North Korea Country Report
North Korea (officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – DPRK) is an isolationist and authoritarian country located in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. The socialist-communist dictatorship is run by the Workers’ Party of Korea and has been ruled by the ruling Kim dynasty since its founding in 1953. North Korea is one of the poorest countries in the world due to decades of economic mismanagement, corruption, and abuse of state power. However, thanks to effective pro-regime propaganda and a repressive state apparatus, there is little opposition to the government.
North Korea is currently at war with its southern neighbor, and the Kim regime is openly hostile to the United States and its regional allies, including Japan, Taiwan, and its southern neighbor, the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Ideological and geopolitical conflicts between the communist government and the United States led to the development of advanced military technology on the Korean Peninsula, which ultimately led to North Korea developing nuclear weapons amid condemnation from the international community. This development, along with provocative weapons tests in the Sea of ​​Japan, has heightened diplomatic tensions and raised concerns about future armed conflicts.
With extensive government surveillance and a strict security system in areas that tourists are allowed to visit, North Korea has no security concerns for foreign travelers other than those created by the government itself. However, hostile relations between North and South Korea pose the risk of low-level clashes along the border between the two countries. North Korea’s electricity supply is generally inadequate, basic services and amenities are poorly provided, and mobile communications and Internet use are highly regulated. Health care has its limitations and pharmaceuticals of acceptable quality are generally not available.
Last updated: April 12, 2022
Security
Crime, terrorism, and riots are not a major threat to travelers to North Korea, as the country is closely monitored and strict security arrangements are in place in areas that tourists are allowed to visit. However, foreign nationals have been arrested for a variety of false crimes, including espionage and espionage, and often claim they were falsely accused. Hostilities between North Korea and its regional rivals, including South Korea, pose a real risk that low-level conflicts could erupt with little warning, particularly along the southern border and in coastal areas.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Infrastructure
There are serious safety concerns in the country’s aviation sector, and the national airline (Air Koryo) is considered one of the most dangerous airlines in the world.
Electricity supply is inadequate and unreliable, and mobile phone and internet use is heavily monitored.
Land travel is considered safe in Pyongyang, but the movement of foreigners and locals is severely restricted.
The threat of “cybercrime” is minimized due to restricted access to the Internet, but it is widely believed that governments monitor the activities of visitors, and it is widely believed that governments monitor the activities of visitors. Monitor cyber ​​attacks at scale
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Environment
North Korea is generally safe from strong earthquakes but is prone to typhoons and extreme weather during typhoon season. The lack of preparation and capacity to respond to natural disasters increases the possibility of human damage and destruction. However, due to its geographical location, Pyongyang is rarely affected by extreme weather. Mine contamination is widespread in the southern part of the country, and a heavily mined civilian zone separates North and South Korea.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
There are no serious health risks for people visiting Pyongyang, but the outbreak is affecting other parts of the country. Even in the capital, facilities and medical care are very limited. Medicines are scarce.
Last updated: February 18, 2022
Political
Although reports of power struggles and political purges have increased since Kim Jong-un took office, the current regime faces no known domestic threats. Corruption and weak rule of law are major concerns in the country.
Last updated: March 28, 2022
