North Korea Travel Guide 🇰🇵
Everything a traveler should know before visiting North Korea — Pyongyang tours, travel rules, culture, safety & restrictions
🌤 Live Weather — Pyongyang
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📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Pyongyang
🌍 Region East Asia — Korean Peninsula
💱 Currency North Korean Won (KPW)
🗣 Language Korean
⏱ Time Zone GMT+9
🔌 Plug Type Type C · F — 220V
Travel is strictly controlled and only possible via authorized guided tours.
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Organized tours only
Independent travel not allowed
Passport validity 6+ months
- Entry must be arranged through licensed tour operators
- Photography & movement strictly regulated
- Mobile & communication access limited
Always check current travel advisories before planning a trip.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌸 Apr–Jun Mild & pleasant
🍂 Sep–Oct Best sightseeing weather
☀️ Jul–Aug Hot & humid
❄️ Nov–Feb Very cold winters
Most tours operate during spring & autumn seasons.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🏨 Group Tour Packages — $1,200–$2,500+ (multi-day)
- 🚆 Beijing–Pyongyang Train — often included in tours
- ✈️ Flights — limited & seasonal
All travel, hotels & meals are pre-arranged via tour operator.
🗺 Top Places (Typically Included in Tours)
Pyongyang city
Kim Il-Sung Square
Arch of Triumph
Victorious War Museum
DMZ (Panmunjom)
Kaesong
🚇 Transport & Movement
- Guides accompany visitors at all times
- Independent exploration not allowed
- Movement restricted to approved areas
Rules are strictly enforced — follow guide instructions carefully.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- International roaming extremely limited
- Local SIMs restricted
- No free internet access
- Communication depends on tour arrangements
💵 Money & Payments
- Foreign currency used in tourist facilities
- Cards rarely accepted
- Carry cash in EUR / USD / CNY for tours
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Korean rice & noodle dishes
- Barbecue & hot-pot meals
- Kimchi & side dishes
- Meals usually provided by tour hotels
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- Respect laws, monuments & officials
- Avoid political discussion
- Do not photograph restricted areas
- Follow guide instructions at all times
Penalties for rule violations can be severe.
🎒 What to Pack
- Conservative clothing
- Essential medicines
- Cash for expenses
- Printed travel documents
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Cold winters & warm summers
- Dry continental climate
- Heavy snow in winter months
🧳 Typical 4–5 Day Tour Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrival & Pyongyang city tour
- Day 2 — War Museum & Arch of Triumph
- Day 3 — Kaesong & DMZ visit
- Day 4 — Cultural & memorial sites
- Day 5 — Departure
❓ FAQs
Can I travel independently?
No — travel is only allowed via guided tours.
Is internet available?
Extremely limited and controlled.
Can I photograph everything?
No — only where guides permit.
🚨 Emergency Support
🧳 Tourist Assistance Tour Operator / Guide
🏛 Embassy Help Contact via Beijing (most cases)
🚑 Medical Arranged through tour agency
📍 Travel Rules Follow guide instructions
🎟 Tours & Experiences in North Korea