Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea: In April 2017, I spent three unforgettable days in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. As far as I know, I am among the last Americans to have stepped foot in North Korea before the United States imposed a travel ban, which remains in effect today. North Korea is currently the only country that Americans are prohibited from visiting.
Before flying into Pyongyang, every traveler must attend a mandatory briefing in Beijing or Shanghai. During this session, your tour company will meticulously go over all the do’s and don’ts—mostly don’ts—that you need to adhere to while on the ground.
In this article, I will share three crucial things you simply cannot do in North Korea, as failing to adhere to these rules can lead to severe consequences.
Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea
1. Disrespecting the Leaders | Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea
The first and most critical rule is that you cannot disrespect North Korea’s past or current leaders. This includes Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. Disrespecting them is a criminal act that could lead to imprisonment or worse. This means you should avoid mentioning their names, even in a positive context, as the leaders are revered as gods, making it an extremely sensitive topic, especially for foreigners.
Every tourist is required to bow when visiting the statue of Kim Il-sung. If you take a photo of any of the leaders, their faces must be in full frame and not cut off. The authorities are very strict about this rule and will check your camera to ensure compliance.
2. Photograph Restrictions | Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea
The second major restriction involves photography. You are not allowed to take photos of governmental buildings, police, or construction sites. While the prohibition on photographing government buildings and police is self-explanatory, the restriction on construction sites stems from North Korea’s desire to present their country in the most perfect way. Construction sites indicate incompleteness, which contradicts the image they want to project.
Videos are allowed, provided you adhere to these restrictions. It is essential to respect these rules to avoid any trouble with the authorities.
3. Staying with the Tour Group | Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea
The third restriction is that you cannot leave your tour group at any time. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure that tourists do not wander off and see things the North Korean government does not want them to see. An exception to this rule exists if you participate in the Pyongyang Marathon, as I did. During the marathon, you have four hours to run the streets without being supervised, offering a rare glimpse of the city beyond the controlled settings of the tour.
Even when you return to your hotel, you are not allowed to leave the property. However, most hotels offer various amenities such as a bowling alley, a bar, and a nice restaurant, so you can enjoy your stay without feeling too restricted.
Additional Rules and Common Sense | Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea
Other rules you need to follow include not using the local currency, not entering random shops, and not talking to strangers. These rules are in place to maintain the controlled environment that North Korea wants to uphold. However, as long as you use common sense and adhere to these guidelines, you will have the opportunity to witness life in one of the world’s most isolated nations.
The Reality of North Korea | Navigating the Complexities of Travel in North Korea
Despite the many restrictions, traveling to North Korea offers a unique perspective on a country that is often misunderstood. According to my tour guide, it’s crucial for Americans to understand the reality of North Korea, rather than relying on what is portrayed by Western media. He emphasized that North Korea is a peaceful country, and many of the negative portrayals are not true.
Seeing North Korea firsthand can help break down some of these misconceptions. While the travel restrictions for Americans remain in place, my experience in Pyongyang provided a rare and insightful glimpse into the daily lives of North Koreans and the complexities of their society.
I’m Drew Binsky, and if you enjoy my travel videos, please click subscribe and join me as I continue my journey to visit every country in the world.
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