What to Pack for North Korea Travel

You’ve booked a trip to North Korea. Now let’s get packing!

What to bring

Comfortable Clothes
As a tourist, there is no specific dress code and you’re free to wear whatever is comfortable. However, North Korea is a conservative society and it’s highly appreciated when tourists dress respectfully and consistent with local norms. If you run out of clothes, you can always purchase yourself a North Korean suit!

It’s also important to dress for the weather. North Korea experiences all four seasons, and while t-shirts may suffice in summer, you’ll need a jacket in winter.

One Formal Outfit
There are some sites, such as the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where informal clothing such as jeans, shorts, sandals, and cut-offs are not permitted. Even if the Kumsusan Palace is not included on your itinerary, it’s recommended to bring one formal outfit just in case there is a special occasion. For men, this means attire such as a button-down shirt, sweater, khakis or slacks, closed-toe shoes, and a tie if you’re so inclined. For women, this means attire such as a dress or skirt, blouse, sweater, and closed-toe shoes.

Walking Shoes
All of our tours include a decent amount of walking, so plan on bringing comfortable walking shoes. Korea is also a mountainous country, and many of our itineraries include excursions to the mountains. Hiking is always optional, but if hiking is in your itinerary, you may wish to bring a pair of trekking shoes.

Adaptor
North Korea uses 220 voltage and plug type A and F in the below diagram. China uses type I. Universal adaptors can be purchased at airports.


Camera

It’s a common misconception that you cannot take photos in North Korea. While you can’t take pictures everywhere, you’ll likely take more photos than you expect. Bring your camera and make sure to capture your favourite travel moments!

You’re able to bring your DSLR, but lenses with a focal length above 150mm have historically not been permitted. You also take photos with your phone, GoPros or pocket-sized cameras.

Cash
Tourists are not permitted to use the local Korean won. The preferred currency is Euros and Chinese RMB, and then the USD. It’s highly recommended to bring a mix of these currencies in small denomination, such as 1 and 2 Euros coins, which are handy for incidentals such as coffee and snacks. There are no ATMs in the country, international bank cards are not accepted, and international wire transfers are not possible, so it’s important to bring enough cash to cover your trip. This can include tips for the guides, souvenirs such as postcards and posters, optional entry fees such as the lift up the Juche Tower or rides at an amusement park, and any extra drinks such as North Korean craft beer!

Medicine
If you need to take medication, bring enough to last for your trip, and extra ideally stored separately. It is challenging and often impossible to find certain medications in North Korea. Prescription drugs are perfectly fine to bring. A small travellers first aid kit is always handy to have.

Snacks
We are able to cater to a wide array of dietary requirements, and often have vegetarians and vegans join our tours. Fortunately, Korean food is abundant in vegetables. Travellers are also welcome to bring snacks for between meals and on long bus rides. Bring any comfort food you can’t live without, such as quality chocolate, fruit or energy bars which are often not readily available in North Korea.

Documents
Make sure to bring hard copies of your insurance policy, hotel reservations and connecting flights (especially if you’re relying on the 144-hour visa free exemption through Beijing or Shanghai). We provide our travellers with a check-list which will remind you of the important documents in the lead up to your tour!

Extras for the road
If you’re traveling outside Pyongyang, road trips can be quite long. We recommend bringing a portable power bank, spare batteries for electronics, SD cards for your camera, a flashlight for the occasional power outage and tissues and hand sanitisers in case public restrooms lack amenities.

What not to bring

Digital media on Korea
Do not bring documentaries, movies, digital news articles or e-reader books depicting Korea (North or South). Bringing a copy of The Interview will be highly problematic, as you may expect. Delete any obscene or political media. While your devices are not always searched, or searched intensely, it’s necessary to assume they will be and delete such content before you enter North Korea.

Hard copy material on Korea
Print media must be declared for customs, and will typically be highly scrutinised, particularly if it’s in the Korean language. If the material depicts Korea (North and South) in any capacity, it’s usually confiscated. This includes even travel guide books on Korea.

Bibles or religious materials for distribution
Proselytising in North Korea is illegal and can result, and historically has resulted, in detainment.

GPS and Communication Devices
Stand alone GPS devices have long been prohibited to be taken into North Korea. Phones and cameras that are GPS enabled are fine and permitted through customs. Do not bring radios, satellite phones, walkie-talkies or similar communication devices.

Drones
Drones are not permitted and will be confiscated and likely not returned by customs.

Clothing With Political Slogans
Assume any clothing with written language on it will need to be translated and explained at some point on your trip. Use your discretion.

If you’re unsure, make sure you ask us before departing on your tour.

You’re almost there! Let’s get packing and we’ll see you in Pyongyang!

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