North Korea travel guide
North Korea is one of the most unusual countries a traveller can read about. Its capital, Pyongyang, is a city of monuments, wide boulevards and grand squares, and beyond it lie historic towns, mountain scenery and coastlines on two seas. Few places feel so distinct from the rest of the world, and accounts of it tend to focus on how different daily life looks from what most travellers know. The destinations on offer are varied. Kaesong keeps the heritage of the Goryeo dynasty, Wonsan is a seaside resort with a ski area close by, Sariwon shows traditional Korean building styles and Hyesan opens onto Mount Paektu and its crater lake. In the far north-east, Rason sits at the meeting of the Russian and Chinese borders. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with summer suiting the coast and winter the snow. The country appeals to curious travellers who care about history and politics. Plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Pyongyang.
Before you go to North Korea
- Currency
- KPW ₩
- Emergency number
- 119 / 112
- Plug type
- Type C, F
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- ATM fees
- No ATMs - bring all cash
Cities in North Korea
- Pyongyang Pyongyang is the capital and largest city of North Korea, the political, cultural, and economic heart of the DPRK. Its meticulously planned…
- Kaesong Kaesong is a historic city just north of the inter-Korean border and former capital of the Goryeo Kingdom (918–1392). Its UNESCO World…
- Wonsan Wonsan is a port city on the Sea of Japan (East Sea) celebrated for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and the nearby Masikryong Ski Resort.…
- Rason Rason (Rajin-Sonbong) is North Korea's special economic zone at the northeastern tip of the country, bordering both Russia and China. It…
- Sariwon Sariwon is the capital of North Hwanghae Province and one of the most accessible provincial cities for tourists in North Korea. Its…
- Nampo Nampo is North Korea's principal commercial port and a special administrative city on the Yellow Sea, about 50 km southwest of Pyongyang.…
- Hamhung Hamhung is North Korea's second-largest city and the industrial capital of South Hamgyong Province on the eastern coast. The historic…
- Sinuiju Sinuiju is a border city on the Yalu (Amnok) River, facing the Chinese city of Dandong. It is the main entry point for overland train…
- Chongjin Chongjin is North Korea's third-largest city and capital of North Hamgyong Province on the northeastern coast. Long closed to outside…
- Hyesan Hyesan is the capital of Ryanggang Province in the mountains of northern North Korea, bordering China across the Yalu River. Its chief…
Frequently asked questions about North Korea
- What currency is used in North Korea?
- The currency in North Korea is the North Korean Won (₩).
- Can I use cards and ATMs in North Korea?
- Typical ATM fees: No ATMs - bring all cash. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in North Korea?
- Tipping in North Korea: not expected. Not customary — tipping is discouraged and may cause confusion for guides and staff.
- Is tap water safe to drink in North Korea?
- Drink bottled water. Unsafe — drink bottled water only; tap water is not safe for tourists.
- What plug type does North Korea use?
- North Korea uses Type C, F plugs.
- What is the emergency number in North Korea?
- Emergency: 119. Police: 112. Ambulance: 119.
- What is the capital of North Korea?
- The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang. Time there: IST + 3 h 30 min.