How to Find Hotels in North Korea

Although independent travel in North Korea is not permitted, it is sometimes possible to make these arrangements through specialized travel agencies. If you are allowed into the country, you will visit only approved sites, stay in approved hotels, and eat at approved restaurants. You may not leave your group at any time.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access for making reservations with an authorized provider of North Korean tours

Know Your Destination

1. Do not expect to be able to make your own travel plans within North Korea. Citizens of the United States and South Korea, or people of South Korean descent, are technically not allowed to visit North Korea. As mentioned above, however, it can occasionally be arranged through a specialized travel agency.

2. There are two areas that can be visited without visas and are accessible to Americans.
   a. Kumgangsan is a scenic mountain area that can be visited by organized tours only. Tours depart from South Korea, and generally cost between $600 and $675 US.
   b. Panmunjeon is a village located on the border between North and South Korea in the Demilitarized Zone. Half-day tours are available from the south. There are no restaurants or overnight accommodations.

Touring North Korea

3. Obey all instructions of your official guide, who will arrange and accompany you during every element of your tour. You are not allowed to go anywhere on your own, not even a step outside your hotel.

4. Do not take photographs without express permission from your guide.

5. Do not speak with North Korean citizens--this is strictly forbidden. Your guide will communicate with you in English.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very respectful towards your guide. Guides are allowed to accept small gifts.
• You will be expected at least once to bow before a statue of Kim Il Sung. If you are not willing to do this, don't go to North Korea.
• Assume that hotel rooms, restaurants, telephones, taxis, e-mails and any other possible mode or area of communication will be bugged. See warning below.
• Do not, at any time, say anything that could possibly be interpreted as disrespectful to Kim Il Sung, the North Korean government or people. Such insults, even if unintended, are illegal and will be punished very severely.
• Do not attempt to travel in North Korea unless you are certain you will be able to obey all rules and restrictions.