

July 27th is known as Victory Day in North Korea, and this year marks the 67th anniversary of the Korean [...]

Is Air Koryo a One-Star Airline?

Air Koryo is the flag carrier of North Korea and its only airline. Over the years, Air Koryo has [...]

What Year Is It in North Korea? – the Juche Calendar

If you thought it was 2024, think again! In North Korea, the year system is different from what you [...]

Ryugyong Hotel – North Korea’s Tallest Building

The 105-story Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang is North Korea’s tallest building (330m/1080ft), and a marvel of the capital’s progressively [...]

Can You Travel Independently to North Korea?

You’ve got time to travel around Asia and a trip to North Korea has taken your fancy. Can you [...]

Pyongyang Marathon 2021 Announced – April 11, 2021

Great news! We’ve been notified that the annual Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon ( Pyongyang Marathon ) is expected to be [...]

Can You Take Photos in North Korea?

Contrary to popular belief, taking photos in North Korea is allowed and you’ll have plenty of opportunities during your [...]

8 Reasons to Visit North Korea From Shanghai

The most well-known hub facilitating travel to North Korea may be Beijing, however, in recent years Shanghai has become [...]

What Does DPRK Stand For?

Search anything about North Korea and you’ll quickly find references to the acronym ‘DPRK’, seemingly used interchangeably with ‘North [...]

North Korea Flag – What Does It Mean?

The North Korea flag was introduced on September 9, Juche 37 (1948) which is the day North Korea was [...]

How to Book a North Korea Tour

So you’ve finally decided to take that trip to North Korea (DPRK) you’ve been thinking about for a while. [...]

The Mass Games Are Back for 2020!

We’ve received word that North Korea’s incredible Mass Games is scheduled to return in 2020!

The dates are not [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): North Korea Temporarily Closes Borders

UPDATE: February 9, 2024:

The first tour group since 2020 has entered the DPRK. This Russian tour group departed [...]

When Is the Best Time to Visit North Korea?

While it’s possible to visit North Korea all year-round, the country experiences four distinct seasons with each offering its [...]

Banknotes of North Korea – the North Korean Won

Currency is the perfect canvas to widely circulate imagery. All over the world, banknotes illustrate national heritage and culture [...]

What Currency Does North Korea Use?

During your visit to North Korea, you’ll need to pay for incidentals such as souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, [...]

Should I Take a Flight or the Train to North Korea?

You’ve decided on a North Korea tour but aren’t quite sure which transport method suits you best. We’ve got [...]

Can You Visit North Korea?

Yes, it’s possible to visit North Korea as a tourist and it’s easier than you may expect! We’ve been [...]

Can Americans Visit North Korea?

Currently, it is not permitted to visit North Korea on a U.S passport for tourism.

Effective September 1, [...]

Is There Internet in North Korea?

For most of the world, the internet has taken hold as an irreplaceable learning tool and social obsession that [...]

Air Koryo Flight Update – Shanghai Pudong

Air Koryo operates a regular service between Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Pyongyang (FNJ) which we take advantage of to [...]

Update to United States Visa Waiver Program for travelers to the DPRK

On August 5, 2019, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which uses the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) [...]

The Mass Games to Return in 2019!

** UPDATE (May 24, 2019): Our partners have advised us that the 2019 Mass Games (‘People’s Country’) is scheduled to [...]

North Korea’s Ultimate Cycling Tour

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Arirang Mass Games 2018 – It May Be Back!

Exciting news! The word from our partners in Pyongyang is that the Arirang Mass Games, one of the most [...]

North Korea’s Best Hotels

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How to Get a North Korean visa

Although North Korea (DPRK) may be the most closed nation on earth, getting your North Korean visa through Uri Tours [...]

Top 5 Must Try Food in Pyongyang

North Korea has a rich culinary heritage shared with the South. Dishes originating during ancient Korea remain heavily influential [...]

20 Must-See Sights in Pyongyang

Pyongyang, translated into English, means flat land. Once the ancient capital of the Choson, Koguryo and Koryo kingdoms, Pyongyang [...]

Postcards and Stamps of North Korea

Colorful, fiercely militant and overwhelmingly ideological. Locally produced postcards and stamps are truly the definitive souvenirs of North [...]

The Five Most Celebrated Mountains of North Korea

The Korean people consider themselves mountain people. This is not much of a stretch considering that a mountain system [...]

Official Statement Regarding North Korea Travel Ban for U.S Citizens

Today the U.S Department of State has  officially announced  that all U.S. passports are declared invalid for travel to the [...]

Official Statement Regarding Recent News of Mr. Otto Warmbier

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Otto Warmbier’s family and friends. This was a heart-wrenching tragedy that should [...]

Is It Safe to Visit North Korea?

The general perception surrounding North Korean tourism is that it is unsafe. However, approximately 6-8,000 Western tourists a year [...]

Full Spread: North Korea’s Tourism Calendar

The interwebs are ablaze with talk of a “sexy” new tourism calendar coming out of North Korea. Not only [...]

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U.S. Sanctions on Air Koryo: Impact on North Korea Travelers

Today, the U.S. expanded sanctions on North Korea to include Air Koryo, the national carrier of DPRK. Under [...]

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THE URI STORY

A pioneering Korean-American family set out to explore the other side of their roots. What they found were people similar to them with a unique culture, rich history and distinct way of living. We have been offering safe and premium tours and travel to North Korea for over 15 years for international travelers.

Eric Lafforgue

North Korea

There is quite simply nowhere on Earth like North Korea. Now on its third hereditary ruler, this nominally communist state has defied all expectations and survived the collapse of the Soviet Union to become a nuclear power. A visit to North Korea offers a glimpse of the world's most isolated nation, where the internet and much of the 21st century remain relatively unknown, and millions live their lives in the shadow of an all-encompassing personality cult.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Tower of the Juche Idea

This tower honours the North Korean philosophy of Juche and was unveiled to mark President Kim Il-sung's 70th birthday in 1982. Indeed, the tower is made…

International Friendship Exhibition

This exhibition hosts a massive display of gifts given to Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Housed in a mountainside vault that is vaguely…

Tomb of King Kongmin

The 31st Koryo king, Kongmin reigned between 1352 and 1374 and his tomb is the best preserved and most elaborate in the country. It is richly decorated…

Monument to the Foundation of the Workers' Party

This startlingly bombastic monument has starred on the cover of more books about North Korea than almost any other. The three hands portrayed represent…

Mansudae Grand Monument

Every itinerary includes an homage to these vast bronze statues of the smiling Great Leader and Dear Leader, the latter in his trademark parka. The first…

Kim Il-sung Square

Pyongyang’s central square is where North Korea’s massive military parades normally take place. The plaza is ringed by austere-looking buildings: most…

Pyongyang Metro

Visiting the impressive Pyongyang metro is definitely a highlight of the capital. The network, which is made up of two lines, has a simultaneous function…

Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

Perhaps the most interesting museum in Pyongyang, this mouthful of an institution opened its current home in 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the end…

Latest stories from North Korea

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Oct 22, 2020 • 12 min read

Take a trip to the hermit kingdom – North Korea – to discover first-hand a land and its people behind the headlines.

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North korea and beyond.

North Korea Borders Opening Updates (June 2024)

By Koryo Tours

Updates on North Korea border openings. After borders tightly shut for the past 4 years, North Korea's borders look finally set to open once again.

North Korea Borders Opening Updates Last Updated: June 2024

Updated: 01st June 2024

As the leaders in North Korean travel operating in North Korea for over 30 years, we aim to keep you as updated as possible when it comes to North Korean tourism.

This page is kept constantly updated when there are new updates regarding the North Korean border and North Korean border openings.

For our plan for North Korean tours (depending on reopening) in 2024, click here.

Feel free to skip to the relevant area below. You can also find an FAQ section at the bottom. 

North Korean Border Updates Table of Contents

North Korea Border Opening Updates (Timeline) May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 September 2023 August 2023 North Korean Borders Opening FAQs

North Korea Border Opening Updates

Timeline of North Korean border opening updates. 

North Korea Border Updates | May 2024

Thursday 16th may - tuesday 21st may (2024).

Our Tour Leader Ian who led many Koryo Tours tours before the border closure visited the DPRK on a business trip with Choson Exchange.

North Korea Border Updates | April 2024

Monday 15th april (2024)  .

We have maintained our Beijing Office throughout the last 4 years and regularly met with the China representative of our Korean partner company (KITC). On 15 th  April Greg returned as Chief Representative at the Beijing Office and together with our Chinese colleagues he is waiting and preparing for the DPRK borders to reopen. 

Thursday 11th April (2024) - Thursday 25th April (2024)  

The 33 rd  April Spring Friendship Art Festival took place in Pyongyang with guest performes from various countries, including Russia, China, Mongolia, Laos, Belarus, Brazil, and Korean Residents of Japan, China, Russia.

Thursday 11th April (2024) - Thursday 18th April (2024)  

Delegates of Juche idea study groups from all over the World visited Pyongyang for an international seminar on the Juche idea arranged by the International Institute of the Juche Idea and the Korean Association of Social Scientists around the date of the 112 th  anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung.

North Korea Border Updates | March 2024

Long-time ethnic Chinese residents of the DPRK (hwagyo) returned to North Korea for the first time since they left in 2020, NK News reported . 

Sunday 10th March (2024)  

A couple more groups of Russian visitors have been confirmed to go to North Korea. Still no opening to normal tourism - but maybe a positive sign for everyone else?

NKNews reports on the latest developments .

North Korea Border Updates | February 2024

A German delegation visited Pyongyang to inspect the German Embassy building. The delegation also met with local officials and Chinese Embassy staff.

Friday 9th February   (2024)

The first group of 'tourists' arrived in Pyongyang after 4+ years of the borders being closed to visitors.

This is a special Russian group going on a ski trip. Not quite a normal tourist trip due to links between military cooperation between the two states making this trip possible. Thus, outside of anything like normal tourism process.

Al Jazeera reports here .

North Korea Border Updates | January 2024

Thursday 11th january  (2024).

It is confirmed from within Pyongyang that a group of Russian tourists will be the first to enter the country for more than 4 years in February. This is on a tour that just includes a day in Pyongyang and then some skiing at Masik-Ryong.

This is a special trip arranged via an agreement between the administration of the Russian Far Eastern province of Primorskiy Krai and the DPRK government. It may signal an opening in due course to other tourists, or may not. We wait and see!

NKNews reports on this story here .

North Korea Border Updates | December 2023

December  (2023).

The new Mongolian Ambassador and the other embassy staff arrived in Pyongyang. According to NK News , Mongolia is the third country after China and Russia that was allowed to rotate embassy staff since COVID-19 border closures in 2020.

North Korea Border Updates | September 2023

Various Russian delegations visited the DPRK throughout the autumn in 2023.

Tuesday, 26th September (2023)

China's news outlet CCTV made an announcement that foreigners would be let into North Korea on 25th September.

The announcement was made saying that it had been announced by North Korea. However, there has not been any confirmation from North Korea yet.

Nevertheless, if the rumours are true, then tourism is still a long way off. The first foreigners to go into North Korea will be those with the highest priority.

This includes people like diplomats initially, followed by humanitarian aid workers etc. 

You can find an updated report here . 

North Korea Border Updates | August 2023

Tuesday, august 22nd (2023).

First Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang to Beijing since the shutdown takes place .

Reopening a crucial route which has been out of use since January 2020. Not a flight for tourists, but for North Koreans to finally return home after years stuck overseas. A positive sign for the resumption of this route going forward.

Thursday, 10th August (2023)

Koryo Tours received the news on the 10th of August that North Korea (the DPRK) is expected to officially open its border again very soon.

This is the first time since it closed back in January 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

North Korean Border Opening FAQs 

Have the north korean borders opened.

Short answer, no. Long answer, kind of starting to. But they are currently not open to pre-COVID levels. 

Has North Korean Tourism Resumed?

No, not fully to all nationalities and to pre-COVID levels. 

The visit of the six Russian tour groups that traveled to the country since February this year was a result of an inter-government agreement between the DPRK and the government of Primorsky Krai in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia.

As the leading North Korean travel company, we will be updating people as soon as we have news on North Korea opening to tourism. 

Make sure to follow us on our social media channels where we will be updating people as soon as we have confirmation. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

When Will the North Korean Borders Open?

No official date has been given.

Nevertheless, the consensus from multiple sources (all of them North Korean) is that it will be “soon”.

Who Are the North Korean Borders Open to?

Initially, the opening of the North Korean border is for North Korean citizens only.

While the closure of North Korea has affected companies like ours, and anyone wanting to visit and engage with the country, it has been far more disruptive and difficult for the many thousands of North Koreans trapped outside of their home country for more than four years now.

Since late August 2023, North Korean workers, students, businesspeople, diplomats, and all kinds of folks who were in China and elsewhere have had permission to return (NB: even North Korean passport holders need an entry permit, quasi a visa). This is an ongoing process, many others still have not beeb able to return and speaking to our Korean colleagues based overseas are keen to see their families again.

Since the opening of the borders to North Koreans, some foreigners were also able to visit Korea but these are rather an exemption than a rule and were the guests of the state or organizations closley related to it.

When Will the Borders Open for Tourists?

The opening of the North Korean border is currently for North Koreans, and foreign visitors invited by the state; tourist visas are still not being issued, but we expect this to be expanded soon.

However, when this will be we do not know.

Are North Korea International Flights Running?

Flights between Pyongyang and China (Beijing, Shenyang) as well as Pyongyang and Russia (Vladivostok) have now resumed and run on a more or less regular basis.

Is the North Korea Train Running? (China, Dandong - Pyongyang)

The train from Dandong to Pyongyang is not operating on a regular schedule. 

You have North Korean Tours on Your Website. Does this mean we can book them? 

No. We have kept all our North Korean tours on our website since 2020 and those who are interested can sign up but this will not result in a confirmed booking. This is only available so that when the country reopens we can contact people individually based on their specific interest in a particular tour. 

However, we make it very clear on our North Korean tour page that these tours are currently not confirmed. 

Koryo Tours North Korea Tours

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North Korea

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 Prehistory and founding of a nation
• 4.1.2 Joseon Dynasty
• 4.1.3 Japanese occupation and a divided Korea
• 4.1.4 Modern North Korea
• 4.2 Government and politics
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.5 Terrain
• 4.7 Visitor information
• 6.1.1 Additional restrictions
• 6.2.1 The Korean Demilitarized Zone
• 6.3.1 Air Koryo
• 6.3.2 Air China
• 6.4 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 7 Get around
• 10.2 Souvenirs
• 16.1 Photography
• 16.2 Korean nationals
• 16.3 Politics
• 16.4 Illegal substances
• 16.5 Religious activity
• 16.6 Emergency numbers
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1 Tour conduct
• 18.2 Sensitive issues
• 18.3 Religion
• 19.1.1 Mobile phones
• 19.2 By Internet

North Korea ( Korean : 조선 Chosŏn ), officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK (조선민주주의인민공화국, Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk ) is the world's most isolated country and has usually been referred to as the "Hermit Kingdom". It's located in East Asia on the Korean Peninsula , which has been divided between North and South Korea since the 1950s.

One of the few remaining communist states in the world and the last frontier of the Cold War , North Korean society is dominated and run by a very strict, controlling, and totalitarian government that maintains a very tight grip over its people. The government is in firm control of just about everything in the country. For example, they own the country's factories, farms, enterprises, and even all the automobiles driven by its citizens.

Tourists may only travel to North Korea as part of a guided tour and they can expect to be under constant supervision and monitoring by the authorities. About 5,000 Western tourists visit North Korea every year. Most complete the journey safely, so long as they follow their ever-present guides. Incidents have occurred, and when they do, due process is hard to come by. The most likely consequence of any trouble with the authorities is a period of detention before deportation.

If the idea of accepting strict limitations on your freedom of expression, movement and behaviour, or the risk of arbitrary, indefinite detention seems unsettling to you, it is recommended that you do not travel to North Korea.

• 39.019 125.738 1 Pyongyang (평양) — the capital city and the former capital of Goguryeo during the Three Kingdoms period
• 41.783 129.766 2 Chongjin (청진) — Industrial city in the North East, very rarely visited by tourists
• 39.916 127.533 3 Hamhung (함흥) — Northern city, also rarely on official travel itineraries
• 39.698 125.906 4 Kaechon (개천) — home of the Songam Cavern
• 37.966 126.55 5 Kaesong (개성) — former capital during the Goryeo dynasty
• 38.733 125.4 6 Nampho (남포) — industrial centre and port on the western coast
• 42.344 130.384 7 Rason (라선) — Free trade zone on the Russian border, complete with casino
• 40.1 124.4 8 Sinuiju (신의주) — bleak industrial city right on the border with China. Probably the easiest ways to look into the country from the outside
• 39.147 127.446 9 Wonsan (원산) — East coast port city slowly opening to tourists, and it has the first ski resort in the country

Other destinations

• 38.688056 128.200278 1 Kumgangsan (금강산) — the scenic Diamond Mountain
• 40.018611 126.333056 2 Myohyangsan (묘향산) — this Mysterious Fragrant Mountain is one of the North's best hiking spots
• 42.005556 128.055278 3 Baekdu Mountains (백두산) — the tallest mountain in Korea and the Kim dynasty's mythical birthplace
• 37.956 126.677 4 Panmunjom (판문점) — the last outpost of the Cold War in the DMZ between South and North

Prehistory and founding of a nation

Archaeological finds of prehistoric toolmaking on the Korean Peninsula date back to 70,000 BC with the first pottery found around 8000 BC. Comb-pattern pottery culture peaked around 3500-2000 BC.

Legend has it that Korea began with the founding of Gojoseon (also called Ancient Chosun ) by the legendary Dangun in 2333 BC. Archeological and contemporaneous written records of Gojoseon as a kingdom date back to around 7th-4th century BC. Gojoseon was eventually defeated by the Chinese Han Dynasty in 108 BC and its territories were governed by four Chinese commanderies, but this did not last long. Natives of the peninsula and Manchuria soon reclaimed the territory, namely the Three Kingdoms of Korea, Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. The Goguryeo Kingdom (or Koguryo) ruled the entire area of modern North Korea, as well as parts of Manchuria and the northern parts of modern South Korea. Buddhist and Confucian teachings were prominent in the Goguryeo Kingdom, which adopted Buddhism as the state religion in 372. Despite repeated attempts by China, namely the Sui Dynasty and later the Tang Dynasty, to conquer the Korean Peninsula, northern-based Goguryeo managed to repel them. Eventually, Goguryeo fell to a Silla-Tang alliance, which had earlier defeated Baekje. This unified Korea under the Silla dynasty. Even though Tang later invaded, Silla forces managed to drive them out, thus maintaining Korea's independence.

Unified Silla was replaced by the Goryeo (also called Koryo ) dynasty, from which the modern name "Korea" derives. One highlight of the Goryeo dynasty was that in 1234 the world's first metal movable type was invented by a Korean named Choe Yun-ui (200 years before Gutenberg's printing press).

Buddhist learning spread during this time and the former Baekje and Goguryeo leaders were treated well. The kingdom saw relative peace until the 8th and 9th centuries when clan leaders led uprisings and toppled the Silla, establishing the Goryeo Dynasty from which the name "Korea" was derived by Westerners. During this period, the nation suffered Mongol invasions, which led to unrest and the eventual establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392.

Joseon Dynasty

The Joseon Dynasty was one of the longest-running dynasties in the world (512 years), ruling from 1392 until 1910. King Sejong the Great' s rule was especially celebrated, as he helped create the Korean script, choson'gul , which allowed even the commoners to become literate. He also expanded the nation's military power to drive out Japanese pirates and northern nomads and regain territories that had been lost. The Japanese invaded Korea under the leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, though the Joseon Dynasty managed to drive them out with the support of China's Ming Dynasty, albeit with heavy losses in the Korean peninsula. In spite of its losses, the nation experienced about 200 years of peace, and its isolationist policies allowed it to further develop a uniquely Korean culture and identity.

Rapid modernisation stirred by the Second Industrial Revolution created tension between China and Japan as they felt the pressures of Western expansionism, each wanting to extend their influence over Korea. Ensuing wars between Japan, China and Russia led to increasing Japanese influence over the peninsula, resulting in Korea's status as a vassal state of Imperial China ending in 1895, and Japan annexing Korea outright in 1910, marking the end of the Joseon dynasty and Korean independence.

Japanese occupation and a divided Korea

Japan ruled the Korea as a colony until its defeat in World War II in 1945. During that period, the Japanese committed numerous atrocities including massacres, and forced many Korean women to become "comfort women", sex slaves in Japanese military brothels. Moreover, Japan instituted a cultural assimilation policy, forcing the Koreans to adopt Japanese names, and forbidding them from speaking the Korean language.

Japan was forced to give up control of all its colonies after is defeat in World War II in 1945, and the Allied Powers divided Korea along the 38th Parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the northern half and the United States occupying the southern half. The divide was supposed to be temporary; however, the political power struggle between the two nations to gain influence over the unified Korea led each to establish governments within their newly created territories. North Korea was established as its own nation in 1948 with the support of the Soviet Union, following the Soviet communist model, with Kim Il-Sung as its leader, while at about the same time, Syngman Rhee established a capitalist regime with the support of the United States in the south.

Agitation between the North and South came to a head in 1950 when the North started the Korean War by attempting to reunify the country under its terms by launching an invasion. The Soviet Union and China fought alongside the North against the South, who were in turn backed by the United Nations (UN) forces led by the United States . The UN forces drove the North Korean forces all the way up to the Chinese border, whereupon Chinese reinforcements forced the UN forces to be driven back south. The war finally resulted in the signing of an armistice in 1953, largely maintaining the original borders set prior to the war. Because no peace treaty has been signed since the armistice, the nations of South Korea and North Korea are officially still at war.

Modern North Korea

With the nation in shambles after the war, Kim Il-Sung launched a campaign to unite the people by defaming the United States with Soviet support and purging the nation of dissidents and anyone thought to oppose him. He sided with China during the Sino-Soviet split on Communist philosophy because he disliked Khrushchev's reforms but began to praise the Soviet Union once again when China underwent its Cultural Revolution, straining relations with both neighbors. Consequently, he developed his own ideology, Juche ("self-reliance"), to create the sort of Communism he wanted for his nation. Throughout his life, Kim Il-Sung added to and clarified the Juche ideology in order to justify his governing decisions.

The Korean War not only divided the people, but it also divided the labor force. When the peninsula was united, North Korea had most of the nation's industries while South Korea was the agricultural center. This divide allowed North Korea to initially bounce back faster than the South in the rebuilding process. The Soviet Union then funded agricultural efforts in the North, in accordance with the Communist model. This system began to unravel in the late 1970s and 1980s as the Soviet system began to falter. With the end of Soviet aid following its dissolution in 1991, there was no way to continue to support the agricultural systems' needs for fuel, fertilizer and equipment. After so many years of government mismanagement, and the bad timing of severe flooding, the North's agricultural system collapsed in the mid-1990s, leading to widespread famine and death for countless North Koreans. The death of Kim Il-Sung in 1994 took place while the nation tried to deal with the crisis, slowing government response as the new leader, Kim Jong-Il, took his father's position.

The North finally allowed international relief agencies to assist, and the worst aspects of the famine were contained. However, the DPRK continues to rely heavily on international food aid to feed its population while at the same time continuing to expend resources on its songun , or "military first", policy, which Kim Jong-Il introduced and used in conjunction with his father's Juche ideology (which he "interpreted").

Today the DPRK maintains an army of about 1 million infantrymen, most stationed close to the DMZ which divides the two Koreas. North Korea's long-range missile development and research into nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and massive conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international community. In December 2002, Kim Jong-Il reneged on a 1994 "Agreed Framework" signed by his father which required the shut down of its nuclear reactors, expelling UN monitors and further raising fears that the nation would produce nuclear weapons. Missile testing was conducted in 1998, 2006 and April 2009. In October 2006 North Korea announced that it had conducted its first nuclear test. These actions have led to UN and other international sanctions.

Current negotiations, most notably the "Six-Party Talks" involving China, Russia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the United States, are aimed at bringing about an end to the DPRK nuclear weapons program, in hopes that a peace treaty to officially end the Korean War may finally be agreed upon, paving the way for the opening of diplomatic ties between North Korea and the United States. Unfortunately, in March 2010, a South Korean ship was sunk near the 38th parallel, increasing tensions between North and South Korea. Although North Korea claims not to have attacked the ship, the blame has largely been placed on North Korea.

The death of Kim Jong-Il in late 2011 created a measure of uncertainty during the transfer of power to his son Kim Jong-Un; though the country has appeared to have stabilized since, considerable tensions have occurred intermittently.

Government and politics

North Korea is a totalitarian dictatorship. The government is led by the State Affairs Commission (SAC), which sets national policy and is directly responsible for the military. The supreme leader (Kim Jong-un) is chairman of the SAC, as well as head of the Workers' Party of Korea and several other positions. Atop the administrative branch of the government is the cabinet, which is headed by the premier (like a prime minister).

The cabinet is appointed by the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) which heads the legislative branch, although bills are drafted by the Party and the almost 700-person SPA almost always passes them without debate or modification. Moreover, it's in recess all but a few days a year, leaving most authority in the hands of the 15-person Presidium. The judiciary is headed by the Supreme Court, whose three justices are elected, partisan, and accountable to the SPA. The judiciary is not independent and does not have the power to overrule the legislative or executive branches of government, and interference from security forces is a widespread problem.

Despite North Korea's isolation from the rest of the world and its label as the "Hermit Kingdom", it maintains diplomatic relations with 160-170 countries around the globe and is a member of several international organisations, including the World Health Organization. North Korea has cordial relations with its neighbours Russia (the first country to recognise North Korea) and China and several African and Asian nations, and has incredibly tense relations with the United States , Japan , and the European Union .

North Korea may be the most ethnically homogeneous nation on earth, with everyone being Korean save for a few hundred foreigners. These foreigners are mostly diplomatic or aid agency workers, along with a small population of Japanese who have Korean ancestry. Almost no South Koreans live in North Korea.

North Korean society is strongly divided and organised along a caste system known as Songbun . Membership of one of three main groups is determined not only by an individual's political, social and economic background, but also that of their family for the previous three generations. Education and professional opportunities are effectively defined by an individual's class.

The climate is generally classed as continental, with rainfall concentrated in summer. Summer months are warm, but winter temperatures can fall as low as -30°C. Late spring droughts are often followed by severe flooding. There are occasional typhoons during the early autumn.

Mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains are wide in the west and discontinuous in the east. The mountainous interior is both isolated and sparsely populated.

The Accusation , by Bandi. A collection of short stories, published abroad by a pseudonymous North Korean writer, that are highly critical of the Kim regime and full of piercing insight into its contradictions and cruelties. Uniquely among North Korean dissident literature, they were published with their author still living in the country.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea , Barbara Demick. An excellent book recounting the lives of six North Koreans who managed to defect and find their way to South Korea. Provides a compelling picture of the miseries and occasional beauty in the lives of ordinary North Koreans during the famine of the 1990s. ISBN 0385523912

Eyes of the Tailless Animals: Prison Memoirs of a North Korean Woman , by Soon Ok Lee. First-hand accounts of the prison system within North Korea.

Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West , by Blaine Harden. The riveting story of Shin Dong-hyuk, one of the only known surviving escapees of a North Korean prison camp, and his perilous journey out of the country.

Without You There Is No Us , by Suki Kim. A fascinating piece of investigative journalism about teaching English as a foreigner in Pyongyang.

Visitor information

The Korean Friendship Association provides North Korean-related material, including tourism tips.

The official language is Korean . North Koreans are quite picky about referring to Korean as chosŏn-mal (조선말), not hangugeo (both mean "Korean language", but the names of Korea refer to different historic periods). The language is rather drastically different from any Western language in its grammar, and while the language isn't tonal, its pronunciation is rather difficult for the English speaker to get right. It has various dialects; standard North Korean (문화어 munhwaŏ ) is ostensibly based on the Pyong'an dialect spoken in Pyongyang, but in reality is still deeply rooted in the Seoul dialect which was the standard before Korea was split.

The Korean writing system is deceptively simple. Although it looks at first glance to be as complex as Chinese or Japanese, it is a unique and simple alphabetic writing system called chosŏn'gŭl by North Koreans, and hangul (한글 hangeul ) by the rest of the world, where letters are stacked up into blocks that represent syllables. It was designed by a committee and looks like simple lines, boxes and little circles, but it is remarkably consistent, logical and quick to pick up. A document from 1446 describing hangul said that "A wise man can acquaint himself with them before the morning is over; a stupid man can learn them in the space of ten days."

Essentially all sources for learning Korean abroad will teach South Korean, which does have slightly different usage: some letters have different names, the sorting order is different, and there are some minor differences in pronunciation and spelling.

North Korea completely abolished Chinese hanja characters in the late 1940s and uses the chosŏn'gŭl alphabet exclusively.

North Korea uses its own unique system for romanization of Korean, which is mostly similar to the older McCune–Reischauer system. In South Korea and the rest of the world, Revised Romanization is more common.

Most guides will speak fairly decent English (some better than others) and will translate for you. Some guides can also speak Mandarin, German, Russian, Japanese and Spanish.

There is no law preventing citizens of the DPRK from interacting with tourists, although locals are often discouraged from speaking with foreigners and language can prove to be an additional barrier. A visit to the DPRK around their holidays may give you more of a chance to interact with the locals.

North Korea has its own sign language, which is not mutually intelligible with Korean Sign Language as used in South Korea; it's unclear if it's related to any other sign languages, or how widespread it is.

North Korean entry requirements are perplexing and change frequently without prior warning.

After several years of complete closure due to COVID-19, the first international tourist group landed in North Korea in February 2024.

Due to longstanding international sanctions and tensions in the Korean peninsula, you can only enter North Korea from either China or Russia. Generally speaking, most people fly or take the train from Beijing .

Everyone needs a visa to visit North Korea. Tourists typically arrange a tourist visa by booking a tour with a travel agency that organises such tours. The travel agencies will usually deal with the visa on their behalf, although in some cases tourists are required to have a short telephone interview with the North Korean embassy to verify their identity and their job. In most cases, the interview is conducted in a friendly manner so it is nothing to be worried about. Visas are often only confirmed on the day before the tour, but rarely will a tourist ever be rejected unless you show that you are of political status or a journalist.

North Korean tourist visas are often issued on a tourist card. If joining a tour group, group visas are often issued on separate sheets of paper containing all the members of the group, attached with a tourist card that bears the name of the tour leader. This visa itself is never held by the tourists, although tourists can ask to take a photo of their visa. In any case, no stamp will be placed in the passport. The only way where a visa and entrance stamp will be stamped on the passport is when the visa is issued within a North Korean embassy in Europe.

Additional restrictions

Journalists or those suspected of being journalists require special permission, which is quite difficult to obtain. North Korea does not allow journalists to visit on a tourist visa.

Citizens of Malaysia were being prevented from leaving North Korea after the March 2017 assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, where Malaysia wanted several North Korean diplomats and nationals for questioning. While restrictions for Malaysians leaving North Korea have now been lifted, the era of visa-free travel between these once relatively 'friendly' countries is over.

Citizens of South Korea are not permitted to enter North Korea unless they have permission from the governments of both the North, for entry, and the South from the Ministry of Unification (통일부). South Korean citizens may face a lengthy prison sentence under the National Security Act (국가보안법) on their return if they do not obtain permission beforehand. South Korean citizens travelling to North Korea on a passport from a different country still risk prosecution.

Contrary to rumour, Israelis and Jewish citizens of other countries do not face any additional restrictions.

North Korea can only be visited by an organised tour, but this can be a large group or a party of one. Prices start from around $1,000 / €700 / £580 for a 5-day group tour including accommodation, meals and transport from Beijing, but can go up considerably if you want to travel around the country or "independently" (as your own one-person escorted group). Tour operators/travel agencies that organise their own tours to North Korea include:

• Uri Tours Inc. - NYC, US (runs standard and customized tours to the DPRK; also an Air Koryo ticketing agent in the US)
• Asia Senses Travel Travel & Tour [dead link] - Hanoi, Vietnam
• DDCTS [dead link] - Dandong, China
• GLO Travel [dead link] - Hong Kong - largest North Korean tour operator in Hong Kong, clients mostly are from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Overseas Chinese communities. Also organises cultural exchanges, sports events, volunteering and TV programmes on North Korea.
• INDPRK [dead link] - Zhejiang, China
• Juche Travel Services - UK, Beijing
• Koryo Tours and Koryo Group - Beijing, Shanghai, Belgium, UK. Also organises school visits and sports exchanges and has co-produced 3 documentary films about North Korea. English tour only.
• North Korea Travel - Sheyang, China
• Young Pioneer Tours - Beijing, China. Offers very low budget tours.
• Choson Exchange - Singapore, UK & USA. Not a tour agency, rather they provide training in business and entrepreneurship in North Korea to businesswomen, young entrepreneurs and researchers, and bring volunteer/tourists to help them to do so.
• MBC Travel [dead link] - Jakarta, Indonesia
• Korea Konsult - Stockholm, Sweden
• Korea Reisedienst - Hannover, Germany
• Lupine Travel - Wigan, UK.
• NoordKorea2GO [dead link] - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Regent Holidays - Bristol, UK
• Pyongyang Travel - Berlin, Germany (offers group tours, private tours and New Year's Tours to North Korea)
• Viajes Pujol - Barcelona, Spain
• VNC Asia Travel [dead link] - Utrecht, Netherlands
• Your Planet - Hilversum, Netherlands

No matter which company you decide to book with, all tours are run by the Korean International Travel Company (with the exception of a few, such as Choson Exchange and The Pyongyang Project who both work directly with various government ministries and domestic DPRK NGOs) and it will be their guides who show you around. The average number of tourists per group each company takes will vary considerably so you may want to ask about this before booking a trip.

Most people travelling to North Korea will travel through Beijing and you will probably pick up your visa from there, although some agents arrange their visas elsewhere beforehand though. The North Korean consulate building is separate from the main embassy building at Ritan Lu, and is round the corner at Fangcaodi Xijie. It's open M, W, F 09:30-11:30 & 14:00-17:30; and Tu, Th, Sa 09:30-11:30. Bring your travel permission, US$45 and two passport photos.

Your guides will take your passport and keep it during your stay in North Korea, or at least for the first couple of days of your tour, for "security reasons", or simply because your entry and exit dates must be registered, as noted by the black stamps on the back of your visa or passport. Make sure your passport looks decent and doesn't differ from the most common passports from your country.

Groups such as Choson Exchange bring volunteers (or tourists) to participate in teaching workshops on business and entrepreneurship to businesswomen, young entrepreneurs and researchers, after which volunteers tour relevant sites in North Korea. Such volunteers travel on an official visa, rather than a tourist visa.

• Choson Exchange - Singapore, UK & USA. A social enterprise providing training in business and entrepreneurship in North Korea to businesswomen, young entrepreneurs and researchers, and bring volunteer/tourists to help them to do so.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone

The Panmunjom Joint Security Area is the only place in North Korea that can be visited from the South by regular tourists. This is the jointly-controlled truce village in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas. In the JSA, you can briefly cross over into North Korea within the confines of one of the conference rooms straddling the border, but the northern door will be guarded by two soldiers, and you will not be able to proceed any further.

Group bus tours to Kaesong and Kumgangsan in North Korea from the South have been suspended indefinitely after a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean guard in 2008. It is unclear when services will resume.

All international flights go through Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport ( FNJ  IATA ). No other North Korean airport handles international flights. As of 2024, the only airline operating flights to Sunan is Air Koryo, although Air China may resume flights soon.

Prior to COVID, North Korea's sole airline, Air Koryo [dead link] , had scheduled flights to Beijing, Shenyang and Vladivostok . As of 2024, there appear to be no scheduled services at all, only irregular charters, but this is likely to change as the country continues to glacially reopen. It has been banned in South Korea due to the South Korean National Security Law (even Air Koryo's official website is blocked there), and it has been also banned in the EU due to concerns over safety.

Air Koryo was the only 1-star (worst) airline on Skytrax's list, a distinction it held for many years. Although Air Koryo last experienced a fatal accident back in 1983, the airline only operates a handful of flights with its fleet of 10 aircraft. The main reason for flying Air Koryo is the experience: otherwise, it's probably better to fly Air China. The Air Koryo fleet consists entirely of Soviet or Russian-made aircraft, with the pride of their fleet being two Tupolev Tu-204s, which now usually handle the core Beijing–Pyongyang route as well as the Pyongyang-Shenyang route. Otherwise, you'll most likely end up on one of their Ilyushin IL-62-Ms (1979-1988 vintage), Tupolev Tu-154s or Tupolev Tu-134s.

Air China , a member of the Star Alliance, announced the resumption of thrice-weekly flights to Pyongyang in 2023, but as of February 2024 does not appear to be actually flying them yet. When available, Air China is preferred by most to Air Koryo due to its far more modern fleet of Boeing 737s.

Train K27/K28 connects Pyongyang to Beijing in China via Tianjin , Tangshan , Beidaihe, Shanhaiguan , Jinzhou , Shenyang, Benxi , Fenghuangcheng, Dandong and Sinuiju four times a week. There is only one class on the international train between Beijing and Pyongyang: soft sleeper. It can be booked at the station in Beijing, but reservations must be made several days in advance. Your tour agency will usually do this for you, unless you are travelling on work purposes. It has been increasingly difficult to book space on the Beijing–Pyongyang route, so confirm your tickets well in advance.

Once a week train K27/K28 also conveys direct sleeping cars from Moscow via China to Pyongyang and vice versa. The route is Moscow - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Chita - Harbin - Shenyang - Dandong - Shinuiju - Pyongyang . Departure from Moscow is every Friday evening, arrival at Pyongyang is one week later on Friday evening. Departure from Pyongyang is Saturday morning, arrival in Moscow is Friday afternoon.

Some agents (e.g. Lupine Travel) prefer to cross the border from Dandong in China to Sinuiju by minibus and then board a domestic North Korean train to Pyongyang. Usually you will be seated in a hard seat carriage with KPA soldiers and party workers travelling with their families. There is access to a restaurant car which stocks imported beers (Heineken) and soft drinks as well as some local beers and spirits. This train supposedly takes only 4 hours to Pyongyang but has been known to take 14. If travelling in winter be prepared for temperatures inside the carriages as low as -10°C.

There is also a direct rail link from Russia into North Korea. This route is the Rossiya Trans-Siberian train between Moscow and Vladivostok, with the Korea coaches detached at Ussuriysk. From there it's six hours to the border at Tumangan, with a five hour wait, then a 24-hour haul to Pyongyang. It runs weekly, but as a through-train only twice monthly (11th and 25th from Moscow), arriving Pyongyang 9 days later. This route used to be closed to Westerners, but as of 2018 it's available, provided you have arranged for it as part of your North Korean tour.

There was an unscheduled cargo-passenger ship between Wonsan and Niigata , Japan. Only available for use by some Japanese and North Korean nationals, the boat service has been suspended indefinitely due to North Korea's reported nuclear testing; Japan has banned all North Korean ships from entering Japanese ports, and has banned North Koreans from entering the country. Be careful about getting too close to the North Korean border in a boat; many South Korean fishermen are still waiting to leave North Korea.

Besides the unscheduled ferry, there is also a cruise ship that operates between the coast of Northeastern China, and Mt Kumgang. Jointly operated by China and North Korea, the cruise line uses a ship from around 1970. The cruise trip is 22 hours long at each leg, and is 44 hours long in total but non-Chinese citizens are not permitted on the cruise to Mount Kumgang.

A bus is available from Dandong, China, across the Yalu River to Sinuiju . It's run by the "Dandong China Travel Company" but is only open to Chinese citizens. The bus drives from Dandong over the Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge (the same bridge over the Yalu river that the trains take).

All your transport needs will be dealt with by your tour company. Most of the time this means buses, although tour groups visiting remote sites (e.g. Paekdusan , Mount Chilbo) occasionally use chartered flights by Air Koryo. Wandering around on your own is not allowed, and you are required to have a guide to escort you at all times.

A carefully stage-managed one-station ride on the Pyongyang metro is included on the itinerary of most trips to Pyongyang, but use of any other form of local public transport is generally impossible. Some tours also include a train ride from Pyongyang to the border city of Sinuiju, in which you can stop over in Sinuiju for a 1-day tour, though this option is not available to U.S. citizens.

If travelling in a small enough group it is also possible to organise a walk through some areas of Pyongyang with some travel agents (Koryo).

All tours are accompanied by a government minder, who will decide what you can and cannot see. From the moment you leave your hotel, expect to be accompanied by one or more minders. Besides ensuring that tourists do not stray outside of the designated tourist areas, their jobs include inspecting any photographs which they think do not portray North Korea or its government in a good light, and ordering photographers to delete them. It is generally advisable to listen to what your minder is saying, and agree with it.

It is always recommended that if you are uncertain about taking pictures anywhere, ask your guide, though allowances seem to vary wildly. You may get a guide that is relatively relaxed and will allow you to take pictures from a bus or within a city. On the other hand, you may get one that will strictly adhere to controlling where you take pictures restricting anything taken from a tour bus or of certain areas, like Pyongyang's city streets, in general. There is simply no way to tell until you are actually on a tour. If you think a particular photograph might be embarrassing to the DPRK in general, ask or simply don't risk taking it at all.

Photography of military personnel is also generally prohibited. Again, if in doubt, ask your guide. However, there are instances where it is impossible not to photograph certain sites without including a few military personnel within the picture such as at Mansudae (the monument site for the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il) or at a local funfair. Reactions seem to vary between being ignored to curiosity, although you will be told where taking pictures is strictly prohibited (such as at certain areas of the DMZ), and the guards/soldiers there will react unfavourably to being photographed in general. Other areas where photographs are prohibited include the interior of the Friendship Exhibition, which displays gifts from around the world to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, and within the Kumsusan Memorial Palace. If you leave the country via train (to Beijing ) your camera will likely be checked for unfavorable photos by the guards.

The majority of sightseeing consists of visits to various war memorials, monuments to the Great Leader and the Workers Party of Korea, and numerous museums (mostly war-related, like the statues and monuments). The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a popular destination for most tour groups in North Korea.

Whilst you are in North Korea, the prevailing viewpoint places blame on the Americans for starting the Korean War; disagreeing with this position is likely to cause problems for both you and your guide, particularly as the two Koreas are still legally at war with only a cease-fire between them. Despite its misleading name, the DMZ is heavily guarded and dotted with minefields and other booby-traps. Under no circumstances should you stray from your group, or take any photographs of military installations. However, the "peace village" Panmunjom may be photographed, and boasts the world's third tallest flagpole.

Whilst on these guided tours, especially to the state museums and monuments, you will undoubtedly endure an ongoing barrage of propaganda, consisting largely of anecdotes about things that Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il did for their country. Some of these claims may seem bizarre and even amusing to the outsider; however, a straight face is generally advisable. It is generally safest to at least appear to take everything they say seriously, even if it contradicts everything you were ever taught in history class or defies even the most basic human reasoning.

So, with all this practical information being said, what are the places to go? A good part of the important attractions you'll be shown are in Pyongyang . There's the large Kim Il-sung Square , where the famously grand military parades take place. Even without the parades, though, it's an impressive square, and on it is the Grand People’s Study House . This gigantic library and learning centre is home to over 30 million books and a modern system of conveyor belts to get you the one you need. Also on the square are two museums, of which — the Korean National Art Gallery — is the more interesting one. The other great landmark of the nation's capital is its Triumphal Arch . Slightly bigger than its Parisian counterpart, it is in fact the largest arch of its kind in the world. Another landmark you'll be proudly shown are the large bronze statues of the Great Leader and Kim Jong-il . Respectfully join the locals in their serious undertakings to honour the statues, which are a key element of the devotion cult around the national leaders. For a better chance of some casual conversations with locals, try the pleasant Pyongyang zoo . Take a daytrip to the birthplace of the Great Leader in Mangyongdae and of course, visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun where both the previous Kims' embalmed bodies are on display.

No trip to North Korea is complete without an extensive glance at the uneasy and heavily fortified border stand-off at Panmunjeom , or the Joint Security Area. Not far from here is the town of Kaesong , with a lovely old town and the UNESCO -listed tomb of King Kongmin . For stunning natural sights, try reaching Kumgangsan , or the Diamond Mountains , where you'll find beautiful vistas, waterfalls, lakes and ancient Buddhist temples .

As mentioned above, there is very little to do beyond the watchful eye of your designated minders, with most recreational activity taking place within the confines of the tourist resorts. Bowling and karaoke are among the latest additions to its surprising plethora of recreational activities. The karaoke videos are often accompanied by dramatic historical footage of the Korean War, or goose-stepping People's Army soldiers.

North Korea has three amusement parks, two of which are abandoned due to mutual lack of interest and electricity. The Kaeson Youth Fair has now closed, taking the infamous "Roller Coaster of Death" along with it. Still visible are the shooting-galleries with backdrops of snarling American and Japanese soldiers; however, it is unlikely that your guide will let you venture into any abandoned areas. The one remaining amusement park contains some rides which are actually quite modern and non-lethal, at least by North Korean standards, and is about as worthy of a visit as everything else you'll see whilst in North Korea.

The nightlife in Pyongyang is remarkably safe and non-violent, compared to the capitals of other nations (except maybe Reykjavík in Iceland ); in general, the civilians are not a threat. The plain-clothes secret police, however, may or may not be a threat, depending on what you say or do. The North Korean definition of popular music is at least two decades behind the rest of the world; expect an onslaught of 1980s hits from the West (some obviously are unauthorized copies, to judge by the quality), punctuated by the eerie caterwauling of Korean folk songs, and at least try to look enthusiastic about the whole scene.

Finally, power cuts may hit without warning in the middle of any activity. Whilst you might welcome this if the jukebox is starting to get to you, this is not a desirable outcome if you are in the middle of an amusement-park ride, particularly as these blackouts can last for hours at a time.

The Masikryong ski resort, North Korea's only ski resort, opened in winter 2013. Located near the western city of Wonsan, a visit to the resort may be included as part of a wider DPRK tour.

The currency is the North Korean won , denoted by the symbol ₩ (ISO code: KPW ) and not typically available to foreigners, except some old North Korean won sold as souvenirs. The only places where tourists are allowed to obtain and spend North Korean won are at the Kwangbok Supermarket, which is included in some tours of Pyongyang , and in the Rason Special Economic Zone. Black market exchange rates (especially in far northern Korea, near the Chinese border) may easily be 20 times the official rate, but importing or exporting won is strictly forbidden. North Korean won is practically worthless outside the country but can make unique souvenirs.

Foreigners are expected to use euros or as an alternative Chinese renminbi, US dollars or Japanese yen. Currency handling is often bizarre, with a frequent lack of change and a number of rule-of-thumb conversions leading to highly unorthodox transactions, so be sure to bring lots of small change. On a typical tour most expenses such as hotel, transportation, and meals will have been paid in advance, and therefore your only expenses may be bottled water, souvenirs, snacks, drinks at the bars, laundry at the hotel and tips for your guides.

In any case, the only shops you will be likely allowed to visit are the state-run souvenir shops at your hotel and at the various tourist attractions. It is generally not possible to visit a real local shop which serves the local population, though you might get lucky asking your guide if he/she trusts you enough. Some tours include a visit to a department store.

There are numerous hard-currency-only souvenir shops at tourist sites. Interesting souvenirs include propaganda books and videos, postcards and postage stamps. At some tourist sites (such as King Kongmin's tomb), you can purchase freshly finished paintings with your name and the artist's name at the bottom.

You can buy postcards and send them to people in any country except South Korea. Stamps would make wonderful souvenirs.

Literature is revered in North Korean society, in due large part to the fact that the government regularly promotes views that present them in a good light, i.e. propaganda. Writers in North Korea are held in high prestige. Sure, North Korean books may be full of views and perspectives promoting the government, but they will allow you to be further exposed to the world's most secretive, isolated country and better understand the thoughts and views of the government, the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. A book from North Korea would make a good souvenir from the country.

Some excellent paintings on silk or linen have been available in Kaesong directly from the artist. Haggling for better prices is not permitted but the prices are very low.

Note: South Korean law criminalizes the possession and importation of North Korean "propaganda". It is advised to avoid bringing your North Korean souvenirs with you if you go to South Korea.

Most costs are included as part of your tour. Most sights have a shop associated with them where you can buy bottled water, souvenirs and snacks. These are reasonably priced. In September 2017, large bottles of local beer cost US$2 at the hotel bars in Pyongyang. €200 for one week should be enough to cover your costs of water, drinks at the bars, souvenirs and tips for the guides.

As with most other aspects of visiting North Korea, catering is usually organized in advance as part of your tour. Vegetarians and people with food allergies or dislikes of common foods such as seafood or eggs will need to make arrangements in advance. A visit to a "real" local restaurant may be possible; inquire with your guide. Shortages of supplies, combined with the typical use of Korean cooking styles, mean that there is a relatively limited variety of food — and this can get wearying on tours of more than a few days.

There are a few Western food options now in Pyongyang and these restaurants can usually be visited if arranged with the guides in advance. They will usually require additional payment though, unless you have discussed this already with your tour operator, as the costs are not included in the per diem fee charged by the Korean Travel Company. There are two Italian restaurants (one on Kwangbok Street which is near the Korean circus where the pizza is great, and they have imported a pizza oven and all the ingredients so the quality is very high; and one near the USS Pueblo ) and two burger restaurants (the more accessible is in the Youth Hotel). Both are inexpensive and do inject some flavor onto a generally lackluster eating scene, especially on long tours. Visit the Vienna coffee house, which is on the river side of Kim Jong Il square, for a good coffee similar to those common in Europe.

The local speciality is insam-ju , Korean vodka infused with ginseng roots.

Locally made Taedonggang beer is very good. The brewery was purchased from Ushers in the UK and physically moved to Pyongyang, and some of the soju are not bad either. Local alcohol is inexpensive; a 650 ml bottle of beer is €0.50. Imported beers, such as Heineken, are also available at similar prices. However do not get drunk and cause trouble. Toe the line and show respect, or you and your guide will face serious penalties.

It is advisable to stick to bottled water for drinking as the tap water is not always properly treated.

This is likely to be your principal expense while in North Korea. You may only stay at "designated tourist hotels", for which you will need to pay in hard currency. There may be discounts if you ask for lower class accommodation, if you are travelling as part of a group, or if it is low season (November – March). Costs for your tour, which will include accommodation, all sightseeing activities and meals, will range from US$70 to US$200 a day, depending on these factors.

Usually you pay for all your meals, hotel and Beijing–Pyongyang journey to your tour operator before you leave. One week in high season at a four-star hotel will then cost something between €1,300 and €1,600, depending on your tour operator, but might get as low as €800 for one week.

It's difficult to ascertain the full scope of the North Korean education system, since very few foreigners, if any, take advantage of learning opportunities in the country. The vast majority of foreign students in North Korea are normally exchange students and typically come here to study the Korean language.

The Kim Il-Sung University is North Korea's most prestigious university and has exchange programmes with several universities in China , Russia , and Germany . The university has educated 5,000 students from nearly 30 countries since 1955.

The North Korean government has set up a website where you can freely download books published in North Korea. This will allow you to learn something new about North Korea.

Yanbian University , in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in northeastern China is closely affiliated with other universities in North Korea and can offer relevant courses for learning about North Korea.

If you are interested in teaching in North Korea, you may find success by contacting the North Korean UN Mission in New York, or contacting a North Korean university directly. Your odds of success are, however, quite low: there is only a small team of 4 English Language Instructors dealing with teaching and teacher training, with a Project Manager leading the team of three, placed in Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies and Kim Hyung Jik University of Education.

There is an opportunity to teach in the Pyongyang Summer Institute during summer time when it is opened to foreigners. It's voluntary, unpaid work, though.

At first, you may feel scared and intimidated by being in an authoritarian country like North Korea. You may even feel uneasy or outright anxious. As a tourist, you're not expected to know every single law and rule in North Korea. So long as you listen to your tour guide(s) and respect local customs, you have nothing to worry about.

North Korea is an authoritarian dictatorship and is generally considered to have the worst human rights record in the world . The authorities are very touchy, and you need to watch what you say and how you say it. Just do what the guides do, praise every stop on your tour, and remember the rule, "If you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all."

The official policy is that you are not to wander around on your own . You are expected to get permission and/or have a guide accompany you if you want to leave your hotel. This will vary depending on what hotel you are in. The Yanggakdo Hotel is on an island in the middle of the Pyongyang's Taedong River. Therefore you can walk around the area a little more freely than at the Koryo Hotel in the centre of town. You should always be friendly and courteous to your guides and driver, who will usually reciprocate by trusting you more and giving you more freedom.

Photography

When taking photographs , exercise restraint, caution and common sense. If you appear to be looking for negative images of North Korea, the guides will not be happy and will tell you to delete any questionable images. In particular, you should not take photos of anything depicting the military, including personnel, or anything showing the DPRK in a bad light.

Your photographic freedom can largely depend on the type of guides you are assigned and your rapport with them. In a best-case scenario, you can often take pictures without feeling as if you're trying to sneak them by anyone and without pressure capturing some truly unique images. If you are in an area prohibiting picture taking, you will also be informed of this, and it is best to follow your guide's direction. When in doubt, always ask. Your guide might even want to try out your camera and take a picture of you for your collection.

In a worst-case scenario, you can be expected to raise your camera at a reasonable speed, compose and take the picture, and lower the camera at a reasonable speed. Don't try to take pictures of anything that you have been told not to, such as military personnel or certain locales. This may call attention to yourself and the image you are trying to take and can result, whether justified or not, in your being told to delete the image.

Digital cameras are commonly inspected when leaving the country by train. A simple workaround is to leave a memory card with innocuous snaps in the camera and file away any cards with ideologically dubious content.

Korean nationals

If you are Korean or have ties to Korea – such as having a Korean parent, being married to a Korean, or being of Korean descent – you should carefully consider your decision to visit North Korea. You could easily arouse suspicion from the authorities.

Visitors have also been targeted for political reasons; in 2013, an 85-year-old American citizen was arrested, briefly incarcerated and expelled by the DPRK because of his military service during the Korean War.

Illegal substances

Drug trafficking and the consumption of narcotics can be punishable by death in North Korea. Although marijuana is said to be found growing freely alongside the road in North Korea, its possession and consumption is illegal; in 2017, the Swedish Ambassador to North Korea stated that marijuana was illegal, and anyone caught using the drug could "expect no leniency whatsoever".

Religious activity

It is strongly recommended that you avoid bringing religious texts or performing any religious activity . In 2012, Kenneth Bae, an American Christian missionary, was arrested for his religious activities in North Korea and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour (however, he was released nine months later). Another American, Jeffrey Fowle, was arrested for leaving a Bible at a North Korean nightclub and spent six months in a North Korean jail.

Emergency numbers

• From a fixed-line phone: 119
• From a mobile phone: 112

For medical emergencies in Pyongyang, dial 02 382-7688 locally.

Stay healthy

Drinking water in North Korea is apparently untreated and there are reports of foreigners being hospitalized in the DPRK after drinking the water; therefore, sticking to bottled water is highly recommended.

Medical facilities are clean although very outdated. If you fall ill then you might be better off going to China for medical treatment. Contact your embassy or consulate in North Korea (if your country has one) for assistance.

North and South Koreans share a common culture; you may find the various respect tips in the South Korea article to be of help.

Tour conduct

Your tour guide in North Korea is your best friend. They will do their best to explain the rules and what is expected from you. If a guide tells you not to do something, listen to them . If you're not sure about something, ask. That said, you should refrain from discussing sensitive subjects such as politics, economic systems, and human rights.

Any time you engage in unbecoming conduct, your guide will be blamed for being unable to control you, and they will be penalised for your misbehaviour. Always think before you act, and think before you speak; future tourists could face restrictions on what they can do in the country because of your behaviour.

Consider giving small gifts like cigarettes, skin creams, and so on to your guides. This will garner respect from the guides and depending on how well you conduct yourself, they may even take you to places and events in North Korea they wouldn't usually go to.

Although there are many terrific photo opportunities in North Korea, the DPRK has stringent photography laws. This largely depends on what guide you've been assigned. Do not take photographs of anything of strategic importance (i.e. places with soldiers/police officers, etc.), photographs that negatively portray the country, and things you've been told not to photograph. The North Korean authorities take these rules very seriously.

Sensitive issues

The government of the DPRK — in particular the leaders Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un — are, at least publicly, very highly revered in North Korean culture. While slavish devotion is not expected from tourists, any form of disrespect — such as criticisms or insults — towards the Kim dynasty, the Workers' Party of Korea, the North Korean government, Songun, and Juche is taken very seriously and severely punished. Keep your personal views about them to yourself.

Do not crumple, desecrate, inappropriately use, tamper with, or mishandle anything — this applies to newspapers, books, stamps, postcards, political posters, and money — bearing the names and images of the North Korean government, Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-Il, and Kim Jong-un. This is tantamount to treason, for which you can be severely punished.

It is advisable to refer to North Korea as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the official name for the country.

For self-explanatory reasons, avoid praising South Korea , as doing so would attract unwanted attention from the North Korean authorities, and may invite more trouble than what's it worth. For similar reasons, avoid praising the United States and Japan − both countries are considered adversaries of North Korea. With North Korea adopting an anti-reunification policy in early 2024, what was politically correct has became the greatest incorrectness in North Korea.

Most, if not all, tour groups to the DPRK are asked to solemnly bow and lay flowers on one or two occasions in front of statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il when visiting monuments of national importance. If you are not prepared to do this, you should not visit North Korea. When photographing statues, especially Mansudae, you are required to get the entire statue in the picture. Formal dress is also expected at important monuments such as Mansudae or visiting the Kumsusang Memorial Palace.

North Korea is officially atheist. The regime promotes a national philosophy of self-reliance called Juche (주체) which some would categorize as a quasi-religion that pervades all aspects of life in the country. As a tourist, you will not be expected to observe this, although you must always be respectful towards symbols of Juche which are often the images of past and present leaders Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un.

Other religions such as Christianity and Buddhism are vigorously suppressed in practice with severe punishment being given to followers. You should refrain from any religious discussions during your time in North Korea, and be aware that any form of religious proselytizing is dealt with very seriously by the regime, with foreign missionaries having previously been sentenced to life imprisonment in labor camps. With this in mind, be careful of performing even personal religious rituals or bringing religious items into the country and preferably do not do so at all.

For international calls to North Korea, the country code is +850 . Some phone numbers (mostly faxes) can be called directly from abroad; most other calls will need to go through the international operator service on +850-2-18111.

International calling is generally possible via landlines in hotels, though it is expensive (€2 per minute as of Feb 2012) and all calls are likely recorded and monitored.

Local calls need elusive 10 chon coins when calling from call boxes, but can also be made from hotels and post offices.

Additionally, your phone calls may be heavily monitored, so you should be careful of what you talk about in phone calls that you make in North Korea.

Mobile phones

As of January 2013, you are allowed to carry a mobile phone from outside the country into North Korea. You will not be able to use your current SIM card in North Korea, however. The only network you are allowed to connect to is the local network, Koryolink, via one of their SIM cards. Your phone must be a 3G WCDMA phone which can connect to the 2100MHz 3G frequency band.

A 3G mobile phone network (Koryolink) was introduced in Pyongyang in 2008 and now covers the 42 largest cities. It is widely used by locals who can afford it and by long-staying foreigners who file an application. SIM cards and phones can be purchased at the International Communication Center, No.2 Pothonggang-dong in Pothonggang District, opposite the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, as well as at Pyongyang airport and some hotels. As of 25 Feb 2013, 3G mobile internet via Koryolink is available to foreigners, although pricing is unknown. Bear in mind that these SIM cards will only let you call internationally and to a very small number of internationally-enabled phones in North Korea. There are three plans you can choose from for your SIM card:

• Purchase a prepaid SIM card for €50. This gives you the SIM card to keep indefinitely for return visits, and includes a small amount (less than €30) of calling credit.
• Rent a prepaid SIM card for two weeks for €50. This includes €30 of calling credit.
• Rent a prepaid SIM card for one month for €75. This includes €55 of calling credit.

Calling rates are as follows:

• China and South-East Asia: €1.43 per minute.
• Russia: €0.68 per minute.
• France and Switzerland: €0.38 per minute.
• U.K. and Germany: €1.58 per minute.

By Internet

Internet facilities are limited to a very few North Koreans with appropriate privileges to use it. For foreigners, most of the larger hotels have Internet access available, but this needs to be applied for some days in advance. Advise your tour operator or inviting party of your requirements well ahead of time so that access permission can be arranged. There are no public internet cafés or business centres with web access in the hotels. Mobile internet is available via Koryolink's 3G network (see above) using a local SIM card, but details about this are scarce. Also, even if you have Internet access, your traffic will probably be monitored. There is very little Internet connectivity in North Korea; the little that exists is routed through mainland China and risks heavy censorship by that country's Golden Shield Project, the " Great Firewall of China ".

There is a growing diplomatic presence of foreign embassies in Pyongyang . Find out beforehand which country can assist you in case of an emergency, such as a medical condition or a police incident.

Sweden serves as the protecting power for American, Australian, and Canadian travellers in North Korea, so these visitors may be able to obtain limited consular services from the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang. American nationals are not allowed by the U.S. Department of State to visit North Korea, although if you must then it is still recommended to notify (by email) the Swedish embassy of your visit to North Korea, as well as to inform the U.S. embassy in Beijing, China, particularly if your trip to North Korea entails passing through China.

The British embassy offers consular services to Commonwealth citizens who do not have representation through other countries, except for Singaporeans and Tanzanians, whose governments have opted out of this arrangement.

Foreign media outlets and newspapers are banned by the North Korean government; you may only access media outlets and newspapers owned and operated by the North Korean government.

You can expect to come across fringe and controversial views of the United States , Japan , South Korea , Israel , and Western culture in North Korean media. For example, one article published in the Pyongyang Times claimed that the United States is the world's "worst democracy strangler". Putting this aside, exposing yourself to North Korean media is an excellent way to understand how things are in the world's most secretive country, the views of the North Korean government, and what people are exposed to over here.

• Korean Central News Agency . The state news agency of North Korea. Available in Korean, Russian, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish.  

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The most important piece of North Korea travel advice is to abide by a few important rules. 

Firstly, never speak ill of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il or Kim Jon-un. Criticising the Kims is a huge insult –  and also a crime  – and could put your entire trip at risk. 

Secondly, don’t wander off from your group or guides. Trying to sneak off alone or to see things unaccompanied will land you in a huge heap of trouble.

Finally, be careful what you photograph . The rules on what you can photograph are not as restrictive as you might think – we took over 1000 photos during our trip to North Korea. 

However, certain things are off limits. Photos of construction sites and military officers are not allowed. Neither are shots of the countryside during the journeys between cities. 

Photography is also prohibited inside specific sites, but if in doubt check with your guides. Don’t be surprised if you’re told to delete any photos that your guides might not be happy with.

You'll Hear a Lot About the Kims

It’s impossible to overstate  how much the Kim dynasty dominates North Korea . The ubiquitous and glowing statues and portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il are just the tip of a very large iceberg. 

The Kim’s cult of personality is inescapable and permeates every aspect of life, including tourist’s trips to the DPRK. 

Obvious examples are the visits to the embalmed bodies of the Kims at the  Palace of the Sun  and their enormous statues at  Mansudae Hill Grand Monument , but they’re infused into almost everywhere you visit .

Almost every book in souvenir shops is either written by or about Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il. At every place you visit in North Korea your guides will tell you how many times Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il visited it. There’s usually a framed red sign above the door to mark the date they came, or a huge framed photo of their visit at the entrance. 

The schools, universities, factories and farms that you’re taken to will all have a connection to the Kims, too. They’ll have either visited it, provided guidance there or, supposedly, will have given the order to build it. 

Even historic sites that were damaged during the war will have been restored under the orders of one of the Kims. Their words and slogans are even etched into the mountains in Myohyangsan.

Don't Question North Korea's Historical Narrative

Visiting North Korea means having to accept the country’s version of its own history and the history of the region. The North Korean version differs greatly from the reality. 

As a totalitarian state with a vice-like grip on all forms of education, media and communication, the ruling regime has created an alternative history for the DPRK that cannot be questioned . 

That history suits the narrative that portrays the DPRK as a victim, defending itself from several decades of American imperialism and aggression. Added to this is the complete whitewash of any of North Korea’s sins,  of which there are many.

Take anything presented as historical fact with a huge dollop of salt. Many historical claims will be heavily biased, and others will be a complete fiction. The prime example of this is the DPRK’s take on  the Korean War . 

North Koreans are taught that it was they who were attacked by the South, when in reality it was North Korea’s invasion of South Korea that led to war. If you’re told something that you know not to be true it’s best to hold your tongue and play along .

You Can Talk Politics, Up to a Point

Discussing politics isn’t completely out of the question in North Korea, but if the subject comes up you’ll need to know what to say and how to say it. 

One of our guides broached the subject on a couple of occasions, asking about  Kim Jong-un’s summits with President Trump  and if there was any discussions of the  economic sanctions on North Korea being lifted. 

It led to a fairly frank conversation about the geopolitical situation that North Korea finds itself in, though caution was obviously required. Our guide wanted to know how the land lay between the US and the DPRK following the summits, and was keen to know the outside world’s view on top of what was reported within the DPRK. 

For your own safety its best to play conversations regarding politics involving North Korea safely , but don’t be surprised if you get asked the occasional question about the view from outside the DPRK.

You Can Take Your Phone to North Korea

Despite some reports, you can take your smartphone into North Korea , as well as cameras, laptops and tablets. They will all be inspected by customs officials when you arrive in North Korea. Drones are not allowed into the DPRK. 

Be aware that you’ll be offline the entire time that you’re in North Korea . On the whole there is no access to internet or mobile phone network for foreigners in the DPRK, though things may be about to change.

Reports suggest that WiFi is available in the casino in the basement of the Yanggakdo Hotel in Pyongyang. According to NK News the network runs through China and their restrictive firewall, so websites like Google and BBC are still blocked.

Be Good to Your Tour Guides

Tour guides are appointed to every tour group that visits North Korea. They play a dual role of guide and minder, ensuring that visitors behave appropriately whilst providing information and the government line on all of the places you visit. 

The guides are far from stern faced state-appointed apparatchiks ; instead they are the young, friendly and mostly female face of North Korean tourism.

Forming a good bond with your guides will help you to get the most out of your trip to North Korea. Though they’ll never show it, ferrying groups of tourists around the DPRK is a stressful job, especially if tourists are hard to handle. 

If there’s any fallout from a badly behaved tour group, it puts them at risk of recriminations from their superiors.

Also, our guides told us that groups that are difficult to handle often miss out on visiting certain sites, such as the Palace of the Sun, as they can’t be trusted to behave themselves. Forming a good relationship and understanding with your guides will make the whole trip much more beneficial for everyone.

You See More of North Korea on a Private Tour

Though more expensive than group tours, if you can afford a private tour to North Korea then it’s worth the extra cost . 

Private group tours can be tailored and adjusted to suit you, meaning that you get to see more of the things that you want to see . Trips on group tours tend to be set itineraries that only allow for the odd tweak here and there.

Also, on a private tour your North Korean guides will be dedicated just to you, rather than looking after a group of up to 20 people. This means you’ll have a much more personal service and it allows you the chance to find out much more about the places that you visit and about life in North Korea.

You’ll also be easier to manage , meaning that you can fit a lot more into your daily schedule than if you were in a group. Fewer numbers means that it’s naturally a lot easier to move around and you’re able to do so much more in a day. 

Another advantage of a private tour is that you’ll be in a smaller vehicle, giving you the chance to go to places that group tours on coaches just can’t reach. This adds so many more possibilities to your trip, especially if you’re travelling outside of Pyongyang. 

As part of our ten day trip to the DPRK, we managed to visit  Pakyon waterfall  near Kaesong and Paeksang Pavillion in the city of Anju, two places that even our guides hadn’t previously visited.

You Will Get a Few Glimpses of the 'Real' North Korea

It’s often asked of how much of the ‘real’ North Korea you get to see as a tourist in the DPRK. The answer is hard to quantify. 

Contact with real North Koreans is extremely limited; you’re obviously not going to have the chance to discuss the Supreme People’s Assembly’s latest legislative proposals with the man on the street. 

You’re also in the odd situation whereby the state is trying to show you one version of North Korea whilst you might be trying to look for another.

You probably won’t find the real North Korea – whatever that is – whilst on a tourist trip. But you’ll be surprised by just how much you are allowed to witness . 

Whilst being driven around you will see plenty of examples of real life and of things that the North Korean regime itself might not actively promote, from aging Soviet-style housing blocks to old men sat by the road charging cyclists for the use of a bicycle pump. 

You’ll see even more if you venture outside of Pyongyang. The countryside is incredibly eye-opening and a world away from the epic monuments and lavish government buildings that line Pyongyang’s streets. 

Driving through North Korea’s countryside feels like going back in time, and there’s no hiding the harsh reality of life outside of the cities.

You'll be Taken to Many Places the State Wants You to See

The highlight of a visit to North Korea is the chance to see some of the country’s most well known sites, such as the Kim statues at Mansudae Hill Grand Monument, the Arch of Triumph or the spectacular view from the top of the Juche Tower. 

Yet in every trip to North Korea are tours of more everyday sites that the regime is keen for outsiders to see .

You’ll almost certainly be taken to a school to see performances by phenomenally talented if alarmingly young children. Other common stops are universities, farms and factories , and each is likely to be a little dry and uninspiring. 

The visits are obviously propaganda, designed to show North Korea as a highly educated, talented and productive nation blossoming under the leadership of the Workers Party of Korea. 

You don’t have to be a hardened cynic to see through it all. For the less entertaining trips it’s best to put on a polite smile and look enthusiastic until the tour is over.

North Korean Accommodation is Incredibly Varied

The standard of accommodation in North Korea is always adequate but the quality can fluctuate wildly . It’s recommended that you take a torch when you travel in North Korea in case you’re caught in a power cut whilst at your hotel.

In Pyongyang most tourists usually stay at the  Yanggakdo International Hotel , a monolithic tower with over 1000 rooms and a revolving restaurant on top. Filled with amenities to keep tourists entertained, the hotel’s rooms are okay if a bit dated and low on mod cons. 

They come with comfortable beds, a television with a few outside news channels and, most importantly of all, hot water and electricity when you need it.

Outside Pyongyang accommodation varies from the more basic to the scarcely believable . In Kaesong our dated hotel suffered from power cuts and hot water was rationed to an hour in the morning and an hour at night. The room was at least warm, with underfloor heating and radiators that didn’t turn off. 

The Hyangsan Hotel in Myohyangsan on the other hand was a completely different story altogether. Known as the best hotel in North Korea,  the Hyangsan is easily a 5 star hotel by Western standards . How and why it is where it is is a bit of a mystery, yet the bumpy ride from Pyongyang is worth the trip to see the Hyangsan alone.

Bring Enough Money in a Multitude of Currencies

This is where North Korea can get confusing. Foreigners aren’t allowed to spend North Korean Won whilst in the DPRK (the only exception being at  the Kwangbok Supermarket ). 

Instead, tourists have to use a confusing combination of three foreign currencies when buying anything in North Korea. These are the Chinese yuan , US dollars and Euros . Bring enough of each currency, and ideally in low denominations. Even $10 goes a long way in North Korea, so bring plenty of 5 and even 1 dollar bills. 

In souvenir shops and in hotels the staff will convert all local prices into whichever currency you wish to pay in. Be aware that your change may come in a different currency than the one you paid in . We received a handful of change in the cafe at the Yanggakdo hotel in US dollars, Euros and Chinese Yuan.

Make sure that you bring enough money for the duration of your trip. If you run out there are no ATM’s. Also, make sure that all notes that you bring into the country are in mint condition . Shop assistants in North Korea will turn away notes that are tattered or badly creased. 

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North Korea Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Tourism in North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), offers a glimpse into one of the world’s most isolated and enigmatic nations. With its tightly controlled and government-guided tourism industry, North Korea provides a unique opportunity for travelers to explore its propaganda-filled capital, Pyongyang, visit historic sites, and witness carefully curated cultural displays. While tourism in North Korea is tightly regulated and often limited to guided tours, it allows curious visitors to see a side of the country that is rarely seen in the international media. However, it’s crucial to note that traveling to North Korea involves strict rules and limitations, and visitors are accompanied by government-assigned guides throughout their stay.

What’s the Best Time to Visit? 📅

The best time to visit North Korea as a tourist is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These periods offer the most favorable weather and comfortable conditions for travel:

• Spring (April to June): Spring is considered one of the best times to visit North Korea. During this season, the weather is mild, and the landscape comes alive with blossoming flowers and greenery. The temperatures are generally pleasant, with daytime highs ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This season is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
• Autumn (September to October): Another excellent time to visit North Korea is in the autumn months. The weather remains comfortable with mild temperatures, and the changing foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to your travels. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). This is also a great time for cultural events and festivals.

It’s important to note that North Korea experiences harsh winters with extremely cold temperatures, especially in December and January. Summer, from July to August, can be hot and humid, making outdoor activities less comfortable.

Travel to North Korea is highly regulated and can only be done through authorized tour operators. Additionally, political and diplomatic situations can change, affecting travel access and safety. Always check the latest travel advisories and consult with the relevant authorities or tour operators before planning a trip to North Korea.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around? 🚌

In North Korea, tourists are generally accompanied by government-assigned guides throughout their stay, and their movements are closely controlled. As a result, the best way to get around North Korea as a tourist is through organized tours offered by authorized tour operators. Here’s how transportation typically works for tourists in North Korea:

• Guided Tours: All tourists in North Korea must join guided tours organized by authorized tour operators. These tours are meticulously planned and supervised, with itineraries determined in advance. Travelers are accompanied by North Korean guides who ensure that they follow the prescribed program.
• Chartered Transportation: Tour operators in North Korea typically arrange for chartered transportation for their tour groups. This includes buses and sometimes domestic flights within North Korea. These vehicles are usually exclusive to the tour group, ensuring privacy and control over the travel schedule.
• Public Transportation: In some cases, tourists may use public transportation for short trips within Pyongyang, such as the Pyongyang Metro or local buses. However, these instances are limited, and tourists are closely supervised by guides during such activities.
• Domestic Flights: For tours that include visits to cities outside of Pyongyang, domestic flights may be arranged. These flights are typically on North Korean airlines and are part of the tour package.
• Walking and Sightseeing: Within cities and at various sites, tourists often walk or engage in sightseeing activities. These activities are usually part of the guided tour and allow tourists to explore specific attractions while accompanied by guides.
• River Cruises: In some cases, river cruises on the Taedong River in Pyongyang may be included in the tour itinerary, providing a unique perspective of the city.
• Private Vehicles: For special arrangements or custom tours, private vehicles may be used for transport between destinations. However, this is less common and may come at an additional cost.

It’s important to note that tourists in North Korea are subject to strict regulations and are not permitted to travel independently or deviate from the tour program. All activities and movements are supervised, and photography is often restricted in certain areas. Visitors are expected to follow the guidance of their North Korean guides and adhere to local customs and rules. Travelers interested in visiting North Korea should do so through authorized tour operators and should be aware of the unique and controlled nature of tourism in the country.

What’s the Official Language?

The official language of North Korea is Korean, specifically the dialect known as “Pyongyang-speak” or “Pyongyang accent.” While English is not widely spoken in North Korea, and the use of foreign languages is limited, here are some basic Korean phrases that tourists may find helpful during their visit:

Common Greetings:

• Hello – 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
• Goodbye – 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) [when someone is leaving]
• Thank you – 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
• Yes – 네 (ne)
• No – 아니요 (aniyo)
• Excuse me / Sorry – 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)
• Please – 부탁합니다 (butakhamnida)
• How much is this? – 이거 얼마에요? (igeo eolmaeyo?)

Basic Phrases:

• My name is [Your Name] – 제 이름은 [Your Name] 입니다 (je ireumeun [Your Name] imnida)
• I don’t understand – 이해하지 못해요 (ihaehaji mothaeyo)
• Help – 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
• Where is…? – … 어디에요? (… eodieyo?)
• I need… – … 가 필요해요 (… ga pillyohaeyo)
• Water – 물 (mul)
• Food – 음식 (eumsik)
• Bathroom / Toilet – 화장실 (hwajangsil)
• Hospital – 병원 (byeongwon)
• Police – 경찰 (gyeongchal)

Learning numbers can be especially useful for basic transactions and understanding prices:

• One – 하나 (hana)
• Two – 둘 (dul)
• Three – 셋 (set)
• Four – 넷 (net)
• Five – 다섯 (daseot)
• Six – 여섯 (yeoseot)
• Seven – 일곱 (ilgop)
• Eight – 여덟 (yeodeol)
• Nine – 아홉 (ahop)
• Ten – 열 (yeol)

Keep in mind that English proficiency among the general population is limited in North Korea, and communication can be challenging. Tourists are typically accompanied by government-assigned guides who speak some English, which can help bridge the language gap. Additionally, showing respect and courtesy through gestures and body language can go a long way in communicating effectively while visiting North Korea.

Where to Stay? 🏨

In North Korea, tourists are typically accommodated in state-approved hotels and lodgings that are prearranged by authorized tour operators. The options for where to stay as a tourist are limited, and visitors are not permitted to make independent lodging arrangements. Here are some of the hotels and accommodations commonly used for tourists in North Korea:

• Yanggakdo International Hotel (양각도국제호텔): Located on Yanggak Island in Pyongyang, this is one of the most well-known and largest hotels in North Korea. It offers a range of facilities, including restaurants, bars, a casino, and even a revolving restaurant on the top floor.
• Koryo Hotel (고려호텔): Situated in central Pyongyang, the Koryo Hotel is another option for tourists. It has restaurants, a coffee shop, a bar, and a gift shop. The hotel has hosted various international events and foreign delegations.
• Ryugyong Hotel (류경호텔): Known for its distinctive pyramid shape, the Ryugyong Hotel is one of Pyongyang’s iconic landmarks. While it was under construction for many years, it has reportedly opened for some foreign tourists, although details can vary.
• Chongnyon Hotel (청년호텔): This hotel is located near the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang. It offers basic accommodations and is often used by budget travelers.
• Sosan Hotel (소산호텔): Situated in the port city of Wonsan on the east coast of North Korea, the Sosan Hotel is used for tourists visiting this region. It has facilities such as restaurants, a casino, and a karaoke bar.
• Hotels in Other Cities: When visiting cities outside of Pyongyang, tourists may stay in local hotels or accommodations designated by the tour operator. These options can vary in terms of comfort and amenities.
• Homestays: In some rural areas, tourists may have the opportunity to stay in local homes or guesthouses as arranged by their tour operator. This provides a unique cultural experience.

It’s important to note that accommodations in North Korea may not meet international standards, and the availability of amenities can vary. Tourists should be prepared for a different level of service compared to what they might experience in more tourist-friendly destinations.

Travelers to North Korea must be part of an organized tour with an authorized tour operator, and accommodations are typically included as part of the tour package. All aspects of the visit, including lodging, are closely monitored by North Korean authorities, and tourists are accompanied by government-assigned guides throughout their stay.

What to Eat? 🍽️

North Korean cuisine is characterized by its unique flavors and traditional dishes. While tourists in North Korea are typically served meals as part of their organized tours, here are some must-try North Korean foods and dishes you might encounter:

• Kimchi (김치): Kimchi is a staple Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, often featuring Napa cabbage and radishes. It’s known for its spicy and tangy flavor and is served at nearly every meal.
• Rice (밥): Rice is a fundamental component of Korean cuisine. It’s usually steamed and served as a side dish with various accompaniments.
• Bibimbap (비빔밥): Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that consists of rice mixed with vegetables, often including carrots, mushrooms, spinach, and bean sprouts. It’s topped with a fried egg and spicy gochujang sauce.
• Japchae (잡채): Japchae is a dish made from stir-fried glass noodles (usually sweet potato noodles) mixed with vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a flavorful and colorful dish.
• Naengmyeon (냉면): Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish typically served in a cold broth. There are variations, but Pyongyang-style naengmyeon features buckwheat noodles in a refreshing, tangy broth with toppings like cucumber and slices of beef or pork.
• Pyongyang Cold Noodles (평양냉면): Pyongyang is famous for its cold noodle dishes. These noodles are made from wheat flour and are typically served in a cold beef or chicken broth with various toppings.
• Mandu (만두): Mandu are Korean dumplings, often filled with ingredients like minced meat, vegetables, and tofu. They can be served steamed, pan-fried, or in soups.
• Korean Barbecue (고기구이): While not exclusive to North Korea, Korean barbecue is a popular dining experience. You grill thinly sliced meat, often beef or pork, at the table and wrap it in lettuce leaves with condiments.
• Pajeon (파전): Pajeon are savory pancakes made with scallions and various ingredients, such as seafood or kimchi. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Samgyetang (삼계탕): Samgyetang is a hearty chicken soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, and jujubes. It’s believed to have health benefits and is often consumed on hot summer days.
• Dotorimuk (도토리묵): Dotorimuk is a dish made from acorn jelly, which is sliced into cubes and served with a savory sauce. It’s a unique and texturally interesting dish.
• Kimchi Pancakes (김치전): Kimchi pancakes are made by mixing kimchi with batter and pan-frying it until crispy. They are a popular snack or appetizer.
• Korean Sweets: Try Korean sweets like tteok (rice cakes), yakgwa (honey cookies), and hangwa (traditional sweets made from rice and honey).

Keep in mind that the availability of specific dishes may vary depending on the region and the tour operator. North Korean cuisine offers a mix of flavors, from spicy and pungent to mild and savory, and trying local dishes is an essential part of experiencing the culture during your visit.

What to See? 🔍

North Korea offers tourists a range of unique attractions and sites to explore, providing insights into the country’s history, culture, and political system. Here are some must-see places and attractions in North Korea for tourists:

• Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (권수산태양궁전): Formerly the residence of Kim Il-sung and now a mausoleum, this grand building houses the embalmed bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Visitors are required to wear formal attire and follow strict rules when entering.
• Juche Tower (주체사상탑): This iconic tower in Pyongyang stands at 170 meters (560 feet) and is dedicated to the Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city.
• Kim Il-sung Square (김일성광장): Located in central Pyongyang, this massive square is named after the country’s founding leader. It is often the site of grand military parades and mass rallies.
• Arch of Triumph (개선문): This arch, larger than its Parisian counterpart, was built to commemorate the Korean resistance to Japanese rule. Visitors can climb to the top for views of the city.
• Mangyongdae Native House (만경대출생지): Visit the birthplace of Kim Il-sung, which has been preserved as a museum showcasing his early life.
• Pyongyang Metro (평양지하철): Experience a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, known for its deep tunnels and elaborately decorated stations. The metro is often referred to as the “world’s deepest.”
• Korean War Museum (조선인민군역사박물관): Explore the museum dedicated to the Korean War (1950-1953), featuring extensive exhibits and artifacts from the conflict.
• International Friendship Exhibition (국제우정전시관): Located in Mount Myohyang, this vast underground complex houses gifts and tributes received by North Korean leaders from around the world.
• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Take a tour to the DMZ, the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. Visitors can see the Joint Security Area (JSA) and the Korean War armistice village of Panmunjom.
• Pohyon Temple (보현사): Located in Mount Myohyang, this Buddhist temple dates back to the 11th century and features beautifully preserved architecture and statues.
• Mount Paektu (백두산): The highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, Mount Paektu is a significant symbol in Korean folklore. It offers hiking opportunities and stunning landscapes, but access may be limited.
• Wonsan Beach: If visiting the eastern port city of Wonsan, relax on one of its sandy beaches along the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
• Chongjin: Explore the city of Chongjin on the northeastern coast, known for its industrial history and access to scenic areas like Mount Chilbo.
• Hamhung: Visit the coastal city of Hamhung, known for its historical sites, beaches, and the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex.
• Kimjongilia and Kimilsungia Flower Exhibitions: These annual flower exhibitions, featuring specially cultivated blooms named after the country’s leaders, are held in Pyongyang.

It’s important to note that travel to North Korea is tightly controlled and can only be done through authorized tour operators. Visitors must adhere to strict rules and regulations, and their activities are closely monitored by government-assigned guides. The availability of certain attractions may also depend on the current political and diplomatic situation.

What to Do? 📸

As a tourist in North Korea, your activities and experiences are typically tightly controlled and guided by government-assigned tour guides. While your itinerary may be predetermined, there are some must-do things and cultural experiences you can expect during your visit to North Korea:

• Visit Kim Il-sung Square: Stand in the heart of Pyongyang at Kim Il-sung Square, often the site of grand military parades and mass rallies. It’s a symbol of the regime’s power and ideology.
• Explore Pyongyang: Take a guided tour of the capital city, Pyongyang, where you’ll see monuments, landmarks, and government buildings. These may include the Arch of Triumph, Juche Tower, and the Party Foundation Monument.
• Ride the Pyongyang Metro: Experience a ride on the Pyongyang Metro, known for its deep tunnels and ornate station designs. You may visit several metro stations during your tour.
• Attend Mass Games (Arirang Festival): If your visit coincides with the Arirang Festival (also known as the Mass Games), attend this grand spectacle featuring thousands of performers, coordinated movements, and colorful displays.
• Visit Museums and Historical Sites: Explore museums such as the Korean War Museum and other historical sites, which provide insight into North Korea’s official narrative of its history.
• Interact with Locals: While interactions with locals are limited, you may have opportunities to interact with people in controlled settings, such as at a school or cooperative farm.
• Try North Korean Cuisine: Sample North Korean dishes, including kimchi, bibimbap, and Pyongyang cold noodles. Meals are often provided as part of your tour.
• Learn About the Juche Ideology: Gain an understanding of the Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance and independence. You’ll likely hear about this concept throughout your visit.
• Visit Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il Statues: Pay respects to the statues of North Korea’s leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, often located in central squares.
• Attend Cultural Performances: Watch cultural performances, such as traditional music and dance shows, to get a glimpse of North Korean arts and culture.
• Take a Trip to the DMZ: Join a tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Joint Security Area (JSA) to see the border between North and South Korea. You may have a chance to step into the JSA buildings and interact with South Korean soldiers.
• Participate in Local Celebrations: If your visit coincides with North Korean holidays or celebrations, you may have the opportunity to observe or even participate in festivities.
• Photography: Capture the unique landscapes, architecture, and cultural scenes, but be aware that photography may be restricted in certain areas.
• Visit Mount Myohyang: Explore the scenic Mount Myohyang region, known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural attractions.
• Learn About Propaganda: Observe the prominent role of propaganda in North Korean society, from posters to monuments.
• Attend a Local Market: Visit a local market, such as the Kwangbok Supermarket in Pyongyang, to see everyday life and commerce in action.

It’s essential to remember that travel to North Korea is highly controlled, and visitors must adhere to strict rules and regulations imposed by the government. Tourists are accompanied by government-assigned guides throughout their stay, and independent exploration is generally not allowed. Additionally, the availability of certain activities may be subject to change based on the political and diplomatic situation.

Culture and Safety 🦺

Traveling to North Korea as a tourist presents unique cultural and safety considerations due to the country’s highly controlled and authoritarian nature. It’s essential to be well-prepared and informed before visiting. Here are some cultural and safety tips for tourists in North Korea:

• Respect for the Leadership: Show respect for the country’s leaders, especially Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, as well as symbols and monuments associated with them. Avoid any disrespectful behavior or comments.
• Dress Code: Dress modestly and conservatively. Avoid wearing clothing that is revealing, provocative, or excessively casual. Formal attire may be required for certain locations, such as the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
• Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of military personnel, infrastructure, or anything the guides deem sensitive. Photography rules can be strict, so always follow your guides’ instructions.
• Political Discussions: Avoid engaging in political discussions, criticizing the government, or expressing opinions that could be considered disrespectful or offensive.
• Behavior in Public: Be aware of your behavior in public spaces. Public displays of affection, such as hugging or holding hands, may be frowned upon.
• Interactions with Locals: Interactions with local people are limited and often occur in controlled settings, such as at schools or cooperative farms. Follow your guides’ instructions during these interactions.
• Gifts and Souvenirs: Consider bringing small gifts from your home country to offer to your guides or hosts as a gesture of goodwill. Common souvenirs include North Korean propaganda posters and stamps.
• Travel with an Authorized Tour Operator: North Korea allows tourists only through authorized tour operators. Choose a reputable operator with experience in North Korean tourism.
• Travel Advisories: Check travel advisories and safety information from your government’s embassy or consulate. Be aware of the political and security situation in the region.
• Register with Your Embassy: Inform your embassy or consulate of your travel plans and contact information in North Korea. Registering can be crucial in case of emergencies.
• Follow Government Guidelines: Abide by the rules and regulations set by the North Korean government and your guides. Non-compliance can have serious consequences.
• Restricted Access: Recognize that certain areas may be off-limits or closely monitored. Access to information and communication with the outside world may also be limited.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers potential medical emergencies, evacuations, and unforeseen situations. Verify if North Korea is covered in your policy.
• Currency and Transactions: Familiarize yourself with the local currency (North Korean won) and the restricted nature of currency exchange. Use official channels for financial transactions.
• Health Precautions: Consult a healthcare provider for vaccinations and health precautions before your trip. North Korea may have limited medical facilities and access to certain medications.
• Respect the Guides: Develop a respectful and cooperative relationship with your guides. They are responsible for your safety and adherence to local rules.
• Avoid Sensitive Topics: Steer clear of discussing topics that could be considered sensitive or offensive, including politics, religion, and human rights.
• Know Your Limits: Recognize that you are a guest in a highly controlled environment. Avoid pushing boundaries or attempting independent travel or activism.
• Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information for your embassy or consulate in Pyongyang.

Traveling to North Korea is a unique and challenging experience. It’s essential to approach your visit with cultural sensitivity, respect for local customs, and a clear understanding of the safety and political considerations involved. Always stay informed about the latest developments and follow the guidance of your tour guides to ensure a safe and respectful visit.

In conclusion, visiting North Korea is an unparalleled journey into a secretive and tightly controlled nation, offering a unique perspective on its culture, history, and propaganda-filled society. Travelers to North Korea should be prepared for a highly structured experience, with government-assigned guides overseeing every aspect of their visit. While it provides a rare opportunity to see a side of North Korea not often revealed in international media, tourists must adhere to strict rules and limitations imposed by the government. It’s a destination that intrigues the adventurous traveler but requires a deep understanding of its political and cultural complexities.

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• Disclosures

How to Visit North Korea’s DMZ Border (Updated 2023)

A s controversial a place as North Korea is, it's swiftly gaining attention from the curious tourist eye. Our intrigue to see it was piqued during a visit to Seoul with friends. Having now taken the DMZ tour ourselves, this highly informative if not haunting experience is one we would highly recommend . So, if you've got guts and a desire to get a snippet into one of the most closed countries on earth, here's how to do it!

Getting there & where to stay

First, you need to get yourself to Seoul, which is the nearest major city to the DMZ border. South Korea is only reachable by flight, with most planes flying into Incheon International Airport. Use Skyscanner and search by entire month to see the cheapest dates to fly. Be sure to check our flight booking hacks here to get yourself the best price. And don't forget to book your airport transfer and a 4G Data SIM card before you land!

A fast way to get a big discount on your flight is to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This card offers a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 ) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. United and Singapore Airlines are both partner airlines of this card, and both offer flights to Seoul, meaning you can convert your points to these airline loyalty programs, or just book directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Seoul is a buzzing megacity with plenty of enticing accommodation options. There are plentiful  AirBNBs  and  hotel  selections, but be sure to reserve ahead in peak season. Some convenient neighbourhood options include Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Check  TripAdvisor  for more local tips and advice.

There is plenty to explore in Seoul itself, and a local guide can help ensure you catch the best of the best. Be sure to check out the Gyeongbok Palace & Temple , or grab the Seoul Pass , which grants free entry to 65 attractions and discounted entry to 101 more.

How to visit North Korea's DMZ Border:

Step 1. choose your points of interest.

There are several companies that operate DMZ tours. As much as I despise group tours, you can only visit the DMZ with a tour , as it has restricted civilian access and requires a mandatory military escort.

No two tours are the same, but you should choose one based on your budget, customer reviews, and points of interest that are included. Tours can be browsed with reviews, prices, and instant confirmation through Klook , GetYourGuide and Viator . The main highlights to select from are as follows:

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea . At this spot, you'll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and take a photo as proof (more on that below). This area is occupied by the South Korean and US military, and is complete with a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine (which in our experience tastes like nail polish remover and turpentine but hey, at least you can say you tried it).

NOTE: As of 2023, the JSA is still closed to visitors due to COVID, and is not included in any tours.

Odusan Unification Observatory

One can safely view day-to-day life in North Korea without setting foot in the country at Mt Odu Observatory. Binoculars (free of charge) provide ultra zoomed up views of North Korea opposite the Han river below. On our visit we were able to see civilians walking around on the other side.

Infiltration Tunnels

Scarily enough, around the time that the North and South were having peace talks, North Korea began digging underground tunnels to infiltrate the South. They were never completed, but were discovered in 1984. The longest tunnel is 1,082 metres. The 3rd tunnel is the closest to Seoul (only 44km away) and could move ~30,000 troops and artillery per hour.

Dora Observatory

This observatory offers binocular views of North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong. The town was first built in the 1950's to lure South Koreans to defect and move across the border. From visual observations from the South, it has been uninhabited with windowless, incomplete buildings since its construction.

Dora Observatory is so named after Dorasan the mountain on which it sits. The nearest train station has a fully completed train line that runs to Pyongyang. Though the North cooperated in its completion, it was never used. It is hoped that when re-unification is reached, the train line will be used to connect the two Koreas.

Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge connects North and South Korea, though a massive barricade blocks entry to the connecting point over the river. If the two sides are ever connected, this bridge could be used to enter and exit North Korea.

Step 2. Select a tour

Once you've decided on your must-see highlights (as listed above), you can select a tour.

There are traditional tour companies to choose from, which are listed at the end of this article along with prices and contact information, but it's much easier to book tours online with Klook , GetYourGuide  and Viator . You pay in advance and get fast confirmation, so all you need to do is bring your voucher to the tour. There are reviews, photos, and videos that make choosing the right tour simple. The traditional companies require back and forth e-mail or phone communication when booking direct, so Klook , GetYourGuide  and  Viator are convenient ways to avoid all that hassle.

One of the most popular tours is this day tour on Klook , with more than 50,000 bookings. This is the tour most of our readers have chosen, and is the tour we would select today. Our trip was now several years ago, and at the time we took the Special Panmunjom Tour by Panmunjeom Travel Center  which does not visit the tunnels but goes to Odu Observatory and the JSA. This tour offered the chance to speak with a North Korean refugee (defector). This allowed us to learn about how people escape the North, how they adapt to life afterwards, and what knowledge they have of the outside world living in North Korea.

Get $10 USD off your first Klook purchase with coupon code THRIFTY10 (minimum spend $120 USD, new users only)

Here are some of the top-rated tours that can be booked online:

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half-Day Tour (Bestseller)

From Seoul: Half-Day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

DMZ Past and Present: Korean Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul

Step 3. take ( lots of ) photos of north korea.

Much of the road towards the JSA border runs parallel to the Han River, which separates the two countries. It's nothing short of unique to be sitting in a bus with views of North Korea passing by out your window.

The binoculars at the Dora and Odu observatory provide ultra zoomed views of North Korea. One can even see North Korean civilians walking around on the other side, as we did during our visit at Odu . At Dora Observatory, North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong, is viewed.

Step 4. Cross the border into North Korea

On a tension-free day at the JSA, one can legally take a step into North Korea. But how and why ?

The blue buildings pictured below are UN Command neutral zones. Midway, the inside of these blue buildings cross the North/South Korea border. Inside the building on the right (UNCMAC) is where meetings between the two countries are housed.

If you want photo evidence that you physically stood in North Korea, this can be done . You can pose with a South Korean soldier within  North Korea at the back of the UNCMAC room. Be warned though (and you will be), if you cross through the door behind you, no one is responsible for your safety as you'll be alone and in North Korea.

Important Points About DMZ Tours

• Many tours require reservation 2-5 days in advance , so check ahead.
• If visiting the JSA, you must sign a waiver agreeing that no one is responsible for accident, injury, or even death . Take comfort in the fact that these tours are done every day and you are accompanied by military escorts at the border!
• You must bring your passport for most tours , and it is checked by army personnel on arrival at the JSA.
• You must adhere to the specified dress code (e.g. no ripped jeans, sandals, or unkempt hair). These rules are strictly enforced as North Korean soldiers take photos and produce false propaganda that other countries are too poor to afford proper clothing.
• Tours can end unexpectedly at any time if tensions rise at the border . That means you are not be guaranteed to step into the UNCMAC at the JSA, nor is it certain you'll get a photo across the border.

In Summary…

Partaking in the DMZ tour allows yourself to gain much more depth on a humanitarian crisis that the world does not know enough about. If you have the chance to do this trip, I'd highly recommend it.

Tour Companies & Pricing

Alternatively, you can contact one of the tour companies below directly and book with them.

Panmunjeom Travel Center Website : www.panmunjomtour.com Telephone : +82-2-771-5593 (Korean, English, Japanese) Price : 80,000-77,000 won (~$60-$77 USD). All tours include lunch. Note : Tours offered in Korean, English, and Japanese. This is the only company that allows you to meet a North Korean defector/refugee, ask them questions, and better understand the human rights issues of North Korea.

VIP Travel Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/eng/ Telephone: 02-739-3501 ext. 4 Price: 55,000-135,000 won ($48 – $120 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes: Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese. None of the tours include any forced shopping stops.

Koridoor Website :  www.koridoor.co.kr Telephone : 02-6383-2570 ext. 2 Price : 43-89,000 won (~$41-$80 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in English.

JSA Tour Website : www.jsatour.com Telephone : +82-2-2266-3350 Price : 85,000-120,000 won (~$85-$120 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ Spy Tour Website : www.dmzspytour.com Telephone : +82-10-3950-8350 Price: 88,000-114,000 won (~$88-$114 USD). Tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

International Culture Service Club Website : www.tourdmz.com Telephone : +82-2-755-0073 Price : 65,000-85,000 won (~$65-$85 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English and Japanese. This is the only company that does Saturday tours.

Seoul City Tour Website : www.seoulcitytour.net Telephone : +82-2-774-3345 Price: 40,000-125,000 won (~$40-$125 USD). Only some tours include lunch. Notes : Tours are offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

KTB Tour Website : www.go2korea.co.kr Telephone : +82-2-778-0150 Price : 65,000-130,000 won (~$65-$130 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ & JSA Tour (Professional Guide Service / Celebrity's choice Agency) Website : www.cosmojin.com Telephone : +82-2-318-0345 (Korean, English, Japanese), +82-2-318-0425 (Chinese) Price : 46,000 won (~$46 USD) for half-day tour, 87,000 won (~$87 USD) for full day tour. Lunch included on full day tour. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese.

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You guys are so brave! This makes me a bit nervous and I’m not sure I would be able to do it!

The link to the GetYourGuide tour you provided doesn’t work. Do you have an updated link by any chance? Thank you!

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North Korea Travel Guide: How to Visit Pyongyang as a Tourist

North Korea is one of the most secretive and mysterious countries in the world, yet before Covid-19 struck, the nation had also begun opening its arms to tourism.

This is how Jordan Simons visited Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, for 3 days as a tourist in December 2019.

UPDATE: This information was correct as of December 2019, however, because of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the situation may now be different. Please scroll to the bottom of the article for the latest information.

Table of Contents

What do you need to know about North Korea before you go?

Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to North Korea:

How to book a tour to North Korea

Tourism in North Korea is unlike anywhere else on the planet, so it’s important to know what to expect before you go. Once you’ve crossed the border, your every move will be monitored and controlled by your local guides, and everything they allow you to do has been pre-authorised by the North Korean government. You’ll be on a strict itinerary, which means you can only go where they allow you to go. We can’t stress this enough, but if you step out of line, then you could get into some serious trouble.

Still interested? Ok then.. this is how you can arrange a trip to North Korea.

Read more: 9 Facts About North Korea (That You Haven’t Heard Before)

The first thing you need to know is that you are required to go through a specialised tour company. There are a few of them out there and they have varying itineraries and price points. The main operators currently are Koryo Tours, Lupine Travel and Young Pioneer Tours.

I went through Young Pioneer Tours , as it was recommended by a couple of friends of mine that had been previously. They have various options depending on your budget and time. Since I was short on time and was doing this as an add-on to my Great Wall of China Marathon trip, I opted for their 3-day Ultra Budget tour, which at the time of writing cost 495 Euros.

How to get a North Korea visa : The Chinese Visa Comes First

The tour I booked was overland via a train from China, which meant that I needed to get a multiple or double-entry China visa. You could either meet the group in Beijing or the weird border town of Dandong. I opted for the latter and covered the eery experience in the below YouTube video.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get the correct Chinese visa. We needed to get a double entry (to enable us to get the train back across the border) but something went wrong and they only gave me a single-entry China visa. I was told after that this is a common problem and it’s a much better idea to get a visa agent to handle it than put in the application yourself.

I had to pay an extra 400 euros to fly out of Pyongyang back to Beijing instead, in order to get the transit visa on arrival when landing back in China. It was my fault really; they advised me to get the Chinese visa through an agent and I ignored that advice to save costs! I went directly to the Chinese visa office in Bangkok, which apparently rarely gives out multiple entry visas – especially relating to travel to North Korea. You live, you learn!

There are also tours that do not require a double-entry China visa, as they fly in and out of Pyongyang. This allows you to qualify for a Chinese transit visa on the way there and back. This might be worth it for you depending on the length of the trip, the itinerary and the overall costs.

The North Korea Visa Guide

Ok so that’s the Chinese visa side of the process explained, but how about getting the North Korean visa? For me, Young Pioneer Tours arranged everything for my North Korea visa. All I had to do was fill out some forms and send a copy of my passport over email. This is standard practice for tour companies and they handle every part of the process (and that’s included in the cost of the tour).

So roughly a month before the trip, I sent a photocopy of my passport and filled out a form and that was genuinely it. Easy!

All I had to do next was meet them at the meeting point in Dandong China and they had the North Korea visa card ready for me. Compared to securing a Chinese visa, getting a North Korean visa is simple!

How can US Citizens get a North Korean visa?

Currently, most nationalities from around the world are able to get a North Korean visa, with the exception of people travelling on a US passport.

On 1st September 2017, the US enacted a travel ban on all US citizens travelling to NK. This was in response to the death of Otto Warmbier , who had fallen into a coma while imprisoned in North Korea and died soon after being returned back to his home country.

Because of this, all tour companies decided not to accept anyone travelling on a US passport.

Now I won’t beat around the bush. There are always inherent dangers when travelling to North Korea. It’s still not exactly clear what happened with Otto Warmbier, and I don’t feel I’m qualified to talk about it really, but just understand that this is a reality. It’s something that happened and it’s well worth being aware of before you think about visiting the country. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Most importantly: FOLLOW THE RULES when you’re in North Korea (something Otto Warmbier failed to do).

However, if you are a US citizen with dual citizenship and you have a second passport, you could travel at your own risk.

How long should you visit North Korea?

I went for 3 days but if I’m honest, I wish I had gone longer. The only reason I didn’t book a longer tour is that I was planning to be on another trip straight after and so had a conflict of dates. Unfortunately, that other trip didn’t work out, but that’s a story for another day!

I only had limited time, so I did the 3-day ultra-budget tour option. It meant that I got to see the limited highlights of Pyongyang but if I were you, I would do at least a week inside the country to really gain an insight into what North Korea has to offer – especially as you venture outside the capital on longer tours.

The longer tours enable you to see more of the North Korean countryside, visit the DMZ with South Korea and in many cases, interact with the local people in a more intimate way.

What can you take into North Korea?

If you are travelling to North Korea there are a few things you shouldn’t take with you, and please look up the list in full before going. Examples are religious texts, North Korean history books, guide books, any pornographic material and cameras with GPS ability (including drones).

As it happens, I was told you can get away with the GPS function on cameras (as most of our smartphones have it anyway). Just don’t be too obvious about it and do this at your own risk. Most people chose to leave their laptops and drones in their hostels or hotels back in China.

You are free to take photos and videos of most things – and are actively encouraged by the tour guides (after all, they only take you to where they want you to go!) – with the exception of military sites, military personnel and construction sites. This is also the case in many other countries, however, they are particularly strict on this matter and will go through your camera to delete photos and videos if you are caught.

Is North Korea safe to visit?

In terms of your safety within the country, I don’t believe I’ve ever been somewhere that has felt this safe – hear me out.

The main reason I’m saying that is that there is almost zero crime on a personal level. Theft, for example, is very unlikely to happen to a foreigner. I had no problem leaving my camera and lens in one carriage of the train while I was in the next.

While I completely understand that this is because the thief would receive the harshest of punishments and likely be treated in a very inhumane manner, I believe it’s a fact that is worth pointing out.

You’re also on a tour all the time with two North Korean guides, so there’s very little chance that anyone would target your tour group for any crime.

This obviously does not endorse your safety on a political level, as there is always a chance that North Korea could suddenly change its policy and hold you as a prisoner or worse. This is a reality and is definitely something that should be considered.

To make this clear, this article is just about how I visited North Korea as a tourist and my own personal experience. I am not saying that you SHOULD go there and obviously there are real risks involved.

For example, the GOV UK website advises against ALL but essential travel to North Korea. I’m not exactly sure what essential travel would be, but that’s the official advice.

The main thing I would say as well is that if you do go, just follow the advice of your guides. Here are some simple rules to follow:

• Do not make childish jokes about their idealogy or their leaders
• Do not wander away from the group and ignore the guidance you’ve been given.
• Follow the laws of their country while you’re there, the same as you would in any other country.

Can you still travel to North Korea after the Covid-19 outbreak?

North Korea was one of the first countries to close its borders after the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. They did this in February 2020, roughly a month before other countries around the world closed their own.

Experts have said that they made this move because they could not handle an outbreak within their own country due to insufficient hospitals and medical care. As it stands, they have also banned all foreign visitors from coming into the country in the near future.

While this may change over time, we do not expect the borders to be open to foreign visitors any time soon. I would suggest finding the latest news on North Korean travel on the Young Pioneer blog or Facebook page – https://www.youngpioneertours.com/blogs/

Check back in the future if you’re interested in learning more and please ask any questions you have about travelling to North Korea in the comments below.

As always, thanks for reading.

Traveler & Content Creator

My name is Jordan Simons and over the past few years I've learned how to travel the world continuously. Now I want to show you how to do the same.

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10 Things Tourists Should Never Do While Visiting North Korea

Despite rising tensions surrounding North Korea , many tourists continue to flock to the nation, which is often described as one of the most mysterious in the world. And while the isolated country has come to recently embrace visitors from beyond its borders, it has not eased up on its notoriously stringent rules – or its harsh punishments.

The appropriateness of tourism in North Korea has long been debated, but has become increasingly discussed in the past few months. Advocates argue that the local-to-tourist contact made possible by tourism helps improve citizens’ views of outsiders, which, following years of propaganda that paints the West as an evil enemy, is a step in the right direction.

Those who are against it say that tourism legitimizes the government, which over the years has become infamous for its human rights mistreatment. They also suggest that tourists – often unintentionally – serve as propaganda tools, with their presence used to illustrate foreign advocacy for the Kim regime. Furthermore, many argue that tourist dollars are likely being used to help fund the nation’s nuclear and missile programs.

Nevertheless, tourism in North Korea continues to increase, despite recent travel bans like the one instituted by the US government, as well as the cruel punishments many visitors have received for their so-called crimes of espionage. If you do happen to find yourself visiting North Korea for one reason or another, ensure that your trip is a safe one by not doing the following things.

Don’t call the country North Korea.

Referring to the nation as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK, will help to keep you out of trouble.

Don’t expect privacy.

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Travel to the country is only possible as part of a tightly controlled guided tour, and tour guides are with you every second you’re there. Really, though. Every second.

Don’t expect to see the real North Korea.

Your tour will be highly choreographed so that you will only visit authorized sites, shop in approved stores, and speak only to official guides. You will not have access to anything or anyone that is not part of your tour. In other words, you will not get any insight into how the local people live .

Don’t go off on your own.

You are not permitted to go anywhere without an escort. You must not leave your hotel. You must not use the public transportation system. You should not even attempt to stray a few feet from the group to get a closer look at something.

Don’t speak negatively about the country, its people, or its leaders.

Disrespecting the North Korean government is considered a major offence and has landed tourists in hot water, such as being sentenced to hard labor . In fact, travelers in North Korea are expected to praise every stop and landmark . Some may even be required to present flowers to or bow in front of statues of the regime’s past and present leaders. When in doubt, take Thumper’s advice: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

Don’t pack a lot.

If you want to avoid a more-rigorous-than-usual screening process at the border (and trust us, you do!), then consider packing light.

Upon your arrival, DVDs, USB drives, laptops, cameras, and other electronics – not to mention your browsing history – will be inspected by customs officials to ensure that you’re not carrying in any material critical of the DPRK government , or pornographic or religious content. Attempting to bring in any sort of Western literature about North Korea (including guidebooks) or media such as music or films from South Korea could be a very risky decision.

GPS trackers, satellite phones, and camera lenses more than 150mm are absolutely not permitted, so leave them at home. If any questionable item is found, it will be confiscated, and may or may not be returned to you upon your departure.

Don’t bring your phone, either.

Although the country’s previous rule banning mobile phones has been relaxed, mobile devices are often still confiscated at customs. It should be noted that if DPRK authorities permit you to keep your phone when you enter, it will not function unless you use the DPRK mobile service, which will enable North Korean authorities to monitor your calls.

Don’t discuss or practice your religious beliefs.

North Korea is an atheist state that restricts public religion. Participating in unsanctioned religious activities such as publicly praying or toting around a Bible is a sure-fire way to get arrested, detained, or expelled from the state.

Don’t take the wrong pictures.

The regime is famously paranoid about keeping its internal affairs secret, so even seemingly innocuous photos — such as of people strolling down a sidewalk — could cause an issue. Travelers are instructed to avoid photographing scenes of poverty and construction sites. Should they want to snap a shot of a statue, they must capture the whole body in the frame, as no close-ups of the head are allowed.

Don’t break the rules.

Breaking a rule of the tour will not only put your life in danger, but will also put your guide at risk. He or she will face imprisonment and even torture for assisting your attempts at alleged espionage. Follow the lead of the guides, and do not take the rules lightly. If you are not willing to accept extreme limitations on your whereabouts and behavior, North Korea is probably not the right travel destination for you.

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How To Travel to North Korea as a Tourist

13/05/2024 Update: Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea’s borders have been completely closed to foreigners. As of right now, it is not possible to go to North Korea, although borders are set to open soon.

Quite a few of my friends were shocked to discover I was travelling to North Korea. “I didn’t even know you could go to North Korea, let alone join a tour group!” they exclaimed.

Yup, against common belief, it is possible to travel to North Korea. And it’s actually surprisingly easy.

Almost anyone can visit North Korea, with the exception of citizens of South Korea and the United States. It was only recently (September 2019) that the US government banned its citizens from travelling to North Korea, and this may be reversed in time now that Donald Trump is out of office.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to travel to North Korea as a tourist, explaining everything you need to know about tours, visas and travelling into the country itself.

How To Travel To North Korea: The Logistics

There are very few places from where you can enter North Korea — you can’t simply book a flight from London to Pyongyang! You will most likely need to go through China, which shares a border with North Korea. You’ll also need to book onto a government-run tour group, as you cannot visit North Korea independently.

With this in mind, there are three things you’ll need to do in order to visit North Korea as a tourist:

• Book onto a tour
• Arrange a Chinese visa
• Organise transport to China

1) Book Onto A Tour

To visit North Korea, you must book onto a tour group. You cannot visit North Korea independently as the country’s government simply doesn’t allow this. Any visit to North Korea will be an all-inclusive tour with an organized itinerary — there is no getting around this.

Your tour group is ultimately controlled by the Government via the Korean International Travel Company. This means your itinerary is set in stone, with no room for free exploration or solo adventuring. You will be escorted at all times by two guides and a driver.

There are a few tour operators who run trips in North Korea, and these are Lupine Travel , Young Pioneers and Koryo Group . I personally went with Lupine Travel, although it seems as though the three companies are all fairly similar.

There is quite a well-pathed tourist route which most if not all, tourists are taken on. This goes to all the main  attractions in Pyongyang , to the Demilitarised Zone on the border of South Korea and to a mountainous region in the north.

Once you choose the tour you want to go on and have booked it, the tour operator will take care of a lot of the logistics for you, including your return transport into North Korea from China, your North Korean visa and your accommodation, food and itinerary once in North Korea.

The tour company probably will not take care of your return transport to China from your home country, or your Chinese visa (although they will help you with this).

Once you’re booked onto a tour, the company will liaise with you prior to your trip, ensuring they have everything they need from you and that you have everything ready, as well.

2) Get Your Chinese Visa

My tour with Lupine Travel started and ended in Beijing. This meant I required a Dual Entry Chinese Visa, as I would technically be entering China twice: once via a flight from London, and then again when I left North Korea.

The Chinese visa can be a little tricky. I’ve applied for and received 2 Chinese visas in the last decade, and they were a bit of a hassle on both occasions. There are a lot of forms to fill out and it can get complicated. Be sure to read through the documents carefully and answer everything truthfully.

For your Chinese visa, you will need:

• Your passport: with a remaining validity of at least 6 months and with blank visa pages.
• Visa Application Form: truthfully completed and type-written.
• A photo: taken within the last six months; full face against a light background; size: 48mm x 33mm; bare-headed unless for religious reasons.

You can visit a Chinese embassy or Chinese Visa Application Centre to hand in your documents, or you can mail it. It typically takes four working days to process your application, but it’s recommended that you apply about 2 months before, as there can be issues. They rejected my photo on one occasion and I had to resubmit it, for example.

Once approved and processed, you can go and collect your passport and visa. The fee for a Chinese visa is £150 / $140.

Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to apply for your visa.

The tour company you booked with will handle your North Korean tourist visa for you. All you’ll need to do is fill in a few simple forms and send over a scanned copy of your passport. Your guide will then give you your North Korean visa once you meet up with your tour group.

3) Book Your Transport To China

As your tour to North Korea likely starts in China, you’ll need to book flights or some other form of transport to China, as this is probably not included in your tour package. Check which city your tour’s meeting place is — mine met at the train station in Beijing, but some meet in the city of Dandong, which is on the border of China and North Korea.

Flights from Europe start from about £500. You can search for cheap flights on Skyscanner.

Travelling into North Korea from China

As mentioned above, your tour company will take care of the logistics of your transport into and out of North Korea from China. You’ll most likely meet your tour group in Beijing or Dandong, and then travel with them from there into North Korea, either by train or plane. It depends on the tour company you go with as to whether you’ll go by train or plane. You will be escorted at all times on your transit into and out of North Korea.

The sleeper train departs Beijing in the late afternoon and goes through Northeast China overnight, before reaching the border at around midday.

Once at the border, North Korean soldiers will come onboard to do visa, passport and luggage checks. I found the experience quite intimidating; they poked around in my backpack and asked me to explain what some things were. I remember a fellow traveller on my tour awkwardly explaining what his beard trimmer was used for.

You will also be given forms asking you to declare electronic devices that you’re bringing into the country. I’d advise that you don’t bring any devices with you if possible — you won’t be able to use the internet or make phone calls anyway, and you may be asked to open it up and show the soldiers your files.

Be certain that you do not have religious material, pornography, or memes/other insulting material about North Korea on your device.

It can take a few hours to cross the North Korean entry customs. Once through, you’ll spend about 5 hours travelling through the scenic North Korean countryside before arriving in Pyongyang .

Another way to enter North Korea from China is to take an aeroplane, which is much quicker than the train but certainly less scenic. Air Koryo runs three to four flights from Beijing to Pyongyang each week, as well as weekly flights from Shanghai, Shenyang and Dandong.

I took the train myself, so I don’t have first-hand insight into what the plane is like. But apparently, you’re welcomed on board with songs about socialism and Kim Jong-un, as well as magazines that showcase the ‘fatherly leader’ and the heinous war crimes of Japan and the US.

Tourism in North Korea: Frequently Asked Questions

There are lots of unique rules and regulations around travelling to North Korea as a foreigner, so let’s break these down.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit North Korea?

The North Korean tour companies I mentioned above organise all-inclusive packages. This means all of your meals, transport within the country and hotel will be included in the price. Tour prices range massively — between about £400 and £3500 depending on the length of your tour and the company you choose to go with.

• Lupine Travel tours start at £569 ($740)
• Young Pioneers tours start at £444 ($578)
• Koryo Group tours start at £448 ($583)

You should also bear in mind the cost of getting to North Korea. My  flight from London to Beijing  (the starting point of the tour) was about £500.

Is It Safe To Visit North Korea?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to North Korea. They note that “the security situation in North Korea can change with little notice and with no advance warning of possible actions by the North Korean authorities.” However, the FCO also advises the same for many parts of Turkey and Egypt, which are still frequently visited by tourists.

Tensions between North Korea and the United States have calmed and North Korea announced a halt to its missile testing in April 2018. It is now arguably much safer to visit the country than when  I visited in August 2017 .

As long as you follow all the rules outlined to you before you enter North Korea, travel is ‘deemed safe’ in that you are never alone and are not going to be the target of petty crimes such as theft.

While there is definitely some risk in visiting North Korea, if you follow the rules and remain respectful, there should be no issues. Terrorism and crimes towards tourists are highly unlikely and detainment of tourists is rare!

What Are The Rules For Tourists In North Korea?

• Your every movement is watched and monitored and,  under no circumstance , can you wander off on your own. Doing so will result in serious consequences for both you and your tour guide.
• The country dislikes the term North Korea and prefers to be called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK for short.
• Do not speak negatively about the country or the leaders. Disrespecting the country is viewed as a major offence and has caused problems for tourists in the past.
• You cannot take photos of everything. You’re allowed to take photos of tourist attractions etc, but it is forbidden to photograph the military, labourers or construction sites, among other things.
• You must ensure that any photos of statues of the leaders must capture their whole body — no close-ups or chopping off their feet from the frame.
• Your belongings will be thoroughly searched at the border. It is forbidden to bring religious material, porn or literature or film about North Korea into the country. Please, for heaven’s sake, do not try to bring a copy of  The Interview  into North Korea. Confiscated possessions may not be returned at the border.
• Practising religion is not allowed. North Korea is an atheist country and practising religion there is highly restricted. Praying or showing off a bible is a great way to get detained.
• You cannot speak with random citizens during your time in North Korea, as doing so may be considered espionage.

Will Visiting North Korea Affect Whether Other Countries Grant Me Entry?

Not at all! There are no restrictions on entering any country due to previous entry into North Korea — including South Korea and the United States. In fact, it’s unlikely that border controls will even know you’ve been to North Korea because your visa is issued on a separate piece of paper and your passport is not stamped.

My Experience Visiting North Korea

I found my time in North Korea to actually feel a lot more relaxed than I anticipated. When I first arrived, I was a little nervous and tried not to look at anybody for too long or seem disrespectful in any way.

However, by the end of my second day in North Korea, I felt more relaxed and realised that I just had to follow the rules. I stuck with my tour group, asked permission to take photos, didn’t question any “facts” the tour guides stated about their country, and didn’t try to interact with random locals. In doing this, all was well.

The country was extremely different to how I imagined it and threw a lot of my preconceptions out the window.

I was surprised, for example, to find that Pyongyang was a very picturesque and modern city. I think I had expected it to look kind of grey and old. I was also surprised to see that the countryside was absolutely beautiful, with rolling hills and vivid green colours.

Of course, I also saw plenty of things that upset, angered or confused me a little, such as the phenomenal amount of blatant propaganda and the fact that a guy on my tour got told off for buying ice cream from a nearby stall.

READ MORE:  My North Korea Travel Experience – What’s It Really Like?

What Do You Get To See In North Korea?

The key thing to bear in mind is that you won’t get to see the  real  North Korea. You’ll be ferried from place to place — mostly within Pyongyang — with zero opportunity for independent exploration. You’ll only see what they allow you to see, in what I believe is a very tightly controlled tourist route.

Monuments And Squares

A trip to North Korea will most definitely involve visiting the sites  they want you to see , such as Kim Il Sung Square, the Founding Party Monument, the captured US spy ship USS Pueblo, Kim Il Sung’s native home and many more. These are, what I would call, showpieces of the regime.

The Pyongyang Metro

At 110 metres underground, the Pyongyang metro is the deepest metro station in the world. Covered in propaganda, images of the Kim family, and with station names such as ‘Comrade’, ‘Glory’ and ‘Reunification’, North Korea’s metro is really quite an experience.

While it was definitely the most interesting metro journey I’ve ever been on, the whole scenario was somehow quite strange. You can only ride 5 of the 16 stops — perhaps there’s something secret beyond stop 5.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land running along the Korean Peninsula. It is used as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, and is 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

While tourists can easily visit the DMZ in South Korea, this is a chance to see it from the other side and, of course, hear the story from North Korea’s perspective.

The Kaeson Funfair

The Kaeson Funfair was the only place we were allowed to wander around somewhat freely. Our guides let us mingle with the locals a little and stood guard along the pathways leading to the entry and exit points.

We were, however, told that we should skip all the queues and go straight onto any ride we wanted, because “we’re Western.” This annoyed me, as I didn’t feel that this presented a good view of us as Westerners to the citizens of North Korea. Perhaps they didn’t mind, but as a Brit, orderly queues are an essential part of my culture!

Is It Ethical To Visit North Korea?

This is the most important question you should ask yourself before visiting North Korea: is it ethical?

There is a view that visiting North Korea is potentially helping to  fund the regime . I.e. that you’re helping to fund horrific human rights atrocities and nuclear programmes. However, I believe that the money North Korea receives from tourism is very small. With only 10,000 tourists a year, most of which are from China, how much can they  really  be making from this? It’s not like tourism in North Korea is a booming industry.

I also strongly believe that completely stripping a country of exposure to other cultures and attitudes is detrimental. Contact with the outside world helps to improve the citizens’ views of outsiders, which is a good thing since they’ve held a very bad view of the West for decades. Peace and progression within North Korea are certainly never going to occur if its citizens aren’t exposed to anything other than what they already know.

It’s certainly not a black-and-white answer and is something that you should consider carefully.

READ MORE:  Is It Ethical To Visit North Korea?

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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Thanks a lot for your explanation Lauren this country is my dream to visit , however, I am terrified and nervous. and how I control myself.

I got curious about visiting North Korea since I saw a pic of someone else’s tour there. I didn’t even know it was possible to visit! But then my bubble burst since finding out that it has stopped since covid 🙁 anyways, thanks for writing this, it’s done plenty to satiate my curiosity for now haha

Thanks for reading Monica! Tours will likely open up again at some point in the future 🙂

very good and very detailed article.

Thanks John!

Very informative article on a unique topic, so much appreciated 🙂 I agree with the final message that there is a reciprocal value in connecting with people and cultures all around the world.

Glad you found it informative Lucas!

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

North korea - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to North Korea due to  the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.  Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to  the critical threat of wrongful detention.

• All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State. 
• Special validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. More information on how to apply for the special validation is available  here .

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea. Sweden serves as the protecting power for the United States in North Korea, providing limited emergency services. The North Korean government routinely delays or denies Swedish officials access to detained U.S. citizens.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of North Korea, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to North Korea.

If you receive a special validation to travel to North Korea:

• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Special Passports

*U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through North Korea, unless they are specially validated by the Department of State. See here for how to apply special passport to travel to North Korea. 

Quick Facts

Embassies and consulates.

• The Department strongly urges U.S. citizens not to go to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention. 
• North Korean authorities, under North Korea’s system of law enforcement, impose unduly harsh sentences--including for actions that in the United States would not be considered crimes. 
• They also threatened U.S. citizens with being treated in accordance with the “wartime law” of the DPRK.

See Travel Advisory for North Korea .

Sweden as Protecting Power :  Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, the U.S. government has no means to provide normal consular services to its citizens:

• Sweden serves as the protecting power for Canada, Australia, and the United States, providing limited emergency consular services. 
• North Korea still routinely delays or denies consular access to U.S. citizens, even when requested by the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang and despite North Korea and the United States both being signatories to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations .

Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang

Munsu-Dong District Pyongyang Democratic People's Republic of Korea Telephone: +46 8 405 10 00 (main switchboard) Emergency Contact at the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang: +46 8 405 50 05 

[email protected]

Department of State Emergency Contact:  24/7 from within the United States 1-888-407-4747 / from outside the United States 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. Embassy Beijing

No. 55 An Jia Lou Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 China Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000 Fax: +(86)(10) 8531-3300 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. passports are not valid for travel into, in, or through the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea) due to the serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens in North Korea.  Those traveling on U.S. passports in North Korea should have already departed North Korea. Those who wish to travel to North Korea on a U.S. passport after this time must obtain a special validation in a limited validity passport under 22 C.F.R. 51.64 , which will be granted only under very limited circumstances. U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizen nationals abroad can apply for this special validation at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

With a special validation to enter North Korea in a limited passport: one to three months validity to enter North Korea. If you enter and depart North Korea through China, six months validity on your passport with multiple entry/exit visas for China. Note: you cannot enter North Korea through the Demilitarized Zone from South Korea.

If you enter North Korea without a special validation:  the Department of State can revoke your passport for misuse under 22 C.F.R. 51.62(a)(2). Further, you may be subject to felony prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1544 for misuse of a U.S. passport.

Where to apply for a DPRK visa :  DPRK Embassy in Beijing, China or in any country that has diplomatic relations with North Korea.

The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Beijing:

No. 11, Ritan Bei Lu, Jianguomen Wai, Chaoyang District Beijing, China 100600 Telephone:  (86-10) 6532-6639 (Visa Office) Telephone:  (86-10) 65312-1186 Facsimile:  (86-10) 6532-6056

If you reside in the United States, inquire through the DPRK Mission to the UN whether your request for a DPRK visa will be approved before you leave the United States for China:

The Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the United Nations 820 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 Telephone:  (212) 972-3105 Facsimile:  (212) 972-3154

If you reside in a country with diplomatic relations with the DPRK, ask the DPRK embassy in that country for visa advice.

If you try to enter North Korea without required travel documents : you may be denied entry, fined, detained, arrested, or imprisoned.

If you plan to enter and depart North Korea through China without multiple Chinese visas in your passport or with Chinese visas that expire before you depart North Korea, you may not be able to exit North Korea .

HIV/AIDS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrtictions for visitors to or foreign residents of North Korea.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Please see the sections on “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” and “Criminal Penalties.” 

Crime: North Korea does not release crime statistics. Petty thefts have been reported at the airport in Pyongyang.

Do not buy counterfeit and/or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. The purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods is illegal in the United States and may be illegal in North Korea.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report the crime to your local host/liaison and contact the Embassy of Sweden for assistance. Your local host/liaison should contact the local authorities on your behalf.

Lost or Stolen Passports :

If your passport is lost or stolen in North Korea, you will need to contact the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang, U.S. Protecting Power, for assistance in reaching out to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and obtaining a replacement passport. You will also need a replacement visa for China.

Please see our information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States .

Tourism:  Individuals cannot use a U.S. passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without a special validation from the Department of State. Special Validations are granted only if it is in the US national interest to do so. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Embassy of Sweden immediately . See our webpage for further information

Educate yourself about North Korean law . The North Korea legal system is an instrument of state power and not an independent branch of the government.  Protections guaranteed under the U.S. legal system do not apply, and your U.S. passport does not confer special status. Your local host/liaison may be able to provide useful guidance. However, do not assume your host will provide assistance to you if you are arrested, or that any information you shared with your host will not be turned over to North Korean authorities.

Criminal acts unique to North Korea:

• Showing disrespect (both physically and verbally) to the country’s former leaders, Kil Il Sung or Kim Jong Il, or the country’s current leader, Kim Jong Un including but not limited to tampering with or mishandling materials bearing their names or images such as money, newspapers, or political slogans in Korean
• Entering North Korea without proper travel documentation
• Possessing material, printed or digital including e-book readers, DVDs, USB drives, documents, literature, audio and video files that is critical of or hostile to North Korea
• Proselytizing or carrying out religious activities, including activities that may be construed as such, like leaving behind religious materials, either intentionally or unintentionally
• Engaging in unsanctioned political activities
• Unauthorized interacting with North Koreans
• Taking unauthorized photographs
• Having unauthorized conversations with North Koreans
• Traveling without authorization even for short distances
• Exchanging currency with an unauthorized vendor
• Shopping at stores not designated for foreigners
• Bringing pornography into the country

No Expectation of Privacy: 

• All electronic and multimedia devices including USB drives, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Internet browsing histories, and cookies are subject to search for banned content.
• Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.
• If  DPRK authorities permit you to keep your mobile phone when you enter the country, it will not function unless you use the DPRK mobile service, which will enable DPRK authorities to monitor your calls.  GPS-trackers and satellite phones are not allowed.
• A host or minder will keep track of you.
• Removing or tampering with political slogans and signs or pictures of political leaders.

Criminal Penalties:  At least 16 U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea in the past ten years. While in North Korea, you are subject to North Korean laws.  If you violate North Korean laws, even unwittingly, you may be:

• Held in isolation without charges for lengthy periods of time,
• Interrogated without counsel,
• Compelled to draft public confessions,
• Sentenced, and
• Sent to a labor camp for years . 

Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Press:  North Korea officials watch journalists closely to prevent them from unauthorized conversations with North Koreans or questioning the policies, actions, or public statements of North Korea’s leadership.

• North Korea has confiscated objectionable material from foreign journalists. 
• Journalists who engaged in activities that challenged the regime have been deported, arrested, or detained to face criminal charges. 
• For additional information on the lack of freedom of information in North Korea, see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for North Korea .

U.S. Government Economic Sanctions Against North Korea:  North Korea remains one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world.

• The government of North Korea and the Workers’ Party of Korea are blocked persons, and U.S. citizens may generally not engage in transactions with them or with their property.  
• Most exports to North Korea are subject to licensing by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
• The importation and exportation of goods, services, and technology from or to North Korea are generally prohibited unless authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and, for exports or goods, the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security.

UN Security Council statements November 17, 2017:  For information on the United States and the United Nations Security Council concern regarding escalating tensions from the recent  missile launch, and other activities prohibited by United Nations Security Council Resolutions, see UN website .

Customs Regulations:  North Korean authorities may seize documents, literature, audio and video files, computer equipment, DVDs, USB drives and other digital media, and letters deemed by North Korean officials to be pornographic or intended for religious proselytizing or subversive activities .   Please see our information on customs regulations .  

Dual Nationality:   North Korea does not recognize dual nationality.  If you are of Korean heritage – even if you are a U.S. citizen – you could be subject to ten years of military service in North Korea and taxes on foreign source income.  Please see our information on Information on Dual Nationality .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations because same-sex sexual relations are considered a foreign phenomenon.  DPRK claims that there are no LGBTI in the country. It would therefore not be possible to organize an LGBTI event here.

Additionally, any open demonstration of affection is frowned upon, as well as between opposite sex couples.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues . Hotels and medical facilities are generally accessible. However, pavements/curbs are high.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

If you have medical problems, do not travel to North Korea:

• Medical facilities in the DPRK lack resources and electricity.
• Medical personnel have inadequate or outdated skills.  
• Hospitals in Pyongyang can perform basic examinations and lifesaving measures, but functioning x-ray facilities are not generally available. 
• Avoid surgery.  
• If you have an accident outside Pyongyang, transport back to the capital can be lengthy and without medical assistance.  
• Hospitals will expect immediate U.S. dollar cash payment for medical treatment .
• You cannot use credit cards or checks in the DPRK.

Carry your regular medication with you along with the doctor’s prescription:  DPRK Customs says that most prescription medication may be brought into the country with no restrictions.  

Medical Evacuations: Local DPRK hosts are often not aware of options available for medical evacuations and might claim that no such options exist.  

• Insist on contacting the Embassy of Sweden, which will attempt to arrange flight clearances for air ambulances performing emergency medical evacuations.  
• Costs for medical air evacuation vary, but according to SOS International, an evacuation from Pyongyang to Beijing averages approximately USD 40,000 including medical personnel (1 doctor and 1 nurse), the aircraft, and clearance costs.
• The General Bureau of the Koryo Civil Aviation of the DPRK says that it provides around-the-clock service and that requests for air clearance will be granted within 24 hours.  
• If a U.S. citizen with a medical emergency is in Pyongyang, the Embassy of Sweden can usually arrange a medical evacuation to Beijing in one day.  If the patient is located outside Pyongyang, it will take longer.  
• Medical evacuation by regularly scheduled airlines can be arranged, but very few flights operate from Pyongyang to Beijing (Air Koryo and Air China), Shenyang (Air Koryo), or Vladivostok (Air Koryo).  
• Air Koryo flights go to Shanghai only on a charter basis in the tourist season (April-October).  
• In order to transit China, Chinese visas for injured foreigners and any escorts must be obtained prior to the evacuation from North Korea. Even in the case of a medical emergency, transit visas may take several days to arrange.  

Evacuation across the DMZ to South Korea is not allowed.

Vaccinations:  Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection are located at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the  CDC Internet site.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the  World Health Organization's (WHO) website . If you have special dietary requirements, you are advised to bring food with you to North Korea, as the restaurants available to foreigners have limited menus that may not meet your dietary needs.

Companies that may be able to arrange evacuation services include, but are not limited to, those listed below. You may wish to contact these or other emergency medical assistance providers for information about their ability to provide medical evacuation insurance and/or assistance for travelers to North Korea.

International SOS Telephone (inside China):  400-818-0767 Telephone (outside China): (86-10) 6462-9100 United Healthcare Global Assistance Telephone:  (U.S.) (410) 453-6330 Telephone:  (Toll free within China) 10-8888-800-527-0218 Telephone:  (outside China) (86-10) 6595-8510)

You can find useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, on the  Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Also, see our extensive tips and advice on  Traveling Safely Abroad .

Bills - We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas: The DPRK says U.S. citizens are accountable for costs associated with detention or incarceration in North Korea such as lodging, food, telephone calls, and medical assistance (hospital bills). 

Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation. Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Major country-specific health concerns:   Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in North Korea.  For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions and driving habits in a foreign country can differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning North Korea is provided for general reference only. You are not allowed to drive in North Korea unless you hold a valid DPRK driver’s license.  Bicycles are unavailable for rental or purchase. Please refer to our Road Safety information.

AVIATION SAFETY  OVERSIGHT:  As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and North Korea, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed North Korea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

As a result of concerns arising from unannounced missile launch activities and GPS navigation systems interference and/or disruption, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Prohibition and Advisory notice to U.S. airmen and operators. The FAA has issued Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 79 which prohibits U.S. civil aviation from flying in the Pyongyang Flight Information Region (FIR) west of 132 degrees east longitude, and the FAA has advised those flying in and around the Pyongyang (FIR)  east of 132 degrees east longitude to be aware of possible GPS interruptions.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

MARITIME SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  Mariners planning travel in the vicinity of North Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry WebPortal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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Russia President Vladimir Putin makes a rare visit to North Korea, an old ally

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived early on Wednesday in the North Korean capital for his first official visit in 24 years. Putin was met at Pyongyang’s airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in North Korea for a two-day visit on Tuesday, as the countries deepen their alignment in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with Washington.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday the White House was “watching...very, very closely” the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea amid international concerns about their military cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea for a two-day visit starting Tuesday. He’s expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for talks as they deepen their alignment in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with Washington. It will be Putin’s first trip to North Korea in 24 years.

In this photo provided on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, talks with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, center right, on Putin’s arrival at the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency.(Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

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In this photo provided Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center left, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, center right, walk together on the red carpet upon Putin’s arrival at the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center left, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, center right, talk upon Putin’s arrival at the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center left, is greeted by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, center right, upon Putin’s arrival at the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency.(Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center left, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, center right, talk on the red carpet upon Putin’s arrival at the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, a motorcade with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un rolls from the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, a motorcade with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un head to the state guest house in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

This photo provided Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government shows a motorcade with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, front center, is escorted by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, front left, at the state guest house in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency.(Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

This photo provided Wednesday, June 19, 2024, by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un shake hands at the state guest house in Pyongyang, North Korea, early Wednesday, June 19. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea early on Wednesday, after saying the two countries want to cooperate closely to overcome U.S.-led sanctions in the face of intensifying confrontations with Washington.

Putin was met at Pyongyang’s airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un . They shook hands and embraced, and Kim later joined Putin in his car to personally guide him to Pyongyang’s Kumsusan State Guest House, North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said. The agency described their meeting as a historic event that demonstrates the “invincibility and durability” of the two nations’ friendship and unity.

Putin, making his first trip to North Korea in 24 years, said in comments that appeared in its state media hours before he landed that he appreciates the country’s firm support of his military actions in Ukraine . The Kremlin launched a full-scale invasion of the neighboring country in 2022.

He said the countries would continue to “resolutely oppose” what he described as Western ambitions “to hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on justice, mutual respect for sovereignty, considering each other’s interests.”

Putin’s visit comes amid growing concerns about an arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions to fuel Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that would enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program.

In the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, the streets were decorated with portraits of Putin and Russian flags. A banner on a building said: “We warmly welcome the President of the Russian Federation.”

Putin also said in his published remarks that Russia and North Korea will develop trade and payment systems “that are not controlled by the West” and jointly oppose sanctions against the countries, which he described as “illegal, unilateral restrictions.”

North Korea is under heavy U.N. Security Council economic sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile programs, while Russia is also grappling with sanctions by the United States and its Western partners over its aggression in Ukraine.

Putin said the countries will also expand cooperation in tourism, culture and education.

Before heading to North Korea, Putin traveled to Yakutsk, a city in eastern Russia, where he met regional Gov. Aisen Nikolayev, and received briefings on technology and defense-related projects. He also met with young professionals working in Russia’s Far East.

Putin is being accompanied by several top officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Denis Mantrurov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to his foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov. He said a number of documents will be signed during the visit, possibly including an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.

U.S. and South Korean officials say military, economic and other exchanges between North Korea and Russia have sharply increased since Kim met Putin in September in the Russian Far East, their first since 2019.

U.S. and South Korean officials accuse the North of providing Russia with artillery, missiles and other military equipment for use in Ukraine, possibly in return for key military technologies and aid. Both Pyongyang and Moscow deny accusations about North Korean weapons transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed.

Along with China, Russia has provided political cover for Kim’s continuing efforts to advance his nuclear arsenal, repeatedly blocking U.S.-led efforts to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on the North over its weapons tests.

In March, a Russian veto at the United Nations ended monitoring of U.N. sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear program, prompting Western accusations that Moscow is seeking to avoid scrutiny as it buys weapons from Pyongyang for use in Ukraine. U.S. and South Korean officials have said they are discussing options for a new mechanism for monitoring the North.

Earlier this year, Putin sent Kim a high-end Aurus Senat limousine, which he had shown to the North Korean leader when they met in September. Observers said the shipment violated a U.N. resolution banning the supply of luxury items to North Korea.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Putin’s visit to North Korea illustrates how Russia tries, “in desperation, to develop and to strengthen relations with countries that can provide it with what it needs to continue the war of aggression that it started against Ukraine.”

“North Korea is providing significant munitions to Russia ... and other weapons for use in Ukraine. Iran has been providing weaponry, including drones, that have been used against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Blinken told reporters following a meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday.

Stoltenberg reiterated concerns about the “potential support that Russia provides to North Korea when it comes to supporting their missile and nuclear programs.”

Lim Soosuk, spokesperson of South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said Seoul has been stressing to Moscow that any cooperation between Russia and North Korea must not “proceed in a direction that violates U.N. Security Council resolutions or undermines peace and stability in the region.”

Tensions on the Korean Peninsulas are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kim’s weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the United States, South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers.

South Korea’s military said soldiers fired warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who temporarily crossed the land border Tuesday, apparently in error, for the second time this month.

Putin has continuously sought to rebuild ties with Pyongyang as part of efforts to restore his country’s clout and its Soviet-era alliances. Moscow’s ties with North Korea weakened after the 1991 Soviet collapse. Kim Jong Un first met with Putin in 2019 in Russia’s eastern port of Vladivostok.

After North Korea, the Kremlin said Putin will also visit Vietnam for talks that are expected to be focused on trade. The United States, which has spent years strengthening ties and accelerating trade with Vietnam, criticized Putin’s planned visit.

“As Russia continues to seek international support to sustain its illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, we reiterate that no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson in Vietnam said in a statement.

'Korea Lighthouse Week' to promote maritime tourism across country

Homigot Lighthouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang [YONHAP]

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are co-hosting the inaugural “Korea Lighthouse Week,” an attempt to raise awareness about the importance of lighthouses for maritime safety and their value as tourist attractions. The two ministries said the event commemorates World Lighthouse Day, which falls on July 1.

The first Korea Lighthouse Week will run from July 1 to 7, the Culture Ministry said Thursday. Various programs, which the Culture Ministry and Korea Tourism Organization created to promote tourism, will take place at 14 lighthouses across the peninsula as well as the National Lighthouse Museum in Pohang, North Gyeongsang.

Summer Lighthouse Marine School, which will educate interested participants about lighthouses, will take place on July 2 around lighthouses in Busan. 

A photograph exhibition of different lighthouses will also be on display inside Incheon Port Passenger Terminal in Incheon, around Odongdo Lighthouse in Yeosu, South Jeolla, and Ganjeolgot Lighthouse in Ulsan during Lighthouse Week.

A lighthouse on Jeju's Iho Tewoo Beach is shaped like a pony. [YONHAP]

A lighthouse on Geomun Island in Yeosu, South Jeolla [JOONGANG ILBO]

Visitors can also participate in the “Lighthouse Stamp Tour,” through which they will collect stamps at each lighthouse site in Korea. A trekking program will also invite participants to walk on different sections of Dulle-gil near the lighthouses. Dulle-gil is a 4,500-kilometer (2,796-mile) walking trail that goes around the peninsula.

Participants can track their visits to the lighthouses and authenticate that they’ve completed the Dulle-gil through the mobile application Durunubi. The organizers said participants who have completed the “missions” will have a chance to win various prizes through a lottery.

A twin lighthouse in Busan's Cheongsapo [JOONGANG ILBO]

“We will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to actively develop and promote content related to fishing villages and marine culture, enabling the public to enjoy diverse tourism experiences,” said Culture Minister Yu In-chon.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [[email protected]]

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Russian President Putin on a rare trip to North Korea for a 2-day visit

Charles Maynes

Anthony Kuhn

Putin is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un amid growing international concern over the two country's military cooperation.

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In Need of Munitions, Putin to Visit North Korea

​Seeking more weapons for the war in Ukraine, the Russian president plans to return to the country on Tuesday for the first time in nearly a quarter-century.

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By Choe Sang-Hun

Reporting from Seoul

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia will visit North Korea this week for a meeting with its leader, Kim Jong-un, their second in nine months, as the two countries deepen military ties to support Mr. Putin’s war in Ukraine with North Korean weapons.

Mr. Putin last visited North Korea in 2000, when he became the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit the nation. This week’s trip, beginning on Tuesday, highlights North Korea’s growing strategic importance for Mr. Putin, especially its ability to supply badly needed conventional weapons for the war in Ukraine.

Mr. Kim met with Mr. Putin in Russia’s Far East last September, ushering in a new era of relations between the two countries.

For Mr. Kim, it was a rare moment of his country, a pariah in the West, being sought after as an ally. For Russia, it’s a strengthening of ties with a country that is providing it with much-needed munitions for its war in Ukraine.

The two countries announced the two-day visit on Monday. “At the invitation of the chairman of state affairs of the D.P.R.K., Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin will pay a friendly state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on June 18-19,” the Kremlin said. A presidential aide told Russian state media that Mr. Putin would arrive in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, late on Tuesday evening and hold meetings on Wednesday.

​Days before the announcement, the Kremlin​ vowed to foster cooperation with North Korea “in all areas.”

Pyongyang and Moscow were Cold War-era allies whose relations cooled after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But in the past couple of years, they have grown closer again as a result of shared hostility toward the United States — Russia over its war against Ukraine and North Korea over its nuclear weapons program.

As the war in Ukraine has dragged on, Russia has found itself in urgent need of conventional weapons, especially artillery shells. North Korea has plenty to offer . In return, Mr. Kim wants to upgrade his weapons systems, and Russia has advanced military technologies and other aid to share.

Since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has sent Russia thousands of shipping containers’ worth of munitions, officials from the United States and South Korea say . Moscow, they say, has reciprocated by sending thousands of containers filled with economic and other aid.

In the weeks ahead of Mr. Putin’s visit, Mr. Kim flaunted what he has to offer Mr. Putin. While visiting munitions factories last month, he praised them for increasing production and showed off warehouses full of short-range ballistic missiles — of a kind similar to the North Korean missiles that Washington has said Russia fired at Ukraine.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny arms trade, which is banned under United Nations sanctions. But at the Group of 7 summit in Italy last week, the G7 leaders condemned “in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation” between the two nations, including Pyongyang’s export of ballistic missiles and Russia’s use of them against Ukraine.

“The fact that President Putin is making this trip means that because of its war in Ukraine, Russia is badly in need” of North Korean weapons, Chang Ho-jin, the South Korean national security adviser, told Yonhap News TV over the weekend. “The North Koreans will try to get as much as possible in return, because the situation looks favorable to them.”

Mr. Chang said South Korea had warned Moscow ahead of Mr. Putin’s trip that it “should not cross certain lines.” He did not elaborate. But some analysts in South Korea have speculated that during Mr. Putin’s trip, North Korea may seek Russian help in improving its nuclear weapons capabilities and try to reinstate a Cold War-era military alliance with Moscow.

Things had looked grim for Mr. Kim until the war in Ukraine created opportunities for him.

For years, his country’s economy was devastated by the sanctions the U.N. Security Council imposed to deter his nuclear weapons program. Mr. Kim’s attempt to lift the sanctions collapsed when his direct diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump ended in 2019 without an agreement .

Mr. Kim’s answer was to double down on his nuclear weapons program, while envisioning a “ Neo-Cold War ” in which his country hoped to elevate its strategic value for China and Russia in Northeast Asia while the United States, Japan and South Korea expanded their own military cooperation .

North Korea was among the few countries to openly support Mr. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In return, Mr. Putin invited Mr. Kim to the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East last year and indicated that Russia could help North Korea launch satellites. Mr. Kim wants satellites to better monitor his military targets but has had trouble putting them into orbit.

Mr. Kim toured sensitive Russian space and military facilities during his trip to Russia last year, at one point toasting with Mr. Putin to what he called their “sacred struggle” against the “band of evil” in the West.

Russia is barred by United Nations agreements from arming North Korea with military equipment, but the decision to welcome Mr. Kim into high-tech facilities that manufacture rockets and fighter jets underscored Russia’s ability to provide the sort of technology North Korea has long coveted in its standoff with the United States and its allies.

Faced with an onslaught of international pressure over his invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Putin has tightened his relationship with American adversaries around the world, including in Iran, North Korea and Syria, posing challenges for Washington outside Europe.

Closer cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has security implications for the United States and its allies. The use of North Korean missiles on the battlefield in Ukraine can provide North Korea with valuable data on how they perform against Western missile defense systems, defense experts said.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Monday: “Deepening military cooperation between Russia and the D.P.R.K. is a trend that should be of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global nonproliferation regime, and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal invasion.”

In Moscow on Monday, Mr. Putin continued to reshuffle his military top brass, signing an order removing four deputy defense ministers who served for years under Sergei K. Shoigu, Russia’s previous defense minister. He issued another order that appointed four new people with no military background to serve as deputy defense ministers.

Leonid Gorin, a former deputy finance minister, became first deputy defense minister, as Mr. Putin tries to make sure the vast defense budget is spent efficiently. This continues his effort to remake the military leadership with more economic expertise. He recently named an economist, Andrei R. Belousov, to replace Mr. Shoigu.

Pavel Fradkov, a former Kremlin official who is the son of a former Russian prime minister, was appointed a deputy defense minister overseeing construction.

The closer ties between Russia and North Korea are already creating gaping holes in international efforts to strangle Mr. Kim’s ability to earn hard currency through illicit activities.

In March, North Korean TV showed Mr. Kim and his daughter riding in a Russian Aurus limousine that Mr. Putin gave him despite a ban on exporting luxury items to Pyongyang. State-sponsored hackers from North Korea are increasingly using Russian cryptocurrency exchanges to launder stolen funds . Last month, the White House said that Russia was shipping refined petroleum to North Korea at levels that exceeded Security Council limits.

South Korean analysts also worry that in return for North Korean weapons, Moscow may allow more migrant workers from North Korea to work in Russia and earn badly needed cash for Mr. Kim.

Importing such workers from North Korea is banned under Security Council resolutions. But this year, Moscow made it easier to flout the resolutions by using its veto power at the Council to disband a U.N. panel of experts that had monitored North Korea’s compliance with international sanctions.

Paul Sonne contributed reporting from Berlin, Ivan Nechepurenko from Tbilisi, Georgia, and Edward Wong from Washington.

Choe Sang-Hun is the lead reporter for The Times in Seoul, covering South and North Korea. More about Choe Sang-Hun

Russia’s Putin to visit North Korea, amid growing military cooperation

The pair will use the visit to pledge support for each other, rebuffing U.S.-led efforts to isolate Putin over Ukraine and Kim over his pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• The United States and South Korea are worried about the deepening Moscow-Pyongyang ties.
• North Korea helps Russia with munitions for the war in Ukraine and with cheap labor.
• Russia has helped dilute Western efforts to isolate North Korea over its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Did our AI help? Share your thoughts.

SEOUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea for talks with leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday, furthering concerns about the growing military cooperation between the two states at a time when Moscow is hungry for munitions to use in its war against Ukraine.

The pair will likely use the visit to again pledge public support for each other, rebuffing U.S.-led efforts to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine and Kim over his pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

Ahead of his arrival, Putin praised North Korea for “firmly supporting” his war against Ukraine. “We highly appreciate that [North Korea] is firmly supporting the special military operations of Russia being conducted in Ukraine,” Putin wrote in an article published Tuesday by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency. The visit was announced by Russian and North Korean media.

The visit will also highlight the longevity of autocratic leadership in both countries: Putin last visited North Korea 24 years ago, soon after he became president for the first time, when the country was led by Kim Jong Il, the current leader’s father.

Putin’s trip will reciprocate Kim’s visit to Russia’s Far East in September last year, when the North Korean leader called his country’s relations with Russia his top priority and pledged support for Moscow’s “sacred struggle” against Ukraine.

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While the two leaders have grown closer in recent years, their moves are a product of the short-term need for each other out of convenience, rather than a formal, lasting alliance — especially given their complicated bilateral history, experts say.

“There is too much mutual distrust between the two countries. The current improvement in their relations is driven by situational circumstances,” said Andrei Lankov, a longtime scholar of Russian-North Korean relations and professor of Korean studies at Kookmin University in Seoul.

The White House has repeatedly accused North Korea of sending “equipment and munitions” to Russia to replenish its dwindling supplies for the war in Ukraine, including ballistic missiles with a range of roughly 550 miles and missile launchers.

North Korea is believed to have a large stockpile of dated artillery shells and rockets that would be compatible with Soviet and Russian weapons systems used in Ukraine, as well as a production capacity that would help Russia maintain its high ammunition burn rate as the Kremlin seeks to scale up domestic production.

These dynamics have given Kim a rare bargaining chip . And it’s a reversal in their relationship, given North Korea’s history of military dependence on the Soviet Union, including in its Soviet-supported invasion of the South that sparked the 1950-53 Korean War.

Since Kim’s visit last September to Russia, North Korea is believed to have exported some 5 million rounds of ammunition to Russia, the South Korean defense minister told Bloomberg News.

Russia also is in need of workers, which North Korea can provide. Russia has long used North Korean workers as a cheap and reliable source of labor. As of last year, thousands of North Koreans were still thought to be in Russia in violation of U.N. sanctions that required all of the North’s workers abroad to return home by the end of 2019.

Russia used its U.N. Security Council veto in March to neuter a long-running sanctions regime designed to deter and slow Pyongyang’s development of its nuclear arsenal, with Russian officials accusing the West of trying to “strangle” North Korea.

Russia may be providing various forms of technological assistance to North Korea in response, some analysts say, although the military agreements between the two sides are opaque.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a Swedish think tank, reported Monday that North Korea may have enough fissile material for 90 nuclear weapons and may have 50 nuclear warheads, a “significant” increase from 2023 — although it cautioned there was uncertainty about the number.

Samuel Ramani, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said the fears over the deepening relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang had focused on the possibility that Russia could accelerate North Korea’s capacity for producing nuclear weapons, but added there was no evidence that had happened so far.

“The biggest thing we’ve seen so far in terms of technological transfers have so far been in the space sphere, and I don’t think it’s going to lead to Russia immediately helping North Korea in the nuclear sphere because China is very wary of both Russia and North Korea becoming more escalatory in that area,” Ramani said.

Pyongyang, for its part, is seeking to boost its beleaguered economy — it is grappling with financial hardship and food insecurity following pandemic isolation and years of sanctions — and get access to Moscow’s advanced technology for its satellite and nuclear weapons programs.

South Korean and U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the growing military cooperation. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun spoke by phone on Friday to discuss the potential visit and agreed to continue coordinating in their responses, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said.

Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and other authoritarian states share Moscow’s eagerness for a global order and international institutions that are friendlier to autocratic regimes, and all have condemned Western sanctions.

Analysts Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Richard Fontaine, writing in Foreign Affairs magazine in April, coined the term “axis of upheaval,” stating that trade and direct or indirect military support to Russia from China, North Korea and Iran had strengthened Moscow’s position on the battlefield and undermined Western attempts to isolate Moscow.

“Cooperation among the four countries was expanding before 2022, but the war has accelerated their deepening economic, military, political, and technological ties,” they wrote.

Kirill Kotkov, the head of the St. Petersburg-based Center for the Study of Far Eastern Countries, countered that the evidence wasn’t yet there for real cooperation, adding that while China had close ties with Russia, it had never embraced a formal alliance with Moscow.

Kotkov said Russia’s use of its U.N. Security Council veto to block the renewal sanctions against North Korea was recognition that Pyongyang had already become a nuclear power and deterrence was useless.

“Surely we know very well that North Korea has long created nuclear weapons and it has been in nuclear power for a while,” he said.

Peter Ward, a research fellow focusing on North Korea at the Sejong Institute outside Seoul, said it that while it was unclear whether North Korea has received weapons technology in reciprocation, there are some indications that Russian technology was used in North Korea’s most recent and failed attempt to launch a satellite, Ward said.

Kim “might use Putin’s trip to argue his case” for such technology, Ward said.

During the September trip, Putin took Kim to the Vostochny Cosmodrome , which symbolizes Moscow’s ambitions for pioneering space technology. At the time, U.S. and South Korean officials warned that North Korea might be seeking critical technologies from Russia to boost Pyongyang’s nuclear and weapons ambitions as missiles and rockets use much of the same technology.

North Korea’s space agency in November put a “space launch vehicle” — its name for what appears to be a military satellite — into orbit after two failed attempts. Kim lauded the satellite as a “space guard” that would intensify his regime’s hostile reconnaissance on enemy nations, and the North Korean state media claimed that the satellite had photographed sensitive military and political sites in South Korea and the United States, although it did not release any imagery.

Still, experts said in February that the satellite was “alive” after observing maneuvers that suggest Pyongyang was controlling the spacecraft.

Dixon reported from Riga, Latvia. Lyric Li in Seoul contributed to this report.