Sunchon Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Staying Connected

Communication with the outside world is severely restricted for international visitors.

Details

Home country SIMs do not operate. A local SIM card purchase may be a choice, check Airalo for eSIM options.
Internet access and Wi-Fi are not available for foreign tourists.
For alternative connectivity, consider a portable device from Solis Wi-Fi for use outside DPRK.

Language & Mail

The official language is Korean. English is spoken by your tour guides. Outside this, English is rare. You rely heavily on guides for communication.

Communication Aids

Postal limited services are available. Delivery is not certain and takes time. Guides help with mail.
Expect language barriers outside of your tour guides. Learning phrases shows respect.
Consider Rosetta Stone for basic Korean phrases.

Daily Operations

Typical business hours do not apply to foreign tourists. Access to local businesses is prohibited. Tourist activities follow your guides' schedules.

Schedule Information

Not relevant for foreign tourists. All activities are scheduled.
Not applicable. Tourists use hard currency and do not access ATMs or foreign cards.
Public holidays may influence site access. Your tour operator informs you of changes.

Accessibility Notes

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is very limited.

Support Services

Not specifically catered to. You rely on guides for interpretation and assistance.
Accessibility information for DPRK tourism is not available from external organizations.
For flight disruptions outside DPRK, Compensair helps with compensation.

Cultural Considerations

Respectful Conduct

A slight bow is customary. Shake hands if offered.
Wear modest dress, especially at monuments and schools. Avoid overly casual clothing.
Follow local customs. Meals are often communal. Tipping guides and drivers is appreciated.
Always ask guides before photos. No military, construction, or anything negative. Be careful with people.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid politics, leaders, Korean War, or critical views. Highly sensitive subjects.
Do not speak to locals independently. Always defer to your escorts.
Highly conservative society. Public displays of affection uncommon. LGBTQ+ rights not recognized. Be discreet.
Avoid sensitive media or content on personal devices.

Always Consult Your Guides

Your tour guides represent your main source of information and assistance throughout your travel in North Korea.

Accessibility & Further Details

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is very limited.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure is generally not designed for accessibility, featuring stairs and uneven terrain.

Accessible Sites

Very limited options. Discuss your requirements with the tour operator prior to booking.

Airport Comfort

For comfortable airport experiences, consider Priority Pass for lounges outside DPRK.

Support for Impairments

Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not specifically catered to.

Assistance Details

You rely on your guides for interpretation and assistance.
No specific services are offered for hearing impairments.
Communicate needs to your tour operator well in advance.

Resources & Organizations

Accessibility information from external organizations is not available for tourism to the DPRK.

Information Channels

Rely on your tour operator for all relevant details.
Publicly available resources are not present.
Direct consultation with your booking agent is the main source.

Language Phrase Guide

Basic Greetings

"Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello)
"Gamsahamnida" (Thank you)
"Mianhamnida" (Sorry)

Common Responses

"Ne" (Yes)
"Aniyo" (No)
Write these phrases down phonetically for pronunciation.

Language Assistance

Your guides provide language interpretation for all necessary interactions throughout your visit.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms Summary

Cultural sensitivity is crucial for a respectful and problem-free visit to North Korea.

General Conduct

Observe customs advised by your tour guides for mannerly dealings.

Greeting & Attire

A slight bow is customary, especially for elders or authority.
Shake hands if offered as a gesture of greeting.
Wear modest dress, notably at monuments and schools.

Dining & Tipping

Follow local customs for meals and tipping as advised by your guides.

Mealtime Practices

Meals are often communal; follow local customs.
Tipping guides and drivers is common and appreciated.
Observe local drinking etiquette when applicable.

Photography Restrictions

Always ask your escorts before taking photos due to stringent rules.

Photo Guidelines

Do not photograph military personnel or installations.
Avoid photos of construction sites or anything perceived as negative.
Delete photos if requested by your guides.

Sensitive Discussions

Avoid specific topics that are highly sensitive within the DPRK.

Restricted Topics

Avoid discussing politics, the leaders, or the Korean War.
Refrain from any critical views of the DPRK.
Do not speak to locals independently; always defer to guides.

Important Safety Notes

Personal Safety

Your being safe is connected to adherence to tour rules.
Avoid actions that could be perceived as disrespectful or critical.
Follow all instructions from your escorts without exception.

Respect for Guides

Your actions impact your guides' well-being and standing.
Do not wander off from your party.
Maintain discretion in all interactions and observations.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Considerations

Societal Norms

North Korea is a highly conservative society.
Public displays of affection are uncommon.
LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized or discussed publicly.

Travel Advice

Maintain discretion and be respectful of local norms.
Observe gender roles and interactions as presented by your guides.
Seek clarification from your guides on social protocols if needed.

General Reminder

Always prioritize the guidance of your tour leaders to ensure a safe and respectful visit.

Pre-Departure Check

Prior to your trip, ensure you are fully prepared for the unique travel environment.

Documentation & Visas

Ensure all travel documents are in order and visas secured through your tour operator.

Checklist

Valid passport with at least six months validity.
DPRK visa secured and confirmed by tour operator.
Copies of all important documents stored digitally and physically.

Health & Insurance

Consult a doctor for health advice and ensure comprehensive travel insurance.

Medical Prep

Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations.
Carry any necessary personal medications with a doctor's note.
Confirm travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies.

Financial Readiness

Prepare your budget, as credit cards and ATMs are not available to tourists.

Currency Details

Bring sufficient hard currency (e.g., Euros, US Dollars, Yuan).
Credit and debit cards are not usable for tourist transactions.
Currency exchange rates are fixed; your escorts assist with transactions.

Packing Essentials

Pack mindfully for various settings and a controlled travel environment.

Items

Camera (know restrictions), spare batteries, and memory cards.
Books or entertainment for downtime, as internet is absent.
Universal power adapter and power bank.

Ethical Travel Considerations

Conscious Decisions

Acknowledge that tourism revenue supports the DPRK government.

Explore G Adventures

Sustainable Practices

Minimize waste by bringing reusable items; waste management is not robust.

Visit Package Free Shop

Carbon Offsetting

Arrange carbon offsets independently for international flights.

Offset with Terrapass

Final Preparations

Complete all preparations with your travel company for a smooth and prepared journey.

Sunchon Travel Tips