Is North Korea Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide - Xplrverse

My North Korean Reality Check

The first time I stepped off the Air Koryo flight onto the tarmac at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport (FNJ), my heart was racing. Despite years of traveling to politically complex countries, North Korea felt different. The meticulous immigration process, surrendering my phone for inspection, and meeting our government-assigned guides immediately made clear: this wasn’t going to be like anywhere else I’d visited.

Over my four visits between 2018 and 2024, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of safety in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). While Western media portrays North Korea as universally dangerous, the reality for careful tourists is more complex. This guide draws from my experiences navigating this controversial destination to help you understand the real risks and rewards of visiting in 2025.

The Current Safety Situation in North Korea (2025)

North Korea has gradually reopened to tourism following its lengthy COVID-19 border closure that lasted until early 2024. The tourism landscape has evolved, with some relaxed regulations but still within the country’s tightly controlled framework.

“Safety” in North Korea has two distinct aspects: physical safety (crime, accidents, health) and political safety (avoiding actions that could lead to detention). Understanding both is crucial.

Physical Safety: Crime and Health

Despite its reputation, North Korea has virtually no street crime targeting foreigners. During my visits, I never felt physically threatened, even walking with our guides in Pyongyang after dark. The reasons are straightforward:

Tourists are constantly accompanied by at least two government guides
Locals face severe penalties for unsanctioned interactions with foreigners
The country’s surveillance system is pervasive
Violent crime rates are extremely low throughout the country

In terms of petty theft, I’ve never heard of a tourist being pickpocketed or robbed. My guide once explained, “Choson saram-deul-eun namui mul-geol-eul humchi-ji anhseubnida” (조선 사람들은 남의 물건을 훔치지 않습니다) — “Korean people do not steal others’ belongings” — reflecting the social pressure and consequences for such actions.

Health Safety Considerations

Healthcare in North Korea isn’t up to Western standards, making travel insurance with emergency evacuation essential. Key health considerations include:

Bringing all prescription medications and basic OTC remedies (I once developed a mild fever and was grateful for my acetaminophen)
Water safety varies; I stick to bottled water, even in better hotels
Food safety is generally good in tourist-approved restaurants
Medical facilities for foreigners exist but are limited in capabilities

Political Safety: The Greater Risk

The primary safety concern for travelers isn’t crime but inadvertently violating North Korea’s strict rules. Several high-profile detention cases, like that of American student Otto Warmbier, highlight the potential consequences of rule violations.

In 2023, US soldier Travis King crossed into North Korea from South Korea and was detained for months before being returned. This reinforces that political considerations remain the primary safety concern for visitors.

Who Can Visit North Korea in 2025?

Not everyone can legally visit North Korea, even if they wanted to:

Nationality	Can Visit?	Notes
South Korean	No	Banned entirely
American	No*	US passport restrictions since 2017
Japanese	Limited	Complex approval process
Chinese	Yes	Most numerous visitors
Most Europeans	Yes	Through approved tour companies
Journalists	Restricted	Special visa required, often denied

*Americans could previously visit but have been banned from using their passports to travel to North Korea since September 2017, with rare humanitarian exemptions.

How Tourism Actually Works in North Korea

Understanding the tourism structure is crucial to assessing safety:

Mandatory Guided Tours

Independent travel is impossible. You must book through a licensed tour operator who partners with the state-run Korea International Travel Company (KITC) or similar organizations. Popular operators include:

Koryo Tours (who arranged my first two visits)
Young Pioneer Tours
Uri Tours

My experiences varied between companies, but all operated under the same fundamental restrictions. The key difference was the guides assigned to us and their relative flexibility within the prescribed limitations.

What Your Tour Fee Actually Covers

Tour packages (typically €1,000-€2,500 for 5-7 days in 2025) include:

Visa processing and approval
Round-trip flights (usually from Beijing) or train transport
All accommodation (pre-selected, government-approved hotels)
Three meals daily (in approved restaurants)
Transportation within North Korea
Entry fees to all attractions
Government-appointed guides (at least two per group)

Money-saving tip #1: Book during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when prices can be 15-20% lower than during peak summer or during major events like the Mass Games.

The 7 Most Important Safety Rules in North Korea

Based on my visits and conversations with dozens of other travelers, here are the essential rules to follow for your safety:

Never criticize the leadership – Any negative comments about the Kim family or the government can lead to serious trouble. I watched a Belgian tourist get severely reprimanded just for making a joke about a portrait being slightly crooked.
Don’t take unauthorized photos – Always ask guides before photographing military personnel, construction sites, or civilians who haven’t given permission.
Never wander off alone – Even brief unauthorized solo exploration can create a serious incident.
Don’t bring religious or political materials – My room was searched during each stay, though discreetly while I was out.
Respect all monuments and images – When visiting monuments to the leaders, proper behavior is required, including bowing in some locations.
Follow all instructions from guides – They are personally responsible for your behavior.
Don’t attempt to interact with locals without approval – Unauthorized contact can create problems for both you and them.

The Propaganda Reality

During your visit, you’ll encounter the country’s pervasive propaganda. While it may be tempting to argue with guides or challenge narratives, this is explicitly dangerous. I made this mistake on my first visit, questioning statistics about agricultural production, and the resulting tension affected the rest of the tour.

Your best approach is to listen respectfully, ask non-confrontational questions, and save your analysis for after you’ve departed. Remember that your guides genuinely believe much of what they share—their education system has presented a single viewpoint throughout their lives.

“Sori eopsneun geot-i gajang keun sori” (소리 없는 것이 가장 큰 소리) — “The quietest sound is the loudest” — A Korean proverb that served me well during sensitive moments.

My Personal Safety Assessment by Region

Different areas of North Korea present varying considerations:

Pyongyang

The capital is the most developed area and where you’ll likely spend most of your time. Safety concerns here are minimal, with excellent infrastructure by North Korean standards. The Yanggakdo Hotel (where most tourists stay) is effectively a bubble, located on an island with restricted movement.

One evening, I developed a headache and asked to walk outside for fresh air. My guide accompanied me around the hotel perimeter but made it clear we couldn’t cross the bridge to the mainland without prior approval.

Money-saving tip #2: While hotel mini-fridges are stocked with imported drinks at premium prices (€3-4 for a beer), local North Korean beers are available in the hotel bars for about €1-1.50. The Taedonggang Beer is surprisingly good!

DMZ and Joint Security Area

Visiting the Demilitarized Zone from the North Korean side offers a fascinating contrast to the South Korean experience. Despite being a militarized area, it feels surprisingly safe due to the strictly choreographed nature of visits. Photography restrictions are extremely rigid here.

My most uncomfortable moment in North Korea occurred at Panmunjom when our military guide pointedly blamed “American imperialists” for the Korean War while staring directly at me (correctly assuming I was American, though I was traveling on my second passport). The tension was palpable, and I simply nodded noncommittally.

Wonsan and the East Coast

The developing Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone shows North Korea’s ambitions for expanded tourism. Safety concerns remain minimal, though the infrastructure is less developed than Pyongyang. The beaches are pristine, and the seafood is excellent.

During my 2022 visit, I noticed significantly more construction and development than in previous years, suggesting North Korea is serious about expanding tourism options along the coast.

Smaller Cities and Rural Areas

Visits to places like Kaesong, Sariwon, or rural areas present no additional safety concerns but offer glimpses of life outside the showcase capital. Power outages are more common, and facilities are more basic.

In Kaesong, our hotel had electricity for only certain hours, and the shower was a trickle of barely warm water. These aren’t safety issues per se, but they reflect the infrastructure challenges outside Pyongyang.

Common Misconceptions About North Korean Travel Safety

“You’ll be arrested for any minor mistake”

While detention cases make headlines, they typically involve deliberate rule violations. Accidental minor infractions (like taking photos from the wrong angle) usually result in a guide asking you to delete the photo, not arrest.

When I accidentally took a photo of a construction site in 2019, my guide simply asked me to delete it and gently reminded me about the photography rules—no drama ensued.

“Your hotel room is bugged”

While surveillance certainly exists, particularly in international hotels, my experience suggests it’s not as pervasive as movies suggest. Still, I operated under the assumption that conversations might be monitored and avoided sensitive topics in my room.

“You can’t bring smartphones”

Visitors can bring smartphones, but they won’t work unless you purchase a local SIM card (available since 2019, though with extremely limited functionality). Your phone will be inspected upon entry and exit.

Money-saving tip #3: Instead of buying the expensive tourist SIM card (around €50 for minimal data in 2025), save your money. You won’t have internet access either way, and the SIM only provides calling capability within North Korea at high rates.

Is It Ethical to Visit North Korea?

This question has troubled me during each visit. There are valid arguments on both sides:

For Visiting	Against Visiting
Creates people-to-people connection	Tourism revenue supports the regime
Locals see foreigners as regular people	Presents only a curated view of the country
Provides external economic opportunities	Can be used for propaganda purposes
Increases transparency and engagement	May legitimize human rights concerns

I ultimately decided that respectful, educated tourism could be a net positive, but I understand those who disagree. Each visitor must make their own ethical assessment.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

If you do visit, consider these approaches to maximize positive impact:

Choose tour companies that engage in humanitarian projects in North Korea
Bring useful gifts like school supplies rather than luxury items
Learn basic Korean phrases to show respect
Avoid behaviors that could reinforce negative stereotypes about foreigners

Practical Safety Tips from My Experiences

Pre-Trip Preparation

Register with your country’s embassy in Beijing before departure
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage
Leave detailed itinerary with family members
Thoroughly research cultural expectations and taboos

Medication and Health

Bring more medication than you think you’ll need. During my second trip, a tour member ran out of blood pressure medication, creating a serious situation that required coordination with the Swedish embassy (which represents several Western nations in Pyongyang).

Pack a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics
Bring remedies for stomach issues, which are common
Consider preventative medications if you have sensitive digestion

Money and Valuables

North Korea is primarily a cash economy for tourists:

Bring Euros or Chinese Yuan (USD less preferred)
No credit cards or ATMs are available to foreigners
Keep money secure but accessible
Bring about €50-75 per day for souvenirs, drinks, and optional activities

I once made the mistake of bringing mostly large Euro notes (€100), which created problems as vendors often couldn’t make change. Smaller denominations (€5-20) are much more practical.

Photography Safety

Photography rules can be confusing and inconsistently applied:

Ask before taking any photo if unsure
Never photograph military personnel or checkpoints
Don’t take photos that could be perceived as showing poverty
Avoid cropping official monuments or portraits of leaders

In 2022, I noticed slightly relaxed photo policies compared to my first visit in 2018, particularly in Pyongyang, but the fundamental rules remain.

2025 Updates: What’s Changed Recently

Tourism to North Korea continues evolving, with several recent developments:

New tourism facilities in the Wonsan-Kalma coastal area are now fully operational
Additional international hotels in Pyongyang have opened, offering slightly more flexibility
The Mass Games have been scheduled more regularly, providing a major attraction
Some Western tour operators have reported slightly more flexibility in itineraries, though still within strict parameters
Post-pandemic health screening remains more intensive than pre-2020

The border with China has reopened for tourism, but approval processes remain lengthy and unpredictable compared to pre-pandemic times.

Conclusion: Is North Korea Safe for Travelers in 2025?

After multiple visits, my nuanced answer is: North Korea is physically safe for tourists who strictly follow the rules, but carries significant political risk that each traveler must evaluate personally.

The most substantial danger comes not from crime or health issues, but from the potential consequences of rule violations (intentional or accidental). Detention cases remain rare but serious, with potential diplomatic and personal repercussions.

The uniqueness of the experience—seeing one of the world’s most isolated societies—comes with genuine responsibilities and risks that shouldn’t be underestimated.

5-Step Action Plan for Safe North Korean Travel

Research tour companies thoroughly – Read reviews focusing specifically on safety practices and guide quality
Prepare documentation meticulously – Ensure your visa application is complete and accurate, with all required supporting materials
Study cultural expectations intensively – Read multiple firsthand accounts, not just official guidelines
Create a communication plan with family – Establish expected check-in times and emergency protocols
Mentally prepare for strict compliance – Accept that this trip requires surrendering freedoms you take for granted elsewhere

My final advice: North Korea offers a fascinating window into a different political reality, but it’s not a destination for everyone. The restrictions are real, the ethical questions legitimate, and the experience intense. If you do visit, approach with respect, caution, and humility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in North Korea

Can Americans legally visit North Korea in 2025?

No. Since September 1, 2017, U.S. passports are not valid for travel to North Korea, with very limited exceptions for journalists, humanitarian workers, or those deemed in the U.S. national interest. This restriction has been renewed annually and remains in effect in 2025.

What happens if you get sick or injured in North Korea?

Tourist-focused medical facilities exist in Pyongyang, but they’re limited compared to Western standards. For serious issues, evacuation to Beijing is the typical solution. This is why comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential.

Can you use the internet or make international calls from North Korea?

Very limited internet access exists for tourists. Since 2019, visitors can purchase expensive local SIM cards for basic domestic calls, but there’s no data service. International calls can be made from major hotels at high rates (approximately €5/minute in 2025).

What should you do if you accidentally break a rule?

Immediately inform your guide about the mistake and follow their instructions precisely. Most minor infractions can be resolved if you’re transparent and cooperative. Attempting to hide rule violations only compounds the problem.

Is food and water safe for tourists in North Korea?

Food served to tourists is generally safe, though stomach issues aren’t uncommon due to different bacteria. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Tourist restaurants maintain higher standards than those serving locals, though food shortages can affect menu availability.

What items are prohibited from bringing into North Korea?

Prohibited items include religious materials, pornography, South Korean media, publications critical of North Korea, GPS devices, professional camera equipment (without permits), and drones. Cell phones are permitted but inspected thoroughly upon entry and exit.

How likely is detention for tourists following the rules?

Extremely unlikely. Almost all detention cases have involved deliberate rule violations or exceptional circumstances. Thousands of Western tourists visit annually without incident. Following guide instructions and respecting local rules dramatically reduces any risk.