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North Korea only appears in the media with news about sanctions, war, or nuclear weapons. But perhaps it is precisely because of this that people forget that North Korea also possesses a peaceful beauty that moves countless hearts.
A peaceful North Korea.
When you travel to North Korea, you will have completely unexpected experiences that no other country can offer. The strict regulations regarding photography, communication, travel, etc., create a North Korea that is different yet incredibly interesting.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, travelers should not overlook the following regulations.
Items that are not allowed to be brought into North Korea.
Due to specific military regulations and the strong patriotism of the North Korean people, tourists are not allowed to bring political or religious documents, or pornographic images. Any related data found on mobile phones will be inspected and deleted by customs before tourists enter North Korea.
As for camera lenses, telephoto lenses capable of zooming 200-300 meters will be confiscated at border crossings (and returned upon the traveler's return) or seized if discovered.
Airline tickets and visa for a Vietnamese tourist traveling to North Korea.
Additionally, tourists are not allowed to bring badges depicting North Korean leaders or the North Korean national flag, as North Koreans stipulate that only government employees are permitted to use such items. Violators will be fined or detained for verification.
To ensure communication, tourists can bring electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, cameras, and mobile phones. Local SIM cards are sold at airports for approximately $66 USD (about 1.5 million VND per SIM). With this type of SIM card, tourists can use it while sightseeing in Pyongyang, make direct calls to Vietnam, and use the internet in North Korea.
Regarding currency
Tourists are not allowed to use North Korean currency (the Won); instead, transactions must be conducted using Euros or Chinese Yuan. Some exchange points also accept USD, but this must be communicated to the tour guide beforehand. There are no ATMs or foreign exchange offices in Pyongyang, so tourists should exchange enough money for their entire trip.
What currency are tourists allowed to use in North Korea?
Notes when taking photos
One of the strictest and most distinctive aspects of traveling in North Korea is the photography regulations. While in other countries you can freely take beautiful photos as you wish, in North Korea, photography must strictly adhere to the rules set at each tourist destination.
A group of Vietnamese tourists pose for a photo beneath two statues of the two leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
Tourists are not allowed to imitate the poses of North Korean leaders on the monuments for photos. When taking photos with monuments or images of North Korean leaders, it is mandatory to capture the full body of the leader, and the photographer must always stand lower than the subject in the background.
When taking photos with paintings or statues of the North Korean leader, the entire painting or statue must be included in the photograph.
For landscape photography, tourists are allowed to take pictures under the guidance of a local guide. They are instructed on which locations are permitted for photography and which are not, and the posture must be appropriate for each location.
A hotel in North Korea was built in the shape of North Korea's national flower - the magnolia.
Secretly photographing soldiers on duty, impoverished destinations, or taking close-up shots of locals without permission can cause problems with the local authorities. Furthermore, locals in Binh Nhung are reluctant to interact with or take photos with tourists unless they have informed or asked for permission from a tour guide beforehand.
Respect the reverence of the Korean people.
In North Korea, all aspects of people's lives are governed by national principles. North Koreans are always aware of their country's affairs and express deep gratitude to their revered leaders.
Tourists visit the memorial under the guidance of a local tour guide.
Therefore, every small activity in the daily lives of the people of Pyongyang reflects their reverence, activities that seem strange and different to many international tourists. Visitors should show respect for national regulations and the customs of the people.
The Vietnamese tourist group took photos with North Korean students after obtaining permission from the local teacher.
Visitors must maintain a respectful attitude when visiting places such as memorials and military areas. Dress neatly and respectfully, refrain from chewing gum, and avoid discussing politics or mentioning sensitive phrases such as:cherry blossoms, Koreans,...
The tour must be conducted in a group.
Your tour guide will collect your passport; this is a standard procedure. During tours in North Korea, visitors are required to stay with the group and adhere to group rules. For land travel, groups are divided into small groups of approximately three people, and no one is allowed to leave the group.
All tourism activities in North Korea must take place with a tour group and strictly adhere to national regulations and laws.
Furthermore, independent travel in North Korea is impossible, and the most common way to explore Pyongyang is with the help of travel agencies.
The unusual regulations for tourists visiting North Korea may seem strict at first, but it is precisely these strict rules that give the country its unique character. North Korea is actually more peaceful than people realize. Tourists who follow their guides' instructions are sure to have many new and interesting experiences.
