North Korea

Avoid Travel

The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea is located in East Asia and the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea shares borders with China, Russia, South Korea, and is flanked by the Korea Bay on the west and the Sea of Japan on the East. The estimated population of 25 million people is governed by a hereditary dictatorship, with a “supreme leader.” A legislative branch, the Supreme People’s Assembly, is led by a chairman and a cabinet that is led by the premier.

Following the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North Korea and South Korea. It was the Soviet-sponsored Provisional People’s Committee for North Korea, led by Kim Il-Sung, that eventually evolved into today’s hereditary dictatorship. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting the Korean War. This war ended in 1953 with no peace agreement, and tension between the two countries remains high. North Korea’s isolationist policies continue to restrict economic growth, although the country has set up specially-designated regions to experiment with private capitalism.

Tourism within North Korea is severely restricted, and travellers are not allowed to tour independently. All tours are conducted under strict supervision from government-approved guides. Those who manage to secure a state-sanctioned tour will live a history lesson, as seen from North Korea, as well as a fascinating glimpse of a nearly-isolated society.

Currency	KPW: DPKR won
Language	Korean
Capital	Pyongyang
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	January 06, 2021 - North Korea Holds Workers' Party Congress

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in North Korea. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Japanese encephalitis There is a risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis in North Korea. Outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in North Korea, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, North Korea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Malaria Malaria is present in southern provinces.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to North Korea.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine The vaccine is recommended for long-term travellers (e.g., trips lasting a month or more) to endemic areas during Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season. Consider the vaccine for the following groups: Short-term (less than 1 month) travellers to endemic areas during transmission season if their itinerary or activities will increase their risk (e.g. spending substantial time outdoors in rural or agricultural areas; staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens or bed nets.)
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, North Korea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to North Korea.

Anti-malarial Drugs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine or primaquine. NaTHNaC states that there is a very low risk of malaria in some southern areas of North Korea, and awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance are recommended. CDC states that malaria is present in southern provinces (not named) and malaria medication is recommended. WHO states that limited malaria risk exists in some southern areas, and no malaria medications are recommended.

Safety and Security in North Korea

Emergency Numbers

112 General Dispatch

119 General Dispatch

Operators speak Korean. Some may speak Russian, English or Chinese.

Personal Safety

Crime against foreigners is relatively rare in North Korea. However, travellers should be aware that petty crime does occur, particularly at Pyongyang airport and in markets. Valuables should be kept out of sight and backpacks and bags watched at all times. Ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are kept in a secure place.

While in North Korea, do not share or express your political views to others. Any action that could be interpreted as disrespectful towards the North Korean government may be sufficient cause for imprisonment.

Foreigners are not permitted to use the local currency. Cash payments can be made with the Euro (most widely-accepted), US dollar and Chinese RMB. Be sure to carry sufficient funds, as travellers cheques and credit cards are not accepted, and ATM services are generally unavailable. Carry plenty of small denominations, as foreign currency is typically converted on site. It may be difficult to obtain change if large denominations are used.

Travellers in North Korea are not allowed to tour the country independently. To avoid the risk of imprisonment, travellers should remain with their government-approved tour guides at all times.

Recently foreign nationals have been detained and prevented from leaving the country. The risk of being detained could increase if the political situation deteriorates.

Political Unrest

While the Korean War ended in 1953, tensions in the Korean Peninsula remain high. The overall political situation in North Korea is unstable and tensions could escalate with little warning.

While foreigners have access to international satellite TV channels in their hotels, such access could be eliminated in the event of a crisis. Civil unrest, internal instability and/or an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula could arise rapidly, without information on developments being available from within North Korea.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: January 06, 2021