Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for North Korea depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for North KoreaEmergency Numbers
- General
- N/A — all emergencies handled through your tour guide
Currency
- Name
- North Korean Won
- Code
- KPW
- Symbol
- ₩
Foreign tourists use EUR, USD, or CNY — the local won is not available to foreigners. All transactions are through your government-approved tour agency. There is no independent spending in North Korea.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
KST (UTC+9) — North Korea briefly moved to UTC+8:30 in 2015 before returning to UTC+9 in 2018
Best Time to Visit
April–May (spring blossoms, mild temperatures, Kim Il-sung birthday April 15 — a major state event) and September–October (mild, harvest time) are the most accessible and pleasant seasons. Mass games (Arirang gymnastics and artistic performances involving 100,000+ participants) when held are typically in summer. Note: US citizens and South Korean citizens are prohibited from visiting North Korea under their respective governments' travel advisories. All other nationalities can visit on an organised group tour — independent travel is not possible.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guides | $10–20 EUR per day — your guides depend heavily on tips from foreign tourists | — |
| Drivers | $5–10 EUR per day | — |
Dress Code
- Conservative, smart casual — no torn jeans, no camouflage
- Remove hats when at monuments and statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il
- Bow respectfully in front of statues — your guides will demonstrate
Social Etiquette
- Every word, gesture, and photograph in North Korea is observed — your guides are also responsible for ensuring you don't violate any rules
- Never criticise the government, the Kim family, or the political system — this can result in your guides being punished
- When photographing statues of the leaders, always photograph the full statue — never cut off heads or feet in the frame
- The Arirang Mass Games (when held) are one of the greatest spectacles on earth — 100,000 performers creating synchronised visual displays
- Despite the political system, most visitors report that ordinary North Koreans are warm and curious
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- CRITICAL: You must visit with an authorised tour operator — there is no other legal way to enter as a tourist
- US citizens are currently prohibited from visiting North Korea under the US State Department
- Photography restrictions are extensive — always ask your guide before photographing anything
- Bringing religious materials, pornography, or anti-North Korean materials is strictly prohibited and can result in serious consequences
- The case of Otto Warmbier (US student detained and died after imprisonment) underscores that Western governments cannot protect you inside North Korea
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Korean) | 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) | ahn-NYONG-hah-seh-yo |
| Thank you (Korean) | 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) | gahm-SAH-hahm-nee-dah |
| Leader (Korean — used for Kim Il-sung) | 수령님 (Suryongnim) | SOO-ryong-nim — 'Great Leader'; use these terms if you speak of the leadership |
| No problem (Korean) | 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo) | gwen-CHAHN-ah-yo |
| Juche (national ideology) | 주체 (Juche) | JOO-cheh — the state ideology of self-reliance developed by Kim Il-sung |
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