North Korea only appears in the media with news about embargoes, wars or nuclear weapons. But perhaps because of that, people forget that North Korea also possesses a peaceful beauty that makes many people sigh.
A peaceful Korea.
When you travel to North Korea, you will have completely unexpected experiences that no other country has. The strict regulations on photography, communication, travel, etc., create a different but extremely interesting North Korea.
To have a smooth and convenient trip, visitors cannot ignore the following regulations.
Items not allowed when traveling to North Korea
Due to the special military regulations and the special patriotism of the North Korean people, tourists are not allowed to bring political, religious documents, or pornographic images when coming here. Any related data on mobile phones will be checked by customs and deleted before tourists set foot in North Korea.
As for camera lenses, telephoto lenses with a zoom capability of 200-300m will be detained at the border (and returned upon the traveler's return) or confiscated upon discovery.
Airline ticket and visa of a Vietnamese tourist traveling to North Korea
In addition, visitors are not allowed to bring badges with images of North Korean leaders or the North Korean national flag, because North Koreans stipulate that only government employees are allowed to use such items. Violators will be fined or detained for verification.
To ensure communication, visitors can bring electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, cameras, and phones. Domestic SIM cards are sold at airports for about 66 USD (about 1.5 million VND/sim). With this type of SIM card, visitors can use it during their visit to Pyongyang, make direct calls to Vietnam, and use the Internet in North Korea.
About currency
Tourists are not allowed to use North Korean currency (won) and instead must exchange with Euros or Chinese Yuan. Some transaction points also accept USD but must inform your local tour guide before making a transaction. There are no ATMs or foreign exchange offices in Pyongyang so visitors should exchange enough money for their entire trip.
Currency that tourists are allowed to use in North Korea
Notes when taking photos
One of the most strict and different points when traveling to North Korea is the regulations on photography. If you go to other countries, you can freely save beautiful pictures as you wish, but in North Korea, taking photos must completely comply with the principles at the tourist destination.
A group of Vietnamese tourists took photos under two statues of the two leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Visitors are not allowed to imitate the poses of North Korean leaders on monuments to take photos. When taking photos with monuments or paintings of North Korean leaders, the leader must be fully represented, and the photographer must always stand lower than the subject behind.
When taking photos with paintings or statues of North Korean leaders, the entire painting or statue must be included in the photo.
For landscape photos, visitors are allowed to take photos under the guidance of local guides. Where photography is allowed, where photography is not allowed, and standing posture must also be appropriate for each location.
A hotel in North Korea was built after the Korean national flower - magnolia.
If you secretly take photos of soldiers on duty, poor destinations and close-up shots of people without permission, you will get into trouble with the local authorities. In addition, people in Binh Nhung also limit taking photos with tourists if there is no prior notice or permission from the tour guide.
Respect the piety of the Korean people
In North Korea, all activities of people's daily life are established according to national principles. North Koreans are always aware of the issues related to their country and always show deep gratitude to their respected leaders.
Visitors visit the Monument under the guidance of a local guide.
Therefore, every small activity in the daily life of Pyongyang people shows their respect, activities that for many international tourists become strange and different. When coming here, tourists need to show respect for national regulations as well as the living habits of the people.
A group of Vietnamese tourists took photos with North Korean students after asking permission from local teachers.
Visitors must have a serious attitude when visiting places such as memorials, military areas, etc. Dress neatly and politely, do not chew gum, do not talk about politics or mention sensitive phrases such as:cherry blossoms, Korean people,…
The tour must be in a group.
The tour guide will collect your passport, this is a normal procedure. During the visit to places in North Korea, tourists are required to follow the group and comply with the group's regulations. When traveling by road, the group is divided into small groups of about 3 people/group according to regulations, no one is allowed to separate from the group.
All tourism activities in North Korea must take place in groups and comply with national regulations and laws.
Additionally, independent travel in North Korea is impossible and the most popular way to explore Pyongyang is to seek the help of travel agencies.
The strange regulations for tourists to North Korea may seem a bit strict at first, but that is what makes North Korea a unique country. North Korea is actually more peaceful than people know. Tourists coming here just need to follow the instructions of the tour guide, and will definitely bring back many new and interesting experiences.
