North Korea is one of the most mysterious and tightly controlled places on Earth.
Time, culture, and access to the outside world are frozen in ways most travelers can’t quite comprehend until they’re in Pyongyang.
Wedged between China and South Korea, with a border that brushes against Russia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been politically and ideologically isolated since the Korean War cemented its division from the South in the 1950s.
The country’s leadership—starting with Kim Il-sung, then his son Kim Jong-il, and now his grandson Kim Jong-un—has cultivated a personality-driven regime, complete with military parades, massive monuments, and a carefully curated version of reality.
Yet, despite its isolation, North Korea piques the interest of a certain kind of traveler: those interested in Cold War history, stark architecture, propaganda art, and the surreal experience of touring a place where nearly everything you see is filtered through government supervision.
Visitors are typically limited to group tours run by state-sanctioned guides and have almost no opportunity to explore independently.
This makes traveling here feel more like a geopolitical study than a vacation.
From a safety standpoint, North Korea is not inherently dangerous in the traditional sense—violent crime is virtually nonexistent for foreigners—but the risks come from the government itself.
One wrong photo, an offhand joke, or a perceived slight can spiral into something serious.
In fact, there’s a good chance that many of you reading this can’t even go to North Korea, even if you desperately wanted to.
Why?
Let’s get into it.
Warnings & Dangers in North Korea
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
There's a high risk in North Korea, and most governments across the world advise that their citizens should avoid all travel to this region. We'll go through those details in this article.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
If you manage to get into North Korea—and that’s a big if—you won’t be getting around on your own. Virtually all travel is done through government-approved tour operators, and every step of your trip is chaperoned by at least two local guides (yes, two, so they can keep an eye on each other and you). You can't even drive in North Korea if you aren't a citizen.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
North Korea doesn't release crime statistics, and people who publicize pickpocketing issues would likely be detained anyway. Treat this as a high risk. We do know there have been reports of petty theft at the Pyongyang airport.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
North Korea faces seasonal flooding, occasional typhoons, and rare earthquakes, but the real danger lies in its limited disaster response. Infrastructure is weak, medical aid is scarce, and information is tightly controlled. If a natural disaster hits while you’re visiting, reliable help or updates may be difficult to access. Treat this as a high risk because you won't be able to get verified information easily.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Much like pickpockets, we don't have crime data for muggings and armed robberies. While you should treat this as a high risk, the risk of being detained without cause is much higher.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
North Korea poses no traditional terrorist risk to tourists, but the regime’s hostile stance toward the West—especially Americans—adds serious political risk. Detentions have occurred over minor infractions. While you're unlikely to face terror attacks, the threat comes from the state itself, not extremist groups. Caution and compliance are critical. Anyway you slice it, it's another high risk.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams targeting tourists are rare in North Korea because the entire travel experience is tightly controlled. You won’t be wandering markets or negotiating prices—everything is pre-arranged and government-run. That said, inflated souvenir prices or “mandatory” tips to guides can feel like low-level grift, but outright scams aren’t a real concern.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
While traditional risks like being harassed or sexually assaulted aren't your biggest concern here, it's worth noting that being a woman won't get you any special treatment, either. The government and law enforcement won't hesitate to detain women or children.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water in North Korea isn’t safe to drink. Contamination from outdated infrastructure and lack of water treatment is a real concern. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to avoid potential illness—don’t assume hotel water is filtered, even in Pyongyang.
Safest Places to Visit in North Korea
As of April 2025, North Korea is closed to most tourists, including (and especially) U.S. citizens.
While a handful of Russian tourists and international runners have entered under special circumstances, the country still isn’t issuing tourist visas to most travelers.
The border originally slammed shut in early 2020 with the arrival of COVID.
There were signs of a slow reopening in early 2025, but that window didn’t stay open long.
The regime pulled back again, citing vague security concerns and a fear of foreign influence—classic North Korea.
If you’re one of the rare people who gets the green light to visit North Korea, your entire trip will be orchestrated by a state-approved tour company.
Foreigners aren’t allowed to explore independently, so you’ll book through a licensed operator like Koryo Tours, Uri Tours, or Young Pioneer Tours—all of which work closely with the North Korean government to control itineraries, guides, and access.
The usual highlights include Pyongyang, a city built for show with massive statues, eerily empty boulevards, and monuments like the Juche Tower, Kim Il-sung Square, and Mansudae Grand Monument.
Most tours also include a stop at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom—one of the few places where you can technically peer into South Korea.
On the natural side, Mount Paektu, a volcanic peak and sacred site, tops the list.
The scenic Myohyang Mountains and the beaches around Wonsan draw in tourists on tours.
You might also see the International Friendship Exhibition—an underground museum packed with bizarre diplomatic gifts to North Korean leaders.
Every stop is meant to reinforce the regime’s image, but if you can filter the propaganda, you can experience a strange and fascinating glimpse into a world few get to see.
Places to Avoid in North Korea
In truth, the entire country falls into the “places to avoid” category.
It’s not about crime or chaos—it’s about the absolute lack of freedom and the very real possibility of detention for things that wouldn’t raise an eyebrow elsewhere.
There are no “off-the-beaten-path” neighborhoods to explore, no hidden gems—just government-curated sites and tight control.
Straying from the tour, photographing the wrong thing, or speaking your mind can land you in serious trouble.
That’s not hyperbole—it’s happened.
More broadly, the Korean Peninsula carries geopolitical risk.
North Korea is unpredictable, with ongoing missile tests, military posturing, and a history of abrupt escalations with South Korea and the U.S.
While war isn’t imminent, the tension is real—and if things go sideways, being inside the DPRK isn’t where you want to be.
Safety Tips for Traveling to North Korea
- In North Korea, tourists don’t typically interact with police or law enforcement—your government-assigned guides handle everything, including security issues. There’s no publicly accessible emergency number like 911, and even if there were, foreigners aren’t expected—or allowed—to use it directly.
- North Korea doesn’t offer public emergency alert systems for visitors. You won’t get weather warnings, evacuation notices, or political updates. Rely entirely on your tour guides for any urgent information—they’re your only line of communication and will control what you know and when you know it.
- Blackouts and water outages are common, even in tourist hotels. Don’t expect consistent electricity, hot showers, or Western-style food. Bring backup snacks and a flashlight, and be ready for limited resources.
- If something goes wrong, you can’t just head south. The DMZ is completely closed off—there is no emergency escape to South Korea. Your only way out is usually through China, and that’s assuming the North Korean government allows it.
- Assume you’re being watched at all times—whether it’s in your hotel room, on the bus, or in public. Your internet and phone won’t work, and you can’t use local SIMs. Conversations, notes, and behavior are often observed. Messaging any kind of anti-North Korean sentiment can land you behind bars. In fact, there’s a good chance your phone will be confiscated upon arrival.
- Only take photos when your guides say it’s okay. Don’t photograph soldiers, construction sites, locals without permission, or anything considered “unflattering.” Even accidentally capturing the wrong thing can get you in serious trouble. Always ask if you’re unsure. If you’re asked to delete something you recorded, do so immediately.
- Don’t expect to spend any time meeting the people who live in North Korea. Unauthorized conversations are illegal. Some stores aren’t allowed to service tourists, so don’t even try.
- Be careful what you bring with you, and that includes books or magazines that could be interpreted as controversial, proselytizing, or pornography. GPS and Satellite phones won’t be allowed.
- Because the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. don’t have embassies in North Korea, they rely on Sweden to act as a protecting power—a diplomatic stand-in. The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang provides limited consular services to US, UK, and Canadian citizens if something goes wrong.
- Insect-borne diseases in North Korea include Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Malaria used to be widespread but is now mostly controlled in urban areas. Travelers should use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under nets when visiting rural or forested regions.
So... How Safe Is North Korea Really?
On paper, North Korea appears low-risk—there’s virtually no street crime, and tourists are closely monitored.
But that same control is what makes it dangerous.
The U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia all strongly advise against traveling to North Korea due to the risk of arbitrary arrest, detention, and limited consular access.
On a four-tiered rating scale, with one being the safest and four being the least secure, Canada, the U.S., and Australia rank it at Level 4: Do Not Avoid or Avoid All Travel.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) states, “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea.”
The U.S. goes further, banning its citizens from visiting without a special waiver.
Travelers have been detained for minor offenses such as taking unauthorized photos or leaving a Bible in a hotel room.
If you’re accused of breaking the rules, there is no due process, no embassy to step in, and little chance of outside help.
Even if you’re escorted everywhere and follow every rule, you’re still at the mercy of a government that operates on a different set of standards.
In short, it may feel quiet, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
On the rare chance that you would be a victim of a crime, there’s little you can do to seek justice.
How Does North Korea Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| North Korea | 21 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Tourist visas for North Korea are tightly controlled and must be arranged through an approved tour operator. Independent travel isn’t allowed, and most nationalities—including Americans—can’t visit without special permission. Visa approval is slow, selective, and subject to sudden government policy changes, especially during times of political tension.
Currency
Foreigners typically can’t use North Korean won. Instead, transactions are handled in euros, Chinese yuan, or U.S. dollars—though U.S. currency may be restricted depending on current sanctions. Visitors rarely handle cash directly; most purchases are pre-arranged through their tour. Don’t expect ATMs or card payments anywhere.
Weather
North Korea has four distinct seasons. Winters are long and bitterly cold, especially in the north. Summers are hot, humid, and prone to heavy rainfall and typhoons. Spring and fall are milder but short. Pack for extremes and be ready for sudden shifts, especially if you’re visiting rural areas.
Airports
International arrivals go through Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, the country’s only real commercial airport for tourists. Flights are limited, mostly from Beijing or Vladivostok. Domestic air travel is nearly nonexistent for foreigners, and the infrastructure is outdated. Security is strict, and delays are common without explanation.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential, but many providers exclude coverage for North Korea. If you find a policy that includes it, make sure it covers medical evacuation and political risk. If something goes wrong, especially politically, you’re on your own—your embassy can’t help you inside the DPRK.
North Korea Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
-3 | 1 | 8 | 17 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 25 | 18 | 9 | 1 |
| Low °C |
-13 | -9 | -2 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 21 | 21 | 15 | 7 | -1 | -9 |
| High °F |
27 | 34 | 46 | 63 | 73 | 81 | 84 | 84 | 77 | 64 | 48 | 34 |
| Low °F |
9 | 16 | 28 | 41 | 52 | 63 | 70 | 70 | 59 | 45 | 30 | 16 |
Extremely safe when sensible
It’s ridiculous that, according to this site, North Korea is as dangerous as Libya.
Yes, North Korea has strict rules with potentially huge consequences for a serious breach of them, but if you stick to them, it’s probably the safest country in the world for tourists. Any incidents are extremely rare and pretty much always result from someone choosing to break the rules in a serious way. The risk from crime and terrorism is practically non-existent.
I went to North Korea in August 2018 and it’s an amazing experience and surprisingly laid back. The guides will politely tell you if you do anything inappropriate so, as I said above, it takes a really serious breach to get you into trouble with the law.
WOW!
U support that v evil region? Get lost! NK is bad as south sudan bruh!
Have you even been to North Korea?
I never been in North Korea but I never going there because it’s a very dangerous country in fact it’s one of the most dangerous countries in the world
That’s stereotyping
No thanks
You obviously didn’t have any objections during your visit to anything they said. “I disagree” could cost you your life. That’s super dangerous. They teach the little kids to hate Americans. I’ll pass. Visiting South Korea will do just fine.
self awareness
to be fair, we teach little kids to hate north korea.
Different
It’s different to teach someone to hate the regime and to teach them to hate the people
Got em! lol
ahem what
You’re funny. If North Korea is so nice why do so many people want to leave.
North Korea isn’t safe
To say North Korea is safe is like saying holding a live rattlesnake is safe. You must have been high to have said this a safe country.
Don't go there dangerous
Don’t go to North Korea it’s the most dangerous country ever because the people in North Korea are actually in danger right now because the leader of North Korea it actually making up crazy rules and if you live in North Korea I’m sorry to say but the leader said you need to live there forever oh I would say the rest of your life
Um ok and try travel to South Korea I guess if you want
Tourists have died and been tortured here. Any misstep can get you detained or even killed. Look at Otto Warmbier, Kenneth Bae, Kim Hak-song, Tony Kim, Kim Dong-chul, Alek Sigley, Jeffrey Fowle, John Short, Lim Hyeon-soo, Euna Lee, Laura Ling, and many more. They have camps torturing their own citizens, and for the ones not in camps, their life is grim. Low quality of life with a leader who is cold and calculated, I think it’s best to spend money in a country that actually cares for its people.
off
because the people didn’t. follow rules cause they are dumb idiots like one guy did
WOW!
U support that v evil region? Get lost! NK is bad as south sudan bruh!
WOW!
U support that v evil region? Get lost! NK is bad as south sudan bruh!
Vichu2006g loves NK
You’ve gone absolutely mental if you’re comparing NK to South Sudan bruh!
Saying a country is safe doesnt mean that they support an regime. Get lost.
You mean the guy who did absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever? The guy they accused without evidence, releasing some blurred video of someone removing a poster (who clearly wasn’t him)?
The innocent guy they tortured so much he couldn’t even speak and who was sent back to the US as a living corpse until he died very soon after? No fair trial, no evidence, tortured to death. North Korean ‘justice’.
That guy?
I believe Uganda would be the best option
Dennis Rodman was ok, though.
Great Food and Country!
The McDonald’s there were awesome and the staff there were extremely polite and friendly!
There isn’t McDonald’s in north korea.
There is McDonald's in North Korea
Yes, there is McDonald’s there.
Amazing
Excellent, follow the rules in North Korea and you will be fine.
Boi is not safe at all
Is horrible for all the news I read they may start WW3 they are treating US with that Washinton is a good tourist place and with NY if the bombs NK plans to detonate in there there will be no NY an DC and much more in US even parks and don♥9t get me your screaming WHY you are dumb idoit who just goes with everone choices so f yourself, I know my grammar is bad so dela with it and f you who will swear at me.
Sarcasm
Safe
This page is 100% wrong
North Korea is safe so why is it so dangerous in this page? Typhoons are rare in NK because of the cold waters offshore.
Some people 100% don't read.
Possibly read how the rankings are decided would be a good start for you….. 😉 There are many things considered like gross gdp to military spending etc. That knocks countries down in the list… What do you think they just put a number at random? The page outlines the safety of what would concern you the most… The actual ranking is different in terms…
Idts
It is safe when you follow the rules. So why are you saying this page is 100% wrong? Have you been to NK? NK is not letting you guys leave, and if you’re in North Korea then you will need to call the SOS to help you escape that country. NK has laws that are illegal for you to escape the border and then, you will face the imprisonment or the worst punishment. It’s mostly safe when you’re in South Korea or Japan
Not safe at all even if crime is extremely low
North Korea may seem safe but the fact it is the most brutal dictatorship in the world and the people have faced communist oppression for over 60 years not knowing what the outside world is like except through the eyes of the Kim dynasty the only rich people in North Korea whilst everyone else is poor and afraid of being put in concentration camps for having an opinion what à sad place to live in I feel sorry for the people hopefully one day they get freedom like there southern neighbours but it seems unlikely even China and Russia seem democratic compared to the likes of North Korea….
meeting Kim Yo Jong
“anonymous” how do you know so much NK??? are you a member of the NK communist party??? because if you are not it seems strange that you have so much access to what we are told is very secret! we are told you will get the death penalty for just asking questions! you must have a “charmed” life, or “special dispensation”! Could you get me an invitation to meet Kim Yo Jong ???
Why are you comparing China with NK are u mad
Great country very good nice place here👍😃
comical ratings boost
looking through these comments are funny, i see a bunch of 5 star reviews from what im assuming are North Korean travel agents. “North Korea very good! very nice very safe visit now!”
Owning a Bible can get Executed
North Korean Executed people with a firing squad
THERE is no freedom
Hermit Kingdom
It’s safe for Kim Jong Un only.
As long as you follow the guidance you’ll find yourself in the safest region on earth, tourist-wise.
If you are a retarded amerimutt and go through places tearing down posters and pictures then you’ll end up dead for being an uneducated, arrogant swine.
Also just don’t go there, do not support the regime.
Kinda Good
It Is Good, Idk Why Poeple Rate It So Low, North Korea May Be Ruled By An Extremely Evil Dictator But It Doesnt Mean Travelling There Is Bad, If You Want To Be Safe Stick To The Rules, Done.
For the tourists, it is a perfectly safe country, as long as you follow the rules. Only question is – who would ever go to NK?
how are people suppose to go to north korea
Picture Looks Appealing
Seems Safety is close to 5 Stars , No Drugs ,No Guns No Crime , i am not a big Fan of rules so im out .
City looks super clean and modern , Not sure what all the nonsense is about , My lawyer told me never to Assume anything , The System might be very strict .
I will never have a problem in North Korea , cause ill never go there . But will be Risking my Life everywhere else i go , cause i like to travel , a dangerous past time .
Fantastic
It is unsafe to post on here as the NK secret police are monitoring this site. I think NK is really fab and an excellent place for a holiday. Only criminals will find themselves in trouble.
There is no internet in NK so you cannot email and if you use a cell phone you still cannot see who you are talking to. So scammers might call you I think
Bruh. North Korea Is The Most Dangerous Country. The Risk Level Should Be 7, And 21 Is A Bit Too High.
Amazed stay
North Korea Very Nice.
Ik like it. Travels nicely, and safe!👍
United states citizens are at risk of arrest
They will arrest you if you are from the united states or south korea. So don’t expect a good welcome. If you think its safe over there you need help.
i did travel there and it’s wayyy more safer and better than when i traveled to saudi arabia
I’d give this zero stars if i could
Unless i get an invite saying i can go there i won’t possibly go at all the reason for that is i can be insecure sometimes and i’m a united states citizen as well. If you want to go somewhere try going to italy instead i hear they have great pizza. 21 is too high and very misleading. I don’t care if crime is low. I hear they are also discriminative against people with disabilities such as myself. If i wanted to move to a country i would try moving to switzerland or the Netherlands.
Great cricket team.
I hear they have a great cricket team.
Bad
Hi this a horrible country in to say if you go there and don’t no the rules and you break one I am afraid to say, but you may not come back and what I mean is you want come back alive 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽🙁🙁☹️☹️🙁😕😕😕😔😔🤯
best place ever
I got there for a honeymoon and it was incredible. the macdonalds wa sperfect and Kim himself came to see us. 6 stars
Unsafe for United States citizens and south korean citizens in many ways shape or form
It is an extremely unsafe country to visit. If you make it out of alive then you probably aren’t a united states citizen. I’ve heard people are tortured there. I’m not going there nor will i ever but i will marry that french black lady i always dreamed of lol. Also the only reason why there is low crime there is just because of the poor treatment of prisoners. Also it is super strict they also treat south korean citizens as they same as if they were american citizens. Don’t go to this lame excuse of a country. Just go somewhere else.
Safe with common sense
From the comments I would assume that many people have not visited the country at all. and so do not have much to contribute. Personally I think the safety index is way too low, as it is for tourists not possible to visit without guides from a state owned travel agency, that decides what to see and do.
That is, as long as you adhere to basic common sense and follow the guides I would say it is a pretty safe experience as you do not have much to fear from the totalitarian regime as long as you are the good well-behaved tourist, not questioning things and follow the directives of the guide with a humble attitude.
One exception can be if you come from a so called “hostile country” like United States or so, but if you do not come from such a country you should not have much problems.
As a tourist it is generally quite safe as long as you have some common sense and humility, the country is terrible in many regards but you will not be exposed to any of these things in your sheltered state-controlled tour.
Don’t do it
North Korea for more than 100 decades now is a police state meaning the cops can arrest whoever they want whenever they want as long as it doesn’t offend kim jong un’s country or regime its ok to arrest someone without reason