Packing list for North Korea, travel insurance for North Korea, and taking your belongings

What to take to North Korea: short

To pack and check

• Documents: a passport, visa, and all documents provided by your travel agency, plus copies. Virtually all tourist visits are conducted via organized tours.
• Money: euros, Chinese yuan, or US dollars are usually useful for expenses during the trip. Local currency is normally not intended for tourists.
• Clothing: neat and well-groomed clothing. Worn backpacker clothes are not really appreciated in North Korea. Also clothing that suit the season you're going to be there.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes for city visits and monuments.
• Personal Care: basic toiletries, sunscreen, and personal medication.
• Medicines and first-aid kit: bring sufficient personal medication, preferably with a prescription or doctor's statement if necessary.
• Technology and equipment: adapter for type C/F sockets, camera, spare batteries, and power bank. Incidentally, internet access is very limited for tourists.
• Outdoors and Handy Items: a notebook and possibly a dictionary or translation app that works offline.

To consider

• A paper book for long travel times without internet (make sure the book isn't about North Korea though).
• A gift for your guide (do check with your travel agency)
• Vegan/vegetarian snacks.
• A healthy dose of curiosity and an even greater dose of respect for local rules.

What knowledge comes in handy when you go to North Korea?

• North Korea has different social norms than most destinations. Tourists usually travel under supervision, and strict rules apply to photography, communication, and visits to monuments and memorials.
• Internet access, mobile coverage, and access to foreign media are very limited. Many online services you normally use are unavailable during your stay.
• Itineraries, hotels, and excursions are usually largely fixed. Spontaneous exploration on your own, as is common in many other countries, is generally not an option.
• Also good to know: North Korea takes rules regarding politics, national symbols, and leaders very seriously. Behavior that is seen elsewhere as a joke, criticism, or innocent souvenir hunting can be interpreted differently here, and not positively.
• What you are better off not bringing:
  • South Korean films, series, music, or other media.
  • Political or activist statements. Religious material intended for distribution.
  • Drones.
  • Drugs or cannabis products.
  • Satirical images or clothing with political messages.

Are there mosquitoes in North Korea?

• During the summer, there are many mosquitoes in North Korea, especially in rural areas.
• These mosquitoes can carry Japanese encephalitis and a form of malaria. However, this usually poses no risk to short-term tourists.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in North Korea?

• Sandflies are not a problem in North Korea.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET in North Korea, or other mosquito repellents?

• Don't count on it. If you would like to have it with you, bring your own mosquito repellent.

Can you buy a joint or weed in North Korea, or take it with you to North Korea?

• Do not take cannabis or other drugs with you to North Korea. The penalties can be very severe, and foreign travelers are not exempt from the law.