Traveling to North Korea is not the easiest or most budget-friendly destination in the world, but with some careful planning, a wallet-conscious trip is possible. Due to tight government control, independent travel is prohibited, but you can still explore this unique country without breaking the bank if you know where to look and how to save. Going through an organized tour helps simplify the process, but you still have some options to make the trip more affordable.
Choosing the Right Tour Company
You can only visit North Korea via an organized tour. All visitors must be with a licensed guide at all times, and the costs of these tours can add up. But there are budget options available. Look for tour operators that offer group trips with larger numbers of people, as this can help reduce costs compared to private or small group tours.
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Some well-known operators offering budget options include Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours. They often have shorter itineraries or group discounts, allowing you to experience the basic highlights at a lower price.
How to Save on Tour Costs
Booking in advance sometimes helps you get a discount with tour companies. Additionally, traveling during off-peak seasons (outside the major holidays such as National Day) can also help lower prices. North Korea’s tours can be more expensive during holidays or festivals when demand is high.
It’s also worth checking if any tours include flights or train tickets as part of their packages. Some companies offer deals that cover transportation from China, resulting in better value for your money.
Transportation to North Korea
Chances are, you’ll need to first get to Beijing or another major hub in China, as most tours to North Korea start there. Flying can be costly, but if you plan in advance or keep an eye out for discount airlines, you might score a deal. From Beijing, you can either fly to Pyongyang or take the cheaper train option.
Taking the Train
Taking the train from Beijing to Pyongyang is cheaper than flying. The trip takes about 24-30 hours, but if budget is more important than speed, this is a solid option. It’s also a more scenic and immersive way to reach North Korea. The train route is well-coordinated with tour companies, so it’s a convenient way to begin your trip.
Accommodation
Accommodation is typically included in the tour package, but knowing your options is still helpful. Since you won’t be allowed to choose where you stay (the government arranges this), accommodations are mostly mid-range hotels, although some tours might offer stays in more premium locations.
What to Expect with Budget Hotels
The hotels you’ll stay in during your tour will likely be basic but adequate. Don’t expect luxury, but they should provide clean rooms, simple meals, and conveniences such as Wi-Fi (though connections are generally weak).
If your tour operator offers any hotel upgrades, avoid them to save money. The standard accommodations do the job and help you stick to your budget.
Food
Meals are mostly included in the tour price, but you’ll occasionally have opportunities to try some local food in restaurants or street markets. The cuisine in North Korea tends to be simple, with staple dishes like kimchi, rice, and noodle soups. If your tour allows for it, you can save money by eating in smaller eateries or local street stalls when possible.
Bring Snacks
Another good tip is to bring some snacks or food items from China. Since you’ll be traveling with a group, having snacks on hand can help you avoid paying for extra meals if you get hungry between stops. Choose lightweight items that are easy to pack, such as nuts, chocolates, or dried fruits.
Attractions
Most of the key attractions are included in the tour price, such as visits to iconic sites like the Juche Tower, the Mausoleum of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Free time is limited, so when you do have it, stick to the pre-planned activities to avoid overspending on optional side trips. Keep in mind, certain places might charge an extra fee for taking photos, so be mindful of these additional costs.
Optional Costs to Watch For
Photography fees can sneak up on you, especially at iconic spots. Some monuments or exhibits charge if you want to take pictures, so factor that into your budget if snapping photos is important. You can also skip this to save a bit of cash.
Free and Cheap Activities
Even though your trip will mostly be fully packed, you can still save money and enjoy free or cheap activities in North Korea. Expect a rigid itinerary but tour guides sometimes offer additional stops or side activities that are inexpensive.
Visit Local Parks
Most city tours include a visit to Moranbong Park or Kaesong Folk Park. These are great places to relax for an afternoon or watch locals enjoy their day. Both parks are included in most full tour packages, so consider them as essentially free experiences during your day out in the cities.
Stroll Through Pyongyang’s Streets
While you can’t wander off unattended, some guides offer walking tours around Pyongyang. This is one of the cheapest ways to experience the locals doing their daily routines and explore the city’s architecture. It can be one of the simplest but most rewarding parts of your trip.
Souvenirs: What to Buy on a Budget
North Korea’s souvenir game is strong. You can purchase all kinds of propaganda-themed items such as postcards, stamps, and even works by local artisans. But keep your spending under control by picking smaller, lighter items. These are usually affordable and make great gifts without draining your funds.
Shop at Local Markets
Your tour may include a visit to local markets, especially in Pyongyang. You can save money and score souvenirs here, but just remember to bring cash. Bargaining isn’t common in North Korea’s official shops, so don’t count on haggling for a lower price.
Other Tips for Saving Money
Since you won’t have much freedom outside the tour itinerary, you’ll generally save by following the tour’s plan. However, small things can add up.
Bring Cash
You can’t use foreign credit cards in North Korea, so make sure to bring enough cash in either Euros or Chinese Yuan. This prevents you from needing to exchange currencies at expensive rates in-country. Also, budget for every possible expense ahead of time, as ATMs don’t exist there.
Avoid Extra Expenses
Don’t expect to find too many extra costs in North Korea, but when they come up, think twice before spending. For example, tipping your guide is customary, but you can avoid overly generous tips if you’re on a strict budget. Also, avoid unplanned purchases, such as extra drinks or snacks, that can inflate your costs.
Conclusion
Visiting North Korea is undoubtedly pricier than other destinations in Asia, but if you’re determined, a budget trip is possible. Choose your tour wisely, save on transportation, watch out for hidden costs, and stick to your planned itinerary. This way, you’ll ensure a meaningful and unforgettable experience without leaving your wallet in tatters.
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