Capital: Pyongyang
Time zone: GMT + 9
Telephone services: Country Code: 850 Outgoing Code: Calls go through the operator.
Emergency telephone numbers: Not present
Tourist information: National Directorate of Tourism, Central District, Pyongyang DPR Korea Tel: (2) 381 7201. Fax: (2) 381 7607.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.
Visa information: Required by all. NOTE: Tourism in North Korea is currently permitted only in officially organised groups of 10 persons only.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: No reports of malaria
Yellow Fever: No reports of yellow fever
Other Health Risks: Rabies
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.
Currency: Won (NKW) = 100 jon.
NOTE: Import and export of local currency is prohibited
Credit cards and Travellers cheques are not accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable
Cost of living: Mismanagement of the economy and the loss of several valuable trading partners has resulted in a shortage of commodities and an increase in prices.
Languages: Korean.
Weather: Hottest: July – Aug which is also the raining season. Dec – Jan is the coldest time. Spring and Autumn are usually dry and mild
Electricity: 110/220 Volts AC 60 Hz.
Post: Approximately 10 days. Outside the capital services are slow and unlimited.
Transport: ROAD: Quality is good. RAIL: Extensive rail network
Special information: Independent travel is prohibited, however there are official tours available, via Regent Holidays, UK. Concessions are made for specific business trips. There is no UK representation, in extreme emergencies British citizens may be able to approach the Swedish Embassy or German presence in Pyongyang.