We always hear such negative things about North Korea, but you actually can visit there as long as you follow these weird North Korean laws for tourists.
When we say “weird” here, we just mean relatively speaking. They’re just different or unique and don’t necessarily have a negative connotation. North Korea has an extremely different political climate from the western world and it’s quite a closed off country, so much of our knowledge of it comes directly from its government, which is quite skewed. It doesn’t really help that the US doesn’t have diplomatic relations with North Korea, so the North Korean government isn’t exactly too keen on Americans. Tourists are restricted to stringent laws, some of which are on this list.
At the end of WWII, Korea split into two countries: North Korea and South Korea. North Korea was under control of the Soviet Union while South Korea was influenced by the US. Today, South Korea is a modern, wealthy, Democratic society, while in North Korea is a more difficult situation. There aren’t too many countries like North Korea and the country is closed for collaboration with other nations around the world. It has a strict isolationist policy and a one-party political system where all decisions depend on one leader of one party that is always in power. The people are relatively poor and don’t enjoy many of the basic human rights enjoyed in other parts of the world.
You might pose the question, “why would anyone want to visit there if it’s not great?” That’s a fair question, but for those who really love travel, it’s important to visit everywhere. You just have to be careful about following the rules so you don’t get in trouble. Although it’s a strict country, the mystery and adventure that awaits are intriguing. For more strange laws, check out our list of the 10 Most Ridiculous Laws in Texas.
In order to create this list of weird North Korean laws for tourists, we relied on the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which has identified the most usual activities by tourists that are treated as crimes by the North Korean government. We listed them here, in no particular order, and provided additional information about each one. We hope that this list of weird North Korean laws for tourists will help you decide whether or not to travel there!
15. Possession of any media is not allowed
Of course when you travel you want to have pictures to capture the memories, but unfortunately, electronic devices are not allowed, as it’s seen as an attack on stability.
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14.You have to ask the authorities to use a phone
If you want to use your phone, you have to ask the authorities first. There’s a way to buy a local SIM card at the airport, but you can only make or receive international calls, as those who live in North Korea are on a different network. The SIM card is tracked by the government and it’s super expensive.
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13.Taking unauthorized photographs
As stated on another page, no electronics are allowed here. So if you want to take a picture or two, you can only do so if you ask your guide and they give you permission.
12. Bringing pornography into the country
I don’t see why this would come with you on vacation, but definitely don’t import your porn into North Korea. There’s a strict regulation and even the world’s most popular websites are banned.
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11. Showing disrespect to the country’s leaders
I feel like Americans are really good at doing this on comedy shows, but you really shouldn’t make fun of North Korea’s government while you’re in North Korea. Only positive things are allowed and welcomed here.
10. Entering North Korea without proper travel documentation
This should be fairly obvious, but make sure you have all your documents before you try to get into North Korea. It’s not that easy to do, so you have to have everything prepared ahead of time. The country has strict travel regulations.
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9. International driving permits are not valid in North Korea
Generally when you visit a country you can get a rental car; however, in North Korea that’s not an option. You have to get a local driver’s license if you want to get behind the wheel there.
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8. Proselytizing or carrying out religious activities
North Korea is an atheist country, so don’t expect to carry out your normal religious practices here. Contraception is banned as well. In fact, an American tourist named Jeffrey Fowle is currently in prison because he left his Bible in a North Korean sailor club.
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7. Engaging in unsanctioned political activities
You can’t participate in North Korean political activities here. It’s made it to the list of weird North Korean laws for tourists simply because there’s a level of paranoia when it comes to North Korean politics.
6. Traveling without authorization, even for short distances
You always have to be with your tour guide in North Korea and only go where they lead you. There was an example where a tourist was once shot by the military for being in the restricted area. It’s best to just hang out with someone who knows the way anyway.
5. Having unauthorized interaction with the local population
Don’t try to talk to the locals unless you’ve been told you can. Otherwise, you might be in huge trouble. Because of this rule, you miss out on a lot of experience, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Let’s see what’s next on our list of weird North Korean laws for tourists.
4. Exchanging currency with an unauthorized vendor
Visitors cannot use the national currency. This is a little weird because we’re used to going to places like Europe and getting money exchanged at the airport, but here instead of using the Won, you have to use USD, Euros, or Yans. You can’t buy much anyway, just some souvenirs and posters.
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3. Shopping at stores not designated for foreigners
The law number three on our list of weird North Korean laws for tourists says that tourists are limited with what they can buy because they can’t use the national currency. Also, they’re not allowed in department stores to shop freely.
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2. Removing or tampering with political slogans and signs or pictures of political leaders
It’s forbidden to play with or try to steal political propaganda of North Korean leaders. One example is a US student named Otto Warmbier who tried to steal a poster of Kim Jong from his hotel. He was sent to prison for 15 years but avoided the sentence with help from the US government.
1. Possessing material that is in any way critical of the DPRK government
You can’t possess anything that could be considered critical of the government when you’re in North Korea. This is entirely up to interpretation and the government can pick and choose what they find offensive, so this is particularly tricky.
That concludes our list of weird North Korean laws for tourists. I hope it provided some guidance if you’re thinking about taking a trip there soon!
