Wonsan, North Korea 🇰🇵
#2146
,
Nomad Score:
14%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Wonsan is a coastal city in North Korea, known for its picturesque beaches and port. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Limited access, average speed is around 1-5 Mbps, mainly available at government-approved locations. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the North Korean Won (KPW). Hard currency (USD, EUR) can be used in some places but is restricted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers are limited; international SIM cards may not work. Foreigners need to have special approval for mobile data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | There are very limited banking options; credit/debit cards are not widely accepted. Cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Hotels and guesthouses are available, but options are limited and often require booking through a travel agency. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash transactions are the norm in Wonsan. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options; usually through government-approved hotels and guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Wonsan International Hotel offers budget accommodations for travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Wonsan Bay area is recommended for tourists due to its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Not specifically designated; tourists are generally not advised to stay longer than needed. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No established coworking spaces in Wonsan; remote work is generally discouraged. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Few cafes exist; options like East Sea Coffee Shop are limited. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited opportunities for networking; mainly state-organized events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social interactions with locals are limited and tightly monitored. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-sharing apps; taxis are state-run, limited availability. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not available; travel is mostly done by bus or taxi. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Wonsan Beach is easily accessible, often crowded with locals. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Koryo is the only airline operating to/from Wonsan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Koryo and few flights may connect through Beijing. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited highway access; road condition varies significantly. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Wonsan Railway Station is the primary hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not available; transportation is typically paid per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and limited train services are available to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Wonsan Medical University Hospital; limited facilities and services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; physical activities mainly through state-run facilities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited fitness options available, typically at hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Few laundromats; hotel laundry services available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps; dining out is the primary option. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try cold noodles (Naengmyeon); available in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; mostly meat-focused local cuisine. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local cafes like East Sea provide limited dessert options. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets selling basic goods, but options are limited. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Not applicable; online shopping severely limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; grocery shopping is done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited and controlled; few bars available. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local beer options; some hotels may serve state-produced beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rselect establishments do not typically serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food options are limited but can include local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Different dining options are available, but strongly state regulated. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Koryo Museum and Wonsan Coastline. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Wonsan Revolution Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Various military monuments and historical sites throughout the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Limited access to religious sites; state control is significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Celebrations are state-organized; tourists may not participate. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cultural activities are controlled; few districts have public engagement. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited public performances, mostly state-sponsored. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Cultural markets, very limited in scope. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | State-controlled music performances; limited options for personal engagement. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is highly regulated and not widespread. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Very few cooking classes available; limited culinary opportunities. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; mostly state-supported exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Wonsan Railway Station is a notable early 20th-century example. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Many sites celebrate state history and culture over individualism. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kumgang Mountains are approximately 2 hours away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Kumgang National Park is accessible but restricted. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; along the coast but controlled access. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Wonsan Bay view spots are popular for photos. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Limited spots, mainly in rural areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Not applicable; bonfires are not permitted. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Very limited international parcel services; primarily state-run. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very few repair shops available, mostly limited to government-approved services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational facilities available at hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Very few available; mainly state-owned institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | State libraries with limited access for foreigners. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | State-controlled events, limited engagement options. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not present; technology use is heavily monitored and limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available; gambling is significantly restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $120,000), purchases are heavily restricted. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000), purchasing as a foreigner is very limited. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000), heavily regulated. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000), very few foreigners can buy property. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $216,000), very few transactions. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000), highly selective. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rates are not widely disclosed; understanding is limited. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Unknown; region operates under closed regulations. |
| 🏦 Tax System | State-controlled; personal tax data is not publicly available. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Unknown; policies are not transparent. |
| 🧾 VAT | Not applicable; heavily state-controlled economy. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Very restrictive; foreign business investment is limited. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Unknown; managed under state regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Limited information; processes are tightly regulated. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Not applicable; living and working as a digital nomad is extremely difficult. |