- Currency ₩ North Korean Won (₩)
- Language Korean
- Best time February – May & September – October
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea
See which areas are affected
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — the definitive source. Check it close to your travel dates.
Why North Korea
One of the world's most closed and controlled countries: monumental Pyongyang, the DMZ and Mount Paektu, seen only on strictly guided state tours.
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North Korea (the DPRK) is among the most isolated and tightly controlled countries on Earth, and travel here is unlike anywhere else. Independent travel is not possible; all visits take place on structured, state-supervised group tours with official guides at all times.
What draws the deeply curious is its singularity: the monumental architecture of Pyongyang, the tense divide of the DMZ, the sacred volcanic slopes of Mount Paektu and glimpses of a society few outsiders ever see.
This is a destination that demands care and responsibility. Access is often restricted or closed entirely, and travel advisories can be severe, so current official guidance must always come first.
North Korea in pictures
Nature, culture & hidden gems
Editorial content coming soon
We're hand-picking the standout places, hidden gems and can't-miss activities in North Korea. Meanwhile, the cities above are a great starting point.
Curated North Korea itineraries
Weather & timing in North Korea RIGHT NOW 8° partly cloudy
Best Apr–May, Oct · Shoulder Feb–Mar, Sep
- Jan 0.4° / -8.9°
- Feb 4.7° / -5.2°
- Mar 11.6° / -0.5°
- Apr 18.1° / 5.9°
- May 22.6° / 11.5°
- Jun 26.8° / 17.1°
- Jul 29.2° / 21.7°
- Aug 28.8° / 22.2°
- Sep 25.5° / 16.9°
- Oct 18.2° / 8.3°
- Nov 10.5° / 1.2°
- Dec 0.9° / -7.1°
Best time to visit
February – May & September – October
Spring (Mar–May)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 17°C with overnight lows near 6°C.
What's best — Apr and May are among the best time to visit — good weather with manageable crowds. Mar also works well.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 28°C with overnight lows near 20°C — the wettest stretch of the year.
What's best — Peak heat and the biggest crowds — many travellers prefer spring or autumn.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 18°C with overnight lows near 9°C — the wettest stretch of the year.
What's best — Oct is among the best time to visit — good weather with manageable crowds. Sep also works well.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 2°C with overnight lows near -7°C, and it stays largely dry.
What's best — Feb is comfortable, with thinner crowds.
Know before you go
The practical back-matter — safety, drones and the essentials, in one place.
Safety
Official UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance is the definitive source — check it close to your travel dates.