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Essentials

๐Ÿ™๏ธ City Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea, known for its grand monuments, government buildings, and strict regulations on tourism.
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Population Approximately 2.8 million
๐Ÿ’ป Internet Speed Very limited; domestic internet users typically experience speeds around 1-3 Mbps and access is heavily censored.
๐Ÿ’ธ Currency & Banking 1 KPW (North Korean Won) โ‰ˆ 0.0011 USD; currency exchange for foreigners is strictly controlled, with foreign currencies mainly accepted in hotels.
๐Ÿšฐ Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
๐Ÿ”Œ Power 220V, 60Hz, ๐Ÿ”Œ Type C and I sockets
๐Ÿ“ถ SIM Card MobiCom is the main supplier with very limited coverage and high restrictions on internet access.
๐Ÿ’ณ Banking for Expats Foreign credit cards are generally not accepted; cash is the preferred payment method.
๐Ÿ›Œ Accommodation Most foreigners can only stay in state-run hotels; options include the Koryo Hotel and the Yanggakdo Hotel.
๐Ÿ’ณ Cashless Friendly No; cash is primarily used and foreign credit cards are not accepted.
๐Ÿ  Short Term Rentals Not available; foreigners must book through government-run hotels.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Budget Accommodation Budget accommodation is limited; prices start around $60 per night at state-run hotels.
๐Ÿ™๏ธ Best Area to Stay for Tourists The city center, near Kim Il-sung Square, is ideal for tourists.
๐Ÿ™๏ธ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Due to restrictions, it is recommended to stay in designated hotels within the city center.

Working and Networking

๐Ÿข Best Coworking Space No coworking spaces exist in Pyongyang for digital nomads.
โ˜• Best Cafe for Work Limited options; however, cafes in hotels such as the Koryo Hotel offer a quiet environment.
๐Ÿ’ผ Networking Events Networking is heavily restricted; no formal events for expats are available.
๐Ÿฅ‚ Social Events for Expats Social events are limited and mostly organized through hotel programs.

Transportation

๐Ÿš• Best Taxi/Ride App Taxis are state-operated and can be flagged down on the street; no apps available.
๐Ÿšฒ Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycle rentals are not common, and scooters are not widely available.
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Best Beach Nearby The nearest beach is at Wonsan, approximately 3-4 hours away by bus.
โœˆ๏ธ Top Regional Airline Air Koryo is the main domestic airline.
โœˆ๏ธ Top International Airline Air Koryo operates international flights with limited destinations.
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Highway Access Roads are primarily for state and official use; private vehicles are rare.
๐Ÿš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub Pyongyang Railway Station is the central hub, but services to foreign travelers are limited.
๐Ÿš Public Transport Passes Public transport operates on a limited basis; there are no passes available for tourists.
โœˆ๏ธ Regional Travel Traveling outside Pyongyang requires special permission from authorities.

Health and Wellness

๐Ÿฅ Best Hospital Pyongyang General Hospital is the main healthcare facility for residents and foreigners.
๐Ÿง˜ Yoga & Wellness Centers No yoga or wellness centers are available for expats.
๐Ÿ‹๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers Limited options; some hotels may have basic fitness facilities.
๐Ÿงบ Laundry Services Laundry services are offered in most hotels.

Food and Drink

๐Ÿ“ฑ Best Food Delivery App No food delivery apps; dining options are limited to hotel restaurants.
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try Try Kimchi or Naengmyeon (cold noodles).
๐Ÿฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited vegetarian options available at hotels.
๐Ÿซ Best Dessert Spots Desserts are mainly served in hotel restaurants; no specialty shops are open to expats.
๐Ÿ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Grocery shopping is limited to markets in the capital; most goods must be purchased in hotels.
๐Ÿ›’ E-commerce/Online Store No access to international e-commerce due to internet restrictions.
๐Ÿ›’ Grocery Delivery No grocery delivery services available for expats.
๐Ÿธ Bar/Nightlife Area Limited nightlife options confined to hotel bars.
๐Ÿป Local Brewery Many hotels have limited selections of local beers.
๐Ÿท Wine Bars Not available; limited alcoholic beverages are served in state-run establishments.
๐Ÿฒ Street Food Stalls Street food is not a common option for foreigners.
๐Ÿ• Popular International Cuisine Very limited; mainly offered in higher-end hotels.

Culture and Attractions

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Must-See Landmarks The Juche Tower, Kim Il-sung Square, and the Arch of Triumph are essential sites.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Museums & Art Venues The Korean Revolution Museum and the Grand Peopleโ€™s Study House are notable.
๐Ÿฐ Historical Sites The Kim Il-sung Square and the Korean War Museum are significant landmarks.
๐Ÿ• Religious Sites There are few religious sites due to government restrictions.
๐ŸŽ‰ Annual Events The Day of the Sun is a major public holiday celebrated in April.
๐ŸŽจ Cultural Districts Cultural offerings are limited and highly regulated.
๐ŸŽญ Theater Venues The Pyongyang Theater holds performances but limited to state-approved shows.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Markets Markets exist but access is restricted to locals; foreigners may not enter.
๐ŸŽผ Music Scene Limited music venues; state-sponsored performances only.
๐ŸŽจ Street Art Public art is primarily propaganda-related, with no open street art scene.
๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿณ Cooking Classes No cooking classes available due to restrictions.
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽจ Art Galleries Very few public galleries exist and are mostly reserved for state art.
๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings Many government buildings in the capital are historically significant.
๐Ÿด Local Heritage Heritage is largely centered around state ideology.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

๐ŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Mount Myohyang, about 2 hours away, is a beautiful natural area.
๐Ÿž๏ธ National Parks Nearby Chongsanri County is known for its national park, though access is limited.
๐Ÿšฒ Cycling/Walking Paths Walking paths exist in parks but are generally monitored.
๐ŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints The Ryugyong Hotel rooftop offers views of the city.
๐Ÿฆ‰ Birdwatching Locations Birdwatching may be done in limited natural reserves.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots No designated bonfire spots available for tourists.

Other Services and Amenities

๐Ÿ“ฆ Parcel Delivery Service Very limited services; mail can only be sent to specific addresses via state postal service.
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Tech Repair Services Very limited; recommended to have devices repaired outside the country.
๐Ÿ“ Table Tennis Spots Sports facilities exist mostly within hotels.
๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ Language Classes No formal language classes available for expats.
๐Ÿ“š Libraries & Study Spots Library access is limited to state facilities with strict regulations.
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Community Centers Community centers are reserved for locals; foreigners cannot access.
๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Gaming Lounges Not available due to regulations.
๐ŸŽฐ Casino & Gaming Halls There are no casinos open for expats.

Business

๐Ÿข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners.
๐Ÿข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners.
๐Ÿ  1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners.
๐Ÿ  1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners.
๐Ÿก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners.
๐Ÿก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners.
๐Ÿ’ผ Corporate Tax Corporate tax in North Korea varies but is generally around 25%.
๐Ÿ’ต Dividend Withholding Tax No clear tax structures available for foreigners.
๐Ÿฆ Tax System Taxation primarily pertains to state-run enterprises; foreigners are usually exempt.
๐Ÿ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket Not applicable for foreigners as income is usually earned from outside the country.
๐Ÿงพ VAT Not applicable for foreigners.
๐ŸŒ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Foreign companies face heavy regulations in North Korea.
๐Ÿ  Property Tax No property rights for foreigners, hence no property tax.
๐Ÿ  Property Transaction Tax Not applicable to foreigners.
๐Ÿ’ป Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads None; foreign digital nomads face severe limitations and scrutiny.

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