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

Money-Saving Realities in Pyongyang

Financial strategies in Pyongyang contrast with conventional travel due to the state-controlled tourism model.

Discount Cards & Passes

No tourist discount cards or passes exist. All attraction entry fees come with your pre-paid tour package.
Your itinerary applies to all planned visits, with no separate entry fees for individual sites.
Independent purchase of attraction tickets is not an option for tourists.
The tour price bundles all associated costs for entry and activities.

Free Activities

All attractions have entry fees as part of the tour cost.
No free independent activities or attractions exist for tourists.
Independent wandering or exploration for free activities is not permitted.
Your tour itinerary outlines all approved and visited sites.

Dining Deals

Happy hours or dining deals are not available for tourists.
All meals come with your tour package at designated restaurants.
Any additional purchases, like drinks within your hotel bar, carry fixed prices.
Price negotiation or special deals are not customary for tourists.

Transportation Choices

All transportation within North Korea bundles into your tour package.
No independent options exist to alter travel expenses, like using local buses or taxis.
Your tour operates with private vehicles for all movements, managed by your guides.
Individual transportation expense management is not part of the tourist experience.

Maximizing Your Pyongyang Tour

While your tour itinerary is fixed, a few approaches maximize your experience.

Streamlined Entry

Guides manage queues for attractions; no "skip-the-line" passes available.
Your guides facilitate entry to all scheduled attractions.
All entrance procedures are handled by your tour team.
Expect pre-planned entries without individual intervention.

Optimal Visit Times

Your guides manage the timing of visits to ideal experience.
They try to avoid peak local crowds where available.
Tourist groups may visit simultaneously, so expect some shared experiences.
The schedule balances local conditions with tour group movements.

Transportation Details

Not applicable. All transportation forms a portion of your guided tour.
Private vehicles are employed for all movements within the country.
No express public transportation alternatives exist for tourists.
Your itinerary dictates all transit, with no individual route choices.

Pre-Planned Routes

Tour itineraries are pre-planned for efficiency, covering sites logically.
You follow the route set by your tour operator, with no deviations.
Adherence to the planned schedule maintains the smooth flow of the tour.
The routing is designed to optimize time at every location.

Navigating Pyongyang with Local Knowledge

Insights into common methods for a smoother travel experience.

Avoid Travel Missteps

Strictly follow your guides' rules and instructions at all times.
Do not attempt to leave your party or explore independently.
Always get consent before taking pictures; avoid images perceived negatively.
Avoid politics, leaders, and the Korean War from a Western perspective in conversations.

Cultural Customs

Show deference to older individuals in all interactions.
Dress and behave modestly in all settings, respecting local sensibilities.
Maintain a formal demeanor, especially when visiting monuments and official sites.
A small bow is customary when greeting; mirror local practice.

Social Norms

Always be polite and respectful in your demeanor.
Do not overtly criticize anything you see or hear.
Maintain an open mind, as information will come from the DPRK perspective.
Do not leave any materials, like religious texts or foreign currency, behind.

Impressive Phrases

Basic Korean greetings and expressions of gratitude gain appreciation.
Using "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello) shows respect.
Frequent expressions bridge cultural gaps during your visit.

Travel Advice for Different Travelers

Different travel styles come with particular factors, even within the guided tour framework.

Solo Travel Guidance

Solo travelers join a group tour, ensuring companionship.
Your safety is assured within the controlled tour environment.
Social opportunities mainly involve interacting with other tour members and your guides.
This is an unique chance to meet like-minded travelers from all over the world.

Family Considerations

Performances in the Children's Palace often entertain children.
Tours involve long days and extensive walking; consider children's stamina.
Bring snacks and entertainment options for younger travelers.
Confirm age suitability or restrictions with your tour provider for very young children.

Group Management

Your tour operator and local guides entirely handle all group logistics.
You do not book transport, meals, or entry tickets.
Your role is to follow the itinerary offered by your tour.
Any questions about arrangements go through your guides.

Accessibility Notes

Accessibility for mobility-impaired travelers is limited.
The infrastructure does not always support easy access for wheelchairs or other aids.
Travelers with specific mobility needs should consult their tour operators well in advance.
Discuss the feasibility of a trip and any necessary adaptations before booking.

Important Travel Note

Strict adherence to all guide instructions remains paramount for a smooth and respectful visit. Your journey through Pyongyang is entirely guided.

Resources & Information for Your Journey

Online and print materials for contextualizing your visit.

Digital Tools for Your Trip

Essential Apps

Offline Language help Apps
Download Google Translate (with Korean packs) or Naver Papago. Useful for basic communication.
No Local Navigation Apps
No local apps for navigation or services. Prepare for a digital disconnect.
Official Travel Advisories
Check your country's government travel advisories for latest North Korea information.
Major Tour Operators
Visit Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours websites for detailed itineraries.
Official State Media
Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) provides the DPRK's official perspective.

Further Digital Exploration

Social Media Insights
Follow tour operators or journalists who have visited for insights and updates.
DPRK Podcasts & Vlogs
Documentaries and podcasts offer valuable context and personal accounts. Search for "North Korea travel".
Language Learning
While guides are fluent, learning basic Korean phrases like "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello) is appreciated.
Travel Communities
Engage with online travel message boards or specialized blogs for discussions and advice from previous visitors.
Secure Online Access
Consider a VPN for secure browsing when in transit cities, as local internet access is restricted.

Print Information

Recommended Guidebooks

Guidebooks dedicated solely to North Korea (e.g., Bradt Guide) offer detailed historical and cultural information. Check for latest editions.

Insightful Books

Non-fiction like "The Cleanest Race" by B.R. Myers examines ideology, while "Nothing to Envy" by Barbara Demick shares defector stories.

Local Publications

"The Pyongyang Times," an English-language newspaper, provides the official DPRK perspective. Local magazines serve as unique souvenirs.

Safety & Health Contacts

Essential Contacts

Emergency Procedures: Guides manage all emergencies for tourists.
Medical Facilities: Pyongyang Friendship Hospital serves foreigners. Facilities are basic.
Embassy Details: Carry your country's embassy contact details in Pyongyang or nearest capital (e.g., Beijing).
Lost Documents: Immediately report lost passports or visas to your tour guide for assistance.

Safety Guidance

Natural Disaster: Follow all instructions from guides and local authorities during natural events.
Stay Informed: Remain attentive to your tour guides' daily briefings and safety advice.
Local Support: Your guides are your main support system; let them know about any concerns directly.
Urgent Situations: In urgent situations, your guide facilitates contact with relevant local bodies.

Deepening Your Experience

Visual Stories

A State of Mind: Follows gymnasts preparing for Mass Games.
Under the Sun: A glimpse into eachday life in North Korea.
National Geographic: Inside North Korea: Provides an a review the country.

Cultural Expressions

Revolutionary songs and conventional Korean folk music form integral cultural expressions.
These often feature during performances or in public spaces throughout your tour.
Gain a cultural connection by listening beforehand.

Community & Learning

Engage with online travel forums (e.g., Reddit's r/northkorea) or specialized travel blogs for insights.
These platforms offer discussions, advice, and personal accounts from previous visitors.
Language learning apps like Memrise or Duolingo assist with basic Korean phrases.

Safety & Critical Information

Emergency Contacts & Protocols

Emergency Protocol

All emergencies route through your tour guides.
They contact appropriate local authorities.
Your guides are your first point of contact.
Carry your embassy's contact details.

Medical Care

Pyongyang Friendship Hospital designated.
Your guides arrange access if needed.
Facilities might be basic.
Inform your tour provider of medical conditions.

Diplomatic Contacts

Carry your country's embassy contact details.
If no embassy in Pyongyang, note nearest (e.g., Beijing).
Your embassy assists with serious issues.
Guides facilitate contact with diplomatic missions.

Document Safeguards

Lost Passport/Visa

Report immediately to your guide.
Your guide contacts your embassy or consulate.
Replacement processes can extend your stay.

Natural Disaster Response

In the event of a natural disaster, follow guide instructions.
Adhere to local authority advice on safety and evacuation.
Stay informed through your escorts regarding emergency protocols.

Preparatory Actions

Pre-Departure Checks

Verify visa validity and retrieve medical documentation.
Inform family or friends of your itinerary and limited communication.
Download offline translation apps and other useful digital content.

In-Transit Considerations

Reconfirm flight details to your transit city.
Make final arrangements for home security, pet care, or mail.
Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid issues with card use in your transit city.

DPRK through Media

Documentaries & Films

"A State of Mind": Follows two North Korean gymnasts preparing for the Mass Games.
"Under the Sun": A documentary filmed in North Korea, offering a glimpse into everyday life.
"National Geographic: Inside North Korea": Provides an overview of the country.
Seek out additional well-regarded documentaries for further context.
These films often provide visual context to your trip.

Music & Art

Familiarize yourself with revolutionary songs and conventional Korean folk music.
These forms of art are integral to the country's cultural expression.
Often heard during performances or in public spaces throughout your tour.
Listening beforehand deepens your cultural connection.
Explore official state art forms for a more comprehensive understanding.

Online Communities & Learning

Travel Forums

Engage with online travel forums (e.g., Reddit's r/northkorea) for discussions and advice from previous visitors.

Specialized Blogs

Explore specialized travel blogs for diverse perspectives and personal accounts from those who have visited or study the DPRK.

Language Learning

While your guides are fluent, learning basic Korean phrases like "Gamsahamnida" through apps (e.g., Memrise) deepens your experience.

Your Guide is Your Link

Always communicate any issues or concerns directly with your official guides. They represent your only authorized point of contact and support within the DPRK.

Beyond the Itinerary

In-depth Cultural Immersion

Music & Art Insights

Revolutionary Melodies
Familiarize yourself with revolutionary songs. They integral cultural expressions.
Public Performances
Often heard during performances or in public spaces throughout your tour.
Traditional Folk Art
Explore authentic Korean folk music. This deepens your cultural connection.

Preparatory Knowledge

Political Understanding
Understand the political context. Grasp cultural norms.
Cultural Norms & Restrictions
Recognize strict travel restrictions within North Korea.
Visitor Perspectives
Read accounts from previous visitors for diverse perspectives.

Connecting with the Wider World

Online Forums

Engage with travel forums (e.g., Reddit's r/northkorea) plus purpose-built blogs.

Journalistic Accounts

Follow accounts by journalists or attendees for insights and updates on DPRK travel.

Language Practice

Apps like Memrise or Duolingo assist with basic Korean phrases. Speaking a few words shows respect.

Start Learning

General Travel Tips

General Guidelines

Always be polite and respectful in all interactions.
Do not overtly criticize anything you see or hear.
Keep an open mind, as information presented comes from the DPRK perspective.
Prioritize personal security by remaining with the people you're with.

Respectful Conduct

Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or the leaders.
Do not leave any materials, like religious texts or foreign currency, behind.
Adhere to photography guidelines and ask for permission before taking pictures.
Know about local customs and behave appropriately in all settings.

Pre-Trip Context

Political & Cultural Landscape

Understand the unique political context of the DPRK.
Grasp the local cultural norms and societal expectations.
Recognize strict limitations on travel within North Korea.
Familiarize yourself with the history and ideology of the DPRK as presented by various sources.

Diverse Visitor Perspectives

Read accounts from previous visitors to gain diverse perspectives.
This approach helps form a more comprehensive view before your trip.
Seek out various media to balance official narratives with external observations.
Engage with academic analyses or documentaries for historical insights.

Pyongyang Travel Hacks