Rason, North Korea 🇰🇵
#2149
,
Nomad Score:
12%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rason is a port city located in the northeastern part of North Korea, near the border with Russia and China. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Limited internet access is available, with speeds potentially averaging around 1-4 Mbps in public areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency used is the North Korean Won (KPW). International banking options are extremely limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 60Hz, and outlets are primarily Type C. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local SIM cards are generally not accessible for foreign users; international roaming is recommended. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash transactions in KPW; credit cards are not accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Limited options available; government-approved hotels primarily cater to tourists. Airbnb is not applicable. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is the only mode of transaction. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Not available; visitors must book through official channels or hotels. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Standard hotel prices range from $50 to $100 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The central area near the Rason Economic and Trade Zone. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Not applicable due to restrictions on external communication and long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Not available; workspaces are strictly regulated. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Limited choices; government run cafes do not cater to digital nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Very limited; foreign networking is discouraged. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | None; social events are heavily monitored. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-hailing apps; taxis are limited and government-operated. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Rason has limited access to public beaches, but the coast is accessible by local transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Koryo serves limited domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Koryo has limited international flights mainly to China and Russia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Key roads connect Rason to nearby cities, but conditions may vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rason Railway Station connects to Pyongyang and other major locations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily bus-based and not based on pass systems. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel is heavily restricted and requires permission from authorities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rason People's Hospital offers basic medical services but lacks advanced care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Not available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited recreational facilities available for locals only. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Limited services can be found in larger hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Not available; most dining is done on-site in government-operated establishments. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Naengmyeon, a traditional cold noodle dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; most meals include meat. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Limited desserts available in state-run cafes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Limited to government stores; prices highly variable. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Not available; internet access is highly restricted. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; grocery shopping must be done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; social activities are primarily state-organized. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited options; alcohol is typically state-produced. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Limited availability due to regulations. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Not available; dining is primarily local. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rason's economic and trade zone buildings are key landmarks but access is restricted. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited museums available; primarily focused on state-sponsored culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical significance mainly from military and state events, heavily monitored. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Limited in accordance with state policies; very few operational. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Events are state-organized and largely focused on national holidays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | No specific cultural districts as all areas are state-controlled. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited, with performances typically state-sponsored. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Very limited access for foreigners; most items are predetermined and state-controlled. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Very limited; music is primarily traditional and state-controlled. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not allowed; all forms of expression are strictly regulated. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | State-sponsored art exhibitions only. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Government buildings dominate the skyline. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | State-controlled narratives define local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Namsan Peak is accessible but requires permits for proper trekking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Kumgang is a known national area but access is heavily regulated. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited walking paths are available near urban sectors. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Very few viewable areas accessible without clearance from authorities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local parks exist but are unsupervised. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Not allowed; all outdoor activities are regulated. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Not available; limited postal services exist with heavy restrictions. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very limited tech support; government services only. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational spaces found in state-run facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Not available for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; mainly state-funded and for local use. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | State-run community facilities with limited access. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited to state-controlled gambling facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Not available for foreigners; North Korean policy restricts property ownership. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Not applicable for expats. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Not applicable for foreigners. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Not applicable for foreigners. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Not applicable for foreigners. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Not applicable for foreigners. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | N/A, as business structure does not allow for foreign corporate taxation. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | N/A. |
| 🏦 Tax System | North Korea operates under a state-controlled regime devoid of foreign investment. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A. |
| 🧾 VAT | N/A. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | N/A. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | N/A. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | N/A as foreign ownership is forbidden. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | N/A as foreign professionals are not allowed to operate independently. |