The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the world's most isolated and controlled destinations. All tourism is tightly regulated through guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into this enigmatic nation with its grand monuments, orchestrated events, and carefully curated experiences.
Local currency: North Korean Won (KPW); tourists transact in EUR, USD, or CNY.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in North Korea.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- N/A (no hostels exist)
- Budget
- $30-60 (basic guesthouse or Ryonggang/Rakwon hotels)
- Midrange
- $80-130 (Yanggakdo International Hotel, Potonggang Hotel)
- Luxury
- $150-200+ (Koryo Hotel, Sosan Hotel)
Food
- Street
- $0.50-2 (corn, sweet potato, hotteok from street vendors)
- Local
- $3-8 (simple restaurant or cafeteria set meal)
- Midrange
- $15-30 (Okryu-gwan naengmyeon, hotel restaurant set menu)
- Fine
- $35-60+ (Koryo revolving restaurant, Diplomatic Club, seafood)
Transport
- Bus
- Included in tour package (all transport arranged by tour)
- Taxi
- N/A for tourists (all transport guide-arranged)
- Airport
- $0 (included in tour)
- Daytrip
- $50-150 per person (Kaesong/DMZ, Myohyang, Nampo day trips)
Activities
- Museum
- $5-10 (War Museum, Koryo Museum, history museums)
- Sites
- $0-20 (monuments free, Juche Tower $5, Kumsusan free, DMZ $50)
- Tour
- $50-120 (day trips to DMZ, Myohyang, Wonsan)
- Excursion
- $200-400 (Mount Paektu including domestic flight)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to North Korea costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$700-1050/week (basic accommodation, included meals, minimal extras)
Midrange traveller
$1400-2450/week (Yanggakdo hotel, standard tours, some extras)
Luxury traveller
$2800-5600+/week (Koryo hotel, private tour, Mass Games premium, Paektu flight)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Book budget group tours through operators like Young Pioneer Tours which offer lower per-person costs by grouping travelers — solo booking adds 20-40% single supplement
Avoid the Mass Games year tours (anniversary years) as demand inflates tour prices significantly and Pyongyang accommodation fills months in advance
Travel November-March for lowest pricing (excluding Kim Jong-il Birthday in February) when tour operators offer off-peak rates
Decline optional excursion upgrades like the $200+ Mount Paektu domestic flight if budget is tight — it is spectacular but expensive
Bring USD, EUR, or CNY in cash as ATMs don't exist for tourists — carry only what you expect to spend plus 20% contingency
Purchase souvenirs at Kwangbok Department Store rather than hotel shops where the same items often cost more
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Kim Il-sung Square Visit
The vast central square of Pyongyang is free to enter and walk through with guide accompaniment. The surrounding monumental architecture including Grand People's Study House terrace views is included.
Mansudae Grand Monument
Viewing and bowing at the massive bronze statues of the Kim leaders costs nothing — flowers for laying are provided free by guides.
Moranbong Park Walk
Walking through Moranbong Park with its ancient pavilions, gates, and scenic city views is free. One of the most pleasant leisure activities in Pyongyang especially during cherry blossom season.
Pyongyang Riverside Walk
The Taedong River promenade through central Pyongyang is free to walk with guide accompaniment. Views of the Juche Tower, bridges, and city skyline are accessible without admission charges.
Mirae Scientists Street
Walking the futuristic boulevard of the Mirae Scientists Street residential district is free. The extraordinary architecture of curved apartment towers and atom-shaped lamp posts is a photographer's delight.
Hotel Swimming Pool
Pool access at Yanggakdo and Koryo hotels is typically included in the accommodation cost, making it one of the best free wellness amenities available.
Ryugyong Hotel Exterior Viewing
Photographing the iconic 105-story unfinished pyramid hotel from the surrounding streets and parks costs nothing and is one of North Korea's most memorable images.