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Hamhung Travel Tips

Hamhung Travel Tips

Hamhung South Hamgyong, North Korea Travel Guide

Mobile & Internet Access

Foreigners can acquire a Koryolink SIM card upon arrival, typically at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport or major hotels. This SIM allows for international calls only.

Connectivity Details

  • Outgoing and incoming international calls are possible.
  • Local calls within North Korea and mobile data are not available.
  • Internet access is very restricted, unlikely in Hamhung hotels.

Language & Phrases

Korean is the official language. English is used by your North Korean guides, who serve as your main translators. Learning basic Korean phrases is appreciated.

Useful Expressions

  • Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (ahn-nyung-ha-say-yo)
  • Thank you: Gamsahamnida (gahm-sa-ham-nee-da)
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Joesonghamnida (joh-song-ham-nee-da)

Business Hours & Holidays

Tourist attractions and shops operate based on your tour itinerary. Local business hours are generally irrelevant for tourists, as independent visits are not permitted.

Operational Notes

  • Banking hours and ATM locations are not applicable for foreign cards.
  • National holidays (e.g., Day of the Sun) may adjust itineraries.
  • Services may be scarce during public holidays, though your operator accounts for this.

Cultural Norms

Adhering to local etiquette is absolutely required. A slight bow is customary when greeting. Conservative and modest dress is always recommended.

Respectful Interactions

  • Always follow your guides' instructions without question.
  • Show respect for the country, its leaders, and its people.
  • Do not give gifts to locals without your guide's explicit permission.

Photography & Sensitive Topics

Photography Guidelines

  • Always ask your guides before taking photos, especially of individuals.
  • Do not photograph military personnel, checkpoints, or construction sites.
  • Do not crop out images of the leaders from photos.
  • Respect requests to refrain from photography at specific locations.

Sensitive Topics

  • Avoid discussing politics, the leaders, or the Korean War.
  • Do not attempt to distribute religious materials or foreign media.
  • Information regarding LGBTQ+ issues is limited; exercise discretion.
  • Public displays of affection are generally uncommon.

Practical Communication Tools

Consider a global ESIM (Airalo) for international communication before and after your trip. For reliable internet in permitted areas, a portable Wi-Fi device (Solis Wi-Fi) may be beneficial. Rosetta Stone can aid in basic Korean phrases, showing good will.

Essential Travel Guidance

Your travel company remains your main resource.

Accessibility Notes

Infrastructure generally lacks international accessibility standards. Elevators or ramps may be absent or unreliable. Pavements can be uneven.

Special Services

No specific services exist for tourists with visual or hearing impairments. Guides may offer general assistance, but expect limitations.

Tipping & Mail

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for guides and drivers. Postcards can be sent; delivery is slow and sometimes unreliable.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but serves as a gesture of appreciation for guides and drivers. It is typically handled discreetly at the end of your tour segment.

Monetary Gestures

  • Offer tips discreetly at the end of your tour segment.
  • Consult your tour operator for appropriate amounts and currency (Euro or USD preferred).
  • Carry sufficient foreign currency for any extra purchases, as ATMs are unavailable.

Mail & Delivery

You can send postcards from designated shops or your hotel. Delivery is slow and can be inconsistent. Do not expect rapid mail service for international correspondence.

Postal Insights

  • Postcards are available at hotel shops or designated stores.
  • Delivery times for postcards are typically very slow.
  • International mail can be subject to noteworthy delays.

Airport Services for transit outside DPRK

Airport Lounge Access

  • Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access globally.
  • Airport lounges offer comfort during layovers and transit points.
  • Access to amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and quiet spaces.

Flight Compensation

  • Compensair assists with flight disruption claims.
  • For delays, cancellations, or denied boarding on international flights.
  • Retain all travel documents for potential compensation claims.

Safety Reminder

Always prioritize safety and adhere to your tour guides' instructions. Cooperation provides a smooth and secure experience.

Cultural Immersion

A look into the customs of the area and practices.

Respectful Conduct

Politeness and respect for elders are highly valued in Korean culture.

Observances

  • A slight bow is customary when greeting and showing respect.
  • Use polite language, even with your guides.
  • Public displays of affection are generally uncommon.

Ethical Travel Context

All tourism is state-controlled, and your expenditures contribute to state enterprises.

Tourist Purchases

  • All purchases are from state-run entities.
  • No independent private businesses exist for tourist support.
  • Fair trade and ethical shopping options are not applicable.

Unique Experiences

Your tour operator crafts itineraries with various seasonal and interest-based elements, offering different perspectives of the country.

Available Options

  • Seasonal views: lush green in summer, snow-covered in winter.
  • Visits during national holidays for unique observations in Pyongyang.
  • Light walking at designated sites and supervised beach visits.

Communication Details

You can send postcards from designated shops or your hotel. Delivery is slow and can be unreliable for international mail.

Mail Information

  • Postcards are available at hotels or shops.
  • Delivery can be unreliable; do not expect speed.
  • Ensure correct international postage.

Taboos & Restricted Topics

Prohibited Discussions

  • Politics, the leaders, and the Korean War are highly sensitive topics.
  • Do not criticize the DPRK system.
  • These rules are strictly enforced for visitors.

Restricted Actions

  • Do not attempt to distribute religious materials.
  • Avoid sharing or distributing foreign media.
  • Do not attempt to bypass official channels or protocols.

Essential Preparation

Language Prep

  • Learning basic Korean phrases shows goodwill.
  • Download an offline translation app before your trip.
  • Your North Korean guides translate all interactions.

Attire

  • Conservative and modest dress is always recommended.
  • More official attire for certain monuments, especially in Pyongyang.
  • Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing.

Responsible Interaction

Always show respect for the country, its leaders, and its people. Your thoughtful actions create a positive experience for all.

Accessibility & Resources

Plan accordingly with your travel company.

Mobility Support

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is limited. Elevators or ramps may be absent or unreliable, and pavements can be uneven.

Considerations

  • Elevators or ramps may be absent or unreliable.
  • Pavements are often uneven, posing challenges.
  • Discuss specific needs thoroughly with your tour operator before booking.

Visual & Hearing Aids

No specialized services are available for tourists with visual or hearing impairments. Your guides may offer some assistance, but expect limitations.

Assistance Scope

  • Guides may offer general assistance as required.
  • Expect limitations in specialized support services.
  • No external organizations provide specific accessibility information for DPRK tourism.

Tour Variations

While full itinerary customization is not possible, tour operators curate trips that lean towards certain interests within the approved framework.

Interest-Based Focus

  • Historical and heritage-focused itineraries.
  • Emphasis on monumental architecture and state-presented narrative.
  • Curated food and culinary experiences.

Food & Adventure Scope

Culinary activities are generally at designated tourist restaurants. Adventure and outdoor activities are limited to supervised, light excursions.

Activity Scope

  • Opportunity to try regional specialties like Hamhung Naengmyeon.
  • Supervised beach visits (e.g., Majon Beach).
  • No strenuous adventure sports are available.

Travel Tools

Connectivity Abroad

For international calls, consider an eSIM for convenience outside North Korea.

Visit Airalo

Language Learning

Learn basic Korean phrases to show respect and for uncomplicated interactions.

Explore Rosetta Stone

Airport Comfort

Access airport lounges globally for comfort during your international transit.

Discover Priority Pass

Navigating Your Journey

Your tour provider remains your main resource for all travel information, guidance, and logistical support throughout your visit. Trust their expertise.