How to Stay Safe in North Korea
1. Introduction & Advisory
| WARNING — EXTREME CAUTION REQUIRED: North Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) is one of the world’s most isolated and controlled states. Tourism is permitted only under extremely strict conditions — all visitors must travel on a state-organised tour with government-assigned guides, stay in approved hotels, follow an approved itinerary, and have their activities monitored at all times. The US government has banned US passport holders from travelling to North Korea since 2017. Most Western governments strongly advise against all travel. |
North Korea borders China (northwest), Russia (northeast), and South Korea (south, demilitarised zone). The capital is Pyongyang. The currency is the North Korean Won (KPW) — tourists use a separate hard currency system. The population is approximately 25 million. The official language is Korean. Tourism was suspended from 2020 to 2024 due to COVID-19 border closure; resumption of limited tourism was announced for 2024.
2. Entry Conditions
Tourism to North Korea is managed almost exclusively through a small number of approved tour operators, primarily Koryo Tours (Beijing-based) and Young Pioneer Tours. All tourism enters through Beijing, with flights operated by Air Koryo (rated among the world’s lowest safety-rated airlines by AirlineRatings) or train via Dandong-Sinuiju. Visas are arranged through the tour operator. Israeli, South Korean, and (since 2017) US passport holders are prohibited from entry.
| WARNING — US Citizens Prohibited: The US State Department issued a Special Validity Passport restriction in 2017 making it illegal for US citizens to travel to North Korea on a US passport. Any US citizen entering North Korea risks federal prosecution on return. This prohibition was enacted after Otto Warmbier, an American student, was detained, tortured, and died shortly after release from North Korean custody. |
3. On-Tour Behaviour
Every aspect of a tourist’s visit is managed by state-assigned Korean guides. Tourists may not wander independently, photograph what they choose, or interact freely with ordinary North Korean citizens. The guides are officials of the state and report any concerning behaviour. Do not photograph military personnel, soldiers, construction projects, poverty, or anything your guide tells you not to photograph. Never criticise the Kim family, the Korean Workers Party, or the political system in any public or private conversation.
| WARNING — Photography: Photography is severely restricted. Your camera and phone memory may be reviewed by authorities at departure. Delete any images of sensitive subjects BEFORE reaching the airport. Photographs that are deemed disrespectful of the leadership or that show unflattering aspects of North Korean society can lead to interrogation, equipment confiscation, and detention. |
| WARNING — Detention Risk: Foreign tourists have been detained, imprisoned, and subjected to forced confessions in North Korea, frequently for alleged ‘anti-state’ activities. Crimes include: possessing religious materials (Bibles), attempting to distribute materials to North Korean citizens, photographing military facilities, and making disparaging remarks about the leadership. The DPRK legal system offers no meaningful legal protections. |
4. Health & Medical
Medical facilities in North Korea are extremely basic and do not meet international standards. Medications are scarce. Bring all medications you require plus extras. Medical evacuation is almost impossible from North Korea — the only option is reaching Beijing. Ensure travel insurance explicitly covers North Korea (most standard policies exclude it). Cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Food and water safety are concerns — eat only at approved tourist restaurants and drink bottled water.
5. Common Threats & Concerns
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Staged Tourist Experiences | All tourist sites are carefully curated and staged — ‘model’ villages, schools, and farms are maintained for tourist visits and may not represent typical North Korean conditions. | Accept that all tourism in North Korea is highly choreographed. Research independently before travel to understand what you are likely to see versus reality. |
| Currency Manipulation | Tourists are required to use designated hard currency (EUR, CNY) in tourist shops. Change given may not be accurate. | Count change carefully. Retain all receipts. Do not attempt to use North Korean won. |
| Alcohol-Induced Indiscretions | North Korean guides and hosts often encourage tourists to drink heavily during social events, lowering inhibitions and leading to statements that could be used against them. | Drink moderately. Never make political statements under the influence of alcohol. |
| Photography Entrapment | Tourists are sometimes allowed to photograph a scene, then later accused of taking an unauthorised photo. | Always ask your guide before photographing anything. Keep your guide in view at all times. |
| Religious Material | Bringing religious materials (Bibles, Qurans) with the intention of sharing them is treated as an extremely serious criminal offence. | Do not bring religious materials intended for distribution under any circumstances. |
6. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Details |
| Koryo Tours (Emergency) | +86 10 6416 7544 |
| Young Pioneer Tours | +86 (0) 10 6405 1577 |
| Swedish Embassy Pyongyang (for many Western nationals) | +850 2 381 7908 |
| UK Embassy Beijing (handles DPRK matters) | +86 10 5192 4000 |
| German Embassy Pyongyang | +850 2 381 7397 |
| Chinese Embassy Pyongyang | +850 2 381 3116 |
7. Safety Checklist
- US citizens: North Korea travel is prohibited — do not attempt
- Book only through reputable, experienced DPRK tour operators
- Do not bring Bibles, religious materials for distribution, or political literature
- Never criticise the Kim family, KWP, or DPRK system in any setting
- Ask your guide before photographing anything — delete sensitive images before departure
- Drink moderately at social events — never make political statements under alcohol
- Bring all medications you require — none are available locally
- Carry all cash you need in EUR or CNY — no international banking access
- Purchase travel insurance that explicitly covers North Korea
- Inform a trusted contact outside DPRK of your full itinerary
- Know your country’s emergency contact (Swedish Embassy for many Western nationals)
