North Korea might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of souvenir shopping, but it offers some interesting and unique items you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a surprising variety of locally-made crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs that reflect the country’s traditions and culture, which makes for memorable keepsakes. Plus, buying local directly supports the artisans and crafters in the country.
If you’re visiting North Korea, going home without a unique souvenir would be a missed opportunity. Here’s a breakdown of what you should look for when shopping and where to find the best items that will make your friends back home envious.
What to Buy in North Korea
Local Crafts and Artisanship
One of the best things to bring back from North Korea is a piece of its local craftsmanship. While the country is known for its strict governance and political isolation, it also has a long history of producing high-quality handicrafts that reflect its culture.
Look for hand-painted ceramics and porcelain. These can often be found with intricate designs and are mostly crafted by local artisans. Each piece feels like a small example of traditional Korean artistry that genuinely stands out due to its detailed patterns and colors. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, making them an easy choice for a keepsake.
Propaganda Posters and Artwork
You’ll also come across North Korean propaganda posters and artwork. While these may seem like odd souvenirs, they reflect a significant part of the country’s history and government-dictated art forms. Some tourists collect them purely for the historical significance.
These posters can be quite striking, often showcasing strikingly bold messages and designs. Buying posters from official tourist shops is legal and they come with export certificates, so you won’t run into trouble at customs.
Textiles and Clothing
North Korea has rich textile traditions, especially when it comes to local embroidery and fabric production. If you’re looking for something wearable, hand-made traditional Korean clothing like the hanbok is a popular option. These garments are beautiful, intricate, and make for wonderful gifts or keepsakes.
Consider picking up locally-produced scarves as well. They aren’t as bulky as clothing and they reflect the traditional Korean patterns. These scarves are relatively inexpensive and easy to pack, making them a practical addition to your list.
North Korean Stamps
Stamp collecting is surprisingly popular in North Korea, and the country is renowned for its beautifully designed stamps featuring a wide variety of subjects from landscapes to animals to political figures. Even if you’re not a collector, North Korean stamps can make for an inexpensive and interesting travel memento.
If you happen to know someone who collects stamps, this is definitely the easiest and most thoughtful gift you could bring back.
Books and Magazines
While there may be some limits on the kinds of books you can bring home, North Korean books (often written in Korean) can serve as fascinating souvenirs. Many tourists purchase books about North Korea’s leaders or the country’s political history. You don’t necessarily have to read them— they work as unique gifts or as a curious addition to your home bookshelf.
These can be found easily in the shops at most tourist attractions.
Best Markets and Shops for Souvenirs in North Korea
Yanggakdo Hotel Gift Shop
Most tourists visiting North Korea stay in the Yanggakdo International Hotel, which is located on an island in the Taedong River in Pyongyang. The hotel’s gift shop is a convenient and reliable place to buy souvenirs. You’ll find a range of items ranging from small trinkets to larger, more unique buys like ceramics, propaganda posters, and books.
While prices are a bit higher here than in local markets, the convenience of shopping at the hotel makes it a good option for those who run out of time or prefer not to venture too far for souvenir shopping.
Kwangbok Department Store
Located in Pyongyang, Kwangbok Department Store is essentially the place to go if you’re looking for more variety. Although it’s not exactly a traditional local market, this store showcases everything from daily household items to souvenirs.
Here, you can buy snacks, clothes, textiles, and local crafts. The department store also accepts foreign currency, which is a plus for tourists who may not have access to the local currency.
Pyongyang Art Studio
If you’re looking for some incredible local artwork, head to the Pyongyang Art Studio, where you’ll find paintings that are either traditionally Korean or more politically motivated. Thinking of buying a portrait of Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-un? This is the spot. The pieces here aren’t mass-produced, so you’ll appreciate the uniqueness of whatever you choose to take home.
Art in North Korea often comes with heavy political themes, but it can also depict landscapes, animals, and traditional Korean life, so you’ll find a variety of styles.
Pyongyang Foreign Languages Bookshop
Another fascinating stop is the Pyongyang Foreign Languages Bookshop. As the name suggests, this shop specializes in North Korean books in multiple languages, including English. Here you can find an array of North Korean political books, propaganda literature, as well as fiction and history books written and published in the country.
If you’d love to have a piece of media from your travels that reflects the country’s unique perspective, this bookshop is definitely worth checking out.
Local Customs and Tips for Buying Souvenirs in North Korea
Cash is King
While North Korea has limited access to global banking systems, most gift shops accept foreign cash such as Chinese yuan, euros, and U.S. dollars. Make sure to bring clean, crisp notes as wrinkled or folded bills may not be accepted. Foreign credit cards don’t typically work, so having cash on hand is crucial.
Limited Bargaining
Haggling, which is common in many Asian countries, isn’t the norm in North Korea. Prices in shops are generally fixed, so don’t expect to bargain down the price on souvenirs. Be prepared to pay what’s listed.
Ask About Export Certificates
If you plan on buying any artwork (especially propaganda posters or paintings), it’s important to ask for an official export certificate. This will help you bring your purchase home without any issues at customs. Reputable shops, like those at the Yanggakdo Hotel or artistic studios, will likely offer these certificates automatically.
Souvenirs to Avoid Purchasing in North Korea
While souvenir shopping in North Korea can be fun, there are certain items best avoided. Make sure you don’t purchase any antiques or historical relics, as exporting them may not be allowed. Additionally, government-published newspapers and some literature related to sensitive political topics could cause trouble at customs if you’re planning to travel internationally from North Korea.
You also want to be mindful of North Korean currency; taking any local money home as a souvenir is prohibited and could get you into trouble.
Final Thoughts on Souvenir Shopping in North Korea
Shopping in North Korea is an adventure in itself. While your options are limited compared to other countries, each souvenir has a unique backstory and cultural significance that makes it worthwhile.
Whether you’re looking for traditional crafts or iconic propaganda items, North Korea offers plenty of memorable souvenirs to bring back home. If you know what to look for and where to shop, you’ll return with unique pieces that make for great conversation starters and mementos. Just remember to respect local customs and always buy from official shops!
Leave a reply