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Pyongyang Travel Tips

Mobile Services for Visitors

Koryolink is the main mobile provider. Foreigners may purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival.

Stay Connected with Airalo

  • This SIM card permits international calls.
  • It does not furnish internet data for tourists.
  • Mainly, it provides a method to make calls outside the country.
Explore eSIM options with Airalo

Internet and Wi-Fi Access

Internet service is extremely limited for tourists. Wi-Fi is generally unavailable in hotels or public places.

Solis Wi-Fi for Potential Connectivity

  • Access remains restricted to diplomatic compounds or specific business facilities.
  • These zones are typically not accessible to tourists.
  • Prepare for a digital detox during your visit.
View Solis Wi-Fi portable devices

Language Barriers and Translation

The official language is Korean. Your tour guides are fluent in multiple languages, including English and Of chinese origin.

Rosetta Stone for Language Preparation

  • Outside of your guides, English is not widely spoken among the general population.
  • Translation without internet applications like Google Translate's offline mode may assist with basic phrases.
Learn Korean with Rosetta Stone

Postal Services

You can send postcards and letters from designated tourist shops or your hotel reception.

Mail Considerations

  • Delivery times often lack reliability.
  • The content of outgoing mail may undergo screening.
  • Expect long delays or non-delivery of mail.

Important Phrases with Pronunciation Guides

Greetings

  • "Annyeonghaseyo" (ahn-nyung-hah-say-yo): Hello
  • "Gamsahamnida" (gahm-sah-hahm-nee-dah): Thank you
  • "Mianhamnida" (mee-ahn-hahm-nee-dah): Sorry
  • "Ne" (neh): Yes

Responses

  • "Aniyo" (ah-nee-yo): No
  • Speaking Korean phrases shows courtesy.
  • Your guides translate when communication outside these phrases arises.
  • A few phrases truly improve interactions.

Communication Advisory

Plan for restricted connectivity. Preparing for a digital detox will enhance your experience.

Business Hours & Schedules in Pyongyang

Tourist activities and business schedules largely align with your pre-arranged tour itinerary.

Operating Hours

Souvenir shops and attractions operate according to tour schedules. Independent visits to the retailers or attractions are not an option. Local businesses generally lack tourist access.

Banking Access

No ATMs are open to visitors. Banks generally lack tourist access. Currency exchange takes place through your tour guides at hotels or designated gift shops. You will utilize foreign currency for purchases.

Holiday Impact

Major national holidays, like April 15 (Day of the Sun) or September 9 (Day of the Groundwork of the Republic), mark significant events. Tours are designed in the vicinity of these holidays, often including special events.

Seasonal Schedules

Some outdoor sites may experience limited access or closures during severe winter weather.

Tour Operator Guidance

  • Your tour operator advises on any weather-related impacts to your itinerary.
  • Winter months may introduce altered outdoor activities.
  • Plan your visit considering seasonal conditions.

Airport Services

Consider services that enhance your airport experience or provide assistance with flight disruptions.

Traveler Services

  • Priority Pass access independent airport lounges.
  • Compensair aids with flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding compensation.
  • These services address common traveler concerns.

Payment Methods for Tourists

Currency Usage

  • Cash payment in foreign currency is the main method.
  • Major currencies like Euro, USD, and RMB are commonly accepted.
  • Currency exchange occurs through your guides or at hotels/tourist shops.

Electronic Payments

  • Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted for tourist purchases.
  • Digital payment platforms remain unavailable.
  • Rely entirely on cash for all transactions.

Financial Planning

Bring enough foreign currency for your entire trip, as access to additional funds might not occur.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms in Pyongyang

Your escorts will provide direction for the duration of your journey, ensuring adherence to local customs.

Greeting Customs and Attire

A slight bow is customary, especially when greeting elders or officials. Shaking hands also commonly occurs.

Appropriate Dress Code

  • Modest dress remains a requirement at all times.
  • For Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and monuments, formal attire is often expected.
  • This typically includes a collared shirt for men and smart slacks or a dress for women.

Dining Practices and Tipping

Wait for elders to begin eating before you start. Do not stick chopsticks vertically in your rice bowl.

Gifts vs. Tips

  • Tipping is not customary in the DPRK.
  • Small gifts for your guides and driver at the journey's conclusion are not expected, but permissible.
  • Follow specific dining rules, like not pointing with chopsticks.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Always ask your guides before taking photos. Assume photography remains restricted unless explicitly told otherwise.

Photography Guidelines

  • Do not photograph military personnel, installations, or construction sites.
  • Avoid photographing anything perceived as showing poverty or disrespect.
  • Do not crop out or cut off pictures of the leaders from your photos.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics, the leaders, the military, or other sensitive topics.

Discussion Avoidance

  • Do not bring up the Korean War from a Western perspective.
  • Do not distribute religious materials or discuss religious topics overtly.
  • Do not attempt to interact with locals independently or without your guide present.

Important Cultural Notes

Gender Considerations

  • Public displays of affection are uncommon.
  • LGBTQ+ issues are not openly discussed or recognized.
  • It is prudent to avoid discussing these topics.

General Conduct

  • Deleting photos if requested from your guides is mandatory.
  • Any unauthorized actions might result in serious repercussions.
  • Always prioritize the guidance of your official tour guides.

Cultural Guidance

Adhering to your guides' instructions throughout your visit possesses a pleasant experience and maintains respect for local customs.

Accessibility Information for Travelers

Accessibility infrastructure in Pyongyang remains very limited, presenting difficulties for travelers with mobility issues.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges remains very limited. Most sites, hotels, and transportation are not designed for wheelchair access.

Accessible Sites & Transport

  • Many sites incorporate stairs.
  • Elevators may not be available or consistently functional.
  • No attractions or transit services are specifically designated for tourists with mobility challenges.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

No specialized services are publicly available for tourists with visual or hearing impairments.

Guide Support

  • Your guides provide assistance as much as possible.
  • Dedicated infrastructure for these needs remains absent.
  • Tour operators advise on feasibility based on infrastructure limitations.

Resources for Accessibility Information

Information remains limited to tour operators, who advise on feasibility given infrastructure limitations.

Pre-Travel Consultation

  • Direct involvement with local bodies for accessibility support is not an option for tourists.
  • Contact your tour operator far in advance of your travel.
  • Clearly explain any specific accessibility needs.

Planning for Specific Needs

Considering the general limitations, meticulous planning for any specific requirements becomes even more for a smooth journey.

Individual Preparation

  • Consider bringing any specialized equipment you might need.
  • Carry personal medications and assistive devices.
  • Discuss specific concerns with your healthcare provider before travel.

Traveler Accessibility Advisory

For any accessibility requirements, contacting your tour provider well in advance remains strongly advised to discuss potential limitations and available support.