North Korea Flag
Individuals cannot use a USA passport to travel to, in, or through without a special validation from the Department of State.
Why visit North Korea?
For the affluent curious adventurous traveler seeking to experience architecture, birdwatching, ginseng products, history, medal badges, mountain scenery, and pagodas.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Calligraphy, embroidery, Goryeo celadon pottery, culptures, and stamps.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Jokbal (pork). Kangjǒng (dessert). Kimchi (vegetable dish). Kogi Bap (rice dish). Mandu (dumplings). Miyŏk-Kuk (vegetable soup). Raengmyŏn (cold noodles). P'ajǒn (meat dish). Shinsŏllo (meatball dish). Sungŏ-Kuk (soup). Tangogikuk (dog meat soup). Ttŏk (dessert). Yakbap (dessert).
- Local Drink to Try: Makkŏlli (rice wine) Pohak (beer). Ponghak (beer). Pyongyang (beer). Rakwon (beer). Ryongjin Cocoa (cola). Samilpo Whisky. Taech'u-ch'a (tea).
Fun Facts
- Yalu River marks half of the northern border with China.
- Mastered counterfeit $100USD (downtown Pyongyang).
- Home to the world's most protected wildlife refuge.
- By local law, every household wall must have a photo of Kim Il Sung, "The Great Leader" and Kim Jong Il, "The Dear Leader".
- Known to believe they're one nation, with the U.S. occupying the southern half.
- Haircuts are mandatory.
- Adults must wear a badge over their hearts whether the face of Kim Il Sung, "The Great Leader" and/or Kim Jong Il, "The Dear Leader".
- Locals refer to the Sea of Japan as the "East Sea".
- Locals refer to the Yellow Sea as the "West Sea".
- Mansudae Art Studio (Pyeongcheon District, Pyongyang) is one of the largest centers of art production in the world.
- Paektu Mountain (9,003 ft) is the tallest point.
- Mount Kumgang (Taebaek Range) extends into South Korea.
- Korean Demilitarized Zone (KDM) remains the most heavily fortified border in the world.
- Sweden serves as the protecting power for Australia, Canada, and the United States.
- Divorce is extremely rare.
- Crime statistics are not released,
- Offers free universal insurance system.
- DPRK is known to claim that there are no LGBTI in the country as its considered a foreign phenomenon.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (February) Seollal Festival and (June) Dragon Boat Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Chosongul Day, Army Day, Day of the Shining Star, Tree Planting Day, International Women's Day, Seotdal Geumeum, Seolmyeongjeol, Day of the Sun, Kang Pan-sok's Birthday, Military Foundation Day, Daeboreum, Meoseumnal, Samjinnal, Hansik, Chopail, International Workers' Day, Korean Children's Union Foundation Day, Surinal, Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation Way, Liberation Day, Day of Songun, Day of the Foundation of the Republic, Yudu, Chilseok, Baekjung, Chuseok, Party Foundation Day, Jungyangjeol, Mother's Day, Dongji, Kim Jong-suk Birthday, Constitution Day, and New Year's Eve.
Good to Know
- Not recommended for USA travelers due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.
- Considered the least visited country in the world.
- Power shortages are chronic.
- Exiting with local currency (KRW) is not permitted.
- The central and eastern area is mountainous.
- Accommodations are less than deluxe.
- Mansudae Art Studio (Pyeongcheon District, Pyongyang) is great to observe local artist painting.
- Road maintenance is poor.
- Cars are relatively rare.
- Without a local driver’s license, travelers can not drive in the country.
- Consular access to U.S. citizens is often delayed or denied.
- South Korean citizens are prohibited from visiting any area.
- Journalists are not permitted to travel on tourist VISA's.
- Avoid tap water consumption.
- Airport petty thefts are known to occur.
- Public demonstration of affection is frowned upon.
- Many areas do not have hot running water.
- International calls are not considered secure.
- Digital communications are not considered secure.
- Taking laptop computers is prohibited.
- Purchasing replacement memory cards is not possible.
- A sweater is recommended year round during the evenings.
- Rail service no longer travels to Russia.
- Air Koryo is the only service airline provider in and out of the country.
- Rainy Season is June - September.
- GPS tracker and satellite phones are not permitted.
- Cellular usage requires local DPRK mobile service.
- Medical facilities lack electricity, resources and skills.
- Evacuation to South Korea is not permitted.
- Bicycles are unavailable for purchase or rental.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with up to six months of validity and two blank pages for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
Subject to droughts, flooding, humidity, monsoon winds, and snow storms.
- Best Time to Visit: March - April & September - October
- Coldest Month: November - February
- Hottest Months: May - September
- Peak Season: March - April & September
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Complex of Koguryo Tombs & Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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