The Orient - North Korea - Country Information

North Korea is home to some of the most exquisite national parks and is a country that is almost completely unexploited by commercial tourism. From the Ultra clean showcase capital of Pyongyang, displaying some of the country’s largest and most historical monuments, to Paekdusan, a sacred city presenting the most stunning sights from the Korean Peninsula, North Korea is an extraordinary, exquisite and exclusive destination.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Area	120,540 Sq Km
Population	23,000,000
Capital	Pyongyang
Time Difference	GMT+9
Visa	Visa is required. For visa application form for China and North Korea click here
Currency	North Korean won (w)
People	All religion has been effectively prohibited since the 1950's
Language	The official language is Korean
Dialling Code	+850
Electricity	220V

Visas:

A Visa is required to visit North Korea. Visa requirements for Democratic Republic of Korea (NORTH KOREA), are researched on a individual basis. It is likely that personal application will be required. Therefore applicants are advised to seek information well in advance of intended departure date. A Passport, which must be valid 6 months on submission is required. For visa application form for China and North Korea click here

Health risks:

Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; tetanus; poliomyelitis

When to Go:

The Democratic People's Republic of North Korea occupies the northern half of the Korean peninsula. The north is a mountainous region with many areas rising to 1,800-2,450 m/6,000-8,000 ft. The climate of North Korea is rather more continental and extreme than that of the south. This is due to the fact that it has a long land border and is more open to cold winds that blow from Manchuria and Siberia in winter. Conditions in winter can be very cold; rivers freeze up for between three and four months and ice forms along the coast, blocking harbours and impeding navigation. Temperatures in the south average at 4°C (25°F) but are considerably lower in the North. Warm clothing is necessary at this time. While not the driest months, June to September provides respite from North Korea's icy winters with average high temperatures between 23 and 29°C (74-84°F). The tables for Wonsan on the east coast, and Pyongyang in a lowland area near the west coast, show that there is no very great difference between temperatures and rainfall throughout the year from one side of the country to the other. Annual Precipitation in most parts of the country is about 1,000 mm (about 40 in) and is concentrated in the summer months.