Pyongyang, North Korea 🇰🇵
#2143
,
Nomad Score:
16%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea, known for its grand monuments, government buildings, and strict regulations on tourism. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.8 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Very limited; domestic internet users typically experience speeds around 1-3 Mbps and access is heavily censored. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KPW (North Korean Won) ≈ 0.0011 USD; currency exchange for foreigners is strictly controlled, with foreign currencies mainly accepted in hotels. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C and I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | MobiCom is the main supplier with very limited coverage and high restrictions on internet access. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign credit cards are generally not accepted; cash is the preferred payment method. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Most foreigners can only stay in state-run hotels; options include the Koryo Hotel and the Yanggakdo Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is primarily used and foreign credit cards are not accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Not available; foreigners must book through government-run hotels. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget accommodation is limited; prices start around $60 per night at state-run hotels. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near Kim Il-sung Square, is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ 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
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No coworking spaces exist in Pyongyang for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Limited options; however, cafes in hotels such as the Koryo Hotel offer a quiet environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking is heavily restricted; no formal events for expats are available. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social events are limited and mostly organized through hotel programs. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are state-operated and can be flagged down on the street; no apps available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are not common, and scooters are not widely available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is at Wonsan, approximately 3-4 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Koryo is the main domestic airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Koryo operates international flights with limited destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Roads are primarily for state and official use; private vehicles are rare. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pyongyang Railway Station is the central hub, but services to foreign travelers are limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates on a limited basis; there are no passes available for tourists. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Traveling outside Pyongyang requires special permission from authorities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pyongyang General Hospital is the main healthcare facility for residents and foreigners. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | No yoga or wellness centers are available for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels may have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are offered in most hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps; dining options are limited to hotel restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kimchi or Naengmyeon (cold noodles). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited vegetarian options available at hotels. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Desserts are mainly served in hotel restaurants; no specialty shops are open to expats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Grocery shopping is limited to markets in the capital; most goods must be purchased in hotels. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | No access to international e-commerce due to internet restrictions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services available for expats. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife options confined to hotel bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Many hotels have limited selections of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; limited alcoholic beverages are served in state-run establishments. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is not a common option for foreigners. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Very limited; mainly offered in higher-end hotels. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Juche Tower, Kim Il-sung Square, and the Arch of Triumph are essential sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Korean Revolution Museum and the Grand People’s Study House are notable. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kim Il-sung Square and the Korean War Museum are significant landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | There are few religious sites due to government restrictions. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Day of the Sun is a major public holiday celebrated in April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cultural offerings are limited and highly regulated. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Pyongyang Theater holds performances but limited to state-approved shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markets exist but access is restricted to locals; foreigners may not enter. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Limited music venues; state-sponsored performances only. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art is primarily propaganda-related, with no open street art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | No cooking classes available due to restrictions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few public galleries exist and are mostly reserved for state art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many government buildings in the capital are historically significant. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Heritage is largely centered around state ideology. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Myohyang, about 2 hours away, is a beautiful natural area. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chongsanri County is known for its national park, though access is limited. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths exist in parks but are generally monitored. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Ryugyong Hotel rooftop offers views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching may be done in limited natural reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | No designated bonfire spots available for tourists. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Very limited services; mail can only be sent to specific addresses via state postal service. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very limited; recommended to have devices repaired outside the country. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports facilities exist mostly within hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | No formal language classes available for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Library access is limited to state facilities with strict regulations. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers are reserved for locals; foreigners cannot access. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available due to regulations. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos open for expats. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Ownership of property is prohibited for foreigners. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax in North Korea varies but is generally around 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No clear tax structures available for foreigners. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation primarily pertains to state-run enterprises; foreigners are usually exempt. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Not applicable for foreigners as income is usually earned from outside the country. |
| 🧾 VAT | Not applicable for foreigners. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Foreign companies face heavy regulations in North Korea. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property rights for foreigners, hence no property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Not applicable to foreigners. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | None; foreign digital nomads face severe limitations and scrutiny. |