What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
Photo: Clay Gilliland · CC BY-SA 2.0
Why visit North Korea
North Korea is in Eastern Asia, Asia, with Pyongyang as its capital. Use this guide for trip planning — best time, budget ranges, cities and practical tips.
This North Korea travel guide covers the best time to visit, top cities, sample routes, budget ranges and how to travel to North Korea — including visa requirements.
Most first-time trips to North Korea work in 7–10 days: fly into Pyongyang, then move only as far as your energy allows. A practical first loop is Pyongyang → Namp’o → Sunch’ŏn → Hamhŭng → Hŭngnam → Kaesŏng. Mid-range travellers typically budget $70–170 per person per day on the ground (flights extra). Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions. This route, cost band and city shortlist are Global Itinerary’s own planning layer — not a copy of another guidebook.
Capital
Pyongyang
Population
25.5M
Currency
₩ · North Korean won (KPW)
Languages
Korean
Timezone
Asia/Pyongyang · UTC+09:00
Calling code
+850
History
North Korea has a rich history shaped by its position in Asia and the cultures of Eastern Asia, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in North Korea is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Best time to visit
Good months to visitJJan
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November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
North Korean entry requirements are perplexing and change frequently without prior warning. As of January 2026, tours to North Korea are only available for Russian citizens. Pretty much the only loophole is to join a sporting delegation, most notably the yearly Pyongyang Marathon, which is open to amateurs running distances as short as 5 km.
Money & costs
The currency is the North Korean won, denoted by the symbol ₩ (ISO code: KPW) and not typically available to foreigners, except some old North Korean won sold as souvenirs. The only places where tourists are allowed to obtain and spend North Korean won are at the Kwangbok Supermarket, which is included in some tours of Pyongyang, and in the Rason Special Economic Zone. Black market exchange rates (especially in far northern Korea, near the Chinese border) may easily be 20 times the official rate, but importing or exporting won is strictly forbidden. North Korean won is practically worthless ou…
Getting around
All your transport needs will be dealt with by your tour company. Most of the time this means buses, although tour groups visiting remote sites (e.g. Paekdusan, Mount Chilbo) occasionally use chartered flights by Air Koryo. Wandering around on your own is not allowed, and you are required to have a guide to escort you at all times.
Language
The official language is Korean. North Koreans are quite picky about referring to Korean as chosŏn-mal (조선말), not hangugeo (both mean "Korean language", but the names of Korea refer to different historic periods). The language is rather drastically different from any Western language in its grammar, and while the language isn't tonal, its pronunciation is rather difficult for the English speaker to get right. It has various dialects; standard North Korean (문화어 munhwaŏ) is ostensibly based on the…
Staying safe
In general North Korea is extremely safe for tourists due to strict government control and constant supervision. However, visitors must adhere to all regulations, avoid discussing sensitive topics and stay within approved areas. Travel is highly organised, and deviations from guided tours are not permitted, ensuring safety but limiting freedom.
Health
Drinking water in North Korea is apparently untreated and there are reports of foreigners being hospitalized in the DPRK after drinking the water; therefore, sticking to bottled water is highly recommended.
Staying connected
By phone
For international calls to North Korea, the country code is +850. Some phone numbers (mostly faxes) can be called directly from abroad; most other calls will need to go through the international operator service on +850-2-18111.
Local etiquette
North and South Koreans share a common culture; you may find the various respect tips in the South Korea article to be of help.
Tour conduct
Your tour guide in North Korea is your best friend. They will do their best to explain the rules and what is expected from you. If a guide tells you not to do something, listen to them. If you're not sure about something, ask. That said, you should refrain from discussing sensitive subjects such as politics, economic systems, and human rights.
Practical guidance for North Korea is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Getting around & staying connected
Cheapest ways to travel in North Korea
Ride apps & transport
- 1Grab
Southeast Asia's super-app: cars, motorbike taxis and food, all with fixed upfront fares.
- 2Uber
App-based cars with upfront fares — usually the cheapest metered ride in big cities.
- 3inDrive
Name your own fare and let nearby drivers accept or counter — great for tight budgets.
Ride-hailing coverage varies here — check whether these apps are live in your city before relying on them.
Cheapest SIM for foreigners
Local prepaid SIM
Buy a tourist SIM from an official operator kiosk at the airport (bring your passport) — usually the cheapest data.
eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) lets you get online the moment you land — handy if you don't want to queue for a SIM.
Prices and app coverage change often — figures are indicative for 2026, so confirm the current tourist plan in the app or at the airport kiosk.
Plan your trip
A route through North Korea
A suggested loop connecting North Korea's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities in North Korea
In pictures
North Korea gallery
Photos: Clay Gilliland, Uri Tours, KATSURA Roen, Raymond K. Cunningham, Jr., 魯班 — via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Travel cost for North Korea
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for North Korea
Estimated total (USD)
$2,460
≈ $1,230 per person · $351 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $120/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match North Korea's mid-range daily budget ($70–170 per person on the ground). Flights are a separate estimate and vary by origin.
Good to know
North Korea travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit North Korea?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions.
Is North Korea worth visiting?
Yes — travellers visit North Korea for its landscapes, cities and culture. Start with Pyongyang, then explore the top regions on this North Korea travel guide for a realistic itinerary.
Do I need a visa to travel to North Korea?
Visa rules for North Korea depend on your passport — use the visa checker on this site for a nationality-specific answer. Use our North Korea visa checker for rules by nationality before you book flights.
How much does a trip to North Korea cost?
Budget roughly $70–170 per person per day for mid-range travel in North Korea, not including long-haul flights. Costs vary by season and how much you move between cities.
Is North Korea safe for tourists?
Check current travel advice for North Korea before you go.
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