Summary. The amount of money needed to travel to North Korea depends on the length of the trip and personal spending habits. Companies like Uri Tours offer 7-day tours that cost around $3000, while independent travelers may find flights at a cheaper rate. The North Korean government does not permit solo travelers and must be accompanied at all times.
Are you curious about exploring North Korea? Is a trip to this mysterious “Hermit Kingdom” on your bucket list? Have you seen photos of its jaw-dropping snowy landscape and wondered what it would be like to explore such a unique destination? If so, you might be wondering: how much money do I need to travel to North Korea?
The ‘Hermit Kingdom’ isn’t exactly tourist friendly, and if you want to experience the iconic views, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and make meaningful connections with the locals, you’ll need to make a few preparations in advance. The good news is, you don’t need to be a millionaire to experience North Korea for yourself. If you want to join a guided tour, you will need to pay for a specialized visa and tour package that meets the strict criteria of the North Korean government.
So how much will it cost? Well, the amount of money you will need to travel to North Korea depends on the length of your trip and your personal spending habits. Companies like Uri Tours offer 7-day tours that cost around $3000 – this covers flights, accommodation, transport and guided tours around the capital city of Pyongyang. If you choose to explore North Korea independently, you might find flights at a cheaper rate, and you won’t have to pay for guided tours – although it’s important to remember that the North Korean government doesn’t permit solo travelers and you must be accompanied at all times.
How Much Money Do I Need To Travel To North Korea?
North Korea in your dreams? Even though the enigmatic nation isn’t usually a traveler’s first stop, many daring explorers have gone there throughout the years. But how much cash is required to go to North Korea? The quick response? Not as much as you may believe. In reality, since 2017, numerous nations have prohibited citizens from transferring money to North Korea.
Depending on how you wish to go to North Korea, different travel options have different prices. The price of lodging, meals, and excursions is often on the cheaper end when compared to other Asian nations. Hostel rooms, for instance, average around $20 USD (15 euros) per night, while a two-person room costs about $50 USD (35 euros). Additionally, lunches costing between $20 and $100 USD (14 and 72 euros) are often included on tour groups’ itineraries. Instead of booking a private chartered aircraft, think about going on a group walking tour or a bus excursion to save money and receive more for your money.
Additionally, as a general rule, lengthier stays in the DPRK might lead to less expensive lodging, meals, and excursions. Tours may cost anything from $500 USD to $2,500 USD (360 to 1800 euros) for two or three days of travel. If you choose a self-guided trip, you may save even more money. But keep in mind that going without a guide might make things more difficult and take longer to arrange.
Seasons In North Korea: What Are They And When Is The Best Time
North Korea’s seasonal weather may be broken down into four separate categories. With temperatures in the high 60s and mid 70s (Fahrenheit), springtime is often the mildest and clearest season. Summertime temperatures rise and may get rather humid. While autumn offers considerable rain and mild temperatures, winter is the coldest season and is often accompanied by snow and fog. This is made much more intriguing by the fact that North Koreans experience a few distinct seasons depending on where they live. For instance, whereas the northern half of the nation has a more temperate summer, the eastern section of the country experiences a hotter, more humid summer.
You may anticipate a broad choice of thrilling things to indulge in if you decide to visit North Korea. You may go hiking, picnicking, and exploring outside during the warmer months. There are many cultural pursuits to partake in during the colder months, such as the sights and sounds of traditional markets. Additionally, you may take in the various annual events that honor distinctive regional traditions and cultural history. The ideal seasons to visit North Korea are in the spring and autumn, according to experts.
Additionally, you often have these periods of bright days and beautiful, starry nights, which provide fantastic opportunities for night photography. But if all you want is a little bit of warmth, your best chance is to go between the end of June and the start of August. The whole nation experiences milder temperatures and sunny days at this time of year. Just remember to pack enough of sun protection clothing, since summers may be rather hot and muggy.
How To Save On Accommodation In North Korea
Are you looking to save on accommodation while travelling to North Korea? With limited access to the outside world, North Korea can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of great ways to save on accommodation. From luxury hotels to sleeping in a dormitory and even pitching a tent in the countryside, there are options for all kinds of travelers and budgets. Here are some of the most cost-effective, unique and unusual accommodation options available in North Korea. For a truly unique experience, why not opt for a homestay?
Foreign tourists may experience North Korean food and get to know the locals in a wonderful manner via homestays. Although some locals may be providing their houses via advertising, which are often posted on bulletin boards at hotels, homestays are typically organized through a travel agency. A dormitory is the best option if you’re traveling on a small budget and want to see how locals live. In North Korea, dormitories are widespread, and the staff there often hosts international guests.
More luxurious hotels often charge more for lodging, but when shared with other tourists, costs may be reduced. This may be accomplished by sharing a room at one of the many low- to mid-cost hotels spread out around the nation. You can make the most of your time while you visit North Korea since the majority of these hotels are conveniently situated in popular towns and tourist destinations.
Budgeting Tips: What Does The Cost Of Food And Drinks In North Korea?
Traveling to North Korea can be daunting, but don’t let the rumors, media, and movies prevent you from experiencing a unique and fascinating culture. One of the most important things to consider when traveling to North Korea is budgeting, especially when it comes to food and drink. Now for the million-dollar question: what does the cost of food and drinks in North Korea? The cost of food and drinks vary depending on where in North Korea you are. The prices are lower in rural areas outside of Pyongyang. Once you get to Pyongyang, the standard of living is noticeably higher.
The North Korean Won (KPW) is the currency used in North Korea. North Korea has very reasonable restaurant prices. Noodles, pancakes, and dumplings make up a standard lunch that costs between 300 and 500 KPW. at fact, a few non-alcoholic beverages are included at this price. A supper for two might cost anything from 20 to 50 euros (1,600 to 4,000 Korean won) if you choose a finer place.
When it comes to alcohol, the prices are very affordable for foreign visitors compared to other countries. A bottle of local beer will cost you around 2EUR (150KPW). Imported alcohol is also available, but is usually on the pricier side, with a small bottle of whiskey costing 20EUR (1,500KPW). Overall, budgeting is not hard to do in North Korea. Food, drinks and even alcohol are all very affordable. If you plan on visiting North Korea, make sure to bring some cash in North Korean won and you’ll be able to get a great meal and drinks without breaking the bank.
Transportation Expenses In North Korea
Travelling to North Korea can be an expensive affair. Whether you are going by plane, train, car, or boat, the transportation expenses alone can easily set you back thousands of dollars. Travel to isolated North Korea not only has the added costs of getting there, but also the associated costs while you are there. When considering transportation expenses to and within North Korea, here is what you need to take into account. Flights to North Korea will obviously be the biggest expense.
Regional airports may provide cheaper flights. Due to pricing fluctuations, it might be difficult to estimate the total before making a reservation. North Korea may also be reached by water or rail. Getting to adjacent China by rail and then taking another train to the North Korean border is a terrific option.
However, couchette tickets, which are cozier and include a bed, could be a little more expensive. These tickets are exclusively for travel to and from the North Korean mainland, therefore any further travel costs would apply. There are choices for ferries that sail from China, Russia, and South Korea to the North Korean port of Rajin if you want to go by water. One-way tickets for these ships typically cost approximately $100 USD. Again, in addition to the expense of traveling to the mainland, you would also be charged for any additional excursions you make inside North Korea.
How Much Do Attractions Cost In North Korea?
Do you want to travel to North Korea and experience its attractions, but don’t know exactly how much it costs? Well, you’re in luck because here we will go over everything you need to know about North Korea attractions and the associated costs. North Korea has some unique attractions to explore during your visit, such as monuments and historical sites, military bases and defence installations, religious places, and even a zoo. Prices of these attractions vary from as little as $10 USD for entrance to a historical site to over $200 USD for a tour of a military base. The main attractions from a sightseeing point of view are concentrated in two main cities: Pyongyang and Kaesong.
Entrance fees vary depending on the attraction, but usually cost between $15-30 USD per person. Kaesong is another interesting city in North Korea with a variety of attractions to enjoy. There are ancient tombs and temples, Buddhist monasteries, and the famous Korean War museum. Tourists can also visit the ancient Kaesong City Walls, first built over two thousand years ago, providing an incredible insight into North Korea’s distant past.
In order to travel around North Korea, foreigners usually have to book a guided tour through a travel company or go through a tour guide. Most of the tour packages include transportation, meals and accommodation, guided tours, and even the entrance fees to attractions. A ten-day tour of North Korea can range anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 USD, with shorter tours costing considerably less.
Facts And Currency In North Korea
You’re at the correct spot if the idea of traveling to a politically isolated, economically restrained country intrigues you. North Korea is a frightening yet interesting place that will undoubtedly stick in your memory. It’s crucial to comprehend the monetary and financial requirements necessary to make travel to this mysterious nation a reality before you can start on such a trip. The North Korean won (KPW), which is tightly regulated and seldom used by visitors, is the official currency of North Korea.
Therefore, visitors to North Korea need to have the CNY (Chinese Yuan) equivalent of $150 or EUR (Euros) for their visa application price. Travelers may only purchase products and services in North Korea with foreign cash. Additionally, neither the use of credit cards nor cash exchange inside the nation are permitted.
The amount of foreign currency you should bring is dependent upon the length of your trip, the type of activities you plan to do, and the kind of food and accommodation that you’d like to enjoy. A popular package tour will typically include preplanned and prepaid activities and accommodation, with meals included in the tour price. In such cases, you may only need US$30-50 daily for small personal expenses like snacks and souvenirs.
Bringing It All Together
Traveling to North Korea can be an incredibly exciting, yet daunting, prospect. It’s a country shrouded in mystery and has the potential to provide unique experiences, but it’s important to plan your journey right and do ample research in order to be prepared. One of the big questions you may have is, “How much money do I need to travel to North Korea?”. That’s a great question, and one we’ll explore in this article. To travel to North Korea, you must first obtain a visa. The cost of a North Korea visa is typically around $100 USD.
In addition, you will need to factor in the cost of meals, ground transportation, and any souvenirs or attractions you choose to participate in. Since the country is heavily sanctioned and some goods like electronics are not easily available, prices may be higher than you expect. All of this factored together will require you to have a larger budget than if you were to visit a more easily accessible destination. How much money you will need to travel to North Korea really depends on the length of stay and the type of experiences that you are looking for. Most trips average anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 USD, including airfare and visa. For a more budget option, plan to stay in more basic accommodations and don’t splurge on activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What does the cost of a tour to North Korea usually include?
The cost of a tour to North Korea typically includes accommodations, meals, transportation within the country, guided tours, and the services of a local guide. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator to understand exactly what is included in the package.
Are there any additional costs to consider when traveling to North Korea?
Yes, there may be additional costs to consider when traveling to North Korea. These can include visa fees, transportation to and from North Korea (such as flights or train tickets), travel insurance, and any personal expenses such as souvenirs or optional activities.
Can I use credit cards or ATMs in North Korea?
Credit cards and international ATMs are not widely accepted in North Korea. It is advisable to bring enough cash in a major currency (such as euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan) to cover your expenses during your trip.
How can I exchange money in North Korea?
Foreign currency can be exchanged for North Korean won (KPW) at official exchange centers in North Korea. It’s important to note that the exchange rate may not be favorable, and it is advisable to exchange money only as needed.
Are there restrictions on what I can spend money on in North Korea?
Yes, there are some restrictions on what you can spend money on in North Korea. The use of local currency (KPW) is generally required for most transactions within the country. It’s advisable to follow the guidance of your tour guide regarding where you can spend money.
Can I bring North Korean currency (KPW) back home?
It is generally not allowed to take North Korean currency (KPW) out of the country. It is recommended to spend or exchange any remaining KPW before leaving North Korea.
Is it possible to travel independently and save money in North Korea?
No, independent travel is not permitted in North Korea. All visitors must be part of an organized tour arranged by an approved tour operator. While this may limit flexibility, it ensures a structured and guided experience while adhering to local regulations.
