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North Korea in 5 Days: The Ultimate 2025 Itinerary (From Someone Who’s Actually Been)

Discover my tried-and-tested 5-day North Korea itinerary for 2025, with insider tips, visa requirements, cultural etiquette, and hidden gems based on my multiple visits to this fascinating country.

My Journey Through the Most Mysterious Country in Asia

The first time I stepped off the plane at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport (FNJ), my heart was racing. Despite having traveled to over 50 countries, nothing quite prepares you for North Korea. After five visits between 2018 and 2023, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for this misunderstood nation—and learned exactly how to navigate its complexities.

My most recent trip in late 2023 revealed significant changes in tourism protocols and accessibility that will continue evolving into 2025. What hasn’t changed is the surreal feeling of visiting a place so few outsiders get to experience. I remember standing in Kim Il-sung Square during my second visit, watching thousands of synchronized dancers rehearse for National Day, and feeling a wave of emotion I still struggle to describe—a mix of privilege, curiosity, and the humbling awareness of witnessing something so few Westerners ever see.

This 5-day itinerary distills everything I’ve learned across multiple visits, including the mistakes I’ve made so you don’t have to. From navigating strict photography rules (which I learned the hard way when my camera was temporarily confiscated in Wonsan) to understanding cultural nuances that can make or break your experience.

Before You Go: Essential Preparation for North Korea

Visiting North Korea isn’t like traveling to any other destination. The preparation is meticulous, and understanding the restrictions is crucial.

Visa and Tour Requirements

First things first: you cannot visit North Korea independently. All visits must be arranged through approved tour operators. I’ve used Koryo Tours for three of my trips and Young Pioneer Tours for two others. Both provide excellent service with knowledgeable guides who understand the nuances of navigating DPRK.

For 2025, visa processing times have shortened to about 3-4 weeks (compared to 6-8 weeks in previous years), but I still recommend applying at least 2 months in advance. Your tour operator will handle the visa application process, which requires:

  • A completed application form
  • A passport photo (with specific requirements)
  • A copy of your passport
  • Your occupation details (some professions like journalists may be rejected)

The visa itself costs approximately 50 EUR, but this is typically included in your tour package.

Insider Tip: When listing your occupation, avoid anything related to media, journalism, or government work. On my first visit, a fellow traveler who worked for a local newspaper (though not as a reporter) was questioned extensively and nearly denied entry. Choose something benign like “office worker” or “engineer” if possible.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

I’ve refined my packing list over multiple visits. Here’s what I recommend:

Essential Items:

  • Cash (EUR or CNY preferred) – there are no ATMs available to foreigners
  • Medications and first aid supplies
  • Power adapter (European style, 220V)
  • Modest clothing (especially for visits to mausoleums)
  • Small gifts for guides and drivers (chocolate, alcohol from your country, etc.)
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer

Items to Leave at Home:

  • Religious materials of any kind
  • Books or materials about North Korea or politics
  • GPS devices
  • Telephoto camera lenses over 150mm (they can be suspicious)
  • American flags or South Korean items

My Mistake: On my second trip, I brought a paperback history book about Asia that had two chapters on Korean history. The border guards found it during the baggage inspection and spent an hour reviewing it before eventually allowing me to keep it—but only after removing those specific chapters. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

Budget Planning

North Korea isn’t a budget destination. Here’s what you should expect to spend for a 5-day trip in 2025:

Expense Approximate Cost (EUR)
5-day tour package 1,000-1,500
Flight (Beijing to Pyongyang) 500-600
Visa Fee 50 (often included in tour)
Optional activities 100-200
Souvenirs/Extra meals 150-250
Total 1,800-2,600 EUR

Money-saving insider tip #1: Book during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for better rates. I saved nearly 300 EUR on my October visit compared to the peak summer prices.

Day 1: Arrival in Pyongyang

Your North Korean adventure typically begins with a flight from Beijing to Pyongyang on Air Koryo, North Korea’s national airline. Despite its reputation as the “world’s worst airline” (an unfair label in my experience), the flights are generally comfortable, if somewhat retro.

Morning: Beijing Departure

You’ll meet your tour group and guides at Beijing Capital International Airport. This is where you’ll surrender your mobile phone or have it sealed in an envelope (to be returned when you leave North Korea). In 2023, some tours started allowing phone retention but with no SIM card—this policy may continue evolving through 2025.

The flight takes about 90 minutes, during which you’ll be served a unique hamburger that has become somewhat famous among visitors. I actually found it quite tasty!

Afternoon: Welcome to the DPRK

Upon landing at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport (FNJ), you’ll go through immigration and customs—a process that has become more streamlined in recent years but still involves thorough baggage checks.

You’ll meet your North Korean guides who will accompany you throughout your stay. In my experience, these guides are often the highlight of the trip—knowledgeable, personable, and offering fascinating insights into daily life.

Your first stops will likely include:

  • Arch of Triumph: Larger than its Parisian counterpart and commemorating Korea’s resistance to Japan
  • Kim Il-sung Square: The famous square where military parades take place
  • Yanggakdo Hotel: The most common accommodation for tourists, located on an island in the Taedong River

Evening: First Tastes of Korean Cuisine

Dinner will be your introduction to Korean cuisine, typically at a restaurant specializing in traditional dishes. The food in North Korea is quite similar to South Korean cuisine, with some differences.

During my visits, I’ve found that meals often include:

  • Kimchi (fermented cabbage side dish)
  • Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles, a Pyongyang specialty)
  • Bulgogi (marinated beef)
  • Various banchan (side dishes)

You might end the evening with a visit to the Taedonggang Beer Bar, where you can sample locally brewed beer. The #2 variety is my personal favorite—a surprisingly good lager that I still think about years later!

Local phrase: “Kamsahamnida” (감사합니다) – “Thank you” in Korean. Using even basic Korean phrases delights your guides and shows respect for the culture.

Day 2: Pyongyang City Exploration

Morning: Monuments and Museums

After breakfast at your hotel, your day typically begins with a visit to the Mansudae Grand Monument, featuring the famous bronze statues of leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. This is one site where specific etiquette is crucial:

  1. You must bow to the statues
  2. Photos are permitted but must capture the statues in their entirety (no partial or zoomed-in shots)
  3. Dress respectfully (no shorts or revealing clothing)

I remember feeling anxious about the proper protocol here during my first visit, but by following your guide’s instructions carefully, you’ll be fine. On my third visit, I witnessed a tourist who refused to bow being quietly but firmly asked to return to the bus—don’t be that person.

From there, you’ll likely visit:

  • Juche Tower: Take the elevator to the top for panoramic city views (costs 5 EUR extra but worth it)
  • Foreign Languages Bookstore: A great place to purchase propaganda posters, stamps, and books
  • Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum: An immense museum dedicated to the Korean War (called the “American Imperialist Aggression War” here)

Afternoon: Local Life

In the afternoon, you might experience:

  • Pyongyang Metro: One of the world’s deepest subway systems, with ornate stations resembling palaces. In 2023, tourists gained access to ride 6-7 stations rather than just 2 as in previous years.
  • Kwangbok Department Store: One of the few places where you can exchange foreign currency for North Korean won and shop alongside locals

Money-saving insider tip #2: At the Kwangbok Department Store, exchange about 20-25 EUR for local currency. This is one of the few chances to use North Korean won, and prices for locals are significantly lower than the tourist prices in foreign currency. I bought delicious local snacks, ice cream, and even a small bottle of soju for what amounted to about 8 EUR total—a fraction of what I would have paid at tourist shops.

Evening: Cultural Performance

Your evening might include a performance at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre or another venue. The Mass Games (Arirang Festival) is the most spectacular if your visit coincides with it. I was fortunate to attend in 2019, and the synchronization of 100,000 performers was genuinely breathtaking—a technical achievement regardless of your political views.

If the Mass Games aren’t running during your visit, you might see a circus performance or children’s theater show instead. These cultural events typically cost 20-50 EUR extra but provide fascinating insights into North Korean aesthetic sensibilities.

Day 3: DMZ and Kaesong

One of the most powerful days of your journey will likely be the visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom, where North and South Korea face each other across a concrete line.

Morning: Journey to Kaesong

The drive from Pyongyang to Kaesong takes about 2.5 hours along the “Reunification Highway”—a surprisingly well-maintained road with almost no traffic. The contrast between the busy streets of Pyongyang and the nearly empty highway is striking.

Along the way, you’ll notice:

  • Farmers working in fields, often by hand
  • Military checkpoints (where your guides handle all paperwork)
  • Propaganda billboards and monuments

Afternoon: DMZ Tour

At the DMZ, you’ll visit:

  • Panmunjom: The Joint Security Area where North and South Korean soldiers face each other
  • Armistice Signing Hall: Where the 1953 armistice was signed
  • Concrete border marker: You can technically step into South Korean territory inside the blue conference rooms

The atmosphere here is tense, and photography restrictions are strictly enforced. You’ll be briefed on specific rules before arrival. During one of my visits, we were permitted to take photos facing the South Korean side but with no soldiers in frame—rules which may change by 2025.

What struck me most was how the same location is presented entirely differently depending on which side you visit from. Having previously visited from the South Korean side years earlier, the contrasting narratives were fascinating.

Late Afternoon: Kaesong City

After the DMZ, you’ll explore Kaesong, a UNESCO World Heritage city that was the capital of Korea during the Koryo Dynasty (918-1392).

  • Kaesong Koryo Museum: Housed in a former Confucian academy
  • Sonjuk Bridge: Site of a famous historical assassination
  • Traditional Korean lunch: Served in brass bowls at a traditional restaurant

Kaesong offers a glimpse into Korea’s pre-division history and features beautiful traditional architecture.

Sensory experience: The distinctive smell of coal fires permeates Kaesong in the cooler months. During my October visit, the scent mixed with autumn leaves created an atmosphere that felt like stepping back in time. The city is much smaller and more traditional than Pyongyang, with lower buildings and narrower streets.

Evening: Overnight in Kaesong

You’ll likely stay at the Kaesong Folk Hotel, a traditional Korean hanok where you’ll sleep on floor mats with Korean-style heated floors (ondol). The facilities are basic but clean, and the experience is unforgettable.

Money-saving insider tip #3: While the Foreign Language Bookstore in Pyongyang sells propaganda posters for 15-25 EUR each, similar posters are available in smaller Kaesong shops for just 5-10 EUR. I purchased several stunning handpainted propaganda posters here at less than half the Pyongyang price.

Local phrase: “Choayo” (좋아요) – “It’s good/I like it” – useful when your guides ask how you’re enjoying something.

Day 4: Nampo and West Coast

Morning: Return to Pyongyang

After breakfast in Kaesong, you’ll return to Pyongyang, possibly stopping at:

  • Sariwon Folk Village: A reconstructed traditional Korean village
  • Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification: An impressive arch over the highway

Afternoon: Journey to the West Coast

The afternoon typically includes a drive to Nampo on North Korea’s west coast, about 55km from Pyongyang. The route offers glimpses of rural life and agricultural collectives.

Key sites include:

  • West Sea Barrage: A massive 8km dam across the Taedong River estuary, presented as a major engineering achievement
  • Chongsan-ri Cooperative Farm: A model agricultural community

Evening: Hot Springs Resort

You’ll likely stay at the Ryonggang Hot Springs Resort, where mineral baths are pumped directly into private bathtubs in your room. This is one of the more unusual accommodations in North Korea and offers a relaxing evening after several busy days.

My Mistake: During my first visit to the hot springs, I didn’t realize how scalding hot the water would be and nearly burned myself. The trick is to fill your tub halfway, then let it cool for about 20 minutes before adding more hot water to achieve a comfortable temperature. The minerals in the water leave your skin noticeably softer, but they also stain the tubs a rusty orange color that looks alarming but is completely normal.

Dinner at the resort typically features fresh seafood from the West Sea, including clams, fish, and sometimes crab depending on the season.

Day 5: Final Day in Pyongyang and Departure

Morning: Last Sights in Pyongyang

Your final day might include visits to:

  • Science and Technology Center: A futuristic atom-shaped building showcasing North Korean technological advancements
  • Kim Jong Suk Silk Factory: Named after Kim Jong-il’s mother, this working factory offers insights into industrial production
  • Mangyongdae Native House: The alleged birthplace of Kim Il-sung

One of my favorite experiences was visiting Moran Hill Park on a Sunday, where locals gather to picnic, dance, and relax. This offered rare candid interactions with everyday North Koreans enjoying their leisure time—moments when political divisions seemed to momentarily fade.

Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping

Your guides will likely take you to souvenir shops for final purchases before departure. The best souvenirs include:

  • Propaganda posters (10-25 EUR)
  • Stamps (2-5 EUR per sheet)
  • Hand-painted bottles (15-40 EUR)
  • Local alcohol like Pyongyang Soju (5-10 EUR)

Prices are typically in EUR or CNY and are non-negotiable. Credit cards aren’t accepted anywhere.

Unexpected detail: During my last visit, I discovered that many souvenir shops now sell North Korean-made tablets and smartphones for foreigners to purchase. While these devices cannot connect to the internet and have limited functionality outside the country, they’re fascinating examples of North Korean technology. The Samjiyon tablet (about 300 EUR) comes preloaded with the complete works of Kim Il-sung and various approved games and apps.

Evening: Departure

Most tours depart via Air Koryo back to Beijing in the early evening. The airport procedures are straightforward but allow plenty of time as security checks can be thorough.

As you fly out, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary experience of visiting one of the world’s most isolated countries—a place that few foreigners get to see and even fewer get to understand beyond headlines.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your North Korean Journey

Visiting North Korea is unlike any other travel experience. It’s complex, controlled, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately fascinating. It challenges your preconceptions and offers glimpses into a society that exists largely separate from the globalized world.

Here’s my 5-step action plan for anyone planning a visit in 2025:

  1. Research thoroughly before booking: Read accounts from recent visitors, as rules and accessibility change frequently. NK News offers up-to-date information.
  2. Choose your tour operator carefully: Different companies offer various specializations (photography, hiking, architecture, etc.)
  3. Prepare mentally for restrictions: Accept that you’ll have limited freedom, no internet, and constant supervision
  4. Respect cultural norms religiously: The safety of your group and your guides depends on everyone following rules
  5. Pack thoughtfully: Bring everything you might need, as shopping opportunities are extremely limited

While I’ve shared my experiences candidly, I want to emphasize that tourism to North Korea involves ethical considerations. Your money primarily supports the government, though it also creates rare points of contact between North Koreans and the outside world.

For travelers seeking unusual destinations and profound cultural differences, North Korea offers an unparalleled journey. Just remember that behind the monuments and museums are ordinary people living extraordinary lives in a system unlike any other—approach your visit with respect, curiosity, and humility.

Sustainability tip: North Korea faces resource limitations, so practicing water conservation during your stay is both environmentally responsible and practically helpful. Taking short showers and reusing towels reduces burden on limited infrastructure while saving money for the hotels—considerations that might seem small but make a difference in a country where resource allocation is strictly controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting North Korea

Is it safe to visit North Korea as a tourist?

For tourists who follow the rules, North Korea is physically very safe—violent crime against foreigners is virtually non-existent, and you’re constantly supervised. The risks come from inadvertently breaking rules or regulations. Political detention of tourists is extremely rare but has occurred in high-profile cases. American citizens should note that the U.S. State Department currently prohibits using U.S. passports to travel to North Korea without special validation.

How much does a trip to North Korea cost?

A standard 5-day tour typically costs between 1,000-1,500 EUR, not including flights to and from Beijing (the usual entry point). Add approximately 500-600 EUR for the Beijing-Pyongyang round-trip flight. Additional costs include visa fees, optional activities, souvenirs, and tips for guides. Budget around 1,800-2,600 EUR total for a 5-day visit.

What nationalities cannot visit North Korea?

South Korean citizens cannot visit North Korea as tourists. Malaysian citizens faced temporary restrictions following diplomatic incidents but can now visit again. Americans can visit but require special validation from the U.S. State Department due to a travel ban implemented in 2017. Journalists, professional photographers, and some government employees may face additional scrutiny regardless of nationality.

Can I take photos freely in North Korea?

No. Photography is strictly regulated. Always ask your guides before taking photos. Generally prohibited subjects include military installations, construction sites, rural areas showing poverty, and any image that could be considered disrespectful to the leadership. Never crop or partially photograph statues or portraits of the leaders. Your cameras and memory cards may be checked when departing the country.

Will I have internet access or phone service?

Tourists generally have no internet access during their stay. Some high-end hotels offer extremely limited and expensive internet services (often 5-10 EUR for 30 minutes), but access is heavily restricted. Until recently, visitors had to surrender their phones upon arrival, but some 2023 tours allowed retention of devices without SIM cards. Check with your tour operator about current policies for 2025.

How strictly controlled are tourist movements?

Very strictly. You must stay with your guides at all times and cannot leave your hotel independently. Your itinerary is approved by authorities before arrival and deviations are rarely permitted. However, the range of accessible sites has gradually expanded over the years, with previously restricted areas sometimes opening to visitors.

What’s the food like in North Korea?

Tourist meals are generally plentiful and similar to South Korean cuisine, with some regional specialties. Expect lots of kimchi, Korean barbecue, cold noodles, and banchan (side dishes). Food shortages that affect the general population are not evident in tourist experiences. Vegetarians can be accommodated if arranged in advance.

How should I behave regarding the country’s leadership?

Respectful behavior toward North Korea’s leaders is non-negotiable. You will be expected to bow to statues and portraits. Avoid discussions that could be perceived as critical of the leadership or political system. Your guides may share the official perspective on various topics—listening respectfully doesn’t imply agreement but is essential for positive interactions.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

April-May and September-October offer the most pleasant weather. Avoid winter (December-February) when heating can be unreliable and some sites close. Important national holidays (February 16, April 15, July 27, September 9) often feature special events but can limit access to certain sites. The Mass Games, when scheduled, typically run from late summer through fall.

References and Further Reading

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