How to Get to Hamhung. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Pyongyang

Main Entry Point & Airlines

Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) serves as the exclusive international gateway for civilian travel. All foreign tourists arrive here. Hamhung itself has a military airfield and no civilian tourist flights.

Available Carriers

Air Koryo: North Korea's national airline, from Beijing (PEK) and occasionally Shenyang (SHE) or Vladivostok (VVO).
Air China: Offers limited scheduled flights from Beijing (PEK) to Pyongyang (FNJ).
No direct flights connect major global hubs outside of these transit cities.

Flight Planning & Airport Services

Flight schedules to Pyongyang are limited and can change. Tour operators manage these bookings as an element of your package. Prices for flights to Pyongyang are relatively stable.

Airport & Transfers

Consider your international flight to Beijing, Shenyang, or Vladivostok as a separate cost.
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport provides basic facilities.
Your North Korean guides meet you upon arrival and transport you to your accommodation.

Flight Deals

Find flight deals to transit cities via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Hamhung Airport

Hamhung possesses a military airfield; no civilian international or domestic tourist flights operate from here.

Cancellations

Flights can be cancelled without much notice, notably with Air China's limited service. Flexibility is wise.

Land Transportation to Hamhung

Train Travel

Travelers may opt for a train journey from Beijing to Pyongyang (approx. 24 hours).
The train crosses the border at Sinuiju (North Korea) and Dandong (China).
Tourists can travel by train from Pyongyang to Hamhung as part of approved tours.
Train services offer a chance to observe the North Korean countryside.

Bus Travel & Conditions

Long-distance bus travel is the main inter-city transport for tourist groups.
All bus travel is arranged by the tour operator and accompanied by guides.
Road conditions outside Pyongyang can vary; some streets may be poorly maintained.
Self-driving is not permitted for foreign tourists.

Road Conditions & Safety

Inter-City Travel

Road infrastructure outside major cities can be basic. Journeys could require longer than expected.

Driving Safety

Safety concerns for tourists remain minimal due to controlled settings and professional drivers.

Car Rentals

Car hire companies are not available for foreign tourists. Consider options like DiscoverCars.com for different locations.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

No international ferry services or cruise ports are open for regular tourist arrivals to Hamhung or North Korea. Occasional, highly specialized cruises have visited in the past.

Availability

This is not a regular tourist option.
River transportation is not applicable for tourist travel to Hamhung.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for regular tourist entry.

River Transportation

River transportation is not a method for tourist travel to Hamhung. All tourist logistics are managed via air to Pyongyang and then by land to Hamhung and other destinations.

Tourist Access

No river routes for tourists.
Land connections from seaports are not relevant for tourist travel.
International maritime travel for tourists remains highly restricted.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Setting off from North Korea follows a structured process, similar to arrival. No explicit "exit fees" or taxes are typically charged separately from the tour package.

Timing & Formalities

Departure from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport involves check-in, immigration, and customs.
Arrive at the airport as advised by your guides, allowing ample time for all formalities.
Your guides manage the entire departure process.

Airport Facilities

Facilities for departing travelers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport are basic, similar to those upon arrival. Options are minimal.

Last Minute Services

Anticipate a small duty-free shop and limited eateries.
Purchase any last-minute souvenirs or snacks before reaching the airport.
All required fees are incorporated into your initial payment to the tour operator.

Overall Travel Logistics

Structured Travel

All aspects of your entry, internal travel, and exit are fully managed by your tour operator and North Korean guides.

No Independent Movement

Independent travel or changes to the itinerary are not permitted at any stage of your journey.

Guidance is

Adhering to your guides' instructions for all travel procedures makes for a smooth experience.

Final Tip: Be Prepared

Understand that flexibility and patience are useful attributes when navigating international travel procedures to and from North Korea.

How to Get to Hamhung