North Korea isn’t a typical travel destination, but if you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to know where to stay. While this secretive country limits independent travel and accommodations, it still offers a range of options for those visiting. Whether you want something simple or a touch of luxury, I’ve covered everything you need to know in this guide.
Types of Accommodation in North Korea
Unlike many destinations, your accommodation in North Korea will be arranged for you as part of your tour. You can’t book hotels or hostels on your own, and budget options are, for the most part, non-existent. Even though you don’t have the same freedom as in other countries, it’s important to know what to expect.
The accommodations have varying standards, from quite basic to luxurious. Here’s a breakdown of the main types you’ll find during your stay:
1. Tourist Hotels
The most common option for visitors is staying in tourist hotels. These hotels are usually Soviet-inspired and outdated, but they provide all the essentials you’ll need. They are government-run, and you’ll find them in all major cities visited on tours. Tourists are restricted to these hotels, and generally, they offer a basic set of amenities, like restaurants and bars.
2. “Deluxe” Hotels
For a touch of what passes for luxury in North Korea, some higher-end hotels are available. While not matching the luxury standards of the West, these hotels will offer larger rooms, better food, and upgraded facilities like a pool, karaoke, or bowling alleys. These are typically where high-ranking foreign visitors stay.
3. Diplomats’ Hotels
A select few tourists have the option to stay in hotels normally reserved for diplomats. These hotels come with better privacy and fewer restrictions when compared to other options. This choice is uncommon but possible if you’re part of a special delegation or high-profile group.
4. Sanatoriums and Resorts
If you’re visiting North Korea’s scenic areas or health resorts, you might stay in a sanatorium. These lake or mountain resorts cater to tourists looking for relaxation, offering spas, pools, and activities like hiking or fishing. Though pleasant, you should adjust your expectations as facilities won’t be at the typical standards of international resorts.
5. On-Train Accommodation
For those traveling by train from China into North Korea, overnight train accommodation is an option. While basic, you’ll get a cabin with a small sleeper bed and shared bathroom facilities. It’s not luxurious, but it offers a unique way to enter and explore the country.
Where to Stay in Pyongyang
As the capital city and the hub for most tourists, Pyongyang will likely be your main base. The accommodations here tend to be the best in the country with more options, especially when it comes to dining and entertainment.
1. Yanggakdo International Hotel
Yanggakdo is one of the most famous hotels in North Korea. It’s located on an island on the Taedong River and often the go-to recommendation for foreign visitors. It has almost everything you’ll need: a revolving restaurant, bar, pool, and even a mini-golf course. Rooms are standard and clean, offering a reliable stay during your visit.
2. Koryo Hotel
If you want a slightly more central option, Koryo Hotel is another high-end choice. It’s a twin-towered building and gives an interesting sense of what luxury entails in North Korea. It has similar amenities to Yanggakdo: an indoor pool, restaurants, and a range of rooms providing comfort at a standard level.
3. Pyongyang Hotel
A more traditional choice, Pyongyang Hotel is one of the older hotels in the city. It’s smaller than Yanggakdo or Koryo but provides the basics: standard rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s located near the city center, making it ideal for tourists who wish to see key landmarks quickly.
4. Sosan Hotel
This hotel generally caters to sports teams and regional visitors, but it’s sometimes used by tourists as well. If you’re part of a special interest group or sports delegation, you’ll likely stay here. The amenities are more basic than the higher-tiered hotels, though it still provides good service and clean rooms.
Accommodation in Kaesong
Kaesong is often visited by tourists because it’s close to the DMZ. As a historical city, it offers some traditional charm alongside accommodations that aren’t as modern as those in Pyongyang.
1. Minsok Hotel
Minsok Hotel offers a different experience than the more modern hotels in Pyongyang. It’s a traditional Korean courtyard hotel where guests sleep on heated floors. The hotel’s old-world charm makes it a popular option for those curious about historic Korean living. It’s basic but clean, and it has decent traditional food available.
2. Kaesong Folk Hotel
Similar to Minsok, the Kaesong Folk Hotel offers a traditional stay. It includes traditional-style housing (hanok), where you’ll sleep on a futon and experience somewhat rustic living. It’s charming but a stark contrast to modern hotels. Expect fewer amenities and a more communal living experience.
Accommodation in Mount Kumgang
If part of your tour brings you to Mount Kumgang, you’ll stay at resorts designed for relaxation. Though North Korea’s tourism industry is underdeveloped, the accommodation near Mount Kumgang provides a pleasant stay amidst nature.
1. Kumgangsan Hotel
Kumgangsan Hotel is the most well-known option in this area and offers a few luxuries by North Korea’s standards. Located in one of the most picturesque regions, this hotel gives you access to hiking trails, spas, and scenic views. While it’s older and not particularly upscale, the proximity to natural beauty makes it a worthwhile experience during your stay.
2. Oekumgang Hotel
This hotel is smaller but located nearby major hiking trails and attractions in Mount Kumgang. It provides all the basics: simple rooms, decent food, and quick access to the area’s highlights. Like other hotels in North Korea, it won’t wow you with over-the-top luxury, but you’ll be comfortable and close to nature.
Tips for Your Stay
Given how different North Korea is from most other places in the world, here are a few things to keep in mind about accommodations:
Don’t Expect Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is generally non-existent for tourists. You won’t have internet access in your hotel, so be prepared to spend some time unplugged. If you need to communicate with the outside world, you’ll likely use limited connection services through your tour guide.
Bring Entertainment
Some hotels have minimal entertainment options, especially in more remote areas. Bring books, movies, and downloaded entertainment to pass the time during evenings. While major hotels like Yanggakdo and Koryo will have some amenities, you may not always have access to activities like TV or games.
Expect Basic but Safe Conditions
Accommodation in North Korea tends to be clean and safe. Rooms are basic, but they are managed with care. While you shouldn’t expect anything that will rival a five-star hotel outside North Korea, your safety, and comfort will be well looked after.
Follow the Rules
Remember the environment you’re in: North Korea tightly controls everything, including tourists. You’ll likely need to stay inside your hotel when not on a guided tour, and photographing any areas not designated by your guides may be off-limits. Always listen to the hotel staff and follow your guide’s instructions to ensure you have a trouble-free stay.
Final Thoughts
Staying in North Korea is part of a unique travel experience. While you don’t have a ton of freedom to choose your accommodation, the hotels and guesthouses are perfectly suitable for what this adventure entails. From traditional inns in Kaesong to Pyongyang’s retro hotels, your accommodations will provide a fascinating glimpse of life in this secretive country.
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