How to go to North Korea | DPRK Travel EXPLAINED

Visiting North Korea is filled with misinformation and misunderstanding. So here's a quick and easy explanation of where you can go and how to get there. From the customs cards to the obscure destinations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Who Can Visit?
01:42 Visa
01:54 Beijing to Pyongyang
02:27 Russia to Pyongyang
02:53 Flights to Pyongyang
03:23 Customs
04:20 Destinations
07:57 Outro
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🧭 Social Media
Patreon: www.patreon.com/dprkexplained
Twitter: @BenWestonDPRK
Instagram: @BenWestonDPRK
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#NorthKorea #DPRK #Pyongyang

[@ramzanninety-five3639]

The Wonsan Tourism Project sounds interesting to me. Maybe it should be a topic of one of your next videos, since you would surely be the best person outside of DPRK to explain it

[@someonee3186]

They started it a few years back, starting with Wonsan Kalma airport. When they completed it, they held an airshow, named the Wonsan Air Festival of 2016, the airport actually looks quite nice according to people who flew to the airport. They probably should be able to complete the tourist thing within the next few years.

[@Julianna.Domina]

It sounds like a kickass band name

[@someonee3186]

Whenever DPRK explained posts, I get to relax while being entertained as I learn more about the D.P.R. Korea. Video request: can you talk about the Korean People’s Air Force and it’s history?

[@DPRKExplained]

It's on my long list of topics - although need to come up with a way to discuss it without straying into politics or controversial subjects. But we'll see!

[@someonee3186]

@@DPRKExplained oof yeah. I understand how it’s important to not get into politics to not to offend anyone, I understand. Your videos are great though! Keep it up.

[@youtax]

What an incredible channel! Thanks for so much passion in the making.

[@kennethhannah4221]

Excellent, informative video as always 👍

[@tagomisan2865]

Another amazing video! Keep the great work up ❤️

[@papiyoda2530]

This deserves more views, good video!

[@UsTheMusicTVOfficial]

Wow, very awesome and informative video. Nice graphics and footage too. Thanks for posting!

[@powerbrain1488]

Loved the way you presented in the whole video unlike some youtubers who just talk with pictures in the background

[@Nathan-ql8oh]

Top video Ben!

[@DPRKExplained]

Cheers 😂

[@Stalinsmustache]

It is sad as a South Korean that I cannot visit north Korea.

[@MyRealisticToys]

So sad 😔

[@Infotact]

Probably the only such video on youtube, others are just clueless westerners repeating hAiRcUt and eXeCuTiOn

[@tayedsmit.]

Can you post a video explaining the different large scale apartment projects in Pyongyang? Like Changjon Street, Mirae Scientists District, Ryomyong Street and the new projects bound to be finished by 2022.

[@c4standard]

Very good idea, I'd be interested too.

[@user-tc2wv4ue7y]

Otto Warmbier made a video on that.

[@user-tc2wv4ue7y]

If the people are God why do they starve ?

[@steveboy7302]

Typical brainwashed

[@tayedsmit.]

@@user-tc2wv4ue7y They don't 💀

[@facundopignanelli]

It always amazes me that I found this channel while looking for the link for your Minecraft map and I saw one of your first videos and I was amazed by it. I always had an interest in learning more about the DPRK without being forced any ideology but just looking at the facts. Keep up the good work! PD, are you interesting in re-creating the map someday? I'm sure quite a few of us would love to fire-up a realm and recreate the beautiful city.

[@DPRKExplained]

Hahaha that was a long time ago. I fear I don’t have the time anymore, although never say never. Back then I knew a little bit about Pyongyang so, we’re I to ever try again I’d probably be far too detailed!

[@revanalrizal2429]

It is very great channel, thanks for information hope can visit DPRK someday..

[@flawlessbinary7449]

DPRK Explained uploaded a new video, the exam can wait.

[@DPRKExplained]

I feel I should not condone this 😂😂 But thank you!

[@cally5t4r67]

Great video as always. Just two quick questions. How do you find all of this information about the DPRK and secondly have you been in person to any of these lesser known cities like Nampo or the special economic zones before? Keep producing great content!

[@DPRKExplained]

Thanks! I've been to Pyongyang, Pyongsong, Sinuiju, Sariwon and Kaesong before, I had plans to visit some of the North East prior to covid so that's all been put on hold for now. A lot of the information is out there if you know where to look, but this has been a passion of mine for years (plus I worked in DPRK tourism before covid so, that helped a lot with the details!)

[@cally5t4r67]

@@DPRKExplained Thanks for the response. I'll be sure to do my own research. Since you mentioned you worked for a DPRK tourism company could you perhaps do a video on the many tourism companies that work with the DPRK, how they negotiate their plans with local authorities, and what they offer if they operate under a niche separate from others akin. Looking forward to your next video!

[@thecapitalg]

@@DPRKExplained What do you generally think about North Korea?

[@redknight344]

Great channel!! thanks for this videos and info!! North korea truly is a very interesting place

[@Mediaflashmob]

I'm from Moscow, Russia. I took a plane from Vladivostok to Pyongyang, the only way to get there from Russia. Some years ago there was a train, but due to the lack of the electricity in North Korea, no more train from Russia... From Moscow to Vladivostok I took a domestic flight (it takes 9 h), it's better than a train.

[@DPRKExplained]

The train still operates, running along the Pyongra Line between Pyongyang and Rajin and then on to Vladivostok where it connects on to the end of the Trans-Siberian running to Moscow.

[@ArmyMan0077111]

Great video as always! 😍 Though it's a shame it's still COVID-19 season 🙈 Would also love to see a video about the Rason Special Economic Zone, I find it fascinating 😊

[@Brick-Life]

You could also take an Air China flight from Beijing to Pyongyang or Air Koryo from Macao to Pyongyang.

[@jos33333ek]

NO WAY I LIVE IN MACAO IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE TO GO DIRECTLY TO NORTH KOREA!?

[@notmik3]

Idk, but you could take a ferry to Shenzhen Bao'an International, fly to Shenyang, and go to DPRK by train

[@jeostone5255]

Lets go you posted. Also go check your recent post's comment section :) also i hope ur enjoying mongolia

[@Molist]

You have such great videos, I love them! This is more for anyone who may have been to the DPRK or know... I would love to visit, but more from a natural (eg, Mt Kumgang), engineering (eg, West Sea Barrage) and classical history standpoint (eg, buddhist temples, ancient royal tombs, etc.). Is that a trip possibility, or would I have to conform to standard trips visiting all the Korean monuments from the last 70 years of NK's history? Thanks!

[@DPRKExplained]

That's completely possible. On an independent tour you'd be able to plan a personalised itinerary. Kumgang, Myohyangsan and Chilbosan are some of the most beautiful scenic spots; down near Kaesong and Sariwon are the ancient tombs of Koryo dynasty kings and there's a very old, still operating buddhist temple in Myohyangsan called Pohyon which is visitable. The West Sea Barrage is definitely a top tourist destination.

[@soupappreciator8977]

Thanks for the video. I wish I visited before covid while I lived in China. Still plan to visit soon before my Chinese visa expires.

[@Hufffy]

I visited in 2018 and hope to go back again soon!

[@Brick-Life]

Awesome to travel to DPRK!

[@Robutube1]

As we have come to expect - another thorough, well explained and propaganda-free video from Ben. Your graphics skills add so much too. Thanks again!

[@talongodin2253]

It's pretty impressive to see how clean their cities are, too.

[@nvtrna]

I discovered your channel and I have been loving your content so far. I am curious if North Korea has an entertainment industry (music, movies, tv shows) and if so it would be cool if you discuss it in the future. I heard about a couple of the state-produced soap operas and also Pyongyang International Film Festival and want to learn more about this topic.

[@LatiOriginal]

Solid video as always! However, I would have appreciated if you included whether there is any way to visit besides the group tours offered by tourism companies (what the conditions are for individual trips) and if it's true that you always have to be accompanied by a guide.

[@DPRKExplained]

If you're visiting for tourism, you do always have to travel with a company, although you can arrange independent tours through those companies. And yes, outside the hotels, you'll be accompanied by guides.

[@toobadthen4568]

It's surprisingly not that hard to visit the DPRK

[@jeostone5255]

Not when ur a Korean American with a korean citizenship and American citizenship lmao

[@dlight9849]

Not if you're American.

[@RedScareClair]

@@jeostone5255 KZbinr drew binski went before things got tight again and I believe he traveled on an American passport.. If I recall correctly he said he was the last American allowed to enter so that must have been the passport he used. Now you looking Korean with an American passport though... I'm sure they'd assume South Korean and I don't know what to say about that lol

[@tarafall1]

Harder to get out alive maybe…

[@user-yg2vt4ku9o]

Thank you very much

[@rolmaguiland21]

Thanks 👍 want to come I come from the Caribbean 🇹🇹

[@roastchestnut5274]

Could you make a video about natural monuments/natural heritage in the DPRK and the most recommended natural sites that tourists can visit?

[@wyattwilbourne530]

You should do one on how the DPRK rebuilt after the war

[@DPRKExplained]

Added that to my list last night as a matter of fact

[@danieltuderici8124]

Yay, you can travel to the Dprk again, new years eve facing the tower of Juche Idea.

[@nathanrocksusuck]

Would it be possible to rent a motorcycle during a tour? Those twisty mountain corridors would be stunning.

[@charlesk1089]

Many nations have tours of their mint and currency and postage stamp production. Does the DPRK ? Also, many nations have tours of their art museums as well as art galleries where one can purchase art. Does the DPRK?

[@DPRKExplained]

There's a stamp museum in Pyongyang next door to the Koryo Hotel although as far as I know there are no tours of the production of stamps or currency. Art museums/galleries/studios are available for tourism.

[@criticalpig]

Calling it right now, only a matter of time before one of these hits 1M views!

[@markhardcastle9820]

DPRk isn’t open to tourists at present, is it? Would like to see some domestic football videos.

[@gabrieldavis7128]

I’m intrigued by the prospect of the “Special Economic Zone” in Rason. What exactly does that entail?

[@wenjuntheng6082]

Sorry,how I can onboard il62 and I am a malaysian,looks North Korea have some problem with Malaysia,can I go ?

[@zoteeght2244]

I wish you can do a Video about Wonsan

[@airlineshow]

Can u just transit through Pyongyang airport without a visa? Eg. From Beijing to Vladivostok via Pyongyang?

[@DPRKExplained]

I don't believe so, although one of those things that could very well be possible theoretically. I imagine you would need a visa though.

[@MacIn173]

What areas tourists aren't allowed to visit and why? Can tourist go around by himself, w/o companion from travel agency wherever he wants to?

[@EncIave-]

You can never go by yourself because you have to see what they want you to see

[@artillery8188]

do you know the name of the outro song, also great video man keep it up!

[@RyuJinafan]

"Don't ask my name", performed by the Wangjaesan Light Music Band

[@artillery8188]

thanks

[@Brick-Life]

Is it possible for you to un-private the old unlisted videos?

[@rimram3250]

Hey! Thanks for the interesting video as always. I am a journalist from Belgium and I wonder how they check if you are a journalist? I would love to visit the dprk for purely recreational purposes but how would I have to go about that? Would it help if I'm not a member of the journalist bond of my country? Thanks alot for everything!

[@MyDestinyDear]

They ask you your occupation on all your forms. What would you put there?

[@rimram3250]

@@MyDestinyDear if I was honest I would put journalist but I could maybe keep it vague like 'freelancer' or something?

[@edward_ketiak88]

03:08 I thought Air Koryo did fly to Macau as well? 🤔

[@user-wx5zo2fg1v]

동무의 록화편집물 좋습니다!

[@DPRKExplained]

대단히 감사합니다!

[@SkyenNovaA]

Definitely going to be visiting at some point in my life.

[@molanlabexm15]

I remain saddened that I may never be allowed to enter the DPRK legally as an American.

[@gorkytpa2976]

You could marry a foreigner and obtain a passport that allows you to travel to North Korea. Or obtain the residence of another country and obtain a passport, there are other ways. luck 🙌🏻

[@TRAVELTVTELEVISION]

We want come here. Very much. ,👌👍🤗👏😊👌👍🤗👏😊💟💟😊💟😊💟 Many Greetings from Poland.

[@swapankhanra760]

Hello mate. In google it was showing there is air india flight travelling from new delhi to Pyongyang. Is it true can we go directly from india

[@DPRKExplained]

I've not seen that detailed anywhere - as far as I know, even if it operated in the past, it hasn't operated recently.

[@swapankhanra760]

@@DPRKExplained ok thank you for the information

[@stebopign]

i need to go to nokor to get to play arcade classics such as Yankee hunter

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Clearly America fears allowing their citizens to see the glorious life experienced thanks to the success of true democracy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea🇰🇵

[@dickmcwood]

Are you actually from North Korea?

[@EncIave-]

You must be joking right?

[@barbarapitenthusiast7103]

​@@EncIave- says the ape with a name like "enclave". Immagine falout fans wnowing what their games are about.

[@evanallen7896]

@@EncIave- It is rather annoying that you are incredulous. It shouldn’t even need to be said that this is not a joke.

[@EncIave-]

@@evanallen7896 k

[@idarahayuwidowati3936]

I want to be able to go to North Korea. It seems that North Korea is very beautiful in its cities and nature ❤❤

[@dickyarya8204]

☝️🤓

[@dlight9849]

I'm much more scared of traveling through China or Russia, than North Korea. Do any other countries fly into/out of DPR Korea?

[@banana-bunny]

No. You either fly or go by train from China

[@ExtremelyRareDPRKvideos]

Informative video as always! Eagerly waiting for the pandemic to end and visit both China and DPRK. It's a shame that your videos made with such a hard work and dedication get so less views while videos full of misinformation and lies get millions of views in just a few days. Anyways, please don't get demotivated by this and continue the hard work. ❤️💪🇰🇵

[@DPRKExplained]

Thank you! Yes, it's a real shame - but here's hoping things will pick up as the channel grows!

[@archusrtm6325]

I have been to China. Personally I wouldn’t live there just because crowded cities aren’t my thing, but otherwise it was nice

[@ukwupdates3509]

Serious question, are you from DPRK? You know so much about the country

[@EncIave-]

He works for them

[@cymrawd_foulkesie]

Another interesting video, what do you think of uploading next?

[@DPRKExplained]

Not sure yet, I have a list of potential ideas but... we'll see

[@SkiBumMSP]

I will admit that I have always been fascinated with North Korea. One place that I did not see mentioned in this video (or any of the others that you put out) is the ski area they now have there. If I was able to go to North Korea (I cannot, due to the fact that I am a US citizen, so very unlikely I would ever go), the one place I would be really interested in is that ski area - Masikryong Ski Resort. Would be interesting to see a video about that and how to get there.

[@tempejkl]

Do you have any way of getting other nationalities? I’m Irish and I know that if you have an Irish grandparent you can get that citizenship

[@hellsing48]

Any skiing resorts that can be visited by foreigners?

[@DPRKExplained]

Yes - Masikryong in the centre of the country, between Pyongyang and Wonsan, and possibly also Samjiyon in the north near Mt Paektu.

[@ANNJUN012092]

how about budget? how much this trip would cost in dollars? 😊

[@DPRKExplained]

For a very basic budget tour, you'd probably be looking somewhere around 1000 USD? There's no real upper limit, all depends on what you'd want to do

[@SINfromPL]

Are any tourist allowed into DPRK since covid?

[@DPRKExplained]

No - the border has been closed completely since January 2020

[@wolfandraven891]

It's been my dream to visit for almost a decade. I hope someday I will get to go. However, it makes it hard because of my executive function disorders so I need to rely on others to help me with things such as finances, arranging things, etc. But I'm still trying to do everything I can to make that dream a reality.

[@niksgerhards6948]

Can you photograph anything in North Korea or is it against the law?

[@DPRKExplained]

You can photograph pretty much everything - with the exception of the military or construction sites.

[@EikelmannRU]

Does this mean that if I showed up to the DPRK with an American passport, I'd be fine?

[@jerrystusrapworkshop5483]

"if you like communism so much why don't you go to North Korea?" Me:

[@Seal-hs5il]

Could visiting North Korea affect the ability to get a tourist visa to South Korea in the future?

[@DPRKExplained]

Nope.

[@doge5527]

No

[@hezbollahal-islamiahnasral459]

How About Malaysia Passport?

[@tdiddle8950]

As a supposed typical American, I thought that North Korea was closed to all but Russia and China (citizens). It's interesting to see that (as always) there are pathways available to most all who wish to dive into the Great Unknown and to explore that which satisfies...CURIOSITY.

[@rolmaguiland21]

Want to go to the zoo an stadium also pitu mountain

[@MarcosVinicius-hg4uz]

i am happy to be Brazilian

[@plasmadrone3123]

HE'S ALIIIIVE!! HE'S ALIIIIVE!! :D :D

[@RevCode]

Is it possible to visit Pyongyang (or NK in general) without a tourist group? I would be really interested in going there, but I hate group travel. If it makes any difference, I hold a Finnish passport, although I could acquire a second citizenship and passport (German) if that would make it any easier.

[@doge5527]

Impossible, I see the video in Chinese & English. Everyone visit NK with a tourist group

[@RevCode]

@@doge5527 Thanks.

[@amirlim479]

Are Malaysian can visit dprk?

[@DPRKExplained]

Once it reopens to tourism - YES!

[@eugeniovazquez1483]

😢😢😢 .I wish I had the money in order to be able to go there,

[@blitztherescuepup4110]

arnt they still locked down

[@emilyweston7805]

Yesss get people in the country

[@thanos8638]

Can I have to visit North Korea through Russia and China only? Can I not directly land on North Korea through my country?

[@angel1xoxo]

i’m sad that as an americana, i would not be able to go :( i would love to visit Pyongyang. i think it’s a beautiful place. maybe one day that will change, and i could go 🤍

[@antman5474]

How ironic, from the land of freedom and liberty come travel restrictions. It's almost like jazz, it's music but it's f*cked up.

[@jackmellor5536]

If you hold a passport of another country that isn't South Korea, you can visit

[@Akrafena]

also an american. I agree, it would be interesting to see the North, though by the time we could, it would've all been filled with gunshots

[@mikepaul3200]

Well that sucks. I was wanting to visit and do some fishing. But im an American.

[@mikepaul3200]

@@rwoodward8839 Bet that was the last time he took someone elses property as a joke.

[@mikepaul3200]

@@rwoodward8839 Problem solved. We should be that relentless in the west. Crime rate would drop to 0 if everyone knew that was the outcome.

[@austronomerremonortsua3108]

@@mikepaul3200nonsense, literally the opposite is the case.

[@mikepaul3200]

@@austronomerremonortsua3108 It seems to be working out for Singapore and Malaysia

[@skagenrora1236]

0:35 why are you marking both south and North Korea ? There is a huge difference and they are not the same country

[@DPRKExplained]

Both countries claim the whole peninsula, so for stylistic reasons I tend to try and match the way the DPRK designs its maps for aesthetic reasons.

[@localdude3702]

There is only one Korea, it was only divided up because of American occupation.

[@DartLuke]

North Korea doesn't recognise South Korea

[@singletotakentv9583]

Your videos are very comprehensive. I have one question, how comes DPRK does not have Google Street view?

[@doge5527]

One of my classmate really wanna visit there, then the Covid came

[@LarryKelly]

why?

[@plaguedoctorblackmaskx8489]

I wish to go to Pyongyang. 🙏

[@americaneagle76]

🤔

[@GnorrkStudios]

to prefer to be named KDPR

[@avus-kw2f213]

By the time anyone’s allowed to visit North Korea everyone will have flying cars (Covid 19)

[@quattrobajeena1689]

is it possible to move to the DPRK?

[@banana-bunny]

No, unless you're a diplomat of a country that has an embassy in the DPRK

[@drqwyxz3588]

Long live great DPR Korea and its marvelous people!

[@angelahornung8488]

Curious, have you been? XD

[@DPRKExplained]

Yes - I worked in DPRK Tourism before Covid

[@angelahornung8488]

@@DPRKExplained So hopefully this question isn't seen as disrespectful, I'm just genuinely curious and you've visited/worked in the country. How much of what we see is the culture of authoritarianism and how much is just a differing culture like the respecting of elders?

[@corey1845]

I honestly dont care, at what time some train arrives. I want to understand the details of the preparation - where do i have to reach out in my country? What Paperwork needs to be done before i travel, what can i prepare and what can i not prepare beforehand? What Information is necessary for the DPRK/NK to accept my visa and what could deny it? This video was interesting at best for people who want to see how travel theoretically through the country but not for people who are trying to research this for the purpose of actually travelling there.

[@DPRKExplained]

There are a handful of registered travel companies, one of which I worked for prior to covid. You have to go through them. The travel company will arrange all of the details in the video for you, you can't arrange it yourself. You'll be given all the documents at the border the the travel company will explain how to fill it out.

[@corey1845]

@@DPRKExplained Thank you, that was helpful. Can you recommend one for Germany?

[@DPRKExplained]

@@corey1845 I would always recommend Koryo Tours since that was my old company 😁

[@simon5665]

Unfortunately it's being reported that DPR Korear will not open to tourists beyond 2023.

[@pyroastic7541]

says who

[@jorgen1990]

@@pyroastic7541virus

[@plomben]

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT