North Korea Pyongyang Travel Guide | Unveiling the Mysterious Country

| Unveiling the Mysterious Country.

I. Before You Go | Things You Must Know Before Visiting North Korea! 🛂⚠
1. Travel Methods
- Group Tours Only: Independent travel is not permitted in North Korea. All itineraries must be booked through designated travel agencies (such as those in Dandong/Beijing, China). A North Korean tour guide will accompany you throughout the trip.
- Visa and Passport:
- Chinese tourists need to apply for a North Korean tourist visa (usually handled by the travel agency; the visa is a separate document and will not leave a mark on your passport).
- Tourists of other nationalities need to confirm the policy in advance, as some countries may be restricted.
2. Taboos and Restrictions
- Prohibited Items: Korean publications, GPS devices, professional cameras (SLRs need to be declared), and materials with religious or politically sensitive content.
- Mobile Phones and Internet:
- International roaming is not available. You can purchase a North Korean SIM card (only for international calls, at a high cost).
- Internet access is almost non-existent. Be prepared for a "digital detox"!
3. Currency and Expenses
- North Korea uses the North Korean won (KPW), but foreign tourists can only use cash in euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan.
- Prices are relatively high (a bottle of water is about USD 2-3). Shopping is mainly done in foreign-related stores or designated locations.

II. Transportation Guide | How to Get to Pyongyang? 🚂✈
1. Entry Methods
- Airplane: Beijing/Shenyang → Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (Air Koryo; the aircraft are older but offer a unique experience).
- Train: Dandong → Pyongyang (approx. 6 hrs). You can observe the North Korean countryside along the way (but casual photography is prohibited).
2. City Transportation
- Air-conditioned buses are arranged by the travel agency for the entire trip. You cannot take a taxi or walk away from the group on your own.
- Pyongyang subway: The deepest subway system in the world (100m+), featuring vintage carriages and murals (you are allowed to experience it with a tour guide).

III. Recommended Attractions | Pyongyang's "Must-Sees" and Hidden Gems 🏛🏞
📍Political Landmarks: Experience North Korean Grand Narrative
- Mansudae Grand Monument: Bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. A serious bow and flower offering are required (flower bouquets cost CNY 20-30).
- Tower of the Juche Idea: Ascend to the top for a panoramic view of Pyongyang. The torch at the top symbolizes the "eternal flame of the revolution."
- Arch of Triumph: 10 meters taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, commemorating Kim Il-sung's victory against Japanese imperialism.
📍Cultural Experiences: Carefully Choreographed "Slice of Life"
- School or Children's Palace Visit: Watch students perform songs, dances, and instrumental music. The skills are impressive, but the program is fixed (you can give small gifts like stationery).
- Pyongyang Acrobatic Troupe: A combination of high-difficulty acrobatics and collectivist aesthetics. Worth seeing!
📍Hidden Gems
- Mirae Scientists Street: Colorful apartment buildings showcase "North Korean modernization." The night lights are dazzling, but there is little resident activity.
- Stroll along the Taedong River: The riverside lawns are picturesque. You might encounter Pyongyang residents having picnics (interaction is only allowed with the tour guide's permission).

IV. Food Experience | What to Eat? How to Eat? 🍚🍺
- Pyongyang Cold Noodles: Buckwheat noodles + beef broth + pear slices. Okryu-gwan serves the most authentic version (but the taste is rather bland).
- Copper Bowl Rice: A small dish set meal in the style of royal cuisine. More about the ceremony than the taste.
- Taedonggang Beer: Locally produced North Korean beer with a refreshing taste. About USD 2-3 per bottle in foreign-related restaurants.
- Hidden Menu: Some hotels offer "special pizzas/fried chicken" to satisfy tourists' curiosity (expensive and generally average taste).

V. Shopping Guide | What Souvenirs Can You Buy? 🛍📚
- Stamps and Postcards: Retro designs. Can be sent from the post office (delivery depends on luck).
- Propaganda Books: Such as "Selected Works of Kim Il-sung" (check if your country's customs allows them).
- Ginseng Skincare Products: North Korean specialty, but the effectiveness is subjective.
- Handicrafts: Embroidery, ceramics. Prices are high and bargaining is necessary.

VI. Precautions | Keep Your Phone Safe and Be Discreet! 🚫📸
1. Photography Taboos:
- It is forbidden to photograph soldiers, scenes of poverty, unfinished buildings. Photos of leaders must be full-body and respectful.
- Cameras may be checked, and sensitive photos will be deleted.
2. Code of Conduct:
- Avoid discussing politics, South Korea (refer to it as "South Choson"), or evaluations of the leaders.
- Be polite to the tour guide and avoid sensitive questions (such as "Can ordinary people access the Internet?").
3. Tipping Culture:
- Tipping is not customary in North Korea, but you can give small gifts to the tour guide (cigarettes, chocolate, stationery).

VII. Unique Experiences | "North Korean Moments" You Won't Find Elsewhere 🌟
- Arirang Mass Games: A mass gymnastics performance with 100,000 participants (August-September). As stunning as a human LED screen!
- Subway Station Photoshoots: Take "Pyongyang life" photos under the guidance of your tour guide. A guaranteed way to get likes on social media!
- Glimpses of the Countryside from the Bus Window: Observe the real North Korea as the bus passes through rural areas (but getting off the bus is prohibited).

🌈 Travelers Say:
A trip to North Korea is more like an "immersive social observation." Everything here is carefully designed, yet reveals authenticity in the details.
🌟 Keep an open mind, follow the rules, and you will have a unique and unforgettable journey!
(⚠ If you have any concerns during the trip, consult your tour guide. Safety first!)