How to travel to North Korea

Traveling to North Korea as a tourist is a tightly regulated affair. 

While the reclusive state is open for approved international travelers, all trips to the DPRK must be done via official tour operators and guides. Visitors cannot travel alone or independently to or in North Korea. 

And until earlier this year, tourists from the United States were only allowed to visit to attend the colorful Mass Games, held annually. Heavy restrictions remain in place for journalists and those working in the media, even if the trip is for tourism only.

Recent reports signifying a possible transfer of power in Pyongyang (Kim Jong Il's son getting promoted to the rank of general), plus North versus South Korea tension over the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel have not affected travel to the reclusive state, says Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based outfit specializing in North Korean tours since 1992.

"(There are) no changes at all. Maybe the last time there were some changes during the SARS outbreak (in 2002-2003)," a Koryo Tours spokesman tells us.

With the Mass Games (a performing arts and gymnastics event featuring tens of thousands of performers participating in a spectacle of colorful, intricately choreographed shows) now approaching its end on October 25, Koryo Tours suggests now is probably the best time to go.

Next year's Games are in doubt due to preparations and rehearsals being made for the 100-year birthday celebration of North Korea's founder Kim Il-Sung in 2012, the spokesman says.

Tickets for the October Games are still available.

Traveling to North Korea

Only a low number of Westerners have visited North Korea since the end of the Korean War, so not much is known about the everyday lives of North Koreans, Koryo founder Nick Bonner says. 

Those who have gone, were "not really prepared for the humanity you see outside of the normal preconceptions people have," he says.

Beyond the locals, culture and Mass Games, a trip to North Korea provides a chance to see some interesting museums, like the War Museum in Pyongyang with its 360 degree, 10-meter high wall painting showing a fight during the 'Victorious Fatherland Liberation War.'

The scene shows the Korean People's Army retaking a village from the U.S. Army in propagandist style.

Traveling to North Korea is not without risks, but only in the sense that travel in general is not without risks. Travelers need to know what they're getting themselves into and be mindful of their environment. They are advised to talk to official tour operators about any concerns they have. 

Getting there

• Koryo recommends travel from Beijing by flight on Air Korea or Air China for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens have the option for train travel from China.
• Packages that include tickets to the Mass Games start at around US$1,500.
• Visas typically take 10 days to process from the date of application made via Beijing. 
• Contact Koryo Tours or one of several other tour operators for more information on traveling to North Korea.

The 1953 cease-fire that ended the three-year Korean War never led to a permanent peace treaty, leaving North and South Korea technically at war. Earlier this month, North Korea proposed a formal treaty to replace the armistice and called for international sanctions on it to be dropped.