Did you know North Korea welcomes fewer than 5,000 Western tourists annually? This makes it one of the world’s most exclusive travel destinations, where visitors experience a carefully curated glimpse into this enigmatic nation. While tourism is tightly controlled, those who make the journey discover a fascinating blend of grand monuments, pristine natural landscapes, and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else on earth.
Getting to North Korea
Traveling to North Korea requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. Currently, most visitors enter via China, with Beijing and Dandong serving as the main gateway cities. You can reach Pyongyang by either air or train:
By Air
Air Koryo, North Korea’s national airline, operates flights from Beijing, Shenyang, and Shanghai to Pyongyang. Flights typically operate a few times per week, though schedules can change based on political circumstances. Check flight availability well in advance, as options are limited.
By Train
Many travelers prefer the scenic train journey from Beijing or Dandong to Pyongyang. The overnight trip takes approximately 24 hours from Beijing and offers a unique opportunity to see the countryside and interact with locals in the dining car. The train crosses the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge at the border city of Dandong.
Important: All visits to North Korea must be arranged through authorized tour operators. Independent travel is not permitted, and you must be accompanied by official guides throughout your stay.
Planning Your North Korea Journey
Planning a trip to North Korea requires more preparation than typical destinations. Here’s what you need to know:
Ready to Start Planning?
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Best Time to Visit North Korea
North Korea experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different advantages for visitors:
| Season | Months | Weather | Highlights |
| Spring | April-June | Mild, 10-22°C (50-72°F) | Cherry blossoms, Pyongyang Marathon (April), less crowded |
| Summer | July-August | Hot & humid, 25-30°C (77-86°F) | Mass Games (typically August), beach activities in Wonsan |
| Autumn | September-October | Cool & dry, 15-25°C (59-77°F) | National Day celebrations (Sept 9), fall foliage |
| Winter | November-March | Cold, -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) | Skiing at Masikryong, fewer tourists, New Year celebrations |
Most travelers consider spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) the ideal times to visit, offering pleasant weather and important national celebrations. Winter visits have become more popular since the opening of the Masikryong Ski Resort, while summer offers opportunities for beach activities despite the humidity.
Getting Around North Korea
Movement within North Korea is strictly controlled, and all transportation will be arranged by your tour company and guides. Here’s what to expect:
Tour Buses
Most group tours utilize comfortable buses for transportation between sites. These provide good opportunities for city sightseeing and conversations with your guides.
Pyongyang Metro
Experiencing the Pyongyang Metro is a highlight for many visitors. As one of the world’s deepest subway systems (110m underground), it features elaborately decorated stations with revolutionary themes and artwork.
While rental cars are not available for tourists in North Korea, your tour package will include all necessary transportation. You may want to arrange rental cars for your time in Beijing or other gateway cities before and after your North Korea tour.
Where to Stay in North Korea
Accommodations in North Korea are pre-arranged as part of your tour package. Most visitors stay in Pyongyang, with the following hotels being the most common options:
Yanggakdo International Hotel
The most popular tourist hotel in Pyongyang, this 47-story tower on an island in the Taedong River features a revolving restaurant, bowling alley, and casino. Most foreign tourists stay here due to its isolated location and comprehensive facilities.
Koryo Hotel
Located in central Pyongyang, the Koryo is considered more luxurious than the Yanggakdo. Its twin towers connected by a bridge offer comfortable rooms, multiple restaurants, and a souvenir shop with a good selection of North Korean products.
Masikryong Hotel
For those visiting the Masikryong Ski Resort, this modern hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access, comfortable rooms, and hot springs. It’s one of the newer accommodations in the country, built to international standards.
Outside of Pyongyang, accommodation options are more basic but still adequate. In cities like Kaesong, Wonsan, and Hamhung, you’ll typically stay in state-run hotels that offer clean rooms with essential amenities.
Top North Korea Things to Do
Despite travel restrictions, North Korea offers several unique experiences for visitors. Here are the must-see attractions and activities:
1. Explore Pyongyang’s Monumental Architecture
Pyongyang is home to some of the world’s most impressive monuments and statues, showcasing the country’s distinctive architectural style:
2. Visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
A trip to the DMZ at Panmunjom offers a fascinating glimpse into the divided Korean peninsula. From the North Korean side, you’ll visit the Joint Security Area where North and South Korean soldiers stand face-to-face, and you can enter the blue conference buildings that straddle the border—technically allowing you to step into South Korea while on your North Korean tour.
3. Attend the Mass Games
If your visit coincides with the Arirang Mass Games (typically held in late summer/early autumn), don’t miss this spectacular performance involving over 100,000 participants. The synchronized gymnastics, dance, and human mosaic backdrop create one of the world’s most impressive artistic displays.
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4. Climb Mount Paektu
Considered sacred in Korean culture, Mount Paektu is an extinct volcano on the Chinese border featuring a stunning crater lake called Heaven Lake. Summer visitors can hike to the summit, while winter offers a snow-covered landscape of otherworldly beauty. The mountain holds special significance in North Korean history as the purported birthplace of former leader Kim Jong Il.
5. Experience the Pyongyang Metro
The Pyongyang Metro is not just transportation but an attraction itself. Descending 110 meters on the long escalators, you’ll discover ornately decorated stations featuring chandeliers, marble columns, and revolutionary mosaics. Tourists are typically allowed to visit several stations, with Puhung (Rehabilitation) Station being particularly impressive.
6. Try Local Cuisine
North Korean cuisine offers delicious dishes that reflect the country’s culinary traditions:
Must-Try Dishes:
7. Shop at Kwangbok Department Store
For a glimpse into everyday North Korean life, visit the Kwangbok Department Store in Pyongyang. This is one of the few places where tourists can exchange foreign currency for North Korean won and shop alongside locals. The store offers everything from groceries and clothing to electronics and souvenirs.
8. Relax at Munsu Water Park
Opened in 2013, this modern water park in Pyongyang offers a surprising recreational experience. With indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and spa facilities, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals, especially during hot summer months.
9. Visit the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum
This impressive museum presents the North Korean perspective on the Korean War (called the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War). Highlights include the captured USS Pueblo spy ship, extensive dioramas, and a 360-degree panorama battle scene. The museum provides fascinating insights into how the conflict is portrayed within North Korea.
10. Take the Train Journey
For many visitors, the 24-hour train journey from Beijing to Pyongyang is a highlight of the trip. The slow pace allows you to see the changing landscape from China into North Korea, and the dining car offers opportunities to sample Korean cuisine and potentially interact with North Korean passengers.
Practical Tips for Visiting North Korea
Money Matters
North Korea is largely a cash-based society for tourists. Bring Euros or Chinese Yuan (US dollars are accepted but sometimes at unfavorable rates). Credit cards and ATMs are not available to tourists. You’ll only use North Korean won at specific locations like the Kwangbok Department Store, where currency exchange is possible.
Communication
International calls and internet access are extremely limited. Some hotels offer international calling services at high rates. Since 2013, tourists can bring mobile phones into the country but must purchase a local SIM card for use within North Korea. Social media and most websites are inaccessible.
Photography Rules
Photography restrictions are strictly enforced. Always ask your guide before taking photos. Generally prohibited subjects include:
Important: Digital cameras with GPS functionality may be confiscated upon entry. Cameras and phones will be checked when leaving the country.
Local Etiquette in North Korea
Respecting local customs is particularly important in North Korea. Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth visit:
Ready for Your North Korean Adventure?
Visiting North Korea offers a truly unique travel experience unlike anywhere else in the world. From the grand monuments of Pyongyang to the natural beauty of Mount Paektu, the country presents a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s most isolated societies. While tourism is tightly controlled, those who approach the journey with respect, curiosity, and an open mind will discover memorable experiences and unexpected insights.
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