Kaesong, North Korea 🇰🇵
#2144
,
Nomad Score:
12%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kaesong is a city located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), recognized for its historical significance in Korean history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Limited, with the access primarily available in government-approved hotels and institutions; estimated at 1-5 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | North Korean Won (KPW); international banking options are severely limited, access to foreign exchange can be restricted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets; power supply can be irregular. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local SIM cards are available, but international roaming is restricted; Koryolink is the most prominent provider. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking services available; credit cards are generally not accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Limited options; government-run hotels such as the Koryo Hotel. Advance booking is recommended due to restrictions. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash transactions (KPW) are the norm in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Not common; stays usually require booking through state-run hotels. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Koryo Hotel or local guesthouses, starting around 50 KPW per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nearby historical sites such as the Kaesong Koryo Museum and the Tomb of King Wang Geon. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Due to restrictions, designated hotels are the only options for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Not available due to government restrictions on private businesses. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Most cafes are state-run; limited options for conducive work environments. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited due to government regulations; focus is primarily on governmental and state-organized events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Very limited; organized cultural events occasionally occur within approved hotel settings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis available but no ride-sharing apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not available; biking through the region is unsafe due to infrastructure. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; Kaesong is landlocked with a focus on historical and cultural sites. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Koryo, mainly serving domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Koryo serves limited international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to national highways, but travel restrictions apply; most routes are state-controlled. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kaesong Railway Station serves domestic locations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly via bus; no formal passes are required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Limited to approved tours; personal travel is heavily monitored. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kaesong Medical College Hospital, mainly serves locals. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Not available due to restrictions on private businesses. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; focus is on state-run facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Limited services available in hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Not available; dining is typically in state-run establishments. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Naengmyeon (cold noodles), a traditional North Korean dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local cuisine heavily features meat. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mainly in hotels; limited variety. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Street markets, though limited in variety and accessibility. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Restricted access; online shopping is not feasible. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; grocery shopping is limited to state shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Minimal; focus on cultural events is more prevalent. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Not available; alcohol mainly supplied in state-run facilities. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Limited; mainly legal state venues. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Very limited; local flavors predominately found. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Koryo Museum and the Tomb of King Wang Geon. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kaesong Koryo Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kaesong has various historical sites from the Koryo Dynasty. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Relics from Koryo Buddhism are found here. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals may occur under government approval. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Historic sites are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Very limited; focus is mainly on state events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Limited to state-controlled markets. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Events are state-governed; very limited freedom of expression. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Prohibited; art must align with state sentiment. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not available in standard tourist paths. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited to state-run exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ancient Koryo structures like the Anbyon Historic Site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage is strongly tied to the Koryo Dynasty. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Limited access to nature reserves; scenic spots include the historical surroundings. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Kumgang is notable but access is restricted. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths near significant sites; limited cycling due to infrastructure. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Scenic views around historical sites. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Limited access; primarily observed near agricultural areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Not available; outdoor activities are highly regulated. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Restricted; international shipments are heavily monitored. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited to state-approved facilities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Found in state-run community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options available through government institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | State-run libraries with limited access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | State-organized centers exist; must fit government regulations. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Generally unavailable; gaming is state-controlled and heavily monitored. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling is heavily restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 KPW per m²; rare availability due to strict regulations. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 KPW per m²; limited to state-regulated properties. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 KPW per m²; rarely available. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,000 KPW per m²; heavily regulated marketplace. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 KPW per m²; restrictions apply. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 KPW per m²; state-controlled sales. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Information not publicly available; taxation is government-controlled. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Not applicable, as private ownership is restricted. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Controlled and primarily state-directed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Not publicly available, highly regulated. |
| 🧾 VAT | Non-existent in standard business terms; state controlled. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict controls over companies with foreign ownership or ties. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | State-controlled system; tax details not publicly available. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically not applicable due to restrictions on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Not applicable due to strict regulations against foreign investment. |