Understand

Pico Iyer once shared his love for exploring remote places such as North Korea, Ethiopia, and Easter Island. These journeys weren't just about physical locations but also a means to delve into the depths of his own mind, exploring the remote parts of himself that he wouldn't typically venture into.

Get in

Planning a visit to North Korea can be quite a challenge, as there are various restrictions and regulations to be aware of. To explore the country, you must have a North Korean escort accompanying you, whether you are traveling individually or as part of a group. Unfortunately, citizens of South Korea are normally not permitted to visit North Korea. In the past, there have been difficulties for Israeli, American, and Japanese nationals trying to visit North Korea. However, since January 2010, American citizens have been allowed to visit at any time of the year, with the exception of traveling by train or participating in homestay programs. Contrary to rumors, Israelis and Jewish citizens of other countries do not face any additional restrictions. All visitors, regardless of their nationality, are required to obtain a visa. This will only be issued after your tour has been booked, approved by North Korean authorities, and paid for. Journalists or those suspected of being journalists require special permission, which can be quite difficult to obtain. To simplify the process, it is recommended to seek assistance from a specialist North Korean travel agency. These agencies can help you navigate the complex and ever-changing regulations. While obtaining a visa can sometimes be confirmed only a day before the tour, it is rare for tourists to be rejected as long as they meet the necessary requirements. Generally, tourists arrange their visas through travel agencies that organize tours to North Korea. The agencies usually handle the visa application on behalf of the tourists, although in some cases, an interview with the North Korean embassy may be required to verify identity and occupation. These interviews are typically conducted in a friendly manner, so there is no need to worry. Tourist visas for North Korea are often issued on a tourist card. If you are part of a tour group, a group visa will be issued on separate sheets of paper containing the names of all group members. The visa will be attached to a tourist card with the name of the tour leader. However, tourists don't physically hold the visa, although they can request to take a photo of it. In both cases, no stamp will be put on the passport. The only instance where a visa and entrance stamp are put on the passport is when the visa is issued at European embassies, which is rare for tourists visiting North Korea, as most tours operate out of China. Certain groups, such as Choson Exchange, which focus on teaching entrepreneurship and business in North Korea, receive an official visa instead of a tourist visa.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Kimchi Jjigae - This traditional North Korean stew is a spicy mix of fermented vegetables, known as kimchi, and tofu. It can also include various types of meat such as pork, beef, or even dog meat, making it non-vegetarian. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a comforting and filling dish.

Ponggi - Also known as North Korean cold noodles, this refreshing dish consists of buckwheat noodles served chilled with a side of marinated vegetables and seasoned soup. The noodles come in both round and thick, hand-pulled varieties and are typically mildly flavored, making them a versatile option. While usually vegetarian, some variations may include seafood.

Naengmyeon - Another popular cold noodle dish in North Korea, Naengmyeon features translucent noodles made from sweet potato starch. Often served in a chilled broth with assorted ingredients like cucumber, radish, and hard-boiled eggs, it's typically a vegetarian dish. However, some versions may include seafood.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing