Pyongyang: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea, home to about 3 million people. It is the country's showcase: wide avenues, monuments, new residential districts and a metro with marble stations. Only people permitted by the state can live in the city, and foreigners are mostly diplomats, embassy staff and tourists in organised groups.

Who it suits: those who want to see a closed country once as part of a tour group. It is not suitable for moving, work or business.

Can you go in 2025-2026

• Organised tours only. Independent travel is not allowed, and local guides accompany groups everywhere.
• Tours. Since 2024 tours have been available to Russian citizens. Since 17 June 2025 a direct Moscow-Pyongyang train runs again, about 8 days en route, and since 27 July 2025 there are direct flights from Moscow.
• The Wonsan-Kalma resort on the east coast opened in July 2025, and its first foreign guests were Russian tourists.
• Tourists from most other countries faced closed or only briefly opened entry in 2025-2026.

Rules for tourists

• Photographing soldiers, construction sites and guard posts is not allowed; follow the guides for everything else.
• Local currency is not available to foreigners; payment is in foreign currency at special shops.
• There is no mobile internet for tourists; communication goes through the hotel.
• Religious and political literature and materials about South Korea may not be brought in.
• Respectful behaviour at monuments is mandatory, and guides explain the procedure on site.

What a trip costs

The cost consists of the tour price, which covers accommodation, meals, transport and guides, plus travel. The train from Moscow is cheaper but takes over a week each way; flying is faster. There is little to spend money on locally besides souvenirs and extra excursions. Bring cash: Russian and international bank cards do not work in North Korea.

Practicalities: climate, connectivity, health

• Climate. Continental: cold dry winters down to -10 and below, hot humid summers with monsoon rains.
• Connectivity. International calls are possible from hotels; messaging apps do not work.
• Health. Medical care for foreigners is limited, so you need insurance with evacuation and your own medicines.
• Language. Korean; tourists are accompanied by guides who speak Russian or English.

Sanctions and risks

North Korea is under UN Security Council and national sanctions. Any deals, investments or money transfers involving North Korea carry sanctions risk, and banks elsewhere scrutinise travel there when opening accounts and processing transfers. Citizens of some countries are barred by their own laws from visiting. Check your own country's rules before travelling.

Moving and legal status

There is no residence permit for foreigners on their own initiative. Only diplomats, staff of international organisations and foreigners invited by the state can live in Pyongyang long-term. If you are looking for a country to move to in Asia, see our digital nomad visa matcher and residence programmes.

What a tour programme usually includes

• Kim Il Sung Square - the city's main square and parade ground.
• The Juche Tower - a tower on the Taedong River with a viewing platform.
• The Pyongyang Metro - stations with mosaics and chandeliers; tourists visit several stations.
• The Arch of Triumph and Mansu Hill - monuments where special conduct is required.
• Trips outside the city - the Wonsan-Kalma resort, the mountains and, when permitted, the border with South Korea.

The programme is approved by the host side and cannot be changed on the spot.

How to prepare for the trip

1. Passport - valid for at least six months after the trip; details go to the organiser in advance.
2. Insurance - with medical evacuation, plus your own first-aid kit and prescription medicines.
3. Money - cash in foreign currency for souvenirs and extra services.
4. Clothing - modest, business style for visiting monuments, warm clothes in winter.
5. What not to bring - religious and political literature, materials about South Korea, professional photo and video equipment without approval.

Is it worth going

As a tourist - if you want to see one of the world's most closed countries and are ready for strict rules and constant supervision. For living, work or business Pyongyang is not an option.