Visiting North Korea

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the North Korea page at Yoogo.

The official currency is the North Korean won (KPW), though foreigners are generally required to use US dollars, euros, or Chinese yuan for purchases in tourist-facing shops and restaurants. North Korea operates as a fully cash-based economy for visitors, with no ATMs or credit card facilities available to foreign travellers.

North Korea is one of the most tightly controlled destinations in the world, and all visitors travel on strictly guided itineraries with government-assigned minders. The rules of conduct are rigidly enforced, and any perceived disrespect towards the country's leadership or political symbols can have serious consequences. Travellers should familiarise themselves with current government travel advisories before making plans.

Independent travel is not permitted, and all transport is arranged by the official tour operator and government-assigned guides. Within Pyongyang, visitors may travel by coach, the city's deep-level metro (one of the world's deepest subway systems), and sometimes by tram. Intercity travel to sites such as Kaesong, Wonsan, or Mount Paektu is conducted by coach or chartered flights as part of the organised itinerary.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are widely considered the best periods to visit, offering mild temperatures, low rainfall, and clear skies well suited to sightseeing and outdoor excursions. Autumn is particularly scenic as the country's forested mountains turn vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. Summer brings higher humidity and the risk of monsoon rains, while winter is bitterly cold with temperatures regularly falling well below freezing.

Korean is the sole official language, spoken throughout the country in its northern dialect, which differs in vocabulary and pronunciation from the dialect spoken in South Korea. English is not widely understood among the general population, though government-assigned tour guides often speak English or Mandarin Chinese, providing interpretation throughout the visit.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and most national health authorities recommend ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date before travel, with additional consideration given to hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies depending on the itinerary and activities planned. Medical facilities in North Korea are extremely limited by international standards, and travellers are strongly advised to carry a comprehensive supply of any prescription medication and a well-stocked travel medical kit. Tap water should not be consumed; stick to bottled or boiled water throughout the trip.