Capital: Pyongyang
Time zone: GMT + 9
Telephone services: Country Code: 82
Outgoing Code: 001
Emergency telephone numbers: Police: 112; Fire & Emergency: 119
Tourist information: Korean National Tourism Corporation; 20 St George Street; London W1R 9RD Tel: (020) 7409 2100 Fax: (020) 7491 2302.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.
Visa information: Visa required. For full details contact the embassy for an up to date list of requirements for different nationalities.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Other Health Risks: Cholera; Japanese Encephalitis.
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 (SKW. NOTE: if the amount of foreign currency is greater than US$ 10 000 in value it must be registered on arrival. Export of local currency is limited to SKW 500 000.
All credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted; but may be difficult to cash in smaller towns. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 1 000 locations.
Cost of living: Caters for all types of budget. Hotels are government registered. Travellers usually opt to stay in Yogwans; the traditional Korean inn; which are reasonably priced; self-catering is available. Internal travel is inexpensive and reliable.
Languages: Korean.
Weather: Hottest during the raining season = July – Aug. Coldest = Dec – Jan. Spring and Autumn are mild and mainly dry.
Electricity: 110/220 Volts AC 60 Hz
Post: Approximately 10 days. Outside the capital services are slow and unlimited.
Transport: FLIGHTS: Frequent domestic services operate between main centres. ROAD: Excellent motorways link all major cities but minor roads may be poorer quality. BUS: Inexpensive and frequent services operate but are often overcrowded and make no allowances for English speakers. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.
Special information: Korean culture is unique; incorporating a vivid portrayal of self-identity. Traditional agrarian culture persists in rural areas whilst the cities are a blend of history and technology. Shoes must be removed when entering someone’s house. Use the right hand for passing and receiving.