Nampo Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Your tour package covers nearly all expenses. Typical discount opportunities common elsewhere are not available.

Discount Cards & Passes

Not available for foreign tourists.
No tourist discount schemes exist.
Attraction access is part of the tour.
Public transport not for independent use.

Free Activities & Dining

All visits are guided and curated.
Dining is pre-arranged and included.
No happy hours or dining deals.
No "free" activities for tourists.

Travel & Stay Costs

Transportation included in your tour.
Accommodation pre-arranged and included.
No independent guest house options.
Budget for personal effects like souvenirs.

Personal Spending Focus

Limit souvenir purchases.
Manage spending on extra beverages.
Cash for personal incidentals only.
A budget for personal items is wise.

Time-Saving Travel

Efficiency for your travel is handled by your escorts. Your role is to be punctual and prepared.

Attraction Access

Tourist figures are low.
Crowding isn't an issue at sites.
Guides schedule visits for optimal viewing.
Be ready to depart promptly each day.

Transportation & Routes

All transportation is tour arranged.
No express alternatives for tourists.
Tour operators design efficient routes.
Trust their planning for optimal travel.

Essential Bookings

Booking with an authorized operator is important.
Submit visa applications months ahead.
Last-minute bookings are not possible.
NordVPN for secure pre-trip planning.

Preparation Focus

Download offline language help tools.
Prepare any offline reading materials.
Review your itinerary daily.
Timely departures are valued.

Local Insights

Understand local customs and avoid common errors for a smooth visit.

Common Tourist Errors

Not following guide instructions.
Taking unauthorized photos.
Wandering off from your group.

Valued Local Customs

Punctuality for all activities.
Respect for elders is important.
Modest dress and behavior.
A small gift for guides is kind.

Informal Social Norms

Avoid independent conversations with locals.
Maintain a polite and positive demeanor.
Be aware you are always observed.
Avoid bringing unapproved foreign media.

Korean Phrases

Simple Korean greetings are considered appreciated.
See section 11.1.5 for phrases.
Babbel for basic Korean words.
Practice pronunciation for clarity.

Solo, Family & Group Travel

Different travel dynamics present distinct considerations for your visit.

Solo Traveler

Safe within the guided tour context.
Socializing limited to other tourists.
Anticipate a single supplement for rooms for yourself.
No independent social interactions with locals.

Family Adventures

Tours mainly structured for adults only.
Children are welcome on tours.
Bring familiar snacks and entertainment.
Children must also follow guide instructions.

Group Logistics

Tour operators manage all reservations.
Guides manage all group movements.
Your cooperation and punctuality count.
Be flexible to itinerary adjustments.

Accessibility

Accessibility for travelers is limited.
Mobility challenges will present difficulties.
Communicate needs directly with your operator.
Full accommodation of needs is unlikely.

Your Essential Travel Partners

Your tour guides are your main resource. Listen to their directions, follow their instructions, and maintain punctuality.

Resources & References for Nampo

Access to information in North Korea is limited. Pre-trip preparation using these sources of information is wise.

Recommended Guidebooks

Lp 'Korea' or Bradt 'North Korea' provide background.

Historical Narratives

'Nothing to Envy' by Demick shares defector stories.

Official Publications

'The Pyongyang Times' offers the state's view.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

Translation without internet apps (Korean language packs).
Download any books or articles for offline viewing.
Internet service is virtually non-existent for tourists.

Useful Websites

Authorized tour operators (Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours).
Your country's government travel advisory for updates.
NordVPN for secure online research and bookings.

Podcasts and Digital Content

Numerous podcasts and documentaries offer insight into North Korea's culture.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Travel Considerations

Urgent Contacts

Tour guides are your first point of contact.
Carry contact information for the embassy/consulate details.
Register travel with your country's embassy.
Guides manage all local emergency calls.

Health & Safety

Hospitals in Pyongyang for foreigners are basic.
Nampo has no foreigner-equipped facilities.
Serious medical emergencies prompt evacuation.
Report lost documents to guides immediately.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Follow instructions from tour guides.
Comply with local authorities' guidance.
Guides have current information.
Your safety is their main concern.

Travel Insurance Details

Comprehensive Coverage

Medical emergencies are covered.
Emergency medical evacuation.
Trip cancellation or interruption.

Policy Specifics

Confirm travel to North Korea is covered.
World Nomads for coverage while traveling.
Carry policy details and contacts.

Pre-Departure Tasks

Home Preparations

Arrange for mail collection.
Coordinate pet care, if applicable.
Secure your residence.

Financial & Contacts

Set up automatic bill payments.
Share itinerary with family/friends.
Confirm all travel documents are ready.

Currency & Purchases

Local Currency Use

Acquire foreign currency (EUR, CNY, USD).
Small denominations are handy.
No local currency exchange for tourists.
Cash for personal spending only.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Souvenir Guidelines

Purchase from designated gift shops.
Shipping services are not available.
Pack all souvenirs in your luggage.
Be aware of export customs rules.
Guides advise on permissible items.

Departure & Returns

Departure Timing

Follow guide instructions precisely for airport transfer and check-in times.

Document Retrieval

Collect your passport from guides before final immigration clearance.

Customs Checks

Be ready for inspection of your belongings upon exiting North Korea.

Pre-Trip Research is Mandatory

Thorough pre-trip research, particularly from authorized tour operators and government advisories, is for a sustainable journey.

Further Exploration

Digital & Media Resources

Documentaries & Films

"A State of Mind" (2004)
Follows gymnasts preparing for Mass Games.
"Getting over the Line" (2006)
Story of an American defector to North Korea.
"Undercover in North Korea" (2017)
A BBC investigative report on the country.

Music & Art / Online Communities

North Korean Music
Explore conventional and revolutionary music online.
Art Forms
Encounter traditional art during your guided visits.
Traveler Forums
Connect with former travelers for shared experiences and tips.

Language Learning & Skills

Basic Korean Phrases

Basic Korean phrasebooks can facilitate mannerly dealings.

Learn with Babbel

Pronunciation Practice

Learning a few words shall be appreciated by locals you meet.

Practice Speaking

Photography Skills

Enhance your travel photography for capturing unique moments.

Skillshare Courses

Digital Resources Continued

Essential Apps for Offline Use

Offline translation apps with Korean language packs.
Download e-books and articles before your trip.
Offline maps for general context (even though not for navigation).
No local apps for services or navigation are functional.

Websites & Social Media

Authorized tour operator websites for planning.
Government alerts for visitors for safety updates.
Social media accounts of journalists or operators for insights.
Podcasts and documentaries for background context.

Print Resources Continued

Maps & Local Publications

Acquire a quality map of the Korean Peninsula.
"The Pyongyang Times" is a legitimate state publication.
Magazines like "Korea" are available in hotels.
These give an understanding of the state's narrative.

Pre-Trip Information Gathering

Careful planning, drawing from authorized tour operators and government advisories, is necessary for a responsible visit.

Nampo Travel Hacks