Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism in the DPRK is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. For further information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Crime against foreigners in North Korea is unusual but not unheard of. You should still exercise normal safety precautions and ensure that valuables are secure.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

 

Political situation

North Korea country profile

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the Korean peninsula has been divided by a de-militarised zone separating North and South Korea. Peace has been maintained under an Armistice Agreement. Tensions rise and fall from time to time. Following the fatal shooting in July 2008 of a South Korean tourist who reportedly strayed into a restricted military area while visiting North Korea, we recommend that travellers take care to remain in permitted areas and move away immediately if asked to do so by North Korean officials. On 5 April 2009 North Korea launched a satellite using ballistic missile technology, in breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. Regional tensions were raised significantly following the announcement by North Korea on 25 May 2009 that it had carried out an underground nuclear test. There were also reports that North Korea had test-fired a number of short-range missiles. There is no evidence of any increased risk to those living or travelling in North Korea as a result, however you should check this travel advice regularly and follow developments closely.

Local travel

Tourists can normally only travel to North Korea as part of an organised tour. Solo travellers need a sponsor and permission from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This is normally only possible for business travellers.

Travel within North Korea is severely restricted. Whether you are visiting on business or as a tourist, you will almost always be accompanied by a guide and will only be allowed to go where your guide is content for you to go. However, it is sometimes possible to make short walks unaccompanied from some of the major hotels in Pyongyang. For travel outside Pyongyang, it is your guide's responsibility to obtain the necessary permissions. Military checkpoints, to be found at the entry and exit to all towns, usually require identity documents before allowing travel onward.

Foreigners resident in Pyongyang are usually able to travel freely within the city, but permission is often required for travel outside of Pyongyang.

It is not possible for you to travel direct to South Korea from North Korea, unless making an official visit to the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Road travel

A limited number of taxis are sometimes available from hotels or outside department stores. However, they are reluctant to take you without a local guide/interpreter.

International driving licences are not valid in North Korea. Foreigners resident in North Korea must be in possession of a local licence, obtained by passing a local driving test.

It is possible to drive between Pyongyang and Sinuiju/Dandong (North Korean and Chinese border towns), although you will need to obtain permission and be accompanied by a North Korean guide or interpreter. Outside of major towns communications infrastructure is limited. In good weather this journey takes five or six hours. In bad weather roads can be treacherous, making the journey longer, and delays at the border are common. For safety reasons it is advisable to take at least two cars on such a trip. It is not possible to drive vehicles without Chinese number plates in China, but cars driven from Pyongyang can be left in the customs pound in Dandong for the duration of a visitor's stay.  

For further information see driving abroad.

Rail travel

Rail travel is possible in North Korea. However, the domestic network is small, the equipment is old and trains are subject to delays because of electricity shortages. There is a rail service between Pyongyang and Beijing via Sinuiju/Dandong (North Korean and Chinese border towns) four times a week, although delays are frequent and sanitation is limited. The advertised journey time is approximately 24 hours. There are three flights a week between Beijing and Dandong by Air Koryo (see air travel below), but flight and rail times are not co-ordinated. There is also a weekly rail service to Moscow that takes six and a half days.

Air travel

Most travellers enter North Korea on direct flights from Beijing to Pyongyang operated by Air China three times a week and Air Koryo, the North Korean national airline, three times a week. Air Koryo also operates regular international flights to Shenyang and Vladivostok and occasional flights to other, mostly domestic, destinations.

Air Koryo is included on the EU blacklist of airlines that are not permitted to operate services to the EU because they do not meet international safety standards. It is recommended that you avoid flying with Air Koryo if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.

Air Koryo is still used by some members of Pyongyang’s international community, including businessmen, diplomats, NGOs and International Organisations. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has explained the concerns about Air Koryo to its staff and advised them to use Air China for travel in and out of Pyongyang. We have also advised our staff not to use Air Koryo for personal travel. You should bear this in mind when making your travel plans. It is essential to reconfirm Air Koryo return bookings at least 72 hours before you travel. An issued air ticket does not guarantee a seat unless it has been confirmed and the ticket endorsed prior to travel. Departure tax, currently 10 Euros, needs to be paid before confirmation takes place. This will usually be done by your host organisation in North Korea.