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North Korea

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ตNorth Korea

Asiaยท Updated 06/03/2026

Information

Capital

Pyongyang

Population

26,646,000

Currency

North Korean won (KPW โ‚ฉ)

Languages

corรฉen

Continent

Asia

Calling code

+850

Timezone

Asia/Pyongyang

Area

120,500 kmยฒ

Government

People's democratic republic (single-party dictatorship)

National day

September 9 (Day of the Proclamation of the DPRK, 1948)

Internet domain

.kp

About

North Korea is an isolated state led by Kim Jong-un since 2011. It actively pursues nuclear and ballistic programs despite international sanctions. The humanitarian situation remains concerning, with over 40% of the population needing assistance.

Safety

Risk level :Extremely high risk - travel prohibited for French citizens and discouraged by all governments.

Risk areas

Entire country - Maximum risk (arbitrary arrests, nuclear program, total isolation)

Crime(Low)

  • Avoid any unauthorized contact
  • Do not photograph without permission

Terrorism(High)

  • Persistent nuclear and ballistic threat, regular provocations

Transport

  • Tourist travel only through authorized agencies

Natural risks(Typhoons, occasional floods and droughts)

  • Follow local alerts if accessible

Health(Faulty healthcare system, under-equipped hospitals)

  • Standard vaccines (hepatitis A/B, typhoid), avoid tap water
  • Mandatory medical evacuation

Practical tips

  • Do not travel - country closed to unauthorized foreigners
  • Strictly adhere to regime rules
  • Registration in the travelers' registry is prohibited

Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio city centerNon disponible
1-bedroom apartment in city centerEnviron 85,33 โ‚ฌ (~ 95) par /mois
1-bedroom apartment in suburbEnviron 93,33 โ‚ฌ (~ 105) par /mois
3-bedroom apartment in city centerEnviron 1 554,33 โ‚ฌ (~ 1 750) par /mois
3-bedroom apartment in suburbEnviron 186,67 โ‚ฌ (~ 210) par /mois

Food

Inexpensive restaurant mealNon disponible
Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurantNon disponible
McDonald's menuNon disponible
Local beer (0.5L)Non disponible
CappuccinoNon disponible
Water (1.5L)Non disponible
Bread (500g)Non disponible
Milk (1L)Non disponible
Eggs (12)Non disponible
Chicken (1kg)Non disponible
Apples (1kg)Non disponible
Bananas (1kg)Non disponible

Transport

Public transport ticketNon disponible
Monthly transport subscriptionNon disponible
Taxi ride (start)Non disponible
Taxi (1km)Non disponible
Gasoline (1L)Non disponible

Leisure

Fitness membership (monthly)Non disponible
Tennis court (1h weekend)Non disponible
CinemaNon disponible
TheaterNon disponible

Health

General practitioner consultationNon disponible
Dentist consultationNon disponible
Antibiotic medicationsNon disponible
Cold medications (6 days)Non disponible

Others

High-speed internet (60 Mbps+)Non disponible
Mobile plan (calls + 10GB)Non disponible
Public services for 85mยฒ apartmentNon disponible
Jeans (Levis 501 or similar)Non disponible
Nike sports shoesNon disponible
International primary school (monthly)Non disponible

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage220V
Frequency60Hz
Plug typesType C, Type F

Emergency numbers

Police119
Ambulance119
Fire department119

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

not practiced

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