Travel to North Korea — everything you need to know
When to go to North Korea?
- April–May — Ideal : Pleasant spring, cherry blossoms, Arirang Mass Games sometimes held in April.
- September–October — Very good : Golden autumn, mild temperatures, national holidays on September 9 and October 10.
- July–August — Acceptable : Hot and humid with monsoon rains, but summer festivals are sometimes held.
- December–March — Harsh winter : Intense cold, some sites closed, but a unique atmosphere under the snow.
Weather in North Korea
Check the weather city by city, starting with Pyongyang.
- Pyongyang: daytime highs from 0 to 30 °C depending on the season, 78 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in North Korea?
North Korea is the most closed-off and mysterious destination in the world, accessible only through tour packages strictly supervised by government guides. Behind the iron curtain, the country reveals monumental Soviet-inspired architecture, unspoiled natural landscapes and a deeply singular culture shaped by decades of isolation. Visiting the DPRK is a radically different experience from any other trip, one that raises profound ethical questions.
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is a capital designed as a propaganda backdrop, with its immense boulevards, colossal monuments and pastel-façade buildings in a surprisingly uncluttered city. Kim Il-sung Square, the fountains of Mansu Park and the Arch of Triumph (bigger than the one in Paris) attest to the regime's monumental ambitions. The North Koreans that tourists are allowed to meet offer a fascinating and partial glimpse of a completely different society.
Highlights : Kim Il-sung Square — ceremonial heart of the capital, Mansudae Grand Monument — colossal statues of the leaders, Juche Tower — the official ideology cast in 170 m of concrete, Arch of Triumph — the world's largest, dedicated to Kim Il-sung.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The Korean Demilitarized Zone is the most militarised border in the world, a 4 km-wide scar that has divided the Korean peninsula since the 1953 armistice. From the North Korean side, visitors can glimpse the border posts of the village of Panmunjom and observe, a few hundred metres away, the buildings on the southern side. The atmosphere, heavy with history and political tension, makes this visit particularly striking.
Highlights : Panmunjom — armistice negotiation hall, Kaesong — nearby former medieval Goryeo capital, Unification Train — the symbolic Dorasan station, War Memorial — monuments to North Korean soldiers.
Mount Paektu
Mount Paektu is the highest point of the Korean peninsula at 2,744 metres and a fundamental pilgrimage site in North Korean national mythology, described as the cradle of the Korean nation and the legendary birthplace of Kim Jong-il. Its crater holds Heaven Lake, one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the world, its deep blue waters contrasting with black basalt cliffs. The active volcano, on the border with China, is surrounded by untouched forests and spectacular waterfalls.
Highlights : Heaven Lake (Chon Ji) — crater lake at 2,150 m altitude, Rimyongsu Falls — 76 m waterfall in a birch forest, Samjiyon — model town rebuilt at the foot of the volcano.
Arirang Mass Games
The Arirang Mass Games, or Festival of Youth and Students, is the world's largest mass performance, gathering up to 100,000 participants in the Rungrado Stadium, the largest in the world. Tens of thousands of gymnasts, dancers and children holding coloured cards create a living mural of astonishing precision, depicting the history and ideals of the DPRK. The event, when held, is one of the most extraordinary and unsettling experiences a traveller can have.
Highlights : Rungrado Stadium — the world's largest (114,000 seats), Human mural — living mosaic of 20,000 children with cards, Closing fireworks — spectacular pyrotechnic finale.
Travel budget for North Korea
All visits to North Korea must go through a specialised travel agency (Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours...) from Beijing or via Air Koryo. Tourists pay everything in foreign currency (euros, dollars, yuan). Prices seem moderate but visas, flights and the mandatory tour push up the total budget.
- Backpacker : 150–200 €/j — Budget tour via a low-cost agency (Young Pioneer Tours), group of travellers.
- Comfort : 200–350 €/j — Premium tour with Koryo Tours, single room, extra options.
Practical tips for travelling to North Korea
- Flight from Paris : Flight Paris–Beijing (10h), then Air Koryo Beijing–Pyongyang (2h). Optional 2-day train
- Visa : Visa mandatory, obtainable only through an approved travel agency. US or South Korean passports refused
- Currency : Payments in euros, USD or yuan. Tourists have no access to the North Korean won
- Language : Korean only. Official interpreter guides are mandatory and always present
- Electricity : Type A/C (220V) — adapter recommended. Frequent power cuts
- Health : Hepatitis A recommended. Personal medication essential to bring (no pharmacies available for tourists)
- Photography : Strictly regulated. Always ask the guide's permission before photographing. Some subjects forbidden
- Warning : Country under international sanctions. Check your country's restrictions. Compliance with rules is mandatory or risk expulsion
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