Safety Tips in North Korea

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  •   Warnings Or Dangers
    by Willettsworld
  • one that could be erased
      one that could be erased
    by rsudic
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    by rsudic
  • Kuri on stage
      Kuri on stage
    by Backpackin_Mac
 

Most Viewed Warnings Or Dangers in North Korea

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Electricity
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rsudic 201 reviews

Electric voltage in North Korea is 220 V and electric sockets are of the same type as in Western Europe. Electricity shortages can occur from time to time, so it is recommended you bring a pocket lamp with batteries or an electric torch with you.
When night falls, cities are in total dark except monuments.

Written Jan 8, 2008

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Books
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rsudic 201 reviews

Do not take with you any books describing North or South Korea or magazines showing the Western way of life. Lonely Planet and other guidebooks about North Korea are NOT recommended to take in. Anyway, one dude brought LP, our guides read a bit and leave him alone.
On the other hand, you can buy a bunch N.Korean books (if you're fan), which are rare outside of DPRK

Written Jan 8, 2008

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Plants
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rsudic 201 reviews

It is forbidden to bring plants and their seeds to/from North Korea. The local flowers of Kimjongilia and Kimilsunglia are the two flowers that represent the North Korean leaders. You can buy these flowers in the form of potted plants. They cost between 8 and 10 Euro.

Written Jan 8, 2008

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Taking photos
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rsudic 201 reviews
one that could be erased

It is allowed to take pictures during the trip but, please, always ask for permission if you want to photograph people closely, and especially military people.

When we reach exit (DPRK-China border) police officer took our camera and start to erase all photos he didn't like ?!?!!! Imagine our faces ! What you can do? Put one card into camera with harmless-photos or without up-close/military/children photos.

Of course, they don't check all cards you have, so it's all about luck. Some fellow co-passengers pass without loss.

Updated Jan 8, 2008

Related to:
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Mobile in North Korea
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rsudic 201 reviews

Unauthorized cellular (mobile) phones and GPS are forbidden in the DPRK. If you, nevertheless, take them to this trip, please be prepared to surrender it to the customs officer who will keep them for you in the storage at the airport. If you enter the DPRK by train, these items will be sealed by border officers so you won't be able to use them during your stay in the country. They will be unsealed first when your leave the DPRK.

Written Jan 8, 2008

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 Road Trip
 Trains

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Insulting the prophet!
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steaminchina 7 reviews

In fact, there are no danger or any risk when visiting NK. The only reason that may be sensible for the traveller is insulting or criticising the Great and Dear Leaders. You normally won't get into prison but a quick deportation by the next train or plane is to be expected...
No pictures of military installations and/or soldiers too (but you can try it with the same result in the US nowaday!).

Written Aug 17, 2004

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Beware when visiting the circus
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Backpackin_Mac 85 reviews
Kuri on stage

One of my nights in Pyongyang I went along to see the famous circus troupe with my guides. Not long into the show they asked for somebody to come up on stagde and yours truly was picked. For about 5 minutes I was made the butt of many jokes in front of about a thousand very amused North Koreans.

Written Jan 10, 2004

Related to:
 Budget Travel
 Theme Park Trips

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Officially there are no...
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swissgabe 242 reviews

Officially there are no potential risk or dangers in North Korea. There is no pick pocketing on streets and people are friendly everywhere. But if you are such s stupied one as me and you leave your bag with the money in your room while breakfast it's possible that there will one pick some money. In my case it was a lot of money. I haven't seen anything of the money but as far as I have been informed by my guides, the asume it could have been a Chinese Tourist.

Written Sep 7, 2002

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You will possibly be...
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ryuguong 36 reviews

You will possibly be dissapointed of not being able to take a stroll in Pyongyang. There seem to be strict rules that non-Korean(looking) ís not allowed to walk even accompanied through centre. However, outside capital it is more relaxed, but even if you are staying in a place your gate will prevent of getting out.

Written Aug 25, 2002

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If you tell your friends you...
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ColmNugent 22 reviews

If you tell your friends you are considering the DPRK for a trip, they'll think you're mad because it's so 'dangerous' - I get more e-mails about the so-called dangers of travel to the DPRK than any other topic. So let's clear this bit up - It is NOT dangerous - not even a little bit. It's safe, safer probably than being in your home city or town. If you don't belive me, check the travel dangers section of any Western Government's webpage. Note the absence of warnings about travelling to North Korea? There you go then!

However, mess your guides around, show disrespect to Kim Il Sung or Kim Jong Il - you'll find yourself on the next flight out. At first it might seem a bit silly, the glorification of the two Kims - but the Koreans take it VERY seriously, and you'd be well advised to play along.

There are no dangers or annoyances of the sort you may expect in other destinations - you're more likely to get mugged by a street gang in Disneyland.

The prospects of you meeting anyone other than carefully selected Koreans is negligible. You can be pretty sure your minibus and hotel room is bugged. Loose talk can cost you a large chunk of your visit!

Avoid dairy-based produce, even in your hotel. The Koreans don't eat it and therefore don't know how to prepare it. It's guaranteed to give you gippy tummy.

Written Aug 25, 2002

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 If you tell your friends you are considering the DPRK for a trip, they'll think you're mad because it's so 'dangerous' - I get more e-mails about the so-called... 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi, Does anyone have experience in entering / re-entering Japan after a NK tour? I am a temporary resident here in Japan, and... 

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A: I just got back from the DPRK and a guy on my trip was a resident in Japan and planning on heading back there. I've not heard from him (his stay was longer than mine)... 

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