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Electric power

Electric power: 220V / 50 Hz [...]

Government

Head of state Kim Jong Il from 1994 Head of government Hong Song Nam from 1997 Political system communist Political executive communist Administrative divisions nine provinces and three cities Political parties Korean Workers' Party (KWP), Marxist-Leninis [...]

Accommodation

Unfortunately the strict rules of the country mean that you are unable to choose your own accommodation in North Korea. Foreigners must stay in designated tourist hotels. These hotels come in four flavours; deluxe, first class, second and third class and [...]

Climate

The climate is moderate and unlike much of Asia has four distinct seasons. The hottest summer season also contains the monsoon season which usually runs from July to August. The winter is generally chilly but can be quite sever in the northern parts of th [...]

OPEN CITIES AND AREAS

Only cities and areas where there is a hotel open for foreign tourists can be visited. See the City Guide for available destinations.

Even if you have been able to get a special permission to visit another area, it is not guaranteed that you c [...]

Visa

A visa is obliged. When applying for a visa you have to state which cities and areas you will visit and you have to have an itinerary that has been approved. The visa will only be issued after your tour has been booked, confirmed by the authorities and pa [...]

Security

For foreign travelers North Korea is a very safe country, also because of the strict rules applying to tourism. [...]

Tipping

Tipping is not common in North Korea and politically not done. Guides and drivers appreciate small presents. It can be something like foreign cigarettes or something typical from your country (like chocolate or a windmill souvenir from Holland). Guides al [...]

Loss of face

As in other Asian countries a Korean will not say no quickly, even if he would like to, to prevent you from losing face. He will try to let you know in an indirect way that something is not proper or not possible. This can be confusing for the Western way [...]

Politics

Politics is a sensitive subject to talk about. Do not bring the person you talk with in a difficult position and do not make jokes or cynical remarks or ask impertinent questions about Kim Il Sung or Kim Jong Il or Juche ideology. [...]