Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting North Korea

Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting North Korea

Visiting North Korea is unlike any other travel experience. It’s tightly regulated, and the use of most modern technology is limited. But there are still essential apps and tools that can help make your trip smoother. Here’s a list of must-have apps and tools to navigate this unique destination.

1. Maps.Me

While Google Maps doesn’t work in North Korea, Maps.Me can save the day. This offline map app is perfect since it allows you to download the map beforehand and use it during your trip without a cellular connection. It’s one of the best apps for navigating when Wi-Fi and data aren’t easily available. Simply search for the area you need, and you’ll have access to detailed maps and even some suggested points of interest.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Reliable offline maps without the need for internet make Maps.Me indispensable in North Korea.

2. NAVER Map

NAVER is a South Korean app, but its maps are often the most detailed for this region. The app offers offline maps to some extent and can provide some limited information about landmarks. However, note that not all features are available in North Korea. It’s a good backup map option and worth installing just in case.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Offers more detailed regional info compared to other apps, but sometimes access is limited.

3. Google Translate (Offline Mode)

Communication in North Korea is tricky, especially since English isn’t widely spoken. However, with Google Translate, you can download the Korean language pack beforehand and use it offline. While it may not be perfect for conversations with locals, it’s extremely helpful for reading signs, menus, and instructions in Korean.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Offline translation makes it possible to understand basic text or signboards when disconnected from the internet.

4. Baidu Translate

As Google services might be more restricted based on your specific travel situation, Baidu Translate is a decent alternative. This app also offers a solid offline mode for translating Korean. It’s easy to use and can help bridge basic language gaps, allowing you to communicate better when needed.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Provides good offline translation with decent accuracy.

5. Lingodeer

Lingodeer is a language learning app with an easy and engaging interface. If you want to learn basic Korean phrases before your trip, this app can be very effective. It breaks down vocabulary in bite-sized lessons. Although interactions with locals in North Korea may be limited, knowing a bit of the language can still enhance your cultural understanding.

Cost: Free version; Paid premium version available with more features

Why it’s useful: Helps you learn Korean on the go in a simple and enjoyable way.

6. Booking.com

When it comes to accommodation, North Korea has limited booking options, and most travel has to be arranged through official agencies. However, Booking.com is still worth having. Some parts of your trip might be possible to arrange via Booking.com—especially if you’re in transit in China. Keep in mind that most accommodation in North Korea itself will need to be booked by a tour agency.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: This global booking app may help for flights or hotels if you have a stopover in nearby countries.

7. TripIt

While planning your travel to North Korea, TripIt can help organize your itinerary automatically. Just forward your flights, hotels, and tour details to the app, and it will compile everything into a simple, shareable plan. Since your tour in North Korea will likely be highly structured, having TripIt keeps all the details in one place, which is helpful even when you’re offline.

Cost: Free; Paid premium plan for additional features

Why it’s useful: Organizes travel plans by compiling your data in a single app, even offline.

8. XE Currency

Currency exchange in North Korea won’t be as straightforward as in other countries. Although visitor transactions usually happen in Euro, Chinese Yuan, or US Dollars, it’s still handy to have a currency converter app like XE Currency. Download the app and the relevant exchange rates beforehand, so even without internet access, you can accurately convert currencies on the fly.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Helps ensure you’re not overpaying when dealing with currency exchanges offline.

9. Pocket VPN

Connectivity in North Korea will be minimal, but if you have any access to Wi-Fi through an official service or in a hotel, using a VPN like Pocket VPN is helpful. A VPN gives you a secure and private browsing experience, important in countries with restricted internet. Keep in mind access is still limited in North Korea, so this may be more relevant when stopping in China or South Korea en route to your tour.

Cost: Free version; Paid premium version with better servers

Why it’s useful: Offers more privacy and security when you do have Wi-Fi, which is key in restrictive countries.

10. VPN Express

If you need a more comprehensive VPN service to cover your browsing needs, consider VPN Express. With fast connection speeds and a large number of servers to choose from, this paid app ensures online privacy even in restrictive areas. It can be helpful in border areas or when you’re outside of North Korea and need a VPN to safely browse the web.

Cost: Paid plan

Why it’s useful: Guaranteed secure browsing when on sketchy or restricted Wi-Fi networks.

11. Koryo Tours App

If you’re traveling with the Koryo group (a well-known agency for North Korea travel), the Koryo Tours app is a great resource for staying up-to-date on your itinerary. The app also offers insights into the cultural and historical background of places you’ll visit. It’s an essential planning tool for anyone traveling with them.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Keeps you informed of your travel plans and provides extra context during your tour.

12. WhatsApp (for pre-trip planning)

WhatsApp is widely used for coordinating with tour operators and travel agents before arriving in North Korea. While actual use within North Korea might be impossible, being in touch before your arrival is useful, especially for last-minute communication with guides or agencies in China.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Efficient for keeping in touch with travel organizers before you arrive and after you leave North Korea.

13. AirVisual

Air quality can vary in the region, so AirVisual helps you track the air quality index. You can check the app before your trip or in nearby cities as you pass through China. Knowing when air quality dips might help in deciding if you need to take precautions like using a mask.

Cost: Free

Why it’s useful: Useful when passing through areas with varying air quality, like Beijing before your North Korea visit.

Wrapping Up

With these essential apps and tools, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to North Korea. Whether you’re navigating offline, translating, or organizing your itinerary, the right tech can make a complex destination a lot easier to explore confidently. Just remember to download everything beforehand, as you’ll likely have limited access to the internet once inside the country.