Looking for an unusual holiday destination? Head to North Korea, also known as ‘hermit kingdom’

North Korea is a ‘hermit kingdom’ that not many have visited.

‘Hermit’ because it is one of the most isolated nations in the world. Known for its mountains and valleys and Nampo petrol clams, North Korea is now becoming a popular destination for those interested in unusual places on the map.

But before planning a trip, read the dos and don’ts carefully - there are too many of them!

Things you need to know before travelling to North Korea

1. You cannot do an independent trip to North Korea. It is mandatory for all travellers to join an approved guided tour organised by an authorised tour operator.

2. Travelling within North Korea is heavily restricted, an approved tour guide has to accompany you all the time.

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3. Wandering alone through the streets is not allowed.

4. Foreigners are not allowed to drive and are prohibited from using public transport.

5. Ensure that you stay within permitted zones and strictly follow North Korea’s procedures and protocols.

6. Unauthorised conversations with locals, currency exchange and making a purchase in a store not designated for foreigners might result in penalty, detention or arrest.

7. Photography is also restricted, check with your tour guide before taking photos or videos individuals, monuments, military, even impoverished areas.

8. You could face imprisonment for remarks considered to be critical of the state and its leadership.

Visa information you must know

1. You cannot apply for your North Korean visa independently - it has to be routed through an approved travel/tour operator (for example, Koryo Tours, Akbar Travel).

2. Documents required for visa application: Original passport with at least 6-month validity, minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports, if any. Proof of return flight tickets to the home country or onward journey ticket to another country + proof of accommodation for the entire duration of stay.

3. North Korea mostly issues single entry visa.

4. Processing time: Typically, it takes 15-20 working days.

5. Visa fee for Tourist & Business visa: USD 50

6. North Korean visa is issued on a separate visa card, not in your passport. Your passport will not be stamped on entry or exit to the DPRK.

Currency

The local currency is the North Korean Won (KPW. INR 1 = 9.40 KPW). However, as a tourist you can only use Euros, Chinese Yuan or USD. Banking facilities are limited and there are no ATMs. You cannot enter or leave North Korea with local currency.

Flights

There are no direct commercial flights from India to North Korea.

The most common route is to fly from major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru) to Beijing (PEK), then take an onward flight to Pyongyang.

You can also fly through Singapore or Bangkok but this route is generally more expensive than flying via China.

Air China is a major player on this route. Mumbai-Pyongyang one-way ticket starts at INR 51,000.

You can take a train from Beijing to Pyongyang but the journey takes about 25 hours. Though the boundaries are adjacent, you cannot enter North Korea from South Korea.

Stay options

Stay options are limited to state-sanctioned hotels/hostels that are authorised to host foreigners.

Options include Koryo Hotel, Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang Sosan Hotel, Pothonggang Business Hotel, Ryanggang Hotel. Average per night tariff ranges from USD 50 to USD 100.

Most hotels charge extra for use of swimming pool, sauna, karaoke rooms. The 6-star 228-room Hyangsan Hotel (approximately 160 km north of Pyongyang) is considered the most expensive hotel in North Korea.

What to see

In Pyongyang: Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Mansudae Grand Monuments, Pyongyang Metro, Kim Il Sung Square, Workers' Party Foundation Monument, Chollima Statue, Mangyongdae Native House, Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang Folklore Park, Rungrado May Day Stadium.

Others: DMZ (Panmunjom), Kaesong, Concrete Wall, Nampo, West Sea Barrage, Hamhung, Mount Paektu, Dongrim Town.

What to eat

1. North Korea’s spicy cabbage-based kimchi is on the United Nations Cultural Heritage List.

2.Naengmyeon: Pyongyang cold noodles served in a clear broth. Perhaps the most common meal in Pyongyang.

3. Hoe naengmyeon: A delicious noodle dish

4. Dububap or tububap: Fried tofu slices filled with rice.

5. Nampo petrol clams: Clams sprayed with petrol and set on fire. Best paired with some local soju.

6. Taedong River grey mullet soup

7. Pyongyang onban: one-pot dish

8. Ox trotter aspic: a savoury, clear gelatine made from ox parts including trotters, tail, tendons and shank.

Best time to visit:

Spring or autumn is generally the best time to visit North Korea. The weather is pleasant.

The curious case of approved hairstyles, jeans and juche calendar

In North Korea, citizens have to adhere to state-approved hairstyles. According to reports, there are only 28 approved hairstyles - 14 each for men and women.

Skinny jeans, ripped jeans and blue jeans are banned. So are clothing with brand logos.

The Juche calendar was the system of year-numbering used in North Korea between 1997 and 2024 with year 1 being 1912, the birth year of Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea.

So, as per Juche calendar, 2024 was year 113. However, this calendar was discontinued in 2024 and North Korea now follows the Gregorian calendar format.