North Korea
About North Korea
| Currency | DPKR won ( KPW) |
| Language | Korean |
| Capital | Pyongyang |
The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea is located in East Asia and the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea shares borders with China, Russia, South Korea, and is flanked by the Korea Bay on the west and the Sea of Japan on the East. The estimated population of 25 million people is governed by a hereditary dictatorship, with a “supreme leader.” A legislative branch, the Supreme People’s Assembly, is led by a chairman and a cabinet that is led by the premier.
Following the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North Korea and South Korea. It was the Soviet-sponsored Provisional People’s Committee for North Korea, led by Kim Il-Sung, that eventually evolved into today’s hereditary dictatorship. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting the Korean War. This war ended in 1953 with no peace agreement, and tension between the two countries remains high. North Korea’s isolationist policies continue to restrict economic growth, although the country has set up specially-designated regions to experiment with private capitalism.
Tourism within North Korea is severely restricted, and travellers are not allowed to tour independently. All tours are conducted under strict supervision from government-approved guides. Those who manage to secure a state-sanctioned tour will live a history lesson, as seen from North Korea, as well as a fascinating glimpse of a nearly-isolated society.
Recommended Vaccinations For North Korea
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
The vaccine is recommended for long-term travellers (e.g., trips lasting a month or more) to endemic areas during Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season. Consider the vaccine for the following groups: Short-term (less than 1 month) travellers to endemic areas during transmission season if their itinerary or activities will increase their risk (e.g. spending substantial time outdoors in rural or agricultural areas; staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens or bed nets.)
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, North Korea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended Medications For North Korea
For Some Travellers
Anti-malarial Drugs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine or primaquine. NaTHNaC states that there is a very low risk of malaria in some southern areas of North Korea, and awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance are recommended. CDC states that malaria is present in southern provinces (not named) and malaria medication is recommended. WHO states that limited malaria risk exists in some southern areas, and no malaria medications are recommended.
Diseases To Be Aware of for North Korea
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Scrub Typhus
Scrub typhus generally occurs year-round in areas of North Korea.
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
There is a risk of acquiring the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in North Korea.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in North Korea through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.
Measles
There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.
Japanese encephalitis
There is a risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis in North Korea. Outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.
Malaria
Malaria is present in southern provinces.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, North Korea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in North Korea, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in North Korea
Personal Safety
Crime against foreigners is relatively rare in North Korea. However, travellers should be aware that petty crime does occur, particularly at Pyongyang airport and in markets. Valuables should be kept out of sight and backpacks and bags watched at all times. Ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are kept in a secure place.
While in North Korea, do not share or express your political views to others. Any action that could be interpreted as disrespectful towards the North Korean government may be sufficient cause for imprisonment.
Foreigners are not permitted to use the local currency. Cash payments can be made with the Euro (most widely-accepted), US dollar and Chinese RMB. Be sure to carry sufficient funds, as travellers cheques and credit cards are not accepted, and ATM services are generally unavailable. Carry plenty of small denominations, as foreign currency is typically converted on site. It may be difficult to obtain change if large denominations are used.
Travellers in North Korea are not allowed to tour the country independently. To avoid the risk of imprisonment, travellers should remain with their government-approved tour guides at all times.
Recently foreign nationals have been detained and prevented from leaving the country. The risk of being detained could increase if the political situation deteriorates.
Political Unrest
While the Korean War ended in 1953, tensions in the Korean Peninsula remain high. The overall political situation in North Korea is unstable and tensions could escalate with little warning. Tensions usually rise around the time of South Korean-US military exercises (mostly between March - May and September - November).
While foreigners have access to international satellite TV channels in their hotels, such access could be eliminated in the event of a crisis. Civil unrest, internal instability and/or an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula could arise rapidly, without information on developments being available from within North Korea.
