North Korea Quick Guide

A North Korea travel guide can be considered essential for anybody interested in visiting this country. In case you are travelling on a trip to South Korea or Japan, the first stop should be Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea. The best time to visit this beautiful city would be during the spring as it gets plenty of sunlight. Also, the Incheon International Airport is the biggest airport inches. Direct flights from most major cities of North America land here.

North Korea, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Repatriation Republic of Korea, is a socialist state in East Asia, forming the northern section of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordering Russia and China to the north, on the border at the Chinese border; it then borders South Korea in the southern part of this border. Tourists to North Korea will have many options when it comes to transportation, since it is largely an automobile-based society. Most major cities in North Korea have an international airport, including Mn, which is around 25 kilometres from the capital Seoul. From there, any required transport can be obtained.

Many travellers to North Korea prefer using a North Korean tour operator, since the cost is generally cheaper. However, a North Korean guide can prove to be very useful for anyone travelling alone or who does not have much knowledge of the country's culture. You can contact your travel agent about the best way to approach North Korea. One advantage of travelling via a North Korea travel guide is that you can avoid being concealed by the locals and avoid possible misunderstandings.

In addition, a North Korean guide can help you understand more about North Korean currency and how they exchange it. North Korea's major export is coal. This means that the currency value has become very unstable. North Korea's currency, which is known as the won, has lost a lot of value against the dollar. It has lost around 40% in value against the dollar since July 2021.

Visiting North Korea does require that you pay a special entry fee, but this can be paid for in advance. Otherwise, the cost of visiting North Korea can be very expensive. The government takes steps to prevent people from bringing contraband goods into the country, especially food. If you want to take part in a North Korean tour without paying an entrance fee, you can contact a North Korean tour operator. Most tour operators are based in China.

There are two ways that you can get around north Korea. You can either go by foot or by car. Each method has its pros and cons. If you are traveling by foot, you have the opportunity to see some of the historical sights. But, if you are traveling by car, you will need a guide who knows the terrain, and he/she may not be able to give you enough information about the areas that you are going to.

In addition, travelling around north Korea can be very challenging due to its high altitude and lack of modern amenities. When travelling in North Korea by car, you can experience much better accommodation than when travelling by foot. If you are travelling in a group, you may be taken to your hotel before you arrive in Pyunik airbase. However, if you are travelling alone, you will need to arrange your transportation from a nearby airport. North Korea's main airport is Incheon International Airport.

The best way to avoid the high cost of travelling around the country is to make your arrangements as far in advance as possible. Although most hotels are booked up for the summer months, there are some luxury lodgings that can be reserved only for the more adventurous types of travellers. If you are travelling around north Korea in the summer months, you may also consider staying at one of the many tourist attractions in the south Korea. Such places include the Jiri Village, which is only a few hundred kilometres from the capital of north Korea. This village offers tourists a unique insight into life in north Korea, and some interesting facts on how people live there

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to North Korea are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit North Korea is in spring or autumn, when days are relatively mild and clear; as generally the country experiences cool and cold sunny winters, and warm, humid summers, when most of the rainfall occurs.

Do I need a Visa?

You will need a visa to enter North Korea. For further information contact the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in London. You must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if your visit is for more than 24 hours.

See which forms you may need for entry into North Korea.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean Won (KPW). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in North Korea you can grab amazing North Korean Won deals via Wise.com (GBP to KPW).

What about the wildlife?

Carnivoran animals include weasels, badgers and marten. Northern part of the Korean Peninsula is home to antelopes and raccoon dogs. Aquatic fauna includes about 212 species of freshwater fish.

What is the traditional food?

Korean food? Don't think we forgot about Korea's national dish, kimchi! It's served with literally every meal you'll eat in North Korea. If you haven't yet got a taste for this bonafide superfood of pickled and fermented cabbage, you almost certainly will after your trip to the DPRK.

What Languages are spoken?

People living in both North and South Korea speak Korean (also called Hangul). You can learn some basic Korean before you travel to North Korea and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in North Korea is the North Korean Won (We suggest tipping them around 15 euros (or 120RMB) per day per traveler. Obviously tipping anywhere in North Korea is far from compulsory, but we certainly do encourage it.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 119
  • Fire: 119
  • UK Embassy: +850 2 382 7980

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 8 hours

Travel Apps

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Learn Korean

Learn some Korean before your trip to North Korea


North Korea Guidebook

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