Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
The full Guide covers all 74 highlights,
ranked, mapped & put into context.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You should consider the following vaccinations for North Korea:
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Hepatitis A-
Hepatitis B-
Typhoid-
Japanese Encephalitis (especially if visiting rural areas)
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Rabies (if you plan on animal interaction)
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Yellow Fever (only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)
Consult a travel health specialist for personalized advice. Always check for the latest updates before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in North Korea, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for North KoreaCulture & Customs
Respect for leaders is crucial. Always show deference to images and statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Photography is sensitive; ask permission, avoid military sites, and don’t disrespect symbols of the state. Dress modestly, especially when visiting monuments or public events.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as North Korea has conservative views on sexuality. Women should be cautious in public behavior to avoid unwanted attention and always travel with a guide. Presenting gifts like cigarettes or cosmetics is appreciated, but ensure they’re not offensive. Always follow your guide’s instructions to avoid misunderstandings.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for North Korea.- **Kimchi**: A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi is fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (salted seafood). It’s a cultural cornerstone, representing Korean tradition and agriculture.- **Naengmyeon**: This is a cold noodle dish, perfect for summer. Made with long, thin noodles in a tangy iced broth, it’s often topped with slices of cucumber, Korean pear, and boiled egg. It’s popular for its refreshing taste and is a classic in Korean dining.- **Pibimbap**: A bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste), sometimes with the addition of sliced beef or a fried egg. It’s a symbol of harmony and balance in Korean culture.- **Bulgogi**: Thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper, then grilled or stir-fried. It’s popular for its sweet, savory flavor and is a go-to for anyone looking to experience Korean barbecue.- **Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)**: Made from ground mung beans and vegetables, these savory pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re a traditional comfort food, often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.
Tap water in North Korea is generally not recommended for tourists to drink, even though locals might consume it. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Ensure the seal on bottled water isn’t tampered with before purchasing.
The main language in North Korea is
Korean. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Korean skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for North Korea includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is not widely spoken in North Korea. The country’s primary language is Korean, and while there are some North Koreans who have studied English, their proficiency is generally limited. English is taught in schools, but the focus is often on reading and writing rather than conversational skills. Most interactions with locals may be challenging for English speakers, as the majority of the population lacks fluency.
Tourists typically travel in guided groups, and guides are usually the primary English speakers encountered. These guides are trained to communicate with foreigners and can help facilitate interactions. However, outside of these organized tours, opportunities to engage with locals in English are rare.
In major cities like Pyongyang, you might find some signs or menus in English, but in rural areas, English is virtually nonexistent. Overall, while you may find some individuals with basic English skills, effective communication can be difficult, making it advisable for travelers to learn a few basic Korean phrases or rely on their guides for assistance.
Money & Payments
The local currency of North Korea is KPW (₩).
Traveling in North Korea is a bit of a unique experience, especially when it comes to money. First off, you won’t find any ATMs that work with foreign cards. Seriously, don’t count on them; your plastic won’t get you far here. It’s a cash game all the way.
Bring Euros, Chinese Yuan, or US Dollars in crisp, unmarked bills for exchange. North Korean Won is technically for locals only, but you might end up with some for small purchases. In most cases, you’ll use foreign currency directly.
Card acceptance is pretty much non-existent, so leave those credit cards for another trip. For exchanging money, do it at the airport, your hotel, or designated spots arranged by your tour guide. Don’t try to exchange on the black market; it’s risky and strictly illegal.
Bottom line: Carry cash and plan ahead. It’s not the place to wing it when it comes to finances.
Tipping in North Korea is not a common practice and is generally discouraged, as most services are state-operated. However, if you’re part of an organized tour, a small tip to guides or drivers can sometimes be appreciated, but it’s best to consult with your tour provider first. Always remember that local customs and regulations can be strict, so proceed with caution.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.