MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Nampo

How to Get to Nampo

Nampo North Korea Travel Guide

Flights to Pyongyang

Pyongyang Sunan International FNJ

This is North Korea's only international airport, found roughly 24 kilometers north of Pyongyang.

Airport Details

  • All foreign air travel for tourists arrives and departs from FNJ.
  • From Pyongyang, travel to Nampo is overland.
  • Location: 24 km north of Pyongyang.

Airlines and Typical Routes

Limited airlines fly into Pyongyang from a few select cities.

Flight Options

  • Air Koryo: North Korea's national airline, from Beijing (PEK) & Shenyang (SHE).
  • Air China: Limited flights from Beijing (PEK).
  • Most travelers fly into Beijing, China, then connect to Pyongyang.

Direct Flight Limitations

No direct flights from major global hubs outside Beijing, Shenyang, or Vladivostok.

Seasonal Schedules

Flight schedules to Pyongyang are limited and may change without much notice.

Airport Services

Pyongyang Sunan Airport (FNJ) offers limited facilities, including a duty-free shop and small café.

Airport Transfers

Pre-Arranged by Tour Operator

  • All transfers from FNJ to your accommodation are included in your tour package.
  • You will be met from your designated North Korean guides upon arrival.
  • Guides manage all aspects of your transfer and accompany you.
  • You will not navigate airport transfers independently.

Connecting to Nampo

  • Travel from Pyongyang to Nampo is by road, also pre-arranged.
  • Your guides stay with you for the entire journey.
  • Seamless integration from airport to city and between sites.
  • Nampo's coastal location makes it a part of many itineraries.

Booking Your Journey

International Flights

Book your international flights to Beijing, China (or other gateway cities), well in advance.

Pyongyang Leg

Your tour operator handles the flight arrangements from the gateway city to Pyongyang.

Tour Operator

Work closely with your travel company for all flight and travel logistics.

Overland Routes & Travel

Border Crossings & Train Travel

Overland entry from China is possible via an international train, presenting another perspective.

International Train

  • International train service connects Beijing, China, to Pyongyang, North Korea.
  • Border crossing occurs at Sinuiju on the China-DPRK Friendship Bridge.
  • The journey takes approximately ALL day and night.

Domestic Travel Restrictions

Foreign tourists generally do not use domestic public transport within North Korea.

Limitations

  • Domestic train travel is not typically offered being a visitor transport option.
  • All tours use private buses for inter-city travel, including to Nampo.
  • Public bus services are not available to foreigners.

Road Travel & Driving

All driving for tourists is via private, comfortable tour buses.

Tour Buses

  • Long-travel over long distances is on comfortable private tour buses.
  • These are provided by the state tour company with a driver and guides.
  • Your tour operator manages all bus arrangements.

Self-Driving

Independent operating a vehicle is not an option for foreign tourists.

Driving Restrictions

  • Self-it is not recommended to drive permitted for tourists from other countries.
  • All ground transportation includes a driver and tour guides.
  • Road conditions between Pyongyang and Nampo are generally paved but can vary.

Road Conditions and Safety

  • Main roads between Pyongyang and Nampo are generally paved.
  • Some sections may be poorly maintained.
  • Traffic outside of Pyongyang is light.
  • Safety on the moves is managed by your tour guides and professional drivers.
  • Motorists are familiar with local conditions and rules.
  • Your itinerary is planned to account for travel times and the state of the roads.

Sea, River & Departure

Ferry & Cruise Access

Nampo is a major cargo port. Passenger services are not standard for tourists.

Sea Travel Limitations

  • Limited or no regular passenger ferry amenities on offer for foreign tourists.
  • Cruise ship visits are extremely rare and highly specialized.
  • Not a regular mode of tourist arrival.

River Transportation

The Taedong River is navigable but not a standard tourist transport route.

River Travel Insights

  • Passenger services for foreign tourists are not a standard mode of transport.
  • Boat trips on the Taedong River or at the West Sea Barrage are typically sightseeing activities.
  • Any such trips are part of a pre-arranged itinerary.

Exit Fees

Exit fees or taxes are typically included in your international airfare or tour package.

Departure Timeline

Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) as advised by your guide, typically 2-3 hours prior to your flight.

Airport Facilities for Departure

FNJ offers limited facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free and a café.

Departure Procedures

Managed by Your Guides

Your tour guides manage all departure procedures, making the process smooth.

Guide Assistance

  • Transit from accommodation to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ).
  • Assistance with check-in.
  • Guidance through immigration and customs.

Smooth Exit Process

Actions

  • Follow your guides' instructions precisely.
  • Adhere to advised airport arrival times.
  • All procedures are coordinated for your convenience.

Final Travel Guidance

Confirmation

Your tour operator will confirm all departure details. Ensure no separate fees are due at the airport.

Souvenirs

Duty-free shops are your last opportunity for making purchases at FNJ.

Passport Return

Your passport will be returned to you before passing through your final immigration checkpoint.

Departure Reminder

Follow your guides' instructions precisely for all departure arrangements. They ensure a smooth exit process.