Tourists Behaving Badly: North Korea's Law And Order

North Korea is a highly restricted country for tourists. The country's laws are very different from those of other countries, and tourists are advised to be cautious and respectful of the local laws and culture to avoid facing severe penalties. Tourists have been arrested and detained for activities that may be considered trivial in other countries, such as taking photos of restricted areas or not showing respect to the country's leaders and symbols. It is important for tourists to understand the restrictions and potential consequences of breaking the law in North Korea before considering visiting the country.

Tourists must register with the North Korean government within 24 hours of arrival

North Korea has a unique set of rules and regulations for tourists, and it is imperative that visitors familiarise themselves with these requirements before travelling to the country. One crucial regulation is that tourists must register with the North Korean government within 24 hours of their arrival. This registration process can be completed through the traveller's host organisation or the hotel they are staying at. It is important to confirm that the hotel will handle the registration process during check-in.

Failing to register with the North Korean government within the specified time frame can have serious consequences. North Korean authorities closely monitor travellers and may impose penalties for non-compliance with their rules. It is essential for tourists to adhere to the registration requirement to avoid any legal issues during their stay in the country.

In addition to the registration mandate, there are several other important considerations for tourists visiting North Korea. Firstly, independent travel is typically not permitted, and tourists usually need to join an organised tour or have a sponsor and permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, tourists should be aware that their movements and communications may be under constant surveillance. Authorities may search their belongings and review the contents of electronic devices.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the restriction on photography. Tourists must exercise extreme caution when taking photographs and always seek permission from their North Korean guide. It is illegal to photograph anything other than designated public tourist sites, and violating this rule can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Furthermore, North Korea has strict laws regarding the import and export of currency and goods. Tourists should be aware that it is illegal to import or export the North Korean currency, the won. Additionally, while there are no restrictions on importing and exporting foreign currency, it must be declared at customs.

Lastly, it is important to respect the laws and cultural norms of North Korea. Showing disrespect towards the country, its leaders, or its symbols is considered highly offensive and can result in severe consequences. Tourists should also be mindful of their dress and behaviour to avoid violating local laws and customs.

Foreigners are forbidden from using the North Korean won

North Korea has strict laws regarding its currency and foreigners are forbidden from using the North Korean won. Instead, foreigners are required to use foreign currency, with Euros being the most widely accepted, followed by US dollars and Chinese yuan. Exchanging currencies is difficult, and travellers are advised to bring enough foreign cash for their trip in small denominations.

ATMs, traveller's cheques, debit and credit cards are not usable in North Korea. Some shops and restaurants catering to tourists may convert foreign currency, but it is advised to use cash.

The North Korean government has invested heavily in tourism in recent years, with Kim Jong-Un spending an estimated US$7.8 billion on hotel renovations and tourism amenities. However, the cost of services makes them inaccessible to North Koreans, with a one-night stay in the Hyangsan Hotel costing around 85% of the average annual income of a North Korean.

The North Korean government's restrictions on its currency are part of a broader set of laws that tightly control tourism in the country. All tourism is organised by state-owned tourism bureaus, and travellers must be accompanied by an official guide at all times.

North Korea's laws can be very different from those of other countries, and travellers are advised to research local laws before travelling. Breaking these laws can result in severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, hard labour, or death.

Tourists must always be accompanied by an official guide

North Korea is a highly restricted country for tourists, and it is advised that people do not travel there due to the very different laws affecting visitors and the uncertain security situation. All tourism is organised by state-owned tourism bureaus, and tourists must be accompanied by an official guide at all times. The guide will decide where tourists can go and is responsible for getting permission to travel outside Pyongyang. Military checkpoints on entry and exit to all towns usually include ID checks.

Tourists are not allowed to use public transport and are prohibited from using public buses or the subway. They can get taxis from hotels or outside some department stores, but taxi drivers will be reluctant to take them without a local guide or interpreter.

Tourists must register with North Korean government authorities within 24 hours of their arrival. This is done through their host organisation or their hotel.

Interactions between foreign tourists and local people are tightly controlled. Talking to North Koreans without authorisation is considered spying and is punished as such.

Foreigners can buy SIM cards at Pyongyang airport, providing access to international calling. However, as North Koreans are severely punished for making or receiving international calls, visitors put local people at very high risk by lending them their mobile phones or other similar devices.

Tourists must be careful what they bring into the country. Satellite phones and drones are not allowed. Western literature about North Korea, travel guides about North Korea, South Korea or Japan, pornography, religious content, or anything critical about the North Korean government are not allowed. USB drives, CDs, DVDs, tablets, laptops, smartphones, digital cameras, and other electronic devices are thoroughly investigated by customs officers upon arrival.

Tourists must also be careful about what they wear. The law about fashion and dress codes is very strict for North Koreans, but more relaxed for tourist foreigners. Shorts and light clothing are acceptable in summer. Only two venues in the country have strict clothing requirements: at the Mansudae Grand Monument, men must wear long trousers and enclosed shoes, and women are required to wear long trousers or a skirt/dress that comes down under the knees. Jeans, trousers with tears, shorts, short skirts, flip flops and sandals are forbidden.

Tourists must also be careful not to show disrespect towards the North Korean leaders and nation. The Swedish diplomatic mission to North Korea emphasises that contempt for the North Korean nation, its leaders and its symbols is regarded as very offensive by North Korean authorities. There is very little tolerance for what the government considers disruptive behaviour, and this can lead to long-term imprisonment, hard labour or death.

Taking photos is also highly restricted. Tourists must ask their designated guide for permission before taking photos, especially photos of people, including the guides. Particularly sensitive topics include anything involving North Korean military zones, military property, and soldiers; scenes of poverty; and construction sites. Photos of statues must include the whole statue; close-ups of the head of a statue are forbidden. Digital cameras or video cameras must not have GPS.

Tourists are advised to avoid referring to the country as North Korea

North Korea is a country with very different laws and an uncertain security situation. It is advised that tourists do not travel to North Korea. However, if you do, there are several things to keep in mind.

Firstly, tourists are advised to avoid referring to the country as "North Korea" and instead use the acronym "DPRK" (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). This is because the North Korean government considers contempt for the nation and its leaders as very offensive and there is very little tolerance for disruptive behaviour. Such behaviour can lead to long-term imprisonment, hard labour, or even death.

Secondly, tourists must register with North Korean government authorities within 24 hours of their arrival. This can be done through their host organisation or hotel. It is important to always carry your passport and other necessary documents, especially at Pyongyang Airport and in public markets, as crime against travellers, though rare, does occur.

Thirdly, tourists should be cautious when interacting with locals. Talking to North Koreans without authorisation is considered spying and can be punished as such. Additionally, lending your mobile phone, iPod, or other electronic devices to locals can put them at high risk as North Koreans are severely punished for making or receiving international calls or accessing foreign media.

Furthermore, tourists should be mindful of the restrictions on photography. It is illegal to photograph anything other than designated public tourist sites. Always ask your North Korean guide for permission before taking photos, especially photos of people, military zones, military property, soldiers, scenes of poverty, and construction sites.

Lastly, tourists should be aware of the strict laws regarding what items can be brought into the country. It is illegal to bring in religious, pornographic, or political items. All published material and electronic devices must be declared upon arrival, and authorities will inspect them thoroughly.

In conclusion, while it is advised to avoid travelling to North Korea due to the risks involved, if you do choose to visit the country, it is crucial to follow the laws and restrictions to ensure your safety and avoid legal consequences.

Tourists must seek permission from their guide before taking photographs

Tourists in North Korea are advised to seek permission from their tour guide before taking photographs. This is because there are strict rules about what can and cannot be photographed in the country. Tourists are only allowed to take pictures of designated public tourist sites and must ask their North Korean guide for permission before taking photos. Taking pictures of anything else is considered spying and can be punished as such.

Tourists should also be aware that it is forbidden to take photographs of North Korean military zones, military property, soldiers, and construction sites. It is also forbidden to take pictures of scenes of poverty. In some cases, it may be possible to take photographs of soldiers at the DMZ or with soldiers at a military parade, but tourists should always check with their guide first.

When taking photographs of statues, tourists must include the whole statue in the frame and must not take close-ups of the head or any other part of the statue. It is also important to show respect when taking photos of statues of North Korean leaders by not running around them, making funny faces, jumping, or imitating their gestures.

In addition to these rules, tourists should also be mindful of local customs and culture when taking photographs. It is considered rude to take close-up pictures of people without asking for their permission first. While some people may be happy to have their photo taken, others may be shy or unwilling, especially as North Korea is a conservative society that is not used to tourism.

Overall, it is important for tourists to follow the rules and guidelines when taking photographs in North Korea to avoid any problems or misunderstandings.

Frequently asked questions