North Korea Travel Guide

We want to make a case for visiting North Korea, we want to be able to persuade people to make this journey. Not only is it amongst the most exciting journeys a person can ever make in a lifetime, it is possibly one of the biggest educational experiences travel is able to grant you. We promise you that such a trip entails a huge number of personal benefits to you and the people of North Korea, it will make an impression on you, for the right reasons, that will you never forget. Read More…

In mainstream public opinion, the idea of travelling to North Korea appears to be bizarre, daring, unconventional and perhaps slightly crazy. At Visit North Korea however, we pride ourselves on being different. We do not “go with the flow” we are objective thinkers who choose to see past the mirage of the media and government. We advocate travel to North Korea because we believe in a more open, peaceful and interconnected world free of prejudice, fear, confrontation and hate… (see more)

When I talk about visiting North Korea, the most common question I get asked is “how“? How do you visit North Korea? How do you get in? What do you do? The answers are simple, (learn more here)

The food in North Korea given to tourists is of a good standard, however being a developing country you can never be so sure. Sometimes the food hygeine standards used in preparation can be lower. Resultantly its best precautions are brought with in the form of stomach and anti-diarrhoea medication just in case things go run. Read More…

“Visiting North Korea raises many dilemmas for people from an ethical perspective” highlights Tad Farrell, the founder of NKnews. Indeed, some commentators and observers have criticized the tourist program of North Korea. They make the following arguments: 1) That it supports a dictatorial regime with money and their oppressive activities, and 2)that it finances North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Consequentially, the subject of visiting North Korea has became a controversial and interesting element of public debate. This given debate reached its height notably in late 2013 when former NBA star Dennis Rodman famously visited the country, an episode which attracted worldwide media attention. Read More…

Is North Korea a safe place to visit? The media sometimes claims it isn’t. Find out the truth here (see more)

Obtaining a North Korean visa is probably one of the easiest tourist visas you can get. In fact, it’s far easier than even the Chinese one. Visit North Korea’s quick guide will now give you the lowdown on the North Korean visa process… (see more)

Most tours begin here. Find out how to navigate and elaborate Beijing’s enormous railway station in order to ensure your trip gets off to a good start (see more…)

If your tour involves the overnight sleeper train from Beijing to Dandong, then you need to know what to expect and prepare for on this unique commute… (see more)

What to see, do and prepare for whilst stopping at China’s border city, Dandong on the way to Pyongyang.. (see more)

An overview of the process of North Korean customs and entry… (see more)

Things to see and do whilst travelling to North Korea’s capital city. It’s a train experience unlike any other… (see more).

If you’re taking a longer stopover in Dandong whilst en route to North Korea, there’s a chance for you to take a boat ride along the Yalu River and catch your first real glance of life in the country. Here’s what we experienced (read more)

Those travelling by train to North Korea will eventually arrive at Pyongyang Railway Station. Here’s what to expect (read more)

An overview of the essential rules and expectations when visiting the country (see more)…

On North Korea Tours, the meals you get are all inclusive as part of the deal, as well as the drinks alongside these meals. This makes things a lot simpler. The guides will take you to a number of different “restaurants” throughout Pyongyang and the country (there is also the hotel restaurant), where you will always be served authentic Korean food with either water or alcohol to drink, served in a traditional way. You will not be given a menu to choose from. Read More…

Shops in North Korea offer the most bizarre and exotic shopping experience a visitor will ever have, but also a very good value for money. North Korea has a number of “gift shops” especially for tourists (and not locals) which sell a range of locally themed, eccentric goods. A few of these shops are situated in the Yanggakdo hotel, others found around Pyongyang and others are largely at various sites and museums. Unlike in some Asian countries, the staff in shops in North Korea are reserved and not pushy. They will never try and “force” a product upon you, rip you off or scam you. Read More…

With most North Korea tours, this is the place you will be staying at. The “Yanggakdo International Hotel” in Pyongyang. An enormous 47 storey hotel located on Yanggakdo Island in the Middle of the Taedong river in Pyongyang, a great central location. Read More…

One of the most common questions we get asked! Find out everything you need to know about phones in North Korea here… (see more)

Another question we get frequently asked. Besides a website, social media profile and blog full of photos, the answer is yes, but there are still some guidelines you should know about… (see more)

The Pothonggang is a Hotel in downtown Pyongyang, typically dedicated to serving smaller groups and delegations. It is known for its more upmarket style, as well as being the first in the DPRK to offer Wifi (read more)

The Sosan Hotel is an affordable but nonetheless modern hotel located in Pyongyang’s sporting district outside the city center. It boasts the only golf course in the DPRK (see more)…

North Korea’s largest and most iconic statues. As an inevitable part of the tour package, it is essential to learn the do’s and don’ts (see more)…

North Korea’s own history of the Korean War, the ins and outs of visiting one of the most extraordinary sites in the country (see more)

The largest library in North Korea, a centre of learning, curiousity and… bewilderment… (see more)

Discovering the monument to North Korea’s national ideology… (see more)

The mass transit system of Pyongyang is always included on tour itineraries, but what should you expect when visiting? (see more)

A UNESCO approved World Heritage History, the Koryo Museum in the ancient city of Kaesong offers a glimpse into Korea’s history (read more)

The Mangyongdae NatiVE House is the apparent restoration of Kim Il-sung’s childhood home in the outskirts of Pyongyang, but is everything all as it seems? (Read More)

The Ryugyong Hotel is Pyongyang’s largest and most iconic building. Once envisioned to become the biggest hotel in the world and a luxury resort, it ended up standing dormant for decades… until a surprise transformation took place (read more)

Sinuiju is North Korea’s border city, directly facing China on the Yalu River. Most travellers know it because they pass through it, but what is there to see here? And what is the history of the place? (Read More)

The Sinchon Museum of American War atrocities is the scariest place tourists can visit in North Korea, click here to find out why (read more)

Opened in 2017, this unique futuristic area of Pyongyang serves a symbolic reminder of how North Korea strive to use the image of achievement in science and technology to legitimate its rule (read more)

The Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery glorifies those who fought alongside Kim Il Sung as revolutionary guerrillas against Japanese occupation. However, this isn’t an ordinary cemetery and there some things worth reflecting about it (read more).

The Kwangbok Department Store is North Korea’s largest shopping facility. Visitors are bound to be took back by the enormous variety and quality of goods on offer (read more)

The Pyongyang Foreign Languages bookstore, located just off Kim Il Sung Square, is an impressive resource for foreigners to buy books exploring North Korea’s own view of the world, as well as other memorabilia such as DVDs and newspapers (read more)

The Three Revolutions Exhibiton is a museum of unique design emphasizing North Korea’s revolutionary achievements in science, technology, industry and culture. But why? (Read more here)

The Pyongyang Arch of Triumph commemorates the history of resistance to the Japanese occupation of Korea, playing a special role in the official conceived story and legacy of the North Korean state (read more)

Kim Il Sung Square is a gigantic public space located in the center of Pyongyang, adjacent to the Taedonggang river. But what really is so special about a central public square? And what does it reveal about the country’s political order and traditions?  (read more)

The Changgwang Kindergarten is the most high profile and prestigious pre-school institution in North Korea. However, it is guaranteed to leave visitors with a surprise, be for it good or bad (read more)

The Tongil Restaurant in Kaesong is the common place where tourists stop for lunch after visiting the DMZ and Panmunjom. This unique establishment has a menu which will certainly surprise you… (read more)

The Pyongyang Pizzeria, located on Mirae Scientist’s Street, offers visitors the chance to experience a North Korean effort at everyone’s favourite Italian dish. It has a peculiar history and background (read more)

The Taedonggang Diplomatic club is an elite bar in Pyongyang, opposite Juche Tower, which foreigners can visit (read more)

The Yanggakdo Hotel’s Revolving Restaurant, based on the 47th floor, is an exciting place to chill and eat on an evening when staying in North Korea. Learn more about what it has to offer here… (read more)

Sunrise Coffee is a high end bistro in downtown Pyongyang. What might you expect from cafes in North Korea? and what does it have to offer? (read more)

The Pyongyang Bell Restaurant is a venue in downtown Pyongyang, near Kim Il Sung Square. It’s famous for its Korean Beef and BBQ dishes (read more)