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North Korea
Getting Started & Practical Information
WARNING: North Korea is unstable,
please read this travel warning
before going!
When to Visit
Summers in North Korea consist of the time between
about June to September, but this time is also the monsoon or rainy season. Temperatures
in Pyongyang average about 75°F (25°C) during this time, while the mountains are
cooler and the west receives a fair amount of humidity and rain. Winters hover right
below the freezing point with the mountains remaining snowy for much of winter and
the coasts typically about 15°F (-10°C) as an average. The fall (autumn) tends to
be fairly warm and sunny as the leaves change color, while in the spring the Cherry
Blossoms are in full color in about March-May.
A final point to consider before planning your travel is local holidays. Unlike
most countries, North Korea bans tourists from the
country during some holidays and during others, promotes tourism. The most common
time to visit North Korea is during the Mass Games, which occurs in the months of
August to October. Some citizens of particular nations are only allowed in the country
during this time and in some cases only during certain weeks of the games.
Weather
Although weather can be generalized based upon years past, for more up to date weather
patterns and predicted future weather patterns, visit weather websites like weather.com; many local news sources also have information
for international weather forecasts.
Tours & Cruises
There are few options when it comes to traveling to North Korea and, depending on
your citizenship, you may have to take a government-run tour in order to be allowed
into the country. Due to that and the fact that few companies are allowed to operate
within North Korea, you have about one option:
Ryohaengsa: This is the official tourism bureau of North Korea, but is a hassle
to work with. Not surprisingly, they don't have a website, but can be contacted
at +86/(10)6437-6666
Koryo Tours: This is perhaps
the most popular tour group operating in North Korea; they are very familiar with
North Korean bureaucracy and are in touch with the current situation so can offer
up to the minute advice while planning your tour.
Guidebooks
If you're on an organized tour and don't want to pay the extra money for
a guide book that may be confiscated by customs, you may not need anything more
than SafariTheGlobe.com's Mini Guide to
North Korea! However, if you need more detailed and up to date information,
there are a couple guidebooks with a chapter dedicated to North Korea.
Lonely
Planet: Great maps and updated often with comprehensive housing information,
restaurants, & transportation options. Backpackers and adventurers love these
guidebooks. (South Korea book with a chapter dedicated to North Korea)
Rough Guides: Cover various aspects of travel from culture
to getting by on the cheap. (South Korea book with a chapter dedicated to North
Korea)
Visas
Every foreign national needs a visa to enter North Korea,
however the requirements for citizens of different nationalities varies. In addition,
the government tends to alter their visa requirements based on the time of year,
their mood, politics, and anything else a person can think of. Additionally, North
Korea is known to deny visa applications when an individual applies directly to
the government. For these reasons, it is highly recommend that you apply for a visa
through a travel agency who is aware of current requirements and may have a working
relationship with the North Korean government, therefore substantially increasing
your chances of receiving a visa.
Health & Insurance
Every part of the world has different health concerns and diseases, including North Korea. Before traveling, consult with a physician
to learn more about your destination and what steps you can take to prevent illness.
At the time of writing, North Korea didn't have any health immunizations that
are required prior to arrival, although a number of immunizations are strongly recommended.
Many health insurance providers don't cover health care that is provided outside
your home country. Before going abroad check with your health insurance to see if
they cover international care and be sure to mention that your travel is to North
Korea, as many insurance providers will not cover medical expenses there. If you
do have to purchase an international medical insurance option, you may prefer to
do so from a company that specializes in international medical insurance and offer
medical evacuation.
Transportation
Since you most likely have to go on an organized tour to gain access to
North Korea, your transportation needs will vary. Most travel agencies begin
their tours of North Korea in Beijing, China and may include
travel to and from North Korea from Beijing, so
before booking any transportation be sure to find out what is included in your tour
package. Additionally, most domestic travel will be included in the tour coast as
the government doesn't like foreigners walking the streets without a government
official. Before booking any transportation though, even a flight to Beijing, be
sure to guarantee you have been granted a visa (which may be issued, but not gathered
until you are in Beijing) so don't book anything until you have your arrangements
with a travel agent set.
Largest International Airlines: Air France, American
Airlines; British Airways;
Cathay Pacific; China Southern Airlines;
Delta; Emirates;
KLM; LAN; Lufthansa;
Qantas; Singapore Airlines;
United Airlines.
Housing
In North Korea you stay where the government or your tour operator tells you to
stay. Your housing will not be high end compared to what can be found in most of
the world, but it should be clean and safe; it may also be wired with recording
devices.
Opening Hours, Expenses, & Tipping
Opening hours, expenses, tipping... these are things that don't really matter
in North Korea for a tourist since you'll be
with a tour guide during your entire stay and all expenses will most likely be included
with your tour. However, for those who are curious, the North Koreans are on a similar
schedule as the South Koreans. Prices and options, however are radically different
from that in the south. There are no western hotels or restaurants in North Korea
so prices tend to be lower, given the fact that all places are only catered to the
locals and the income levels in North Korea are very low.
In regards to tipping, check with your tour company on get their recommendation
on how much to tip your local guides and drivers. There is debate whether it's
better to tip in items like chocolates, cosmetics, and picture of your family/city
or if you should tip in US dollars or Euros. The debate is in regards to your guide's
safety and whether or not receiving foreign currency is a liability.
Crime & Safety
Generally speaking, North Korea for a documented
tourist who is entering on the North Korean Government's terms should be safe.
The government won't allow entry if they deem an individual a risk and once
a visa has been issued and you enter the country, you will be with a government-issued
tour guide for the duration of your stay. While this may be inhibiting, it also
provides a certain measure of safety.
This, however does not change the fact that North Korea's
government does not get along with many other governments in the world and you may
find yourself in the middle of this political argument. While the government has
not been known to arrest or cause harm to individuals that have entered legally
and kept their mouth shut, they often times will revoke visas due to international
arguments, have asked tourists to leave prior to their intended departure, and in
some more extreme cases have arrested individuals that have questioned the government's
actions. Making statements or questioning the government is the best way to land
yourself in jail or expelled from the country and this is most likely the biggest
criminal or safety risk you will face as a tourist.
Additionally, the North Koreans are very disciplined
and crimes often come with stiff penalties so petty crime, and even major crimes
are rare. Being the victim of these crimes is almost unheard of, however being the
aggressor of one of these crimes is quite easy. Having a very different set of laws
and procedures than most of the world, many actions could, unknowingly be a crime,
such as taking a picture of the wrong building or subway. For this reason, always
ask your guide for permission before taking a picture and be careful what you say
at all times.
This page was last updated: December, 2011