Hamhung South Hamgyong, North Korea Travel Guide
Layers work well. Pack a Light jacket, sweaters, and Long-sleeved shirts. Include comfortable trousers and a rain jacket for occasional showers.
Summer: Lightweight, ventilated clothing like cotton or linen. Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection and modesty. Winter: Heavy Winter coat, thermal underwear, hats, Gloves, scarves, and warm Socks.
Sturdy, Comfortable walking shoes for daily sightseeing.
Waterproof shoes or boots for winter travel or monsoon season.
Slip-on shoes prove useful for places where shoe removal might occur, though less common for tourist sites.
Keep your important documents secure and easily accessible. Photocopies and digital copies are wise backups.
North Korea uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type F plugs. A universal Power adapter with surge protection works well. Cell phones are generally permissible.
Camera gear is permitted, including professional-looking gear. Be mindful of restrictions on taking pictures: do not photograph military personnel, checkpoints, or anything perceived as negative.
Back up photos and important documents to a cloud service before departure. Consider VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for general travel security.
A physical External hard drive offers a reliable backup during your trip owing to scarce internet access. You can find photography gear at B&H Photo.
For global data, consider an eSIM from Airalo, though connectivity within North Korea remains restricted. Always prepare for offline use.
Bring a comprehensive supply of personal health and wellness items, as local availability is very limited. Pack a standard First aid kit with crucials.
Pack a supply of common over-the-counter medications for cold, flu, antacids, and rehydration salts. Bring all personal toiletries and hygiene products you require, as selection locally is limited.
Bring specialized gear if your itinerary includes difficult treks. Hiking shoes are a must for any light treks.
If swimming at Majon Beach is permitted and part of your itinerary, a standard Swimsuit is suitable. Snorkeling gear is unavailable.
No specialty items unique to Hamhung beyond general Travel gear. Assume all non-essential items are difficult or impossible to purchase locally.
Comfort items for transportation significantly improve long coach or train rides. While crime against tourists is low, security items still have value.
Reusable items help reduce waste and promote sustainable travel. Small, thoughtful gifts for your guides or local hosts are often appreciated.
Reduces plastic waste; refill with safe drinking water.
For souvenirs, lessening the need for disposable bags.
E-books, downloaded movies for limited internet access.
Minimizes waste from single-use batteries for electronics.
Pack light for ease of movement, but thoroughly for self-sufficiency. Local purchases are not readily available for tourists beyond souvenirs.
Consult your tour operator for any specific packing advice relevant to your exact itinerary or time of year.
