Money and payments
Cards and cash
Longer term visitors to Pyongyang should consider getting a debit card (labeled 전자결제카드, jeonjagyeoljekadeu) to make getting change easier.
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Asia · Eastern AsiaUsable guideCountry in East Asia
Photo: Uri Tours, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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 on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, which has been divided between North and South Korea since the 1950s.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about North Korea.
Cards and cash
Longer term visitors to Pyongyang should consider getting a debit card (labeled 전자결제카드, jeonjagyeoljekadeu) to make getting change easier.
Korean
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).
You will not be able to use your current SIM card in North Korea, however.
Mobile networks
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.
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.
North and South Koreans share a common culture; you may find the various respect tips in the South Korea article to be of help.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital city and the former capital of Goguryeo during the Three Kingdoms period
Industrial city in the North East, very rarely visited by tourists
Northern city, also rarely on official travel itineraries
home of the Songam Cavern
former capital during the Goryeo dynasty
industrial centre and port on the western coast
Free trade zone on the Russian border, complete with casino
bleak industrial city right on the border with China. Probably the easiest ways to look into the country from the outside
the scenic Diamond Mountain
the tallest mountain in Korea and the Kim dynasty's mythical birthplace
the last outpost of the Cold War in the DMZ between South and North, and the only place in the North that you can visit from the South
Places in North Korea on the World Heritage List.
Mount Kumgang
Listed 2025
Goguryeo tombs
Listed 2004
Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong
Listed 2013
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The Donghae Coast (Korean: 동해 연안) is a region of North Korea stretching along the entire east coast of the North Korean part of the peninsula. It encompasses the provinces of North Hamgyong, South Hamgyong and Kangwon as well as the special Rason city region.
The Baekdu Mountains or Paektu Mountain (Korean: 백두산맥) are a range in the northern part of North Korea spanning the provinces of Ryanggang and Chagang that are of huge symbolic importance to many Koreans. An easier (and less restricted) option to visit this area is to go to visit the Changbaishan National Nature Reserve on the Chinese side of the border.
Home of the capital, Pyongyang, and the starting point for most travel in the country.
Hwanghae (황해) is a region of North Korea. It is administratively split into north and south provinces.
Public transport and paid services in North Korea.
All your transport needs will be dealt with by your tour company.g. Paekdusan, Mount Chilbo) occasionally use chartered flights by Air Koryo.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in North Korea.
Finding apps for North Korea…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Pyongyang · International · FNJ
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Pyongyang
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | -1° | 2° | 8° | 16° | 23° | 28° | 29° | 28° | 24° | 18° | 9° | 0° |
| Avg. low | -10° | -8° | -3° | 3° | 10° | 16° | 20° | 20° | 15° | 7° | 0° | -7° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 9 | 18 | 23 | 54 | 76 | 98 | 281 | 236 | 97 | 46 | 47 | 17 |
| Humidity | 76% | 73% | 70% | 67% | 67% | 68% | 80% | 83% | 78% | 74% | 75% | 75% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 4 of 4Do not travel
Do not travelto North Korea due to wrongful detention and other risks. Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens. Do not travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for any reason. U.S. passports cannot be used to travel to, in, or through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) unless they are specially validated for such travel by the Secretary of State. Special validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. Review the information on how to apply for the special validation. Because the U.S. government does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct help to U.S. citizens in North Korea in emergencies. Sweden serves as the U.S. protecting power in North Korea through its Embassy in Pyongyang and provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens. Additionally, the North Korean government has often delayed or denied Swedish officials access to U.S. citizens who are detained. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to the risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of North Korea. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to the whole country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea The level of tension on the Korean Peninsula remains high. While daily life in the capital city, Pyongyang, may appear calm, the security situation in North Korea can change quickly with no advance warning about possible actions by the authorities. This poses significant risks to British visitors and residents. See Safety and security. Border restrictions North Korea’s borders have been closed to general entry since the government imposed COVID-19 border restrictions in 2020. The government has recently started to relax the COVID restrictions. As a result, some embassies have resumed normal operations and some limited tourism has restarted. However, the North Korean government has not resumed all passenger routes into and out of North Korea. Many embassies – including the British Embassy in Pyongyang – remain closed. Support from the UK government The North Korean authorities have previously detained foreign nationals for allegedly violating local laws and have denied them access to support from their governments. The few British people who visit North Korea are usually part of an organised tour. If you decide to visit North Korea against FCDO advice, follow the guidance of your tour operator and the local authorities. Failure to do so could put your personal safety at risk. Support from FCDO is severely limited, especially while there is no British Embassy presence. Remote…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in North Korea.
Culture & historyThe Korean War was a major civil war on the Korean peninsula soon after World War II (see Pacific War). It became a significant engagement for both the United States (leading the United Nations forces) and the People's…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyKorea is one of the great civilizations of Asia, shaped by its position between mainland and sea, as well as Imperial China, pre-modern Japan and the Mongol Empire.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkKorean cuisine can be found in North Korea, South Korea and Northeast China as well as with the Korean diaspora around the world.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Trans-Siberian Railway (Russian: Транссиби́рская магистраль Transsibírskaya magistral' or Трансси́б Transsíb) is the name given to the rail routes that traverse Siberia from Moscow.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesGwandong Palgyeong (관동팔경) are eight Korean landscapes that have been famous for their beauty since the Joseon Dynasty.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsIn many cities, guided city tours are organized by professionals, companies and local organizations for those wanting to explore the city with professional guidance.
Wikivoyage
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