North Korea is one of the least visited tourist spots in the world, and it is impossible to do some independently. For this reason, anyone wishing to come here will have to do so as part of a tour, although there are a surprising number of options available nowadays. For those who want to visit North Korea, you can travel to major cities like the capital Pyongyang, as well as beach resorts and even newly opened ski resorts where you can enjoy all the amenities of home such as spa treatments and internet access.
You may not imagine that you can go skiing in North Korea, but now you can at the Masikryong Ski Resort. There are 10 slopes here as and you can also enjoy swimming pools, snowmobiles, and steam rooms and saunas after a hard day of skiing.
Travel time:
1 hour 52 minutes hours by road
Clothing: Heavy winter clothes are a must.
Distance from Pyongyang: 636 km
This is the highest mountain in the DPRK and stands at 2744 meters high. It is made up of an extinct volcano and has a crater lake in the center. The mountain is also said to have strong mythical legends attached to it which makes it a place of reverence to the people of North Korea.
Travel Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Clothing: Winter clothes are a must.
Distance from Pyongyang: 22 km
You can now go on an aerial tour of Pyongyang which takes off from Sunan Airport and will take you around all the top spots in the city so that you can see them from the air. The flight lasts around 40 minutes and takes place on a small light aircraft or helicopter.
Travel time:
25 minutes by road
Clothing: Make sure to wear loose clothing so that you are comfortable.
Distance from city center: 14 km
Kim Il Sung’s Birthplace: Kim Il Sung's Birthplace is made up of a collection of huts including a peasant house and a barn. This is usually included as part of a tour and is meant to give visitors a taste of the humble beginnings of Kim II Sung.
Best mode of transport: Car or tour bus
Duration of travel: 19 minutes
Be respectful at all times
Distance from city center: 4.8km
Ryongwang Pavilion: This pavilion is one of the prettiest sites in the city of Pyongyang and also one of its most historically significant. The pavilion originally dates from 1111 when it was first erected, and then fell into disrepair before being rebuilt in 1670.
Best mode of transport: Car or tour bus
Duration of travel: 9 minutes
You can photograph the pavilion so don’t forget to bring a camera.
Distance from city center: 4.7 km
Taedong Gate: For a glimpse of the historic side of Pyongyang, you will often be taken to Taedong Gate which used to be the eastern gate of the original walled city which was built in the 6th century. The gate that stands now dates from 1635, making it one of the oldest remaining structures in the city.
Best mode of transport: Car or tour bus
Duration of travel: 8 minutes
Bring a camera to take photographs
Hamhung Beach:
Hamhung is the second city of North Korea and was only opened to tourists in 2010. Now you can visit the beach here and enjoy the Majon Beach Resort which has a range of attractions such as beach games and pristine sands.
Wonsan Beach:
Wonsan Beach is said to be the site of the first beach resort in North Korea and you can enjoy some sun, sea, and sand here as part of a tour. There are also games like beach volleyball set up on the sands if you feel like being active.
Department Store Number One:
This is one of the largest and busiest department stores in Pyongyang. Unfortunately foreigners are usually not permitted to visit, although as rules change frequently, you may be able to ask your tour guide if you can come here.
Kwangbok Supermarket:
Kwangbok Supermarket is known as the place where Kim Jong Il made his final appearance in public. There are several floors here and you can find imported goods as well as local items. There is also a money changer and a food court here.
Ragwon Department Store:
Ragwon (Paradise) Department Store is one of the few department stores in Pyongyang that tourists are often taken to visit. Here you can find imported good as well as some international food options.
Lamb Barbecue Restaurant is said to be one of the best choices in the city, although this will depend on whether your tour group will agree to take you there. The food here, as the name suggests, is lamb barbecue which you cook at your table.
Pyongyang Number One Duck Barbeque is known for being one of the best places to eat in the city and many tour groups will take you here on a visit. The food is served banquet style and you can expect duck meat which you then cook on a small barbecue at your table to your liking.
The National Restaurant serves typical Korean food and there is also a live show here that is performed as you eat. The restaurant is set in a basement so it can be an enclosed experience and is not the most picturesque location in the city.
Karaoke Bar:
Also located in the Yanggakdo Hotel is Karaoke Bar which has a range of songs in English to choose from. The bar is also known for having cheap local beers.
Taedonggang Diplomatic Club:
This is also known as ‘The Diplo’ and is a high end bar which has a nightclub and sports club attached. The clientele here is mainly foreigners.
The Brewery Bar:
If you want to try a taste of the local beer, then head to the Brewery Bar where they make their own. It is meant to be quite good by Western standards and is located in the
List of nationalities who have permission for Visa free entries:
All nationalities need to apply for a visa before visiting North Korea.
List of nationalities who can have Visa on arrival: N/A
South Koreans are not able to travel to North Korea.
Drug possession is a serious offence and trafficking can incur the death penalty.
Prostitution is illegal in North Korea.
The legal drinking age in North Korea is 18.
Possession of pornography is illegal and punishable by death.
Breaking the law in North Korea can result in deportation or a prison sentence with hard labor.
You will need to enter North Korea as part of a group tour and will need permission to go anywhere on your own.
Be aware that you should ask before taking photographs of anything. Expect that your camera will be inspected before you leave North Korea.
You will be expected to bow in reverence to statues of Kim Il Sung.
Do not criticize anything in North Korea while you are there as this can lead to arrest and imprisonment.
Be aware that many countries do not operate an embassy in North Korea so representation and assistance will be limited in an emergency.
There is hardly any crime in North Korea.
Tap water is often unsafe to drink and you are advised to only consume bottled water.
The standard of health care in North Korea is not of an international standard and for most medical treatment you will need to travel elsewhere.
The language of North Korea is Korean and many people here do not speak English. When you travel to North Korea however, you will have to do so as part of a tour, and all tour guides will be able to speak English and explain points of interest as you travel around the country. North Korea is known for being one of the most inaccessible and secretive nations on earth, although now the country is slowly opening up more and more locations for tourists to visit as part of a group.
