Why visit
North Korea permits only fully escorted state-run tours, when it permits anything at all. Pyongyang's monumental axes, the Mass Games when staged, and the DMZ from the northern side: travel here is tightly choreographed political theater.
Country - Asia
North Korea
culturefoodhistory
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
North Korea works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Pyongyang as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in North Korea.
At a glance
Location
40.0°, 127.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
120,538 km²
46,540 mi²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
North Korean won (₩)
KPW
Dial
+850
Language
Korean
Demonym
North Korean
Internet
.kp
UN
Member state
ISO code
KP / PRK
Where in the world
40.0° - 127.0°
North Korea
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- North Korea uses the Juche calendar, which counts from Kim Il-sung's 1912 birth. The Gregorian 2025 is Juche 114.
- The country's "Arirang Mass Games" at Pyongyang's Rungrado 1st of May Stadium involve tens of thousands of performers.
- North Korean time, set to UTC+9 since 2018, was briefly UTC+8:30 (2015-2018) and has shifted multiple times.
Bordering North Korea
Traveler notes
- Tours run only with state guides on fixed itineraries
- The Pyongyang metro doubles as a deep blast shelter and art gallery
- Borders open and close unpredictably; access is never guaranteed
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Pyongyang, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about North Korea
What is the capital of North Korea?
Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea.
What currency does North Korea use?
North Korea uses the North Korean won (₩), ISO code KPW.
What languages are spoken in North Korea?
The primary language is Korean.
Is North Korea landlocked?
No, North Korea has a coastline.
What countries border North Korea?
North Korea borders China, South Korea, Russia.
What is the international calling code for North Korea?
The calling code is +850.
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