Getting Around Korea North
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use guided buses and metro in Pyongyang under supervision. Rural: Organized tours with private vehicles for sites like Kaesong. Border: Trains to China. All travel requires pre-approved tours; vehicle arrangements via agencies. For convenience, book guided transfers from Pyongyang to destinations.
Train Travel
Korean State Railway
State-operated network connecting Pyongyang to major cities like Wonsan and Hamhung, used primarily for guided tours.
Cost: Included in tour packages, individual tickets ~€20-50 for domestic routes, journeys 2-6 hours.
Tickets: Arranged via tour operators, no independent purchase; schedules fixed and announced in advance.
Peak Times: Limited services; avoid national holidays for smoother group travel.
Tour Rail Passes
Tour packages include multi-day rail access for scenic routes like the Pyongyang-Wonsan line for €100-200 total.
Best For: Group itineraries covering multiple provinces, essential for border crossings to China.
Where to Buy: Through authorized agencies like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours with visa integration.
International Connections
Trains link Pyongyang to Beijing (China) and Vladivostok (Russia) via the Kŭmgangsan line.
Booking: Reserve through tour operators 1-2 months ahead, costs €150-300 round-trip.
Pyongyang Stations: Main station is Pyongyang Railway Station, with guided transfers to hotels.
Car Rental & Driving
Guided Vehicle Hire
Mandatory for foreigners; private cars or minibuses arranged via tours. Compare tour vehicle options from €50-100/day per group at Pyongyang Airport.
Requirements: No independent driving; licensed guides drive, international license not needed but passport required.
Insurance: Included in tour packages; comprehensive coverage for group travel mandatory.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways; strictly enforced.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads, often included in tour fees; no vignettes required.
Priority: Vehicles yield to official traffic, no right-of-way rules for foreigners.
Parking: Assigned by guides at sites, no public meters; hotel parking free for tours.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel limited to tour vehicles at €1-1.50/liter for petrol, diesel similar; stations sparse outside cities.
Apps: Offline maps via tour apps or printed guides; GPS restricted, use guide navigation.
Traffic: Light outside Pyongyang; congestion rare but checkpoints common for foreigners.
Urban Transport
Pyongyang Metro & Trams
Iconic deep metro system in Pyongyang, accessible only with guides; single ride ~€1, day access via tour €10.
Validation: Tickets handled by guides; photography restricted in stations.
Apps: No public apps; rely on tour itineraries for routes and timings.
Bike Rentals
Limited bike access in parks like Moranbong; €5-10/day arranged through hotels or tours.
Routes: Designated paths in Pyongyang and rural tour sites, helmets provided.
Tours: Guided cycling excursions to DMZ or countryside, combining history with light activity.
Buses & Local Services
State buses for urban Pyongyang and inter-city tours, operated under guidance; €2-5 per segment.
Tickets: Included in tours, no independent purchase; contactless not available.
Trolleybuses: Electric lines in cities like Pyongyang, €1-3 for scenic rides with guides.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay in central Pyongyang hotels for easy guided access, or rural sites for tours to Kaesong.
- Booking Timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for spring (April-May) and autumn (Sept-Oct) peak seasons.
- Cancellation: Tour packages have strict policies; opt for flexible operators for visa-related changes.
- Amenities: Check for guided WiFi access, meal inclusions, and proximity to tour sites before confirming.
- Reviews: Read recent tour reviews (last 6 months) for current conditions and guide quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Limited 3G/4G in Pyongyang and tourist areas, no coverage in rural zones; heavily monitored.
eSIM Options: Pre-arrange international roaming or use Airalo or Yesim for border data from €10 for 1GB, activate outside DPRK.
Activation: Set up before entry, limited use inside; VPNs restricted.
Local SIM Cards
Koryolink offers tourist SIMs from €20-50 with basic data, available only in Pyongyang.
Where to Buy: Airport or hotels with guide assistance and passport; approval needed.
Data Plans: 1-2GB for €25, calls to abroad €1/min; no unlimited options.
WiFi & Internet
Restricted WiFi in hotels like Yanggakdo, monitored access to approved sites only.
Public Hotspots: None for foreigners; use hotel lounges or tour-provided devices.
Speed: Slow (5-20 Mbps) in allowed areas, suitable for email but not streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Korea Standard Time (KST), UTC+9, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Pyongyang Sunan Airport 25km from city, guided bus €10-20 (30 min), private tour vehicle €30-50, or book private transfer via operators.
- Luggage Storage: Available at hotels (€5-10/day) or tour offices in major cities.
- Accessibility: Guided tours accommodate needs; metro stairs challenging, vehicles wheelchair-friendly on request.
- Pet Travel: Not permitted on tours; check operator policies for exceptions.
- Bike Transport: Bikes carried on tour buses free; no public rail options for foreigners.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Korea North
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from Beijing, Vladivostok, or Shanghai.
Main Airports
Pyongyang Sunan (FNJ): Primary international hub, 25km north of city with guided transfers.
Rason (RGO): Border airport for Russian/Chinese flights, bus to Pyongyang €50 (10 hours).
Wonsan Kalma (WOS): New coastal airport with limited domestic/international services.
Booking Tips
Book 3-6 months in advance for limited flights (April-Oct) to secure seats and tour visas.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights from Asia cheaper; align with tour schedules.
Alternative Routes: Fly to Beijing and take train to Pyongyang for bundled savings via tours.
Airlines
Air Koryo operates flights from Beijing and Vladivostok with European connections via partners.
Important: Include visa/tour fees in total cost; baggage limits strict at 20kg.
Check-in: Online limited; arrive early for guided processing at airports.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: None for foreigners; exchange cash at hotels or tour offices, fees €5-10.
- Credit Cards: Not accepted; carry USD or Euros, Visa/Mastercard unusable.
- Contactless Payment: Unavailable; all transactions cash-based through guides.
- Cash: Essential for tips and souvenirs, keep $100-200 in small USD bills.
- Tipping: Not customary but small gifts appreciated for guides; 5-10% equivalent.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise pre-trip for best rates, avoid unofficial exchanges.